By Kenny Digby
Correspondent
We should embrace religious liberty for all, whether at home or abroad. This includes the right of unbelievers to enjoy the liberty to have no religion — or what they call no religion. Freedom of religion does not impose freedom “from” religion on any of us.
Thomas Jefferson coined the phrase, “Separation of Church and State.” He wrote a letter to a Baptist association of churches, assuring them that the government (at any level) should not interfere with the worship and practices of any local church.
Many Baptists hold a very distorted and exaggerated view of this concept, which has damaged the influence of our churches and the integrity of our nation.
Too many Baptists say they don’t want “politics” in their pulpit. I’m afraid those Baptists mean they don’t want Bible truth in their teaching. At the Christian Action Commission, we avoid partisan politics but we’ll scream public policy based on a Bible world view from the roof top (even the church top).
We are grateful for a Mississippi governor who publicly recognizes the Christian heritage of our great state. We do appreciate public servants who respect and protect our religious liberty. Our faith is part of our foundation and fabric.
A time of special prayer in our churches on September 24, September 27, and/or October 1 for our elected leaders (at all levels) for the upcoming elections (November and 2024) and for revival across our land is very needed and appropriate.
This Christian Heritage Week (September 24-30) in Mississippi would be a great time to form a weekly prayer group. It would be a great time to start a daily family altar. Why not renew your personal commitment to a “quiet time” to start your day — every day?
We have a great Chrisitan heritage. What kind of legacy will we leave our children and grandchildren? Why not discuss it and pray about it September 24-30?
Digby is executive director-treasurer of the Mississippi Baptist Christian Action Commission. He may be contacted at kdigby@christianaction.com.
Opinions expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board, The Baptist Record, nor the publication’s Advisory Committee.
