#121 - Controlling the Narrative: Faith of our Fathers - Separation of Church and State

Transcript

Separation of Church and State
Controlling the Narrative / Faith of Our Fathers
F. Goss  | December 1, 2024

It may surprise many, or perhaps most, that the United States Constitution, written in 1787 and fully ratified in 1789, contains very little regarding religion or devotion to God. As a regulatory document, this starkly contrasts the original compact signed on the Mayflower, as the first pilgrims approached the New World 167 years earlier. The opening statement of the Mayflower Compact begins, "In the name of God, Amen," indicating that this entire endeavor was undertaken for the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith. This covenant was written and signed in the "presence of God" rather than invoking "nature's God."

The foremost principle in the minds of these devout individuals was to worship and glorify God. Forty-one men signed this document without ambiguity regarding their intentions or an attempt to please a specific group. William Bradford, the Governor of Plymouth Colony, articulated the aspirations of the original settlers by stating: "...as the Lord's free people joined themselves (by a covenant of the Lord) into a church estate, in the fellowship of the gospel, to walk in all His ways made known, or to be made known unto them, according to their best endeavors, whatsoever it should cost them."

The first European settlers in the New World were united in their purpose as they departed the Mayflower. The benefit of recorded history allows us to look back and trace the changes in beliefs and attitudes that occurred over time, identifying specific instances that significantly impacted the spiritual and secular landscape of the people and the nation as a whole.

As time passed, the religious fervor that once dominated society began to wane. Many attribute the decline of Christianity in American society to satanic influences, suggesting that such corruption arises from direct interactions with malevolent beings, leading individuals to succumb to evil. This is often described as a mystical, spiritual corruption that permeates the atmosphere and attitude of society. While the influence of Satan is not questioned, it is also recognized that individuals can fall prey to temptation because of the desires that reside within their hearts.

Such conclusions may sound spiritual and deeply religious, but they are misguided because this way of thinking dismisses human responsibility and shifts all blame to the spiritual realm. Scripture instructs us to stand against the devil and resist him, and he will flee (James 4:7).

I agree with this in relation to the temptations and obstacles that hinder Christian sanctification. Indeed, Satan is real; he is the Father of Lies and the Great Deceiver. He deceives and tempts men, who then embrace temptation and fall into sin. The intent of man's heart is continually evil (Genesis 6:5). His heart is the most deceitful of all things and desperately wicked. Who can understand how bad it is? (Jeremiah 17:9-10).

Over the last 167 years, the original inspiration and motivation provided by the Puritans have been significantly altered. The original intent of the Pilgrims has been distorted, diffused, and ultimately dismissed. Secular success has replaced the simple desire to worship God that drove the Pilgrims and Separatists to leave their homes and embark on such an extraordinary and dramatic journey. The great centers of learning began to promote enlightened thought while ridiculing and minimizing Scripture. Reason and science took center stage at institutions like Harvard, Princeton, and Yale. These ideas were introduced through gentle persuasion and earnest encouragement from European educational centers, often by sincere individuals who were, in reality, ravenous wolves. Their teachings drew young minds away from the worship of God and placed confidence solely in human abilities.

As secularization took hold in major population centers, wealth and prosperity flourished, causing many to forget their origins. People, governmental institutions, commercial ventures, trade, and commerce began to experience financial gains beyond imagination. Leaders and everyday citizens alike embraced these blessings, valuing them far more than they valued the "Provider" of those blessings.

With the increase in wealth came a widening division in society. Before this era of prosperity, provisions existed to support ministers, and many states required religious qualifications for ministers in community leadership roles. After the Revolutionary War, church practices were transformed as the nation adjusted to political freedom. A new concept emerged, leading to the establishment of a Constitutional Republic. The aspirations of the people had been greatly affected, resulting in far-reaching changes in religious thought.

The people came together to form a nation, developing governing principles that would guide them for centuries. Our Founding Fathers convened to draft the Declaration of Independence, which was sent to King George III. This document was not a foundational law establishing the nation's legal framework; rather, it was a declaration of intentions, informing King George that the colonies would no longer submit to the tyrannical rule of the English aristocracy. They were severing ties with Great Britain.

The Declaration served as the catalyst for the American Revolution, leading to independence from British rule. Had this separation failed, and the colonies' aspirations been crushed, the Declaration of Independence would likely have been forgotten over time.

However, war ensued, and the colonies won their independence. Once this was secured, the Founding Fathers established a national government, initially utilizing the Articles of Confederation, which were created by the people and for the people. They then worked on developing the "Constitution of the United States," a foundational document. Once ratified, this Constitution became the supreme law of the land. The final ratified document, which we recognize today, was the result of many men attending the Constitutional Convention in the late 1780s.

Key figures such as James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton served as the principal authors. Ideas were debated, research was conducted, Bibles were referenced, and philosophical concepts were considered over a period of nearly ten years. On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the four-page Constitution of the United States was signed, establishing the government of the United States of America.

In discussing "What happened to Christianity in America," it is important to note that God or religion is not mentioned in the body of the Constitution. It is referenced only once in the Declaration of Independence and appears three times in total. The mention in the Declaration leans heavily on Enlightenment ideas, referring to "Nature's God." This neutral theistic reference did not commit the Founders to any specific religious position.

George Mason, a very influential man with a brilliant mind, drafted the Commonwealth of Virginia's first Constitution and Declaration of Rights, which affirmed at the Constitutional Convention that all men are born equally free and independent. He refused to apply his signature to the Constitution and actually lobbied against its ratification in Virginia because he recognized that the power of a central government posed a threat to the people, promoting an elitist aristocracy that could easily become tyrannical and corrupt over time.

He understood the nature of man and his tendency towards arrogance, self-aggrandizement, and his lust for power and control. He also recognized that men, banding together in unison under the same banner, could wield unhealthy influence and power. He was an anti-federalist and recognized as a Jeffersonian Republican, believing local government should be strong and central federal government weak.
It was due in great part to his criticism that the Bill of Rights was adopted to the Constitution.

First Amendment
George Mason was a very influential figure with a brilliant mind. He drafted the Commonwealth of Virginia's first Constitution and Declaration of Rights, asserting at the Constitutional Convention that all men are born equally free and independent. 

Mason refused to sign the Constitution and actively lobbied against its ratification in Virginia because he recognized that a powerful central government posed a threat to the people, promoting an elitist aristocracy that could easily become tyrannical and corrupt over time.

He understood the nature of humanity and the tendency toward arrogance, self-interest, and a lust for power and control. He also recognized that when men band together under a common banner, they could exert unhealthy influence and power. As an anti-federalist and a Jeffersonian Republican, he believed in a strong local government and a weak central federal government. His criticism played a significant role in the adoption of the Bill of Rights to the Constitution.

The central idea behind the Constitution was to ensure the freedom of every individual to act according to their conscience while being subject to fundamental restraints. It had become evident that the Articles of Confederation permitted the rise of crony politics in each state. This resulted in a pure form of democracy that was not functioning effectively. 

Many leaders at the Constitutional Convention recognized that if this trend continued, it would only be a matter of time before a monarchy could be established, leading to the disappearance of freedom. Therefore, Madison argued for the necessity of forming a "more perfect union."

The Constitution of the United States, as it was written, established the most successful form of government ever designed by humans. It has withstood the tests of time and the corruption inherent in human nature. However, its strength lies in the foundation of the Bill of Rights. Without it, I believe we would not have fully embraced the principles established or enjoyed the freedoms expressed. The Bill of Rights is considered an amendment to the original Constitution and was added after the original Constitution's ratification.

The entire idea that enveloped the Constitution was freedom for every man to act according to his conscience and the right to be held to fundamental restraints. It had been made manifest that the Articles of Confederation was a document that encouraged and allowed the development of crony politics in each individual state. 

This was pure democracy in action, and it was not working. It was the basic tendency of democracy and what most leaders who gathered at the Constitutional Convention recognized. If this were allowed to fester, it would be a matter of time before we had a monarchy established, and freedom would disappear. Something had to be done to eradicate this notion from the people's minds. Thus, Madison argued, there was a definite need to form a "more perfect union."

The Constitution of the United States, as written, established the most successful concept of government ever designed by men. It has withstood the winds of time and the corruption of men. However, it stands on the foundation of the Bill of Rights. Apart from this, I do not believe we would have embraced the principles established or enjoyed the freedoms expressed. The Bill of Rights is seen as an amendment to the original Constitution and was added after the ratification of the original Constitution. 

The First Amendment, which went into effect in 1791, is what we are considering. It is this amendment that many have used to establish the idea of The Separation of Church and State. At that time, there was little to no argument as to the intentions of this amendment. The people accepted this because they recognized it as stating that the government would not become entangled in the affairs of institutions of religion. 

It was never intended for the prohibition of the influence of the Church upon the government. In the context of the culture, this meaning would stand out clearly, as the Church was an integral part of society and a main fixture upon which the nation was founded, dating as far back as 1607. To close the door on the Church's involvement and contributions would have resulted in a complete revocation of the Constitution. It never would have been ratified.

The fundamental idea underlying the Constitution was the freedom for every individual to act according to their conscience, along with the right to be held to essential restraints. It became evident that the Articles of Confederation encouraged and allowed the rise of cronyism within each state. This exemplified pure democracy in action, which ultimately proved ineffective. The leaders who gathered at the Constitutional Convention recognized this inherent flaw in democracy. If left unchecked, it could lead to a monarchy, causing freedom to disappear. Therefore, something had to be done to dispel this notion from the minds of the people. As a result, Madison argued for the necessity of forming a "more perfect union."

The United States Constitution, as written, established the most successful governmental framework ever devised by humans. It has endured the test of time and the corruption of individuals. However, its strength relies on the foundation laid by the Bill of Rights. Without this, I do not believe we would have embraced the principles or enjoyed the freedoms it articulates. The Bill of Rights was added as an amendment to the original Constitution after its ratification. 

One of the issues that arose under the Articles of Confederation was the diverse range of beliefs expressed across the various colonies. Laws and regulations were often established on a community-by-community basis, resulting in restrictive and limiting measures based on religious dogma. Without cohesive principles to unite these communities, each colony governed independently while respecting its unique religious practices. 

This  became a regional custom; for example, one town might require women to wear specific head coverings, and those who refused to comply could face social ostracism. Religious convictions can wield more emotional and social power than any governmental authority, as these emotions are rooted deeply in individual faith.

Although most of the Founding Fathers would not be considered devout Christians or particularly religious individuals, they understood the polarizing and isolating effects of religion. It has been argued that the Founders did not intend to make America a Christian nation, a point that is difficult to dispute, especially given the religious positions of the core group and the absence of explicit references to religion in the Constitution. However, this group was small and did not represent the diverse religious desires of the broader population. To claim that Christian faith had little influence on the Constitutional Convention would be a misguided stance for any historian.

While the Founders were not a collection of Baptist evangelicals, their goal was to establish a nation, not a religious institution. They did not insist that America be declared a Protestant Christian nation; rather, they aimed to unite people to form "a more perfect union." It is crucial to consider the historical context of the time, as understanding that context is key to grasping the dynamics at play.

The population was predominantly Protestant Christian, and the wording and inclusion of the First Amendment did not raise genuine concerns among the people at the time. This "religious clause" did not attract attention in American society until the early 1960s, coinciding with the emergence of liberal voices, the introduction of Marxist ideas in academic studies, and the influence of radicals like Saul Alinsky, Bill Ayers, Timothy Leary, and Abbie Hoffman. Established educational institutions began to teach various ideologies, reviving the thoughts of Marx, Hegel, and Nietzsche, while the concept of "God is dead" permeated philosophy, music, literature, and poetry.

The Frankfurt School played a significant role in redefining the Constitution, leading to numerous efforts to adjust, alter, and modify the writings of the Founding Fathers. The First Amendment has faced constant attacks and has been redefined to reflect meanings that contrast sharply with its original intent. When viewed within its historical context, it is clear that the Founders did not intend to limit or regulate the Church's voice within federal government affairs.

It is agreed that no single denomination would be favored as the sole authority of faith in the government. The ideas proposed by Roger Williams over a century earlier resonated with the Founders, ultimately leading to a method of religious tolerance being accepted throughout the colonies. 

Another point of agreement is that the First Amendment prohibits the federal government from interfering in the religious affairs of the people. It guarantees individuals the liberty to establish and practice their particular religion freely, without fear of reprisal.

Throughout history, many legal arguments have been made to amend the Constitution, yet a clear separation between church and state has remained a foundational principle in our nation. In 1863, during the American Civil War, eleven Protestant denominations formed the "National Reform Association" with the objective of amending the Constitution to legally declare the United States a Christian nation. Many believed that the Civil War was a manifestation of God's judgment on the country for failing to make such a declaration. The absence of a declaration in the Constitution has raised concerns for many years. Between 1894 and 1984, over two hundred similar proposals emerged in Congress, but none ever reached a congressional vote.

While historians often depict America as a standard-bearer of "religious liberty," the reality is that the early colonies were much more restrictive in religious matters than what colonists had experienced in Great Britain. The close relationship between politics and religion mirrored European practices; citizens could structure their personal lives as they wished, but they were not free to act outside the constraints of the law.

By the mid-1700s, church and state were almost inextricably linked in a way that was even closer than in England. Religious tests were required for individuals to be considered for public office and, in many cases, for admission into higher education. Non-Puritans and non-Anglicans faced discrimination. It is remarkable to research these practices, especially considering the backgrounds of the New World settlers. One historian concluded that freedom is something that must be learned, as societies tend to revert to established patterns and practices.

History shows that Roger Williams's ideas, although more progressive for his time, hinted at what was to come. True religious freedom began to emerge in the Middle Colonies—Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. The populations in these colonies were much more diverse than those of the original settlements. These areas served as crossroads for commerce and settlement, and the prevailing ideas often overshadowed the principles of church-state uniformity. Economic growth, business, and prosperity motivated the people more than religious sentiments. While the authority of the church was not as dominant, religious freedom was generally respected among the populace.. Economic growth, business, and prosperity motivated the people more than religious sentiments. While the authority of the church was not as dominant, religious freedom was generally respected among the populace.

Early on in New York, church regulations were sometimes stricter than the restrictions found in Massachusetts and Virginia. However, when England gained control of the area in 1664, this changed. The Duke of York, James, the brother of King Charles II, introduced religious tolerance. 

In 1642, the Duke of York discovered that eighteen different languages were spoken among a small population. To reflect the diversity of the people, religious tolerance was enacted. This "tolerance" was not easily adopted due to the prevailing principles of the Dutch Reformed and Anglican establishments. Over time, the public assimilated and accepted the freedom of religion, and by the early 1700s, it had become part of the accepted way of life.