Sadly, we have a history of religious persecution and execution here in the US, dating back to the colonies: one branch of Christianity believing it has “The Truth” and expelling all others, sometimes violently.
If you want to know more about this, I highly recommend the book, Liberty of Conscience: Roger Williams in America, by Edwin S. Gaustad.
The Founding Fathers were obviously aware of this, as we were many colonies from various religious groups.
(And, as you already know from your elementary history classes, some with no faith at all. I’m sure you also remember the persecution they were fleeing, which changed depending on who was in power.)
Our history is way more complex and diverse than we sometimes reduce it to. But one thing that is clear is that – very intentionally – no religion was given power over all the others, or over the country at large, evidenced by the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the Constitution.
Please consider that the Establishment Clause is not limited to overtly naming a religion or denomination as the religion of the county. It is also the case that providing power, a voice, and funding to one specific religious group, while vilifying and negating the validity of others leans heavily toward establishing a State religion and opens the door to prohibiting the free exercise of religion for all.
My heart is heavy with concerns. I never imagined the words of Jesus would become too woke for a church service, while some preachers in the pulpit would openly adore and preach the president as America’s savior.
Don’t believe me? A quick search online will provide examples of pro- MAGA messages.
The worship service at the President’s Liberty Ball where a portrait of the president is paraded around the stage like a golden calf should at least cause those who claim to love and follow Jesus to pause in contemplation.
At least, I found it concerning.
My liberty of conscience tugs me in a different direction and I will lean into that.
GUEST POST BY WENDY GILES
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The newest book from Keith Giles, “The Quantum Sayings of Jesus: Decoding the Lost Gospel of Thomas” is available now on Amazon. Order HERE>
Keith Giles is the best-selling author of the Jesus Un series. He has appeared on CNN, USA Today, BuzzFeed, and John Fugelsang’s “Tell Me Everything.”
He co-hosts The Heretic Happy Hour Podcast and his solo podcast, Second Cup With Keith which are both available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple, Podbean or wherever you find great podcasts.
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