These words, by Jefferson, to The Danbury Baptists, were used to demonstrate to them, and confirm, that, Constitutionally, our “Federal” Government was removed, legislatively, from the establishment, and prohibition, of any religion in the United States. Jefferson’s metaphor, not only is nowhere in the Constitution, but even in his letter, the metaphor was never intended to apply to our respective states. He was reassuring the Danbury Baptists that our Federal Government would not, and could not, make any laws that would abridge their religious freedoms.

It is the (Federal Government) Supreme Court, who, nefariously, used Jefferson’s metaphor to lead people to believe that there was no role for even state Governments, in our respective states, in the area of religion.

The Due Process clause of the 14th Amendment, was intended to ‘protect’ our individual rights, in our respective states. In the Everson vs. the Board of Education case, members of the Supreme Court used the case as a way to begin removing some of the state’s and the people’s (First Amendment) religious rights – which, traditionally, would have been a matter for the voters and their state constitutions to address.

Prior to that decision, state and local Governments did have some role, in our respective states, in the area of religion. It was after this Supreme Court decision, that public schools started removing prayer from schools etc. And, this is the same Federal Government that, for the last 30 or so years, many Conservative (likely, well-intended) groups have been working to ‘further empower’ with certain powers that, Constitutionally, have always belonged to, and, should always belong to the states.

Further Reading:
Everson vs. the Board of Education
10th Amendment

Hi Mark, the questions I wanted to ask you are about homosexuality and where we should stand on it as patriots. I really waver on this issue. I know where I stand on it Biblically, but I am unsure politically where to be.

Hi Kori, well, me and you would agree, that, Biblically, homosexuality, according to God, himself, is a sin. So, we both agree, from a Biblical perspective. But, I have also thought of this a lot, as you have – and, as a Christian, I know that my relationship is between myself and God. Not, myself, my fellow citizens and God. My sense of morality comes from my Biblical beliefs – and, not from laws decreed by my Government. Also, I try to never judge anyone, Kori, lest I too want to be judged.

If all men are created equal and endowed by Him with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, then should homosexuals be allowed to do what they wish?

I tend to lean in the yes direction. For example, marriage-licensing, to the best of my knowledge, and from what I have read, was made up by Government; and, instituted in The United States, in the early (please double-check that) 1800s. Therefore, who is the Government to tell any ‘two’ people that you can not have a contract together? In fact, contracts are wholly Constitutional, and should be adjudicated in our court system. So, there again, is this Government ‘legislation’ (or lobby groups) using licensing to social engineer our country, and play morality police?

Should they have the same freedoms we grant to various traditions and religions. Of course, homosexuality is not a religion; though, some do certainly worship the creation rather than the Creator. I just wonder if we ought to let them be?

I don’t believe this is cause for any new religion.

I usually avoid this conversation, in public, since I am not sure where to be on it. This is one instance where I think one way spiritually, and possibly another way politically.

I can understand that Kori! I only, recently, opened up, publicly, in regards to the subject of homosexuality and abortion. As a Christian, myself, I struggle, like you, with these issues. But, I can tell just by your questions on homosexuality, that you also believe in Freedom – I do, as well. I admire the fact that you have the ability to separate your faith from questions of humanity, and Constitutionality. I do believe there is a distinction.

I was a dancer for many years, in the entertainment industry, so you can imagine how many beloved friends I have that are gay. Which is another reason why I don’t touch the subject publicly.

Oh yes!  I am a guitarist. An old friend of mine, who I haven’t seen in years, was gay; but, he rarely talked about it. He was a great solo guitarist, and we wrote several songs together. We had a great musical chemistry; but, he knew that I liked women (ONLY), and talked about them, a lot, to him, back then! Therefore, we had a mutual respect for each other, and he never tried to impose his values on me – and, I never judged anyone any differently because they chose that path.

I don’t justify their behavior and remain solidly on scripture. But I just don’t get involved in the argument. Of course, many of the organizations I follow (CWA, Citizenlink, AFA, FRC,…) have this as one of their top issues.

I do not justify homosexuality either. And, in the few times that gay men have tried hitting on me, I have respectfully asked them to stop. And, told them, while I respect their right to be gay, I am not, and will NEVER be! I have actually shared Biblical scripture with a few gay people who I have gotten to know, and felt comfortable with. I was never, verbally, met with resentment. But, I have gotten the old, ‘God is Love’ speech – and, he loves us all etc. And, my reply is, the Bible is clear – and, they are God’s words.

I understand that the Founders were cool with freedom of pretty much anything as long as it didn’t bring harm to another. Well, my personal opinion is that homosexuality can be destructive to families, children, and loved ones; just as extra-marital sexual activity can be very harmful to individuals (emotionally, healthwise, etc.).

Kori, let’s keep in mind:
The Founders, when writing the Federal Constitution, gave a few, limited, and defined powers to a Federal Government, because these few things were necessary to our Federalist system, and were uniformly needed, and agreed upon, by the states. Therefore, imho, it is really wrong for our Federal Government to go beyond having a mere discussion on any topics of social or Biblical issues. In other words, their opinions, as fellow citizens, are welcome; however, no laws respecting these issues, Federally, should be acceptable. Which, imho, is where some of the Christian and Social Conservative groups, in this country, and mostly starting with the Reagan Admin, have gone a bit awry! And, frankly, angered many people. No party, in the Federal Government, should be making laws in regards to ‘their’ morality. No one on the left, or right! Republicans or Democrats!

Why am I saying this? Well, as you likely know, the Federal Government was created out of necessity; but, the states is where our Liberties were preserved. And, where all laws regarding these things were to be decided. And, there is no doubt that we had a very dominant Christian population, back then; and, many states did create laws based on their Biblical values. So, the bottom-line, really, is, all these things, including gay marriage, must be left to each state, respectively. That would also assure more harmony in our country - instead of the Federal Government trying to nationalize things that were never really meant to be nationalized.

And, from my Christian point of view, I regulate my own behavior according to my Christian beliefs; but, never try to push my beliefs onto others. I can share my beliefs, but, I am not very comfortable with people enforcing their beliefs through the power of law. Therefore, I too can not give a definitive answer, except to say: Let each state decide, respectively. And, while I am not really into pure democracy, perhaps, referendums are valid, in each state, when it comes to social issues. That way, no one can say your Rep, or my Rep, imposed their values; but, rather, each registered voter could directly vote their conscience.

And, clearly, there needs to be some social standards. None of us are looking to have some out of control, free for all, society. But, I do believe, for the most part, that free people should be able to regulate their own lives, according to their own moral code, and religious beliefs. And, like the rest of us, have to live or die with the consequences. If you have shared the word of God, it is up to that person to receive the word, right? If they chose to defy the word of God, our Government, and laws, will be of little consequence when they stand before God, himself. And, as you know, that comes from my (our) Christian belief, system.

In fact, if we extirpated Government from this business of licensing marriage, then the clergy can, and should, decide, if they can marry two people, according to their beliefs.

Do you happen to know: Does marriage come solely from the Christian belief system? If so, and it is clearly defined as a man and a woman, then it is reasonable to leave that definition as part of the Christian tradition, and have civil unions for non-heterosexual marriages. Secularly-speaking, a union is basically a contract between people, or persons, and it is hard to justify any Government inserting itself between that, in our country. Only an independent court system to adjudicate contracts.

I hope that helps to answer your questions – at least somewhat? I really appreciate that you value my opinion, Kori. Thank you, and I value yours, as well.

- Dr. Charles Stanley
140 days- Week 6: Turning the tide

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Please join Dr. Charles Stanley, and fellow Americans, in 140 days of prayer for our great country:

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Below is a table, linking to each verse, for all 20 weeks:

When he said this, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

9 His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10 He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that,  though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’[a]

11″This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

Luke 8:4-8:15 (NIV)

2.He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3.He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4.Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5.Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Amen!

Psalms 23 (KJV)