Many Americans like Lacey Enevoldsen, a Muslim – American, who are targeted, scrutinized, discriminated, harassed, silenced, and victimized because of their religious beliefs believe that the First Amendment is not living up to The American Dream.
The urgent, intolerant actions of our fellow Americans made President Trump announce an executive order on National Prayer Day in the Rose Garden, May 3, 2018. The bill declares to expand government grants to and partnerships with religiously-affiliated groups, reported by the Washington Post. With President Trump opening up the floor to forming a government, religious connections moving forward, does this open up the Pandora’s Box to bridge church and state together?
During the ceremony within the Rose Garden, President Trump stated that the executive order is a push to “promote religious freedom.” President Trump’s reasons for signing off on the executive order is because various Americans of other faiths have been silenced and threatened. He declared, “We will fight with all our strength and everything we have to end antisemitism and conquer all forms of persecution and hate.” However, many churchgoers, such as Reverend Clarence Moore and Mr. Prent Barnes believe that this bill will not be in the best interest for the American people and Christians.
“With the government dispersing funds amongst churches, it gives the government a way to control what the congregation is taught,” said Mr. Barnes.
Rev. Clarence Moore understands that bridging the gap between church and state may sound pleasing to the American ears because it allows various faiths to have input on policies. However, Rev. Moore believes this bill opens the flood gates to opposing beliefs influencing Christians to live by laws that go against God’s Ten Commandments. For example, Mark 12:17 states Jesus preached, “Render to Ceasar the things that are Ceasar’s, and to God, the things that are God’s.” According to Political Science Professor, Mark David Hall, America was shaped by Christian ideas. If this is the way God intended, then shouldn’t we abide by what our Four Father’s instilled?
Most Americans agree that the church should have no involvement with influencing government policies because it goes against freedom of choice. One Reddit user, Twathammer32, posted a comment about abortion regarding the separation of church and state. The user said:
Christians tend to believe that abortions are murder. I’m not saying I think that or don’t, but when you’re taught that your whole life then you’re going to project that idea to the rest of society.
They think they’re saving lives of innocent children from being murdered. It’s not that hard to see two sides of the coin on that subject.
Rachel Laser, the President, and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State is an organization that stands by to ensure freedom of religious expression or not without government or church influences. Nonetheless, will the executive order promoting the church and government partnerships prove that the bill goes against freedom of choice? Or, is it necessary to fight for natural order in federal government spaces to keep God’s covenant?