By: Carl Rullmann

To the uninformed, “Separation of Church and State” can sound very logical.  But the interpretation of the phrase by Democrats (liberals, progressives, socialists, etc.) has no logic at all in history, from Biblical times to today.

During my recent home confinement due to cancer surgery, et al, history has come even more alive for me and has sparked an interest that was not at this level in my younger years.  Sermons throughout my life did not indicate to me the fantastic link that exists between the scriptures of the Bible and the roll of participation in government by Christians and Jews.  But it is there and I revel in it.

Let’s start with just a couple scriptures:

Genesis 12:2—“And I will make of thee (Abram) a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.”  Yes, there it is, right there in the first book of the Bible!

1 Timothy 2:1-2—“1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

Kings and Emperors throughout history have been portrayed as both good and evil.  Even those who began as good rulers acquired poor reputations, even though they supported a church.  They made the mistake of making their church the only church recognized in the kingdom.  And I don’t think that’s how religious freedom should work.

2 Chronicles 7:14— “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”  Thus, you will have religious citizens working with religious people in government.

So what did Thomas Jefferson really say?  You see, religious freedom as spelled out in the U.S. Constitution means the free individual exercise of religion and that no particular religion may be established by the government.  It does not establish freedom from religion. And the free exercise of religion means there is no restriction on where individuals or assemblies of individuals may practice their religion—and that includes within governmental bodies.  And the free exercise means the practice of religion, not just limited to worship.  Nor does it require any individual to have a religious affiliation.

Many religious rituals ask, “Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?”  In voting, one can in one small way resist evil, injustice, and oppression.  Of course implicit is the ability to recognize evil, injustice, and oppression.  So real research on candidates is important.

Proverbs 25:5—“Remove wicked officials from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness.”  Does anything say “Vote” with more urgency?