Separating or Severring?

"The Walls of the Separation of Church and State"
The well know phrase thrown into the air to justify those that believe Christianity should not be instituted in the American public falls down hard on the heads of Christians. It hurts, but do we know why? Does anyone know why this statement is constitutionally wrong? Wait, did I just say constitutionally wrong? "Isn't it in the constitution?" Many may think so, but the aswer is a resounding NO! I myself haven't understood this concept until just last week, and what a revelation it was. Justice Rehnquist absolutely explains this the best in his dissenting opinion in Wallace v. Jafree

People contend that this is the intent of the 1st ammendment, that Church and State must be separated to all degrees, such a fine line being drawn between the two. But I want to draw your attention to the header picture. Do you notice Thomas Jefferson to the left of the Bill of Rights? I find this ironic, being supported in Rehnquist's reasoning for this phrase. This phrase was coined by Thomas Jefferson, but not in the Constitutional Convention. In fact, it was in a private letter to the Danbury Baptist Association. It was written 14 years after the institution of the 1st ammendment. Furthermore, Jefferson was not present in the United States when this ammendment was verified, because he was in France. Let's review the facts shall we? 1. Phrase coined by Thomas Jefferson 2. In a letter to a church 3. 14 years after the 1st ammendment, 4.Jefferson was in France when the 1st amendment was instituted. So in what context did this phrase appear that makes it so misunderstandably crucial in our courtrooms today?

"It is impossible to build sound constitutional doctrine upon a mistaken understanding of constitutional history, but unfortunately the Establishment Clause has been expressly freighted with Jefferson's misleading metaphor for nearly 40 years. Thomas Jefferson was of course in France at the time the constitutional Ammendments known as the Bill of Rights were passed by congress and ratified by the states. His letter to the Danbury Baptist Association was a short note of courtesy, written 14 years after the Ammendments were passed by Congress. He would seem to any detached observer as a less than ideal source of contemporary hisory as to the meaning of the Religion Clauses of the First Ammendment." -Rehnquist.

So we see here that Jefferson is not the man to look to if we want to know the riginal intent of the 1st Ammendment. The only way we may really know what the 1st ammendment was meant to accomplish is by looking to the actual people who wrote it. These would be, a few for example, James Madison (key proposer and writer of these Ammendments), Mr. Sylvester, Mr. Vining, Mr. Gerry, Mr. Sherman, Mr. Carroll, etc.
Being thousands of miles away in France would make it impossible in that time, where mail took weeks in the states, months across the world, for Jefferson to have had any say in the founding of the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights were proposed by the states because all but three states refused to accept the Constitution lest they had "ground rules" to ensure the prohibition of Tyranny in the newfound America.

Government is a touchy thing. So hard is it to answer every question alluded to it, so we must think first, and only, that to answer our questions we must read the words spoken by those who penned the rules. Where do you look when you have questions about a product you have purchased? Would you believe what your neighbor says about it, or would you call the manufacturer and see why it is malfunctioning? obviously, the one who created it knows it best. Same being true of our relationship with God. Who knows better than He who created you?

The Courts have been in place for oh, somewhere around c.1787. For 150 years no one used this phrase as a basis for their case in court. The first time it was ever uttered in a courtroom was 1947, Everson v. Board of Education. So it has been misconstrued for the past 60 years, versus the 150 years prior. Let me just say that cases seem to have gotten rougher and significantly more confusing in the past 60 years than in those prior. Do you think this could be because we have read to much into, and become too sensitive of the real issues?
Their (founders) actions reveal their intent. If it was the intent of Madison and his others to prohibit Christianity from being entangled within the state, tell my why then, did they the next morning pass a law to hire a minister to perform their opening prayers in the House?

You see, the real purpose in fabricating this Ammendment was to procure the evasion of a national denomination. Each state had been given federal permission to establish a state denomination. But for the federal government to favor one sect above another was sure to result in another England. Didn't they break free from that? Naturally, they wanted to be sure that it would not happen again.
They never intended for religious materials not to be displayed. The Ten Commandments displayed in front of a courtroom is in no wise a breech of this law. Prayer in schools is not threatening other religions. The point is that you are free to practice your religon. Buddhist, Pagan, Christian all have equal rights, with the difference being that our nation was founded on Christianity. Were it not for Christian men who fought and worked for this country, we would not be free. These groups and organizations are not satisfied that everyone gets free rights. They only see that one is real and oh how it angers them. As a Christian, knowing the one true Way, I can say that they are jealous. They wouldn't harass us if we weren't a threat. I love when people say, if the definition of an Agnostic or pagan is one who believes in no God, then why do they care if we talk about Him. If they know in their heart that He does not exist, then shouldn't they only view it as foolishness to be dismissed?

Several propositions were made for what the wording of the 1st Ammendment should be, and I think if you finish off by reading these, you may see in the words their intent, and then judge for yourself.

"All men have an equal, natural, and unalienable right to the free excercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience, and no particular religious sect or society ought to be favored or established, by law, in preference to others."
Virginia and North Carolina 3 id., at 659; id., at 244

"The civil rights of none shall be abridged on account of religious belief or worship, nor shall any national religion be established , nor shall the full and equal rights of conscience be in any manner, or on any pretext, infringed."
James Madison's proposal. Id., at 434

"No religion shall be established by law, nor shall the equal rights on conscience be infringed." Committee revision of Madison's proposal. Id., at 729

"Congress shall make no law establishing articles of faith or a mode of worship, or rohibiting the free excercise of religion. " Senate September 3, 1789

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free excercise thereof." Official and current wording decided by the House and Senate

http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/historics/USSC_CR_0472_0038_ZD2.html

Learning How to Trust God

This morning, while praying I was thinking of what to read in the Bible. I secretly felt ashamed because I hadn't studied my Bible in such a fashion that I wasn't following any particular plan of reading any particular book (except for Esther). But then God brought to my mind of what I learned at Biblstudy last night. I am going through Esther in the Beth Moore biblestudy, and she brings through so many verses that relate to the story of Esther that I never would have imagined would. A verse was mentioned last night in the obscure book of Habakkuk. It had also come to my mind because we spoke of it in small group Sunday. Anyways, I thought, God, isn't that one of those books that has nothing applicable to my life now? But I was surprised as I opened to the book of Habakkuk, 3 chapters small, and starting reading. To my delight the book related to the world and government, my favorite area of study. But it brings to light problems; problems that we deal with today, an it scares me how hopeless we have become. I love how God always orchestrates things in my everyday to teach me things, solve problems, and show delight. Does He ever do that for you? Isn't it fun?! I got into one of my world-changing moods last night and decided that I would commit today to studying my law. And so this book started my day out right. If you will give me a few more moments of your time, I'd like to share what this means to me. I tend to be a little wordy so if you don't read anything else read this: The book is a dialogue between Habakkuk and God, starting with Habakkuk complaining. I was astonished to read the words Habakkuk uttered to God, God! "Why do you make me see wrong things and make me look at trouble? " He speaks of the evil in the world and how evil people prosper over the good. The enemies have triumph over the Lord's people.But is he actually blaming God for his wrongs, and others' evil? But one verse grabs me- "Evil people gain while good people lose; the judges no longer make fair decisions." Oh how true this is of today! Now I know many people pull verses out and apply them even when they were obviously not meant for that context, and though this book was addressed to Israel, but it has some words that are applicable. Habakkuk complains twice and Gods answers twice. The Lord says "I will do something in your lifetime that you won't believe even when you are told about it.""The evil nation is very proud of itself; it is not living as it should. But those who are right with God will live by faith." Please read the whole book. It takes all of 15 minutes to read and let soak in. It is so true of we feel as a nation today, and what our nation has become. I continue to urge my fellow Christ followers to do what you can to protect our "godly" nation. As controversial as it may seem, vote. Vote against bills, vote for presidents, pray for our leaders, know what is happening today. We have no greater duty or honor bestowed upon us than to excercise our rights as FREE believers. We will no longer be free if we don not start using our rights, because they will soon become unnecessary and stripped away from us. Please pray!

Prayer

Prayer:

I’ve been reading in a book about the habits of prayer, and what prayer means to God. As is obvious, God doesn’t need us to tell him our wants, desires, and needs, for He already knows. But the habit of prayer is twofold- You see God wants us to come to Him with our trials. Though He knows, by us coming to Him we are showing submission and repentance. We are breaking down our barrier of pride before Him and saying” God, I really need you. I cannot do this on my own, here is my dilemma”. I have never been the type that wouldn’t go to God for fear of not being good enough. No, not because I am good enough, because I am not. But because prayer had always been my most secure way of feeling God is here with me. When I have done something wrong, when I am hurting, it comforts me so to know that He is always there, waiting like a Father to hear my complaints. I am not ashamed to tell God how I feel. Sometimes I am angry, and He is the only one that will not judge me for my actions; sometimes, I am lonely, and He is the only one there to confide in; and yet, at times, and the times He loves most, when I am happy. I am thankful and I pour my gratitude out to Him, for He has blessed me so abundantly to an extent I do not deserve. But from this devotional, here are the advantages twofold- it secures to us blessing, and it prepare us to receive them. I have neglected to understand that there are multiple facets to prayer- Adoration, Confession, Supplication, Intercession, and Thanksgiving. If you are lacking the definition for each of these terms as I am, explore them with me:
Adoration-an expression of the sense of the infinite majesty and glory of God
Confession- a humble acknowledgement of our sins and unworthiness
Supplication- a pleading of blessings upon ourselves
Intercession- a prayer for others, asking God on behalf of our brethren
Thanksgiving- an expression of gratitude to our God for His goodness and mercy
Thinking over these and understanding the importance of prayer has helped me immensely over the past couple of weeks to re-enter my relationship with Him as I have slipped into monotony in my walk. I am still not all there yet. I’ve slipped more into a 3 times a week with God rather than a daily competence with Him. If you don’t already, I encourage you to join me at Prayer on Wednesday mornings. Thought it is early at 6am I look forward to it every week and it always makes my day go smoother. Of course, you don’t have to wait til 1 hour every Wednesday to pray, but there’s just something about gathering with fellow believers to make your requests known unto God. See you there.

Pride (comes before a fall)

This weekend I took a little getaway with my fellow seniors at NSM for a ski trip to Winterplace, WV. It was possibly the coldest weather I have felt, at one point being at a low of 7 degrees with a windchill of -1! As we arrived there friday night, I was still contemplating signing up for the ski lesson. My family suggested I just pay the extra money and get a refresher, to which I indignantly assured them that I spent 6 hours on my last ski trip learning so this time I was just going to get out there and enjoy myself. Well as you read the title to this blog, do you know where I'm headed? haha well...here's the story. I consider myself pretty good, though I do fall, I insist that I am doing a thing called "making myself fall", which simply means, I'm going down a slope REALLY fast, and I don't want to run in to the person in front of me or fly off of the mountain and die, so I make myself fall. Safety precaution. Of course. Well while half of the group heads off to their lessons saturday morning, I go off with Anita, Phillip, Anna, Amy, Lauren, and Brittany for my first time skiing in 4 years. The funny thing with something like skiing, is every time you pop on those skis feels like your first time. So as I swarm through deja vu I say a quick prayer that I won't slow the rest of the group down. We ski over to the lift, and Phillip and Anita lead us to a slope they say shouldn't be too hard for Brittany and I, as we are the "newbies" of the group. We drop off at a blue slope, which means it is an intermediate level of difficulty. So I think everything will be fine, I'll make it down, no big. So we head down, and I'm doing fine! Brittany and I are bringing up the rear, and we stop to find a fork in the trail, so we discuss which way we think the rest of the group went, as they left us in the dust. we think they went straight ahead, which is a trail that looks like a straight shot down the hill, but a fellow skier on the slope tells us that we should go down the slope to the right, because though it's curvier, it's easier because of the steep drop off that is on the other slope. So we listen to him. Brittany flies down the slope as ever-cautious Sarah thinks she's being a little too fast for this curvy climate and flops herself down to determine the best way to continue. Problem being- 1. I'm on a narrow slope with a bazillion other people, 2. this is my first slope hittin' in 4 years, and 3. I'm by myself, and if I don't hurry, I will have NO idea how to get down. I happen to flop myself between a rock and a hard place literally, as I look and here I am in gap of snow between the beaten path and a light pole. To top things off my ski pops off, and as I struggle for 15 MINUTES to get my ski back on, you guessed it, my pride is shot. But I think I took it as a rather humbling lesson. For the first time my face didn't turn red, and I struggled to get myself up as quick as possible, with no regrets, and just a pinch of frustration. I finally got the guts to continue on when I realized I was caught on a rather conveniently placed thorn bush by the side, and continued another 5 minute struggle to get untangled. Finally! I'm free. I finish the slope, but not being familiar with the park, search for where my group could have gone to as no one waited, and there are hundreds of people caked in front of me. But rather confidently I skied my way down two beginner slopes until I found my way to Brittany. She was standing at a ski lift having the same thoughts I was presumably, as we agreed we didn't know where the group could be, so we headed back to the lodge. While I was by myself skiing I kept thinking that though not an unpleasant experience, how I could have avoided it all had I not been to prideful to admit that maybe I could use one hour of practice to refresh my feet how to slide on snow. Great lesson, thanks God! He knows my heart and I thank Him for the lesson given, as I decide that from now on I won't hesitate for help. The rest of the trip was very relaxing, despite the lead heavy feet and bitter cold. Olivia and I bonded as we hit the easy slopes talking over life plans and God's will. Nothing was more beautiful to me that day than sitting in the ski lift, miles above ground, surrounded by snow covered trees and listening to my theme song for the trip .As I skied, listening to John Mayer's 3x5, nothing could have felt more appropriate as I hummed along: "I'm writing you to get you up on places I've been...hoping I would see the world through both my eyes.../maybe I'll tell you all about it when I'm in the mood to lose my way with words.../ today skies are painted full of colors.../ and strange how clouds that look like mountains in the sky next to mountains anyway.../brought me back to life."
By the end of the trip Brittany, Elizabeth, Olivia, and I got to ski down the intermediate slopes multiple times with no hesitation, and I sit back now and think, when can i do it again someday? Thanks to God's magnificent creation and ever-present help as I shouted a few "Oh God"'s along the way, it is an experience I will never forget.