People tend to apply the phrase “[A] wall of separation
between the garden of church and the wilderness of the world (or state)” to
Thomas Jefferson from a 1802 letter, but in actually was first used by Roger
Williams in 1644. In reality the key is who is God’s ultimate interpreter?
Williams was offered a position in the Massachusetts Bay
Colony and refused it not on theological views, but rather how they believed
the forced worship of God, he wrote, “stincks in God’s nostrils.” His belief
was that the state involved in worship would require man to interpret God’s
word, and therefore inevitably err. This is an argument with denomination, but
can be spared for a later time.
The key is with governments corruption is easier since it
may force its will on the people. The key with our relationship with God is it
must not be forced. We need to fall into this relationship on our own and allow
the Holy Spirit to guide us through the laws.
This is where the church becomes the focus since they move
into authority of interpretations. And as we can see from the thousands of denomination
the word of God can be interpreted many ways. But the key is the church is not
forcing its interpretation on us as the King did with the Church of England. No
the separation ensures free will is imposed and we can choose how to believe,
be it right or wrong.
This is where the Holy Spirit kick in to help guide us, but
again another day to discuss.
The fallacy that has been creeping in is the idea that God
and the government need to be separated. This is so far off base from what the
founders wanted, you can see it in their writings. They had no intention to
create a Godless society, but rather one who believes yet has the freedom to
choose how or if they worship the All Mighty.
The “freedom of religion” is not the same as “freedom from
religion” as we seem to be creeping towards today. Case in point is the removal
of the Ten Commandments from the court house steps. This is a perfect law that
is historically tied into the roots of our legal system and yet it cannot be
placed anywhere because its display is considered state sectioning of religion.
When in reality it is a historical reference to why we have the legal system we
have. If one believes it sanctions religion I would ask how and which one.
We are drifting away from God in this country all in
the name of freedom. I think the key is not to have freedom FROM, but freedom
OF where one can choose what they believe. The state should not “protect” us
from God, but rather allow history and let people decide.