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My research and paper are not yet complete, but already I am coming to my own conclusions in this area.

The abridged version of my opinion is simply this: The founders of the United States set up a civic democracy, not a religious theocracy. Most of these men practiced differing degrees of the Christian faith, but they were very worldly wise.

This civic democracy was not void of religious Christian thought, but it was not designed as a way to ensure the longevity of Christianity itself. Many of the founders did believe that without the tenets of the Christian faith indwelled among the citizens, that this form of government could not endure.

However, they believe heavily upon acts of faith and devotion of the people to remain devout to their spiritual calling. Without this devotion they knew faith would flounder and eventually the government they designed would fall with it.

Liberty can only be exercised when it is free to be performed and exercised. When a government entity begins to dictate actions, beliefs and morals, liberty is extinguished. The founding fathers surely hoped that liberty would expand and religious freedom would endure.

It is evident throughout our history that the more citizens that fought to entwine the laws of this nation with religious rhetoric, the hands of power sought to control it. This spiral of laws and litigation has continued and is proof that the more religious dogma that placed in the hands of a civic government, the less liberty exists in the exercise of religion.

Jesus himself spoke upon this very principal when the Pharisees attempted to drag him into politics. His answer was brief and simple:

Mark 12: 13-17

13 And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk. 14 And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” 15 But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” 16 And they brought one. And he said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar’s.” 17 Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him.

It is my growing conclusion that if anyone of religious and spiritual character desires to see those around them filled with the same spirit, it is not bills, laws, regulations and legislation through which this will be acheived.

There are indeed moral issues at stake in our land, but grace is given as a gift of the Father, not of the Congress. In order to establish Christian grace, love and purity, the followers of Jesus Christ must take up His cross daily and teach about His love and liberty to their neighbors.

The heart of God cannot come from the top down, it must come from the bottom to the top.