In high school in the 1960s we studied government documents, but I don’t remember that the Declaration of Independence (from England), states that ‘it is necessary for us as a new country to dissolve England’s power and influence over us and to assume the powers of the earth to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitles us.’

From the Declaration of Independence, we all continue to be reminded of the words, ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.’ Then, it lists all the abusive ways of England’s ruling power that had the right to take someone’s power, property, or position without their permission or legal right. I don’t remember ever reading the long list of what England’s government was like. Man! No wonder the war, the American Revolution, also known as the U.S War of Independence, was so important. If we had not won that war against England, our lives would be so terribly different today!

After gaining our freedom from England’s clutches, 39 men of Christian values signed the Constitution (even though 55 attended most of the meetings). It was written in 7 sections called Articles in 1787 and operating since 1789. In 1790, 10 Amendments were added to it called The Bill of Rights which listed specific guarantees of personal freedoms and rights for individuals.

Before students graduate from high school, they should know and remember these original government documents in which our free country was established. They should have great respect for our country. And, one of the freedoms the Fathers of our country wanted was that of religion because of what they had experienced in Great Britain—who wanted one religion. Speaking of religion, did you know that the phrase ‘separation of church and state’ is NOT in the Constitution? David Barton, knowing that the now-popular phrase was not in any of our governing documents, was talking to a U.S. Congressman and accomplished lawyer. He argued with Barton that it was in the First Amendment in the Constitution. Finally, Barton gave him a copy and told him to find it. The congressman was embarrassed when he couldn’t find it. He said they weren’t required to read such documents in law school, so he assumed, as do many people in the courts system, that it’s included in the Constitution.

Concerning religion, the Constitution states only that ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.’ The words ‘separation’ or ‘state’ are not found in the First Amendment, the Constitution, or in any other official founding document.

The Christian faith that founded America also guided her through her establishment as an independent nation. John Adams said that ‘the general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were… the general principles of Christianity.’ Even more recently, President Truman said ‘In this great country of ours has been demonstrated the fundamental unity of Christianity and democracy.’

Fisher Ames helped write the First Amendment. He noticed that in the educational system that more books on character fables and morals were used but not the Bible. He argued that the Bible should be one of the schoolbooks in all classrooms. He said the Bible was the principal source of sound morals in America and therefore must never be separated from the classroom.

Have you ever heard of Dr. Benjamin Rush, who may be called ‘The Father of Public Schools under the Constitution?’ Because not only did he sign the Constitution, and served under 3 presidents, helped found 5 schools and universities, he was the first to call for free public schools under the Constitution. He said Bibles should not be taken out of public schools because widespread misbehavior would result, and crime would increase and become a national problem.

Yet, sadly today the First Amendment now works to prohibit what it once protected: the inclusion of religious principles in public education.

Because clashes over religious expressions have been in most controversies decided in federal courts, the U.S. Supremes Court have issued numerous rulings on the subject. Nine Justices now exercise more control over how, when, where, or if public religious activities will occur than any other entity in America. Somehow, they adopted the phrase ‘separation of church and state’ by discarding the traditional limitations of the religious clause in the First Amendment. Some things like that can be done without a public vote, and most people don’t know enough about the Constitution to even question it. What else might they decide to change?

You wouldn’t believe the long list of court actions about the First Amendment that have occurred through the years. David Barton’s book ORIGINAL INTENT… THE COURTS, THE CONSTITUTION, & RELIGION, has a list of these cases. Endnotes at the end of the book show a case in 1925; however, the case ‘Everson vs. Board of Education’ in 1947 began affecting educational systems. (Some lawsuits have been reversed because some lawyers know the Constitution in order to fight for our rights.)

Isn’t it ironic that those who don’t believe in God are wanting to rid our nation of Christian holidays, expressions, Bibles, church attendance, etc. I think their fear comes from being reminded of their destiny if they don’t believe in the Creator or His Son Jesus.

Have a good week. Bless somebody… even if with a smile!

Statements can be found in Barton’s book mentioned above, as well as another called SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE… WHAT THE FOUNDERS MEANT, both books by Wallbuilder Press, 2010, 2024 respectively.