Vision and Division | Heritage Briefs - Episode # 09
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💬 Show Notes:
In this compelling episode of Morning Star Heritage Briefs, Chuck Christie delves into the critical topic of the relationship between church and state, challenging the prevalent misconception that separation is mandated. Drawing on insights from Rick Joyner, the discussion reveals how misinterpretations of the Constitution have led to a significant erosion of religious liberties in America. Explore the historical context of the First Amendment and the implications of our current political landscape.
Join us as we uncover the wisdom embedded in our Constitution and advocate for a return to its foundational principles.
🗣️ Quotes from Rick Joyner
"The misconception that the Constitution mandates a separation of church and state has radically changed the country and destroyed our religious liberty."
"The misconception that the Constitution mandates a separation of church and state has radically changed the country and destroyed our religious liberty."
"The wisdom in our Constitution is ageless, written from a profound understanding of human nature and what corrupts those in power."
🗣️ Quote from Thomas Jefferson
"Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God."
"Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God."
🗣️ Quote from Thomas Paine
"The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."
"The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."
📝 Blog Post Body:
In the latest episode of Morning Star Heritage Briefs, host Chuck Christie takes listeners on a thought-provoking journey through the misconceptions surrounding the separation of church and state as outlined in the United States Constitution. He argues that this widely held belief has not only misled the public but also significantly impacted religious liberty in America.
The episode centers on the First Amendment, which states that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." Christie emphasizes that this statement has been misconstrued over time, leading many to believe that there exists a strict separation of church and state. He questions how this misunderstanding became so prevalent and its consequences for the nation's foundational principles.
Drawing on the wisdom of historical figures such as Charles Spurgeon and the Founding Fathers, Christie highlights the importance of understanding the Constitution in its original context. He points out that many politicians and legal professionals today may not fully grasp the document they swear to uphold, often relying instead on Supreme Court decisions rather than the Constitution itself. This lack of constitutional knowledge, he argues, has led to a series of judicial decisions that undermine the very freedoms intended by the Founders.
Christie also discusses early actions by Congress, including the publication of the Bible and the use of the Capitol for church services, as evidence of the intended relationship between religion and government. He warns that the current state of division and dysfunction within the U.S. government stems from a departure from the Constitution's wisdom.
As the episode unfolds, Christie calls for a return to the Constitution, suggesting that every law and regulation imposed by the government should be tested against it. He acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead but insists on the importance of hope and faith in addressing these crises. The episode concludes with a powerful reminder that while the challenges may seem insurmountable, nothing is impossible for those who believe.
This episode serves as a crucial reminder to revisit and understand the Constitution as a living document that continues to guide the American Republic. Tune in to gain insights that may inspire you to advocate for the freedoms and liberties that are at the core of our nation's identity.
✍️ Episode References
Morningstar Ministries
Rick Joyner
Thomas Paine
Winston Churchill
Chuck Christie
Automatic Show Notes
Chapters
Long Summary
In this lecture titled "Vision and Division, Heritage Brief 9," Rick Joyner examines the fundamental misunderstandings surrounding the United States Constitution, particularly the idea of a separation of church and state. Joyner argues that this separation, often cited as a constitutional mandate, is not explicitly stated in the Constitution. Instead, he cites the First Amendment, which merely states that Congress shall not establish a religion or prohibit the free exercise of religion. This misinterpretation has had profound implications for the nation's relationship with religious freedom and the role of government.
Joyner critiques the legal education system, noting that many lawyers and judges rely primarily on Supreme Court decisions and precedents rather than on the Constitution itself. This raises concerns about the competence of public officials and their constitutional knowledge, which Joyner believes is essential for safeguarding the nation's freedoms. He references historical practices, such as the early Congress's approval of Bible publication and church services held in the Capitol, to illustrate that the original intent may not align with modern interpretations that inhibit religious expression in public spheres.
The lecture progresses to address the consequences of judicial actions that have strayed from constitutional principles. Joyner posits that many Supreme Court decisions have eroded fundamental freedoms and created societal rifts, often without regard for the Constitution's original text. He warns that the growing disregard for constitutional authority could lead to a governance environment in which public officials act without restraint or accountability, contributing to the political dysfunction currently observed in the U.S. government.
Joyner emphasizes a need for a constitutional renaissance, advocating for a return to the values embedded in the Constitution to mitigate governmental crises. He argues that the Constitution should serve as a benchmark for evaluating the constitutionality of new laws and regulations. By doing so, the nation could avoid repeating mistakes that have led to current discord. Joyner asserts that understanding the wisdom of the Constitution is vital, as it offers timeless insights into human behavior and governance and establishes structures to prevent the concentration of power.
Moreover, Joyner tackles the notion that the Constitution is outdated, countering that its principles remain relevant and applicable to modern society. He highlights the importance of addressing social and cultural issues at state and local levels, as mandated by the Constitution, rather than allowing federal overreach that has led to a proliferation of conflict and dissension. According to Joyner, this decentralized approach would mitigate tensions and restore a sense of national unity.
As the lecture concludes, Joyner expresses concern for the state of the nation, likening it to a patient in critical condition. He proposes that hope is not lost and suggests that the remedy lies in a collective return to acknowledging and honoring God within the framework of the Constitution. He underscores the necessity for Americans to reclaim their rights to religious expression, stressing that the majority's beliefs should not be silenced by a vocal minority. By fostering a culture of respect for all faiths while not permitting any one group to dominate the discourse, Joyner calls for a renewed engagement with the principles of liberty enshrined in the Constitution to navigate current challenges and renew the spirit of the nation.
Brief Summary
In "Vision and Division, Heritage Brief 9," Rick Joyner explores misconceptions about the U.S. Constitution and the often-cited separation of church and state, arguing it is not explicitly mandated. He critiques the legal education system for focusing on Supreme Court precedents over the Constitution, emphasizing the need for public officials to understand constitutional principles. Joyner advocates a constitutional renaissance to restore national unity and mitigate governmental crises, asserting the Constitution's relevance in addressing modern issues. He calls for a renewed acknowledgment of religious expression within the constitutional framework, promoting respectful discourse among diverse beliefs.
Transcript
[0:07] Introduction to Vision and Division
[0:00] Hello again, this is Chuck Christie, bringing you another segment of the Morningstar Heritage Briefs. This episode is titled "Vision and Division," Heritage Brief 9, by Rick Joyner. Contrary to popular belief, the United States Constitution does not require a separation of church and state. There is only one brief statement in the First Amendment that addresses the relationship between the federal government and religion: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." How has this misconception that the Constitution mandates a separation of church and state become so prevalent as to so radically change the country and destroy our religious liberty? Charles Spurgeon lamented that he could find ten men who would die for the Bible for every one who would read it. We may have ten people taking office, swearing to defend the Constitution, for every one who has even read it, let alone has the courage to defend it.
[1:13] Our lawyers took constitutional law in law school, and they never once referred to the Constitution itself, but only studied Supreme Court decisions and precedents. So we cannot presume that lawyers, judges, or even justices actually know it. If the Founders intended to have the so-called separation of church and state, why was one of the first acts of Congress to provide for the publishing of the Bible in America? And why was one of the first acts of Congress, when it occupied the new Capitol building, to authorize its use for church services? The church that met in the Capitol building quickly became the largest church in Washington, with the president, most of the members of Congress, and other government employees attending. Now, when a politician claims to be defending the Constitution, they are likely doing something to undermine it. Not knowing the Constitution better than they do is a most grievous dereliction of duty regarding their most basic responsibility, and it has caused great damage to the country.
[2:31] Many books have been written on Supreme Court decisions that violated the Constitution. Some of these violations have been reversed, but many have been built upon by other decisions that have become increasingly extreme and damaging to the country, robbing us of our most basic and precious freedoms. We will cover these in future briefs, but this deception and fallacy about the separation of church and state is just one that has been wrongly imposed on
[3:05] Misconceptions of the Constitution
[3:02] the nation, but it may be the most costly. As the activist judges have been able to get away with this one, they seem to think they could get away with anything and have almost no regard for the actual Constitution. Perhaps the biggest delusion of all is that those who get elected to public office or appointed to courts actually know what they're doing.
[3:29] The process by which people are even nominated to run for office has become so corrupt that truly competent and honorable people who could do the job well will not get involved in such a perverted process. The democratic process was always going to be messy and inefficient. As Winston Churchill said, democracy is the worst form of government, except for all others. As bad as it can be, it is still better than the alternatives. Even so, we do not have to settle for the level of dysfunction that our U.S. Government has fallen to. So, what can we do? The cause of almost every crisis of government and the increasing divisions
[4:25] Returning to Constitutional Principles
[4:20] in our land are the result of departing from the wisdom found in our Constitution. The answer to these crises is to return to the Constitution.
[4:30] Then we should have a basic test for every law passed or regulation imposed by our government to be sure it complies with the Constitution. This would not be hard to do. The Constitution and Bill of Rights are short and can be read in an hour by the average reader. Some argue that we should disregard the Constitution, claiming that it is archaic, written for an agrarian people, and it does not fit the modern world we now live in.
[5:02] Just one reading of the Constitution and Bill of Rights will dispel such flawed reasoning. The wisdom in our Constitution is ageless, written from a profound and possibly unmatched brilliant understanding of human nature and what corrupts those in power. The Founders established checks and balances and firewalls in the government to resist the corrupting potential of power. It contained brilliant cultural relief valves for releasing dangerously high pressure from conflicts on social issues. These allowed for adjustments and change for those who wanted them, without imposing them on those who did not. Most importantly, the Constitution establishes and protects our freedoms. It limited the centralization of power in the federal government and established counterbalancing checks among its three branches, which had never before been conceived in a government. However, the form it has now taken, by violating the Constitution, would be hard for the Founders, or anyone looking at it in light of the Constitution, to recognize.
[6:17] Authority and Limits of Government
[6:17] The federal government has only the legal authority specifically granted to it by the Constitution. What is not specifically given to it remains the authority of the states and the people.
[6:32] Nowhere does the Constitution give the federal government any authority over religious, social, or cultural issues. These were issues to be addressed at the state and local levels, where they impacted people the most and where people themselves could be more engaged. If these important social issues had been addressed as the Constitution mandated, we would not have nearly as much social and cultural discord in the nation today. By not addressing these, the pressure, according to the Constitution, has built to a point where it now threatens our continued existence as one nation.
[7:17] The federal government has gotten far outside the lane given to it by the Constitution.
[7:29] The Crisis of Our Nation
[7:23] Every area that it has done this has caused problems that quickly grew into major crises. One definition of a crisis is the point in a disease when it is determined whether the patient will live or die. It takes no prophet to see that our country is now at that point. We have now violated the Constitution, and every serious warning the founders gave said the Republic could not survive. America is close to being like a patient that is so sick that the operation required to save us would kill us. This may be true if we tried to fix everything at once. So, how do we do it? First, we cannot lose hope. We may be beyond human remedy, but we serve the
[8:16] The Role of Faith in America
[8:14] God for whom nothing is impossible. We can mark almost all of the present distress as beginning at the very time prayer was unconstitutionally removed from our schools. We must demand that the federal government uphold our First Amendment right to the free exercise of religion in America and return to honoring God in our country, as the Constitution provides.
[8:42] About 80% of Americans report believing in God. Activist judges allowed a handful of atheists and agnostics who claimed to be offended by the way we honored God to steal the rights of the overwhelming majority of Americans to freely exercise their religion.
While we should seek to respect the rights of all, minorities included, to use the offense of any group to suppress the rights of the rest is tyranny. Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God. Thomas Jefferson.
Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered. Yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. Thomas Paine, an author among the American founding fathers, wrote one of the most influential books, Common Sense.
Copyright 2020 by Rick Joyner. All rights reserved.
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