Many people are shocked to
learn that the words “separation of church and state” do not appear in the
Constitution or Bill or Rights.
I’m sure you have heard that
phrase invoked more times than you can count:
“You can’t have the 10
Commandments in the courtroom because of the separation of church and state.”
“City Hall can’t have a manger
scene on the lawn; that violates the separation of church and state.”
“You can’t pray in Jesus’ name
at (insert your public appearance here). Haven’t you ever heard of the
separation of church and state?”
I could go on, but I’m sure you
get the idea. It’s funny that most people invoking this wall of separation are
ones who claim to study and defend the Constitution; they, more than anyone
else, should know that the mythical “wall” is nowhere to be found in our
nation’s governing documents.
So where does the wall of
separation appear? In a private letter written by Thomas Jefferson to a group
known as the Danbury Baptists in Connecticut. This letter was a response to a
letter from the group in which they voiced their concerns that their state was
going to establish a State Church.
A student of American history
will remember that it was that very concept—a State Church—that led the
Puritans and Separatists to leave their homeland in search of a place where
they could practice their religion freely; this exodus eventually led them to
the New World, and from Day 1 religious liberty was a focal point.
In fact, most state charters
are steeped in theologically sound Christian doctrine, with an emphasis on
allowing the people to worship
freely, as opposed to the State
forcing their religion.
Jefferson’s letter to the
Danbury Baptists upheld the desires of the people, that Congress make no law
“respecting an establishment of religion.” In context, Jefferson was defending
the American people from a state-sponsored church; his wall of separation was
to protect the church from the state, not the state from the church.
Of equal importance is the
reciprocal command: Congress shall not “prohibit the free exercise” of
religion. So when people tell me I can’t pray in Jesus’ name, for example, my
free exercise is being prohibited.
These defenders of the wall of
separation are prohibiting my free exercise. They are adding to and taking away
from the Constitution. Don’t let people deceive you; read Jefferson’s letter
for yourself. Here is the final draft of the little letter that started the big
war:
Gentlemen
The affectionate sentiments of
esteem and approbation which you are so good as to express towards me, on
behalf of the Danbury Baptist association, give me the highest satisfaction. my
duties dictate a faithful and zealous pursuit of the interests of my
constituents, & in proportion as they are persuaded of my fidelity to those
duties, the discharge of them becomes more and more pleasing.
Believing with you that
religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes
account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers
of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with
sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that
their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of
religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall
of separation between Church & State. Adhering to this expression of the
supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see
with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to
restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in
opposition to his social duties.
I reciprocate your kind prayers
for the protection & blessing of the common father and creator of man, and
tender you for yourselves & your religious association assurances of my
high respect & esteem.
Thomas Jefferson
Jan.1.1802.
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