January 1, 1802, President Thomas Jefferson wrote to the Baptist Association of Danbury, Connecticut. They had written him to congratulate him on his election, and to commend him for protecting religious freedom. At the time the Congregationalist church, under control of the Federalist Party, was the established church in Connecticut.

            In his letter, Jefferson affirmed the right of conscience as an inalienable right. Commenting on the first amendment to the constitution, he said:
 

Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should “make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” thus building a wall of separation between Church & State.
 

            Since that time, Jefferson’s words have been twisted and misapplied. Daniel Driesbach, of American University traces Jefferson’s metaphor in American history. He notes that Jefferson’s metaphor, “wall of separation between Church & State,” would inhibit actions of both the church and the state, while the first amendment toe the constitution is only a restriction on the state—“non-establishment of religion.” The courts have consistently used Jefferson’s metaphor to censor religious expression, contrary to the constitution as well as Jefferson’s original intention (“Origins and Dangers of the ‘Wall of Separation’ Between Church and State,” Imprimis, October 2006).

            “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” (Matthew 5:13). The church as salt and light must have an impact on our world. Use your freedom to speak out for the cause of Christ!

A Wall of Separation

by Bob Prichard

www.oxfordchurchofchrist.com