Civil Religion

The U.S. constitution banned the creation of a civil religion. It forbade using religion as a criterion for public service. Freedom of religion would result in the virtue of the tolerance of individual beliefs. The unspoken assumption was that people have beliefs and that those beliefs would prompt people to work for the common good and protect the innocent. Every person would agree that self-serving greed was unhealthy for the individual and the community.

It seems the constitution set up a pretty good system. Justice, public service, and community safety all function fairly well without demanding belief in a particular religion. Maybe the system has worked too well. Today, people are more likely to expect support from the State than from God. It appears we have a civil religion after all. People believe the State will provide food, shelter, healing, and hope. When the State falls short of their expectations, some people become bitter and hopeless.

The Bible tells us that God is a jealous God. No one and no thing will be allowed to have the honor, respect, and focus that God deserves. Rule #1 says, "You shall have no other gods before Me."

As Christians we are are not immune to the trials and tribulations of this economic crisis. The difference should come in our response to it. If we expect the State to take care of us, we are putting our faith in the wrong place. The Bible tells us that "your heavenly Father knows you need these things."

How should we respond to the uncertainty of these days? "Seek first the kingdom of God and God's righeousness, and all these things will be added." Hard to do? Indeed! Unless you trust in God more than anything else. We need to be praying, reading the Bible, worshiping, and witnessing. We need to do these things: alone, with our families, and with other believers. Our lives may go through changes but God alone is our Source.