Church and State
By Editorial Staff
Published May 2008
Some Common Misunderstandings
By Don Long
Under the guise of the First Amendment, sometimes called the “Separation of Church and State amendment,” the United States government has discouraged the public practice of the Christian faith. The U.S. Supreme Court banned the posting of the Ten Commandments in public buildings. It has banned prayer in public schools. The government continues an aggresive stand against any display of religious faith in civic areas or other public lands. This is not right. The purpose of the First Amendment was not to withdraw Christianity from society, but to protect it from government manipulation.
Christianity not only played a major role in America’s independence, but also in the formation of this new country’s government. References to God, the Lord, Jesus Christ, and the Creator abound in such historical documents as the Declaration of Independence, the Mayflower Compact, and the Articles of Confederation. In addition to this the symbols of this nations’ faith, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Liberty Bell, and scores of others, all have verses from the Bible engraved upon them. These memorials and historical documents testify to the fact that Christians took the leadership in our country.
Prompted by religion, and the freedom to worship God according the dictates of Scripture and conscience, many early colonists came to this land. A major cause of the colonies breaking away from the British was England’s attempt to establish a national religion in the colonies. The colonists felt it was not government’s role to regulate Christianity.
The First Amendment states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” This amendment prohibits government from establishing a national religion. It guarantees the free exercise of religion without entanglement by the government. It is not a mandate requiring the elimination of Christian influence on society.
Religion and government are inseparable. Government laws and regulations are based on people’s convictions. Convictions are based on people’s beliefs concerning right and wrong. Theft is illegal because it is believed to be wrong. Any belief in a standard higher than one’s own self constitutes a religion. Government merely reflects the religious view of a nation. It should not control that view. – continued on the next page
The current distorted view of the First Amendment has brought about the government intrusion into religion which the amendment was to protect people from. It prohibits the free exercise of religion. There is nothing in the First Amendment to suggest the separation of Church and State; that is like suggesting people should not be involved in government.
Don Long is a member of CHANGE.
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The Abortion Matrix: Defeating Child Sacrifice and the Culture of Death (DVD)
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Is there a connection between pagan religion and the abortion industry?
This powerful presentation traces the biblical roots of child sacrifice and then delves into the social, political and cultural fall-out that this sin against God and crime against humanity has produced in our beleaguered society.
Conceived as a sequel and update to the 1988 classic, The Massacre of Innocence, the new title, The Abortion Matrix, is entirely fitting. It not only references abortion’s specific target – the sacred matrix where human beings are formed in the womb in the very image of God, but it also implies the existence of a conspiracy, a matrix of seemingly disparate forces that are driving this holocaust.
The occult activity surrounding the abortion industry is exposed with numerous examples. But are these just aberrations, bizarre yet anomalous examples of abortionists who just happen to have ties to modern day witchcraft? Or is this representative of something deeper, more sinister and even endemic to the entire abortion movement?
As the allusion to the film of over a decade ago suggests, the viewer may learn that things are not always as they appear to be. The Abortion Matrix reveals the reality of child-killing and strikes the proper moral chord to move hearts to fulfill the biblical responsibility to rescue those unjustly sentenced to death and to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves (Proverbs 24:11,12; 31:8,9).
Speakers include: George Grant, Peter Hammond, RC Sproul Jr., Paul Jehle, Lou Engle, Rusty Thomas, Flip Benham, Janet Porter and many more.
Ten parts, over three hours of instruction!
Running Time: 195 minutes
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God's Law and Society (DVD)
Download the Free Study Guide!
God’s Law and Society powerfully presents a comprehensive worldview based upon the ethical system found in the Law of God.
Speakers include: R.J. Rushdoony, George Grant, Howard Phillips, R.C. Sproul Jr., Ken Gentry, Gary DeMar, Jay Grimstead, Steven Schlissel, Andrew Sandlin, Eric Holmberg, and more!
Sixteen Christian leaders and scholars answer some of the most common questions and misconceptions related to this volatile issue:
1. Are we under Law or under Grace?
2. Does the Old Testament Law apply today?
3. Can we legislate morality?
4. What are the biblical foundations of government?
5. Was America founded as a Christian nation?
6. What about the separation of Church and State?
7. Is neutrality a myth?
8. What about non-Christians and the Law of God?
9. Would there be “freedom” in a Christian republic?
10. What would a “Christian America” look like?
Perfect for group instruction as well as personal Bible study.
Ten parts, over four hours of instruction!
Running Time: 240 minutes
Watch over 60 on-line video interviews from God’s Law and Society.
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Dr. Francis Schaeffer - A Christian Manifesto (DVD)
That Swiss Hermit Strikes Again!
Dr. Schaeffer, who was one of the most influential Christian thinkers in the twentieth century, shows that secular humanism has displaced the Judeo-Christian consensus that once defined our nation’s moral boundaries. Law, education, and medicine have all been reshaped for the worse as a consequence. America’s dominant worldview changed, Schaeffer charges, when Christians weren’t looking.
Schaeffer lists two reasons for evangelical indifference: a false concept of spirituality and fear. He calls on believers to stand against the tyranny and moral chaos that come when humanism reigns-and warns that believers may, at some point, be forced to make the hard choice between obeying God or Caesar. A Christian Manifesto is a thought-provoking and bracing Christian analysis of American culture and the obligation Christians have to engage the culture with the claims of Christ.
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A Revival Account: Asbury 1970 (DVD)
What is true Revival and Spiritual Awakening?
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Certain to challenge you to greater holiness and a deeper commitment to full-scale revival. Original news and private footage has been included. If you are a student who longs to see a spiritual awakening at your school, you must see this video!
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Running Time: 40 minutes
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Massacre of Innocence (DVD)
Exposing The Occult Roots of Abortion
This presentation looks at the spiritual roots of abortion and exposes the myths surrounding child killing. Little known historical facts about abortion and how they relate to modern feminism are presented logically and accurately. Has been effective in converting many to a pro-life position.
Massacre of Innocence goes where no pro-life presentation has gone before in “tearing the lid off abortion” to reveal the spiritual realities we must battle if we will bring an end to this crime. The presentation is absorbing, fast-paced, informative and incredibly devastating to any attempt to justify abortion.
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Running time: 85 minutes
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Along with the Anti-Christians ,who want separation of Church and State……
Are Christians who believe that forgiveness and reconciliation with God , is a higher faith that can not be forced by the State….
As Christianity tries to shrink the separation of Church and State…… It’s CHRISTIANITY that is shrinking……
All of wonderful and most powerful things that Christ did to define what Christianity is…..and his instructions for us…..Is way HIGHER than Justice
How will a combined Church/State , legislate Forgiveness…the core of CHRISTIANITY..???
Want to see a higher Faith……See my site. carpenteroftheforest.com
Love and growth….Mike
Posted by Mike Akimoff on 03/16/2010 11:21 PM #