Do you believe that the 1st Amendment to the US Constitution restricts the church from influencing politics?
Many believe that it does, because anti-Christian God-haters have incessantly declared that freedom OF religion really means, freedom FROM religion. This is not only incorrect, what the 1st Amendment really means is that government should have no say in religion, not that religion should have no say in government.
1st Amendment;
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
1st clause, “what freedom is guaranteed?”
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,”
This restricts congress, and potential laws from ANY authority over churches, Pastors, or religious people.
2nd clause, “what freedom is guaranteed?”
“or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;”
This guarantees the religious exorcise of American citizens, and visitors. Government has NO authority over religions, or religious activities.
3rd clause, “what freedom is guaranteed?”
“or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press;”
This forbids government of any effect, restrictions, or to compel ANY speech, of any kind.
4th clause, “what freedom is guaranteed?”
“or the right of the people peaceably to assemble,”
This forbids the government of any input as to the peaceful assembly of any Americans.
5th clause, “what freedom is guaranteed?”
“and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
This authorizes citizen to confront, and challenge government’s efforts to restrict citizen’s protests of any of government’s actions.
What does our Bible show us concerning faithfulness to God, and governance?
In Genesis we learn about Joseph. His dream portrayed him, Joseph, ruling over both his family, and others. Once sold into slavery, and after many challenges, he was positioned by God to rule over Potiphar’s house, and then the prison where he was imprisoned. Later he ruled the nation of Egypt. Is this not politics?
Later we learn that Samuel, (the prophet,) is chosen by God to anoint both, Kings Saul, and David. Does this not reflect God’s people getting involved in politics? They didn’t just vote, when faithfully walking in harmony with God, they insisted that God’s directives be followed. Prophets, and men & women of God spoke directly to kings, pronouncing boldly the truth of God’s word.
In Ester we read that she is constrained to directly confront the king’s confidant, and chief executive in the presence of the king, and in the book of Judges, many people, are chosen by God to effect the rulership of the nation of Israel. Are these not examples of God’s people’s involvement in governance? Why would any Bible believing Christian believe that God doesn’t want them to speak of politics? Why would any Bible believing Christian patriot believe that the US Constitution does not empower them to confront, and direct the actions of their government?
I believe that these are many examples that God expects us to do our part to effect the government of our home nation with fidelity to biblical principals. I believe that we have a spiritual duty to say no, even hell no to those that want to draw our nation away from godly influences. God has no hands but our hands, he has no mouth but our mouth, with which to do these things. It is we who are given the privilege, and responsibility to effect our nation for God. To resist the devil, and his minions who want to take us captive to the will of Satan.
We must reject the plans of those that hate God, and by extension us, to drag our nation to the threshold of hell.
God bless you, Dave