By Stephen McDowell Many Americans use Jefferson’s phrase, “a wall of separation between Church and State,” to describe what they believe the Constitution prescribes for the relationship of religion and civil government. Recent authors’ have aptly pointed out how many today misapply or do not understand the “wall” metaphor — how it has been [...]
By Stephen McDowell In the last Providential Perspective, we presented some information on ‘’Election Day in Early America.’’ This Perspective contains excerpts dealing with qualifications for elected officials from two election sermons from the early years of independent America. In addition to learning various characteristics that our present-day officials should have, it is of interest [...]
By Stephen McDowell It is very important who we choose to govern us. When the righteous rule the people will rejoice, but when the wicked govern they will groan (Proverbs 29:2). Life is like a beautiful day when those who fear God rule, as 2 Samuel 23:3-4 states: The God of Israel said, the Rock [...]
by David J. Vaughan The debate over the relationship of church and state in America hinges on the interpretation of the establishment clause of the First Amendment. That clause reads: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof....." There are two differing interpretive methodologies employed in the [...]
By Stephen McDowell American constitutionalism has been a keystone in the establishment of civil liberty in recent history. It has been said that next to the Holy Bible, America’s Constitution is the most important document ever written for the benefit of mankind. Such a statement seems justified when you consider that since the United States [...]
In the Fall of 2007, Stephen McDowell participated in a panel discussion at Virginia Military Academy on the wall of separation of church and state. The following served as the basis for his opening remarks. Many Americans use Jefferson’s phrase, “a wall of separation between Church and State,” to describe what they believe [...]
Statism: the Golden Calf of the Modern World By Stephen McDowell Then the Lord spoke to Moses, “Go down at once, for your people, whom you brought up from the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves. They have quickly turned aside from the way which I commanded them. They have made for themselves a [...]
By Stephen McDowell Many people today think that religion should be kept separate from government, but in truth the faith of a people is the most important aspect of civil society. George Washington wrote in his “Farewell Address” in 1796, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are [...]
