1st Amendment

Recently I was thinking back to the Mayflower days and about the men and women who made the courageous believing journey across the Atlantic to find religious freedom establishing a new world based upon God's abundant goodness.  Life wasn't handed to them on a silver platter, but they were blessed with the the greatest freedom and peace. We have all benefited by their actions and commitment.

The United States of America is not a theocracy but the 1st amendment guarantees freedom of religion.

 Notice that the phrase 'separation of church and state' does not appear in the amendment. This phrase was first used by Thomas Jefferson in response to the Danbury Connecticut baptists in 1807 to calm their fears of government intervention in church affairs. 

In the 21st century, America has the greatest diversity of religions and is one of the most religious countries in the world. There is much evidence that this country started in Christian Theism. God is mentioned in our national anthem and referenced to in the Declaration of Independence four times (Nature's God, Creator, Supreme Judge of the world and divine Providence). There are Bible verses as well as the name 'God' etched in stone and brass all over Washington D.C. The Bible was at one time used as a textbook in schools. Our founding fathers often utilized biblical quotes in their writings.

According to the amendment, the government is not to establish a particular denomination as the official denomination according to the Constitution. It also restricted government meddling in church business. This did not apply to states. Several states originally had state religions. The courts did not interfere with this for over 150 years. In 1947 the Supreme Court utilized the words 'separation of church and state' in a ruling of the Everson vs Board of Education case reversing previous rulings and applying the Establishment Clause to states. From this point on in history, there has been increased pressure to separate church and state in many avenues of American life.

The first amendment guarantees freedom of religion. In many ways this has benefited minority religions and atheism and it should not take away the free exercise of Christianity which many argue has happened. Examples cited include prayer in schools, religious expression in schools (including art work of elementary grade school children), the posting of the Ten Commandments in public buildings, references to religious holidays and many more conceived violations in our predominantly Christian culture.

There are countless examples of kings and rulers in the Bible who were blessed and influenced by believers like Joseph, Abraham, Jonah and others. Today this country has benefited and will continue to benefit from the application of biblical principles by believing men and women who live and walk for the Supreme Judge!

Psalm 33:11-21¹¹ The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.¹² Blessed is the nation (ethnos in Greek Septuagint) whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.¹³ The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.¹⁴ From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.¹⁵ He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.¹⁶ There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.¹⁷ An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.¹⁸ Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;¹⁹ To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.²⁰ Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield.²¹ For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.