The "Separation of church and state" concept was clearly intended to prevent interference in the church by the state; freedom OF religion, NOT from it.
The first line of the First Amendment suggests otherwise: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;”
Yes, it stops government from declaring a religion and forcing a free people to follow that religion, i.e, the Anglican church of England which is why the Puritans and others fled to the United States to avoid religious persecution. It does not, however, stop one from refusing to practice a religion
Alas the need for the Holy Bible is as critical today as it was then and ever shall be. It is unfortunate that General Washington didn’t see the need for soldiers to have a Bible even if the war was almost over. I have known Marines who profess to not being religious have sought out and found comfort in reading the Bible. I am privileged to have my Grandfather’s Bible that he carried with him during WWII complete with notes he found helpful during that time. My personal Bible is filled with notes, highlights & underlines as well.
I wonder how many homes in America today that have Bibles in them that simply sit on shelves? In my experience it is truly a living Bible that helps me every day.
This is an excellent post, Tara! A piece of our history I never knew all the details. There’s much history to support the fact that this country was founded on the Judeo-Christian faith. It is obvious by the actions and words of the founders and others involved in forming the nation that church and state were very much woven together. They looked to and believed in providence. I plan to read your book to learn more about this fascinating subject.
A notable exception was when Francis Asbury preached as most of the Methodist clergy returned to England yet he remained as one of the only circuit riders during the Revolutionary War.
He sheltered in Delaware at the home of Thomas Coke as that state did not require an oath of allegiance unlike in Maryland.
Thank you Tara. I don't think that I have heard of this before. I do agree with you regarding the deep religious feelings of most of the founders. The first amendment to the Constitution was never meant to separate religion from our laws, only to keep us frombeing ruled by a religion such as was with the then current British Crown.
Our current interpretation of the separation of church and state is to deny religion in its entirely and, it has produced disastrous (and intended) impact. I believe that our people are less religious than ever.
The phrase is found no where in the Constitution.As is with the second amendment, Government was expressly forbidden from encroaching on religion or arms. "Congress (and by incorporation), the States) shall make NO LAW prohibiting the free exercise of (Religion).
To learn that the Bible was in short supply and our leaders understood the utmost importance of the Bible to the citizenry and provided their hope and focus.
Considering that the United States has done more for spreading the gospel than any other nation since the church originated, there are enough publishers to keep in Bibles. However, if you notice, we are in desperate need of more work by organizations like the Gideons to place the Bible in places like schools, hospitals, and hotels! They all need volunteers and financial support.
The "Separation of church and state" concept was clearly intended to prevent interference in the church by the state; freedom OF religion, NOT from it.
Absolutely 👍 💯 👍 💯 👍 💯
Great last paragraph! The separation of. Church and State does not exist in the Constitution. It was a letter Jefferson wrote to a church.
The first line of the First Amendment suggests otherwise: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;”
Yes, it stops government from declaring a religion and forcing a free people to follow that religion, i.e, the Anglican church of England which is why the Puritans and others fled to the United States to avoid religious persecution. It does not, however, stop one from refusing to practice a religion
Alas the need for the Holy Bible is as critical today as it was then and ever shall be. It is unfortunate that General Washington didn’t see the need for soldiers to have a Bible even if the war was almost over. I have known Marines who profess to not being religious have sought out and found comfort in reading the Bible. I am privileged to have my Grandfather’s Bible that he carried with him during WWII complete with notes he found helpful during that time. My personal Bible is filled with notes, highlights & underlines as well.
I wonder how many homes in America today that have Bibles in them that simply sit on shelves? In my experience it is truly a living Bible that helps me every day.
God Bless the USA!
❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Amen brother! It truly is a Living Bible.
This is an excellent post, Tara! A piece of our history I never knew all the details. There’s much history to support the fact that this country was founded on the Judeo-Christian faith. It is obvious by the actions and words of the founders and others involved in forming the nation that church and state were very much woven together. They looked to and believed in providence. I plan to read your book to learn more about this fascinating subject.
A notable exception was when Francis Asbury preached as most of the Methodist clergy returned to England yet he remained as one of the only circuit riders during the Revolutionary War.
He sheltered in Delaware at the home of Thomas Coke as that state did not require an oath of allegiance unlike in Maryland.
Thank you Tara. I don't think that I have heard of this before. I do agree with you regarding the deep religious feelings of most of the founders. The first amendment to the Constitution was never meant to separate religion from our laws, only to keep us frombeing ruled by a religion such as was with the then current British Crown.
Our current interpretation of the separation of church and state is to deny religion in its entirely and, it has produced disastrous (and intended) impact. I believe that our people are less religious than ever.
The phrase is found no where in the Constitution.As is with the second amendment, Government was expressly forbidden from encroaching on religion or arms. "Congress (and by incorporation), the States) shall make NO LAW prohibiting the free exercise of (Religion).
The RIGHTof the people to keep and bear arms SHALL NOT be infringed! SHALL NOT!
To learn that the Bible was in short supply and our leaders understood the utmost importance of the Bible to the citizenry and provided their hope and focus.
One nation under God. This lesson supports that point of view. God bless you Tara and all of us who are grateful for these lessons.
👍👍👍
Thank you, Tara.
I learned something very new, today.
Thank you, Tara Ross.
Excellent article! Thank you for this encouraging bit of history!
Excellent article
🇺🇲 Had never considered a Bible shortage as a consequence of the war. Can't imagine congress responding the same way today.
Considering that the United States has done more for spreading the gospel than any other nation since the church originated, there are enough publishers to keep in Bibles. However, if you notice, we are in desperate need of more work by organizations like the Gideons to place the Bible in places like schools, hospitals, and hotels! They all need volunteers and financial support.