The Shepherd of Hope blog is here to serve you, to help you know Jesus better and to find hope in Him. This blog relies on the Spirit of God using the word of God to build people of God. All material has been prayerfully submitted for your encouragement and spiritual edification. Your questions and comments are welcome.


Monday, September 20, 2010

Separation of Church and State?

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” – Ephesians 5:15-16


The video at the end of this article depicts events that occurred this year in the Wellesley Public Schools in New England. There is a determined and diligent effort to remove any trace of Christianity from public schools under the premise of separation of church and state. A study of our history reveals the strong, vital, and necessary presence of Christianity permeating our country. Just take a walk through Washington and count the Biblical allusions and quotes. And as far as “separation of church and state” is concerned, this is not an assertion based on our Constitution. It is a phrase found in a letter written by Thomas Jefferson who was reasoning that the state should not establish religion. Our Founding Fathers, wanted freedom of religion not freedom from religion.


In our public schools the false and incorrectly interpreted notion of “separation of church and state” is used to discriminate. Tolerance is the rallying cry of those who have agendas supporting immoral behavior and certain political perspectives. But some things are tolerated more than others. If you have a Christian world view you may not be allowed to graduate.
[1] Christian children and teachers are admonished for bringing their Bibles to school[2] or mentioning the name of Jesus.[3] When Christianity is depicted in school books the good influences, achievements and gospel are neglected. Christianity, when mentioned, rather than being honestly portrayed, is primarily associated with atrocities committed by unbelievers under the banner of “Christianity.” Christianity is portrayed as a religion of violent antisocial buffoons. Christianity is portrayed to be more of a work of the devil than a gracious Holy God.[4]


Why then, as this video depicts, do some schools go out of their way to not only present Islam in a favorable light, but facilitate the exposure of our children to a view of Islam in a positive light? Why are schools so subjectively against Christianity and open to Islam? Watch the video. It will make you think. It should concern you. It is one thing to encourage a dialogue about religion. It is quite another thing to introduce a propagandized and false presentation to impressionable children. As the video comments, our schools and government officials are letting us down. Supporters of Islam are crossing the line to influence our children. People and especially parents need to be vigilant and get involved. This is not right. We need to walk circumspectly viewing everything through the lens of scripture with the discernment of the Spirit. A fool is someone who fails to factor God into their life equation (Psalm 14:1). We need to stop foolishly neglecting our responsibilities to be involved as salt and light in the various areas of life (Mat. 5:13-16). And when it comes to the welfare of impressionable children we need to especially stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves (cf. Mark 10:13-16).


If religion is discussed in schools, then it should be done in an objective and truthful way. Christianity can stand on its own and prove victorious when given a fair consideration with religious alternatives. We should never fear comparisons or dialogues with worldlings, cultists or religionists. We have the truth! We have the light! We have the One TRUE God in Christ as revealed by the Holy Spirit. Jesus said His truth would set the sinner free (John 8:31-32). But when truth is stifled deception is welcomed. Where deception and falsehood are welcomed the devil is at work (John 8:44). Pray about this and follow the leading of the Lord.

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