As I researched the candidates for the local school board before I voted this week, I found an interesting exchange. When asked about recent legislation in Louisiana requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments, one candidate called it a violation of the separation of church and state. Although he identifies as a Christian, he felt such a display might isolate some students and make others uncomfortable.
He clearly doesn’t understand the history behind the concept of separation of church and state.
The earliest mention of it came from Roger Williams, an English colonist who founded the settlement of Providence, Rhode Island, in 1636. Williams wanted “a high wall” between church and state to keep the chaos and immorality of government out of the affairs of religion.
Separation of church and state isn’t about keeping religion out of government, it’s about keeping government out of religion.
Yet we have seen the principle used to suppress public expressions of Christian faith—and that’s wrong.
As business owners, we know that our businesses, gifts, and talents are for Kingdom advancement. There is no separation of church and state when it comes to who we are—we are the Church, no matter where we are! Believers use their businesses to reach the unchurched and, by incorporating Kingdom culture, enjoy engaged employees, higher returns and better service.
It’s crucial that we vote our values and do our research on candidates and issues. Our influence as Christians extends beyond our businesses and into the policies and leadership that shape our communities. By staying informed and voting with our values in mind, we help ensure that the principles we hold dear continue to guide and uplift our society.
A final thought on that school board candidate and his opinion of the Louisiana law: You don’t need a doctoral degree to see what’s happening in our schools today. The removal of God and Christian values from schools and other public places has contributed to a cultural shift, with the loss of moral instruction likely playing a role in the rise of violence and troubling behaviors.
As believers, we know the Ten Commandments come from God. But they could also be viewed as universal moral guidelines that would be good for all of us to follow and for every child to see every day. Having them on display in classrooms is not a violation of the separation of church and state. And who knows? That daily message just might be what it takes to encourage our youth to choose the right path.
So, the next time you hear someone say, “I’m a Christian, but…” be mindful of what follows.
