Tommy Mann

Yesterday someone asked me if I would be taking my “religious beliefs” to Columbia with me if I am elected (the tone of his question was sarcastic). My response was, “You’re darn right I will.” I went on to explain that I can no more separate myself from my religious beliefs than I can from my skin color or height. My faith in Jesus Christ is not my grandparents’ religion or a collection of stories. It is what forms my worldview and governs my decisions; it is the needle on my moral compass and the most important determining factor in my life. Some may scoff at this, or invoke the separation of church and state, but I would point out a few things. First, having convictions is a good thing. People are sick of politicians who move whichever way the winds blow. I will never do that because my beliefs won’t change. I’m not running to build a political career and do what is necessary to stay in office. I’m running to make a difference and do what I think is right. Second, my ...

My hometown has ejected God from the football field. Orange County, which includes Orlando, made a decision this season to not allow Christian chaplains to minister to student athletes. Chaplains, which are a staple on almost every sideline, typically lead players in voluntary pre- and post-game prayers, and are there for players in time of crisis. The public school system went a step further, banning Bible verses and references to the Bible from campuses. The decisions came after a threat was made by the Freedom From Religion organization. The very name of this organization is unconstitutional. The Bill of Rights guarantees us freedom of religion, not freedom from it. If people do not want religion, they have freedom from it, but the State cannot infringe upon the rights of those who do want religion. Liberals are quick to cry, “ Separation of church and State !” But they fail to see that the line of separation goes both ways. The Founders’ fear was not that the Ch...

This shows the misunderstanding of the concept of the wall of separation. This picture indicates that the church influenced Hitler, and therefore we need a wall to keep the evil church away from government. But as any person who knows history understands, Hitler was in no way influenced by the church. He hated church and had nothing to do with it (thanks to Darwinism). After he rose to power, he forced all churches to spread his propaganda, replacing all religious relics with images of Hitler. Thomas Jefferson's concern on his "wall of separation" remark was to prevent this. The Government (State) is not to interfere with the Church.

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. T...