Did the Founding Fathers intend that religion and its expression should be limited? Was it the intent of the First Amendment to separate the practice of religion from government, schools, and those who oppose its expression?
When people who are not religious or don’t believe in God, want those who do, to stop expressing or living their faith, what they are really saying is “I am intolerant.” The Founding Fathers understanding this, constructed the First Amendment to define religion in America as; the freedom to practice religion in every venue of American life: government, schools, in public, and in private.
The First Amendment was not written to restrict religion, but government from restricting the free exercise of religion everywhere.
For this reason, the first Amendment prohibits government from establishing a state religion, and frees citizens to worship or not worship, according to the dictates of their own conscience. The word “wall,” does not appear in the first amendment. This term was added by those who want to restrict religion and limit its practice, in opposition to the intent of the First Amendment.
Amendment I
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech…”
Cornell School Of Law, Defines The First Amendment As Follows:
“The First Amendment guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition. It forbids Congress from both promoting one religion over others and also restricting an individual’s religious practices. It guarantees freedom of expression by prohibiting Congress from restricting the press or the rights of individuals to speak freely.“
Recently, the wife of vice president Pence came under fire for her decision to work at a private Christian school where she had formerly been employed. A firestorm of opposition ensued by those who think that government workers are prohibited by the Constitution from working at a Christian school. The following are a few of the Tweets that were posted not long after the vice president’s wife made her intentions known.
Do Christians Have A Constitutional Right To Oppose Sexual Sin?
One of the primary objections from those above who posted these Tweets, was their objection to the contract that a majority of Christian schools require their employees to sign as a part of the terms for their employment.
Immanuel Christian School, is a private K-8 school in Springfield, Va., outside of Washington D.C. Vice President Pence’s wife, Karen, has accepted a part-time job as a teacher of art. As a part of the terms for her employment, Karen Pence was required to affirm certain standards for her life.
One of these pledges is to “live a personal life of moral purity.” Other statements for affirmation are:
“I understand that the term ‘marriage’ has only one meaning; the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive covenant union as delineated in Scripture,” the section says, saying that God intended sexual acts to occur only between “a man and a woman who are married to each other.”
“Moral misconduct which violates the bona fide occupational qualifications for employees includes, but is not limited to, such behaviors as the following: heterosexual activity outside of marriage (e.g., premarital sex, cohabitation, extramarital sex), homosexual or lesbian sexual activity, polygamy, transgender identity, any other violation of the unique roles of male and female, sexual harassment, use or viewing of pornographic material or websites, and sexual abuse or improprieties toward minors as defined by Scripture and federal or state law.”
A professor of law and religion at George Washington Law School, Robert W. Tuttle, stated that the school’s language on sexuality “was typical of conservative Christian institutions, and was not surprised by Pence’s school choice, which he said was well within her rights.”
Those who write their opinions as facts, are often unaware that their statements about the practice of religion in America are not correct, and if upheld, would be a violation of the First Amendment.
It is important for all Americans to be tolerant of those to whom they may not agree with, nor the moral standards that they affirm. It is also important to understand that Christians sincerely believe that the words of scripture are their guiding influence, as set forth by God, and to uphold and live by these standards are a part of the freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States.
When Christians speak against adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, or transgenderism, we are not condemning the persons who practice these things, only the practices themselves which God prohibits. It is not required that anyone understand why a person practices their religion in a certain manner, only that they have the right to do so, according to American law.
Christians should also respect the rights of those who do not believe in God, nor choose to practice religion. It is time for all Americans to be tolerant of the personal views of others—without a confrontation, or causing violence or harm to another person.
A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. ~2 Timothy 2:24-25 (NLT)
Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. ~Romans 12:16-19 (NLT)
When America Abandons God: The Signs And The Consequences
The Words of 52 Christian Men Who Founded the United States of America
The Sovereignty Of God In American Politics
Returning Moral Clarity To American Life
Prayer For America: For Such A Time As This
America’s Spiritual Heritage
Categories: First Amendment, Freedom of Religion, Gay Marriage and Same-Sex, Robert Clifton Robinson, Sexual Immorality, The Founding Fathers, The Founding of America, The U.S. Constitution, Wall of Separation
Robert Clifton Robinson 
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