BWA6067@TAMAGEN (02/09/90)
Reid: Let me see if I understand your position correctly. If I'm reading you right, you are saying that some Christians who invoke the argument of the "established-by-judicial-precedent- but-not-by-the-original-document" separation of church and state are putting the Constitution (or other judicial authority) above the Scriptures and above Jesus. At the same time, I also saw that you acknowledge the truth of Romans 13, about submitting to the governing authorities. This may have simplified your statement too much, but I think it's at least fairly accurate. If not, please correct me. Assuming that it is, let me respond briefly in mild disagreement. I cannot speak for anyone but myself, but it is not necessary in my mind to say that to respect established judicial precedent in matters of school prayer and related issues is *not* tantamount to elevating that power over Jesus' authority over our lives. The only time that can occur is when we are denying an explicit commandment of Jesus in order to preserve "separation." Are we commanded to sit in front of abortion clinics to save innocent lives? Are we commanded to force a secular, science-based public school system to perform acts of faith, such as public prayer? Or to accept an account of the origin of the universe that is primarily based upon faith? Only insofar as we extend the application of the commandment, "whoever knows what good he ought to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin." One has to be very liberal with the interpretation and application of that passage, in my opinion, and has to lift it somewhat out of context, in order to say that it requires that we suspend Romans 13. True faith is a result of freedom to choose that faith. What function is served by forcing millions of little kids to bow their heads in the morning before school? Well, there are many similar questions that could be asked. Furthermore, there are many plausible Christian approaches to them. But if God truly wants us to make faithful disciples out of one another, we must admit that His plan does not include legislative or judicial coercion. I hope this has not been perceived as a flame. I have great respect for the attitude that Reid shows in his post on this subject, and I am glad he posted it. queue ball