Freedom to Practice Christianity

As we enter into this week prior to Independence Day on Friday, we can reflect on the guiding principles for the foundation of this nation. The Declaration of Independence and statements of the Founding Fathers show a healthy respect for the practice of religious faith - not as a state religion, but a reflection of a reliance on Almighty God, the God of the Bible. Proverbs 14 states:
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, But what is in the heart of fools is made known.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.
35 The king's favor is toward a wise servant, But his wrath is against him who causes shame.

The promotion of righteousness, which is defined in the pages of the Scriptures, and the practice of Biblical principles makes for a strong nation, according to Proverbs 14. 

Two weeks ago today, a number of religious leaders, including evangelical Christians, gathered at Museum of the Bible in Washington for the first meeting of the Religious Liberty Commission, established as the result of an executive order issued by the President.   According to that order, published on the White House website, the Commission would consist of up to 14 members.  It states:

The Commission shall produce a comprehensive report on the foundations of religious liberty in America, the impact of religious liberty on American society, current threats to domestic religious liberty, strategies to preserve and enhance religious liberty protections for future generations, and programs to increase awareness of and celebrate America’s peaceful religious pluralism.

To assist the work of the Commission, which is chaired by Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, with vice-chair Ben Carson, there are three Advisory Boards: one of Religious Leaders, another of Lay Leaders, and a third of Legal Experts.   

The initial meeting was open to the public. The Daily Citizen reported that "Timothy Goeglein, Focus on the Family’s vice president of external affairs, attended the morning gathering." He stated: “We at Focus on the Family were so honored to be part of this first presidential hearing on religious liberty, and the matrix of scholars, attorneys, public officials, and first amendment experts was a powerful testament to the foundational importance of the right of conscience in the 21st century American public square..." Published reports also showed that members of groups that do not support a robust representation of religion in the public square attended the meeting.  The Daily Citizen article stated:

In a press release lambasting the group’s first meeting, Americans United for Separation of Church State pulled out the tired and baseless bogeyman accusation that the group is comprised of so-called Christian Nationalists.”

The article says that, "Radicals reflexively suggest that any socially conservative Christians involved in politics today are 'Christian Nationalists,' i.e. those whose faith in God is fused with love of country in idolatrous fashion. In reality, Christians should be actively involved in the political arena – and do so in ways that honor God and His Word, and love (not destroy) our fellow man."

The Daily Citizen points out, "Attorney General Pam Bondi joined the meeting and spoke on 'the importance of faith to American success.'"

Among those attending the meeting and serving on the Commission is Kelly Shackelford, President and CEO of First Liberty.  An article on the organization's website noted:

The Commission’s inaugural meeting focused on the foundations of religious liberty from our nation’s founding to the present day, including the Founders’ intent behind the First Amendment’s religious liberty protections, and a discussion of related key U.S. Supreme Court decisions.

The Commission heard testimony from experts around the country. Dr. Mark David Hall—Senior Research Fellow at First Liberty Institute’s Center for Religion, Culture, & Democracy—was among those who testified.

Commissioners and experts discussed the state of religious liberty, including ongoing legal attacks and discrimination against religious Americans.

The article included comments from Shackelford about the meeting on a recent edition of First Liberty Live!:

“During the previous presidential administration, our First Freedom came under attack in ways we had not seen,” Kelly explains.

“Twenty-three Americans were put in prison for praying outside an abortion clinic,” he added. “The Catholic Church was investigated by the FBI as a radical group, and FBI officers actually asked hundreds of priests to join the federal government in their effort against the Church. Easter Sunday was even declared Transgender Visibility Day for the country.”

The First Liberty website also noted:

Kelly notes that the Religious Liberty Commission is evidence of a massive shift in favor of religious freedom in America. He says this is an opportunity fully reclaim our First Amendment rights and to fully reestablish religious freedom as our First Freedom.

According to the White House site, other Commission members include Ryan Anderson, Franklin Graham, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, and Phil McGraw.  Advisory Board members include:  Jentezen Franklin, Jack Graham, Mark David Hall, Alveda King, and Kristen Waggoner.

In light of the contempt for the freedom of religion enshrined in the First Amendment, this is a positive step - not indicating government establishment of religion, but allowing, in the words of the Bill of Rights, the free exercise thereof.  When you see people of faith, including Christians, who routinely face hostility simply because they desire to speak out or act out that faith, it shows some restoration is necessary. 

It's telling that organizations such as Americans United and the Freedom from Religion Foundation single out religious speech as not having a place in public discourse.  This is far from what our Founders intended.  We should not allow ourselves to become intimidated in the expression of our Christian faith. And, we should always recognize that we are citizens of a heavenly kingdom and are citizens of earthly institutions, in submission to governments of this world.  It is right, it is appropriate to love our country, but we should always love God more.