I’m often asked what political theology actually is. It has a twofold definition:
- Speaking faithfully (whatever that tradition may be) in public about how our faith shapes our understanding of governance and how our government must act;
- Speaking faithfully to as wide an audience as possible, ideally through broadcast media such as radio, television, podcasts, and blogs.
The First Amendment
People often believe incorrectly that we cannot speak publicly about our faith to influence the government. Unfortunately, we believe this because we think it violates the legal doctrine of “separation of church and state.” That is not true. Our federal, state and local governments cannot establish a national religion that is superior (special treatment) or exclusive to all others. We as citizens and residents, on the other hand, have legal guarantees from the First Amendment. These rights include: free exercise of religion, free speech, and free press. We have the right to gather peacefully. Finally, we have the right to address the government to resolve our complaints. The First Amendment says:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Simply put, we can speak about our faith publicly. But, the government cannot speak faithfully. Unfortunately, this confusion causes many people of faith to remain silent. They fear violating the idea of separation of church and state. Judges and attorneys refer to this as a “chilling” of our First amendment rights. Consequently, we become “frozen” out of acting, even though the constitution protects us.
The First Amendment has only 45 words. Nothing like it had ever existed! Amazingly, our First Amendment has some of the most important words ever put to paper in the history of humanity. This uniqueness comes from the enormous power and protection afforded to the average citizen or resident, like you and me. But, many of us fail to use these protections for the public good. Our elders and society taught us never to mix the religion and politics. In order to learn more about our First Amendment rights, check out religiousfreedomcenter.org.
What is “Separation of Church and State?”
This blog explores the relationship between faith and many things that we think must remain separate. But let’s be clear. I do not believe that the government must only support progressive Christianity or any faith tradition. Congress cannot prefer one faith over all others. Neither should we. What I do call for is that each faith tradition participate in the public debate. We all can have a say about what government must do in service to each person. In order for that to happen, “We the People,” must participate in the actions of our government. Historically, saying anything negative about a king or queen, could land you in prison or worse. Those days are long gone, so let’s act like it!
