Correction

CORRECTION

Recently a gentleman insisted that the Constitution separated the Church from the State. That is absolutely incorrect. In fact, the U.S.A. Constitution protects religion. It is the Communist Manifesto that separated the two and outlaws religion, particularly Christianity. It is unfortunate that some religious groups endorse the separation between Church and State. I too belong to such a denomination. The Marxist dogma has influenced the Church and our present government. The truth is, we are wrong. Let us look at some Biblical references.

First, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s” (Mark 12:17). It is not separation but interdependence. We find the answer in John 19:11. To Pilate’s claim of authority Jesus replied, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” To Paul the second authority to Christians held that the secular authorities were instituted by divine decree as servants of God to administer justice. Even if we had no Biblical Mandate, conscience dictates that we obey the State and take our punishment for having violated God’s laws (Romans 13:1-6). It was tragic that the leaders in Jesus’ day had circumvented God’s laws and Jesus too had to defy their decisions (Matthew 15:3-6).

Second, there is a remarkable statement in Judges 7:20, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon.” In the Bible, the sword is God’s gift to the authorities to maintain law and order and to remove those that commit capital crimes. But did not Jesus advocate mercy? He did for those that are merciful (Matthew 5:7); but for those that live by the sword they shall die by it (Matthew 26:52). We have been misled by the characterization of Jesus as being passive, timid and submissive. This is what He said concerning his coming, “Do not get the idea that I have come to bring peace on earth; no, I have not come to bring peace but the sword” (Matthew 10:34; Greek)! The truth will cause divisions and strife and the truth-holders have the right to defend themselves. To Jesus, the truth was worth defending and dying for.

Jesus also said, “No one can serve two masters” (Mt.6: 24). Such a service breaks the bank and our backs.