"[In] the Congressional Records from June 7th through September 25th, 1789 (when they framed the first amendment) the founders explained clearly and succinctly that all they wanted to preclude what they had experienced in Great Britain. They did not want the establishment by the Federal Government of one single domination and the exclusion of all others. There is not going to be, by government decree, one national denomination in America. This is why the wording in the first amendment prevents Congress from the establishment of religion, or in the words proposed by James Madison, the chief architect of the constitution, "the establishment of a national religion."[1]Did you know that the words "Separation of Church and State are NOT FOUND in any American Founding Document?
The First Amendment denied Congress the power of establishing any particular religion or restricting the free exercise of any religion. The people and statesmen who gave us the First Amendment did not want a union of church and state in the sense of a national established church. But neither did they want to divorce Christianity from our national counsels, fundamental law, or laws made pursuant to the Constitution. ...they wanted a separation of church and state without a separation of Christianity and civil government, law or public life.[2]
The Separation of Church and State never meant to separate God from government — Chief Justice Roy Moore, Alabama[3]
"No religious establishment by law exists among us. The conscience is left free from all restraint, and each is permitted to worship his maker after his own judgment. The offices of government are open alike to all. The Mohammedan, if he will come to live among us would have the privilege guaranteed to him by the constitution to worship according to the Koran; and the East Indian might erect a shrine to Brahma if it so pleased him. Such is the spirit of toleration inculcated by our political institutions." — John Tyler, 10th President of the US[4]
I find it amazing that most people don't know the original intent of the Founders...they are probably turning over in their graves of how far we have gotten away from the Judean/Christian principles that guided inspired men to sign their death warrant, as an act of treason, to the Declaration of Independence to be followed by the Constitution of the United States with the First Amendment securing our religious freedom. There is a movement growing that is trying to erradicate religion and God from everything that made this country what it is today. If that day ever comes, may God help us all.
[1] 1992 Video "Separation of Church and State," Wallbuilders, Inc., PO Box 397, Aledo, TX 76008
[2] Reclaiming the Lost Legacy, various authors, Coral ridge Ministries, 2001 (P O Box 555, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302)
[3] Coral Ridge Hour, TV Program, 10/14/2001
[4] "Our 'noble experiment' is being tested," Terry Eastland, Dallas Morning News, 11/5/2001
