Separation of Church and State - Part 6

This is the sixth part of a long essay I wrote on the Separation of Church and State.

6. The Identity of the United States and Christianity is intimately connected

Also, the Identity of the United States and Christianity is intimately connected. The United States was founded by people who were influenced by Protestantism and democratic principles. Whether or not the majority of Americans believed in Christianity or went to church, the values and principles of the people who crossed the Atlantic and founded America were based on Christianity. Even Montesquieu, who dealt much with politics, but didn’t touch on the importance of religion, stated that Protestantism was appropriate for a republic, Catholicism was appropriate for monarchism, and Islam was appropriate for despotism. We can only conclude that even people who regard religion insignificantly saw the importance of Christianity in the rise of modern Democracy. Today, there are great efforts to get rid of all traces of Christianity by banning prayer sessions, Bible sessions, chapel sessions and religious symbols such as the cross and the Ten Commandments in public. If all elements of Christianity are removed from America, democratic America will not be able to function socially or politically. It will be doing away with the essence of America.

For example, the separation of powers and the system of checks and balances in America is based upon the idea that humans are inherently evil. It is a system made so that it would be possible for inherently evil humans to govern in a good way, which is the complete opposite of humanism which currently controls the whole of Europe. Humanists believe that humans are naturally good, but it is society that corrupts every human being. Thus, if we were to follow the humanist philosophy, there wouldn’t be any checks and balances, but people would place a conscious, good, capable, trustworthy, and untainted leader in power. The people would then defer their rights and power to this reliable leader and focus on their daily lives. However, this is not the reality in the leading countries today. Although they advocate humanism, believing that all humans are created equal, these leading countries are being run based on the teaching of the Bible that all humans are naturally evil (The foundation of these leading countries were formed long ago when all of Europe was Christian). Thus, the idea of separation of powers didn’t emerge from humanism but from Christianity which had been the backbone for the leading powers today. Eliminating Christianity completely will more than likely pave the way for a despot to emerge.

Likewise, freedom of religion and freedom of speech are based on Christian principles. A look at history quickly confirms this fact. How many non-Christian countries are there that allow freedom of speech or freedom of religion? The truth is there aren’t many. Although science and technology is rapidly advancing in this modern world, there are still many countries that persecute Christians and block its influence. Do any of those countries have freedom of religion or freedom of speech? Freedom of religion and freedom of speech is only possible under the teachings of Jesus who healed abandoned lepers, listened to adulterers and readily accepted children. Religions like Islam do not allow freedom. However, in a Christian church, members can express their opinions freely to church leaders. The fact that where Christianity is founded, Democracy is founded is not a coincidence. Democracy, freedom of speech, and freedom of press is possible in America because of the Christian foundation of the founders of America. The American press for instance is able to criticize the government without fearing anything. We need to realize and acknowledge the benefits that we gain from Christianity. Majority rule also can very well turn into selfish oppression without Christianity.

For Democracy to work properly, the majority must know to consider the rights of the minority. Victimizing the minority in favor of the majority is not Democracy. For example, Japan’s government is based on democracy, but there are many people in Japan who don’t have the benefits that a Democratic country offers. The majority of Japanese sometimes victimize the minority and unite together, making an exclusive group and creating a sense of superiority. However, in America, the majority takes care of the minority and gives them rights. The difference between America and Japan is the religion. In America, most people believe in Christianity while in Japan, the majority believe in Shintoism or Buddhism. For the idea of majority rule to work, the mindset of the people is important, and it is religion that shapes this mindset. Religion also plays a big role in welfare and human rights. While the Islamic religion advocates good deeds such as helping the poor, they don’t treat their women as human beings, not giving them basic rights, and ignoring them. They persecute Christians who advocate kindness and mercy, considering them their enemies. On the other hand, why is America taking pains to make sure welfare benefits go to the minority and the less fortunate? Why does America give special attention to women’s rights and the comfort of the handicapped? Why is America providing such a complete freedom of religion for its people? This is not because the American people are naturally kinder than others. The answer can only be found in the Christian mindset of American people. They are following the example of Christ who helped and respected the oppressed and loved even the people who hated him, and are thus accepting the responsibility of helping the people more unfortunate than them. Therefore, American politics and Christianity have an inseparable relationship. If we remove Christianity from American politics, the very nature of America will change.