THOMAS J. MCCORKELL, San Clemente
For the record, we are a Christian nation founded on Christian principles. Let me explain.
The original intent was to create a nation that acknowledged our Creator, without a state-run religion.
Here is a testimony of John Adams: “The general principles upon which the founders achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. They are eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.”
The phrase “Separation of Church and State” is not found in our Constitution or Bill of Rights. Where did it come from? Thomas Jefferson writing to the Danbury, Connecticut Baptists assured them the government would not elevate one denomination over another.
There would always be a separation of Church and State. They did not want the state to be head of the church. The Pilgrims came here to avoid a king and head of church.
For 140 years, the Supreme Court affirmed that we are a nation built on Christian values. Read Justice Joseph Story’s commentary on the First Amendment: “This is a Christian Nation and this First Amendment was written to exclude rivalry between denominations.”
So, what happened? The first time the Supreme Court mentioned the Separation of Church and State was in 1947. Read about Justice Hugo Black, his background and decision to erect a “high and impregnable” wall of separation.
Deviating from past decisions, Justice Black took Jefferson’s words and added his own opinion. The courts have succeeded to build that wall higher and higher.
For some of us, it is exciting to think we can manage ourselves, that we don’t need God to help us. Some of us know that God is good, and we want His hand on our life and our country. But we also know He gives us the freedom to choose. Choose wisely.
