Religion and Politics Don’t Mix – A Modern Fairy Tale

by Rev M Bresciani⁽¹⁾
Rev Michael Bresciani

America is a land of many contradictions possibly born out of her love for freedom. Some are comical while others are harmful. Most go completely un-noticed because they are often voiced and repeated but rarely ever examined or scrutinized. One of the top falsehoods that have become common wisdom is that ‘ religion and politics don’t mix.’ Why is this not true?

The first mention or allusion to ‘the separation of powers’ or as we now say, ‘the separation of church and state’ is also its best definition. “Jesus answering said unto them, render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.” (Mk 12:17) This definition clearly says we can deal seriously with both but the two are not mutually exclusive.

Ecclesiastical and civil powers are not ever supposed to enter a marriage but they have and always will have an ongoing relationship until the last day of time. But on the subject of a marriage between them we have a case today born between the admonitions of the Wisdom of Solomon that says “there is no new thing under the sun.” (Ecc 1:9) and mans unfaltering proclivity to forget the past and repeat his worst behavior.

The last time the powers married was during the Dark Ages. Beliefs that skirted outside of church doctrine had to be prosecuted and punished because ecclesiastical powers were also the civil authority. Doctrine wrong; you must be punished. Not only did this make a terrible marriage but scientific inquiry, political growth and life itself were constantly suppressed and severely stifled.

You would think we would have learned the lesson. Now that the world view is largely secular we are once again repeating the past. If you hold a creation view of man you may lose all credibility and perhaps even your livelihood. You must now submit your children to a compulsory secular education for not less than 12 years which now teaches revisionist history that ignores, denies or argues against the fact that America and Europe were founded on Biblical and Christian principles. It’s a new dark ages with the so called ‘ enlightened ones’ at the helm of the repression.

The hypocrisy becomes even viler when what’s offered to placate the repressed is a call to tolerance and diversity in the new PC polished public dialogue. It’s a sort of ‘let’s lump so we don’t bump’ approach that reeks of repression but with a candy coating for those who accept PC props as a substitute for true wisdom, free speech or real scientific inquiry.

With the help of secular academicians and organizations like the ACLU, religion, biblical principles and all allusion to them is regarded as extraneous if not outright foolishness. It has become stylish to belittle the faithful and berate the preachers, prophets and biblical scholars that were once held in high regard. Its now vogue to be rogue and stand alone in ones own self assurance, raised up and well taught in the ways of the world, not easily moved.

We are taught to live at our peak but never be meek, we’re the bold prodigal standing alone as hunger draws the skin to the bone, bellowing and boasting through teeth and tusks but not far from eating the husks, pride circles the heart until we incline to join with the stranger, and dine with the swine. (Lk 15:11f)

We would rather not see ourselves as prodigals but more as prodigies spawned of our highly touted enlightenment. We have been spinning the idea of lightning hitting the primordial ooze so long now that it is simply un-cool to entertain the idea of divine light touching the heart and thereby healing the muddled world view that makes up the encroaching reprobation of our minds.

The brightest minds are taken with tinsel towns x-rated view of America and now our legislators want to green light hundreds of deviant behaviors’ so we can enjoy the full spectrum. We are urged not to waste time pondering the fine line between laxity and licentiousness, the glutton and the gourmet, suggestion and indoctrination. We are so busy handing out awards and recognition to Hollywood’s haloed hacks and celebrities that we haven’t noticed that the great imaginary rocket ship we are beckoned to board is not pointing to the stars but is aimed directly toward the ground.

Along come the social tinkerers to the Congress and White House with promises of ‘change’ and renewed prosperity and a much better deal than ever offered before. It’s a sugar daddy government that mocks the tradition of hard work, self reliance and entrepreneurial pursuit all the while they spend millions on ad campaigns to assure us that the tinkering will result in better America, a changed America. Who needs to check the authority, the efficacy, the cost or the practicality of the proposed changes when the ads are assuring us that “it is time.” Is there ever a time to turn our backs on the hard won lessons learned in our past?

We are busy denying our past and actively disconnecting our nation from the great eternal power source our founders told us we should use as our only source. Now, we are running on battery power. We are connected to the two posts, Tinsel Town on the left coast and Tinker Town on the east; but this battery is running low.

Lights are dimming in the drain of power and a flickering and twisted reading of the gauges in the great democratic engine are misleading the nation to believe it can go streaming down the road this way for many more miles to come. The gages are instilling us with a false and twisted comfort but they are wrong.

Twisted comfort is derived from twisted truth. Is it the Godly who are foolish? David the ancient psalmist, prophet and king says oh contraire; “The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God.” (Ps 14:1)

As truth loses its premium fewer Americans will notice that in the bare knuckles contest between religion and culture, religion will always lose. But in the contest between a political answer and prophetic utterance, politics will always lose. There is no battle between ideology and theology; there is no contest.

Prophecy is not a view point, a bit of social tinkering or the shifting tide of public opinion. Prophecy is pre-written history. But if a nation can blithely ignore the vision of its founders; will it be likely to heed those who foresee its demise or those who are urging its citizens to take stock and return to the faith of their Fathers?

The correlation between faith in God and involvement in civil discourse, politics and government is as old as civilization and when it is finally severed it spells the doom of civilization. In ancient times the prophet and the king interacted for the benefit of a nation. Now we sit pixilated by presidents, pundits, professors and secular prognosticators who tell us we are surely on the right path, without those troublesome allusions to accountability or an Almighty God.

When the final world ruler known as the antichrist successfully crushes all religions and the practice of them it will not result in the imaginary euphoric world of John Lennon’s world with no religions. It will result in the battle of Armageddon and the re-entrance of the Lord Jesus Christ into the affairs and governments of men.

The description of his entrance betrays any notion they he returns in meekness to negotiate with rulers for a more loving and better way to have a world. Scripture says the meek and lowly Jesus will rule 1,000 years before eternity actually begins, but with a rod of iron. “And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” (Rev 19:15)

C.S. Lewis said “Reality, in fact, is always something you couldn’t have guessed. That’s one of the reasons I believe Christianity. It’s a religion you couldn’t have guessed.”

Who would guess that in the end it won’t be democracy, communism, socialism, fascism or any ‘ism’ at all that wins out. World government will once again revert to a monarchy. The confusion of misrule and civilizations failed attempts at world government will be remedied not just by having a new ruler but by one who is divinely appointed. There will be no war, hunger, sickness or death. And in case you missed the point, civil and ecclesiastical powers will finally be married once and for all, a marriage made in heaven.

In the interim don’t delude yourself, religion; religious figures and Christ himself have always had to play an interactive part with civil and political powers. The interweaving of both is the only hope of keeping a bland and often tasteless world from the mediocrity of living in a salt less if not hopeless society.

Civil and religious figures will go on in peace or conflict with each other until one is not tolerated and that is what precipitates the final fall of man. Until then Moses will have his Pharaoh, Elijah his Ahab, Jesus his Pilate, Paul his King Agrippa and Nero, and the last days believers their antichrist to deal with.

As long as discourse is alive and morality is tweaked by mans refusal to leave God out of the civil and political equation there will be hope. The path mankind is choosing today will most assuredly end in a brief period of deep and pervasive darkness for the world that culminates in the dawning of the eternal morning star.

“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.” (Rev 1:7)

“I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” (Rev 22:16)

http://www.americanprophet.org is the place for news, articles, movie and book reviews and other insights for life. Rev Bresciani is a columnist for online and print publications and has over two million readers and counting.

Article submitted Tuesday, August 18, 2009 & read 344 times.

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» left by Anonymous (2 years 265 days ago.)

"What influence, in fact, have ecclesiastical establishments had on society? In some instances they have been seen to erect a spiritual tyranny on the ruins of the civil authority; on many instances they have been seen upholding the thrones of political tyranny; in no instance have they been the guardians of the liberties of the people. Rulers who wish to subvert the public liberty may have found an established clergy convenient auxiliaries. A just government, instituted to secure and perpetuate it, needs them not."

"Experience witnesseth that ecclesiastical establishments, instead of maintaining the purity and efficacy of religion, have had a contrary operation. During almost fifteen centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What has been its fruits? More or less, in all places, pride and indolence in the clergy; ignorance and servility in the laity; in both, superstition, bigotry and persecution."

-James Madison, "A Memorial and Remonstrance", 1785

I think these words of one of our Founding Fathers and our 4th President are just as pertinent today as they were then. Especially that last sentence as it seems to be making headlines constantly these day. Apparently the fact that religion and politics don't mix isn't just a recent notion.

» left by Rev Michael Bresciani (2 years 265 days ago.)

Anon,

You seem to have mis-read some of my meaning at least.

The church had its one chance to handle civil power which failed. I said nothing in the article in defference to many Catholic people who I did not want to take offence.

If during the time when the Church did have civil authority it had been guided by the scriptures the outcome would have been quite different. In fact it was about a one thosand year period in which the Papacy worked hard to keep the scriptures away from the common man. I think thats why it is called "the dark ages."

What happened in America and has worked now for well over 230 years shows that when Christian principles and scriptural guides are used to form laws, temper rulers and help the population to gather a reasonable picture of what is and what is not moral or Christlike, it goes pretty well.

In recent years these guides have been abandoned and the result is obvious. We are on a downslide that is all but nearing the end of the nation.

I might also add that in any time from the days of Christ and on their have always been those who strongly oppose Christianity and the use of Christian principles. Quoting one of them does hardly a quorum make. Jesus sid it better, he said "you will know them by their fruits" an angry dissenter or two is not a fruit but almost two and a half centuries of gaing standing, freedom, economic wealth and many other good things as a nation is the fruit.

Rev MB

» left by Anonymous (2 years 265 days ago.)

I think you know what I mean, Reverend.

Madison was referring to more than just the Catholic church. By his time there had been numerous attempts at mixing religion and politics, and all of the outcomes were tragic at best.

The fact is that this country's Founding Fathers had an acute sense of the evil that had been done in the name of mixing religion with politics. Sure they founded this country using moral and sometimes christian principals, but they specifically made sure that our constitution gave no favoritism to christianity nor any other religion.

Thomas Jefferson said:
"Millions of innocent men, women and children, since the introduction of Christianity, have been burnt, tortured, fined, imprisoned; yet we have not advanced an inch towards uniformity. What has been the effect of coercion? To make one half the world fools, and the other half hypocrites. To support roguery and error all over the earth."
- "Notes on Virginia"

And Benjamin Franklin said:
"If we look back into history for the character of the present sects in Christianity, we shall find few that have not in their turns been persecutors, and complainers of persecution. The primitive Christians thought persecution extremely wrong in the Pagans, but practiced it on one another. The first Protestants of the Church of England blamed persecution in the Romish Church, but practiced it upon the Puritans. They found it wrong in Bishops, but fell into the practice themselves both here (England) and in New England."

And then there's Thomas Paine:
"All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit."

I believe that returning to the religion of our Founding Fathers would indeed include a keen sense that mixing religion with politics would result in an utterly evil outcome.

The point of my original comment is to highlight that even today, the words of our Founding Fathers ring true: Religion and politics do not mix.

What have we seen of late other than the christians of this nation lay down the cross in exchange for the carnal weapons of this world? If only christians would live like Christ instead of trying to force their "superstition, bigotry and persecution" on others? (As Madison refers to it.)

» left by Rev Michael Bresciani (2 years 264 days ago.)

Anon,

You chose to quote the following.

And Benjamin Franklin said:

"If we look back into history for the character of the present sects in Christianity, we shall find few that have not in their turns been persecutors, and complainers of persecution. The primitive Christians thought persecution extremely wrong in the Pagans, but practiced it on one another. The first Protestants of the Church of England blamed persecution in the Romish Church, but practiced it upon the Puritans. They found it wrong in Bishops, but fell into the practice themselves both here (England) and in New England."

For reasons we both know Ben Franklin will not ever be the best example of a person moved by New Testament Christianity of the Royal Law of the Scriptures which is to Love God with all the heart and our neighbors as ourselves. But he along with many new believers escaping the horrors of the dark ages tyranny and the insanity of the inquisition were but fledglings.

They were growing and learning along side the rest of civilization. The word of God and the Royal Law had just been released so to speak.

The idea of loving our neighbors above ourselves and even our enemies was new to a society that thought Gods best was kept in the secret annuls and depositories of the papacy and was to be let out by the initiated and well indoctrinated. What came forth from it prior to the release of the gospel for the common man was pure religion, not pure love.

Ceremony, indulgences, et al don’t have much to do with the Royal Law, not then or now. Religion may be the poorest choice of words but it is easier for those in a secular world to understand. The mix that works is the Love of God and man with all civil advances for the health, welfare, education and social advancement of everyone in a nation. No one guided by love is going to injure his neighbors or fellow citizens.

As Christianity grew in America so did other areas of governance and scientific inquiry not to mention patriotism. Civilization likes to credit itself with growing up or more accurately growing out of things like, repressive government, barbarism, ignorance etc. but it does not allow itself to see Christianity growing as the scripture were freed from the dark back rooms of old cathedrals where the hand scribed versions were both chained and off limits even to all but a few priests of the papacy.

Along came men like Martin Luther who after viewing but a few pages of writ was willing to put his life and future against the entire power of the papacy to proclaim the freedom the scriptures declared belonged to every man, from tyranny as well as bondage to personal sin.

The list of reformers is too many for this space but lets pop ahead to just one (Tyndale) who was burned at the stake for finally putting the Latinist autographs into English for everyman to read. Not long after that Europeans began seeking both freedoms from the oppression of the religious extremes of the Roman church and were not content to live amidst their detractors and persecutors. Thus the first steps toward the new land. They were forming a new country just as surely as a woman grows a child in the womb.

Some excesses did occur among the new arrivals but let’s not overstate it. Eventually, as they advanced together these things were discontinued. Yet, the nations and the civilization they left behind were still moving nowhere in its own dark mix of civil tyranny and religious error.

Those nations had yet to see their share of despots even after largely shedding the full weight of the papacies interventional fiasco with civil rule. Under Britain’s King James the first sign of new freedom was seen. Perhaps England did not learn fast enough after casting of her Roman taskmaster and a whole new breed, a new land and a new start were the only answer. We know the rest of the story. Or do we?

If we are too selective we may tell the story with extreme naiveté, and it will sound like the smooth fairy tale of tyranny, handsome princes and living happily ever after. If we tell the story with extreme prejudice we will make something or someone the dragon (in this case Christianity) and proceed to slay it one blow at a time. Like the swipe you used to start your reply with from Ben Franklin.

While fledgling Christianity grew and flourished in America Europe was yet to see its wars and power shifts and the likes of Bonaparte, Franco, Mussolini, Hitler and others. Where Christianity was all but banned, came others like Mao, Pol Pot, the Emperor of Japan, Joseph Stalin et al. Here is where we see the slaughter not of thousands or even of tens of thousands but millions upon millions. Where the character changing aspects of the gospel were not mixed into the fabric of society it dissimulated into tyranny and disregard for life not just the dunking of a few Puritans.

America had its own Civil war but even that speaks of something different. In fact it may be the only war in world history that was fought over a moral principle. I am among those willing to say that part of that principle was based on the equality of all men and the call to love that is found only in the Bible. Slavery certainly does not fulfill the Royal Law of scripture and I would add to my assessment that if the laws of God had not been allowed to reflect against the laws of our land we may be involved in slavery to this day.

You offered this as a conclusion… “The point of my original comment is to highlight that even today, the words of our Founding Fathers ring true: Religion and politics do not mix.” And “What have we seen of late other than the Christians of this nation lay down the cross in exchange for the carnal weapons of this world? If only Christians would live like Christ instead of trying to force their "superstition, bigotry and persecution" on others?” (As Madison refers to it.)

Take careful note of the fact that from the ancient Roman Coliseum to the present day persecution of Christians in Egypt, Pakistan, India, Russia, Columbia and many Muslim countries Christians are yet being held, tortured and killed. Where is the force of superstition, bigotry and persecution to be found here except in Godless secularisms brutality and indifference, God forbid we mix some Christian love into those governments, regimes and dictatorships?

“Superstition?” We can put a man in jail for life with only one witness to a crime. But we choose not to believe the record of twelve decent men who spoke of and wrote of the miracles, the extraordinary life and the resurrection of the Savior. But even if we don’t believe that, an entire nation saw these things. This is no Area 51 conspiracy or the reported sightings of the Yeti; this is part of history and a very long way from anything that even vaguely resembles a mere “superstitution.” I hear echoes of Luke 16:31 here in the answer Jesus gave to those who wanted to be sure with a sign instead of a mere superstition, “And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”

Lets me say as respectfully as I can, we both well know that reams of quotes could be used in the argument to the contrary. And there would have to be a separate place just to list them or this blog would be inundating with them. I won’t resort to a preponderance of material to either make an argument or attempt to smother yours. But I will conclude with a few quotes I have carefully selected.

"Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that National morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.” George Washington

Benjamin Franklin in a pamphlet for Europeans titled "Information to Those Who Would Remove to America," 1754. "Atheism is unknown there; Infidelity rare and secret; so that persons may live to a great age in that country without having their piety shocked by meeting with either an Atheist or an Infidel. And the Divine Being seems...pleased to favor the whole country."

“To the distinguished character of patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.” George Washington

Patrick Henry -”It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here."

"The greatest glory of the American Revolution was this: It connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity." John Quincy Adams

Heretofore I have been speaking as a blogger let me now take a short excursion into the calling I was assigned as a messenger or prophet of the Lord Jesus Christ and with no uncertainty let me say this. To the degree that we extricate Christian principles, scriptural guides and the clearest teachings of the Lord from the fabric of our society we will see our demise in equal and direct proportion to that apostasy.

We have already begun a trek into the slaughter of the innocent unborn and are presently considering the idea of assisted suicide as being offered in the Obama health care proposals. These ideas, inclinations and life threatening ideas are coming from a Godless socialistic ideology not from adherence to Christian principles.

When Biblical principles, cease to mix with our law making as a moral guide we will all live in the result or outcome of that chosen direction. Already it seems more each day to be pointing to Armageddon, and death and hell itself. It is only a mix not a marriage I am espousing because up to now it has historically worked out well to create what has been the greatest nation in world history. What follows after this is a subject for another time.

Rev Michael Bresciani

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