Our nation’s founding fathers were in search of perfection in an imperfect world. The American experiment, although flawed as is any other human endeavor, is something that has had immeasurable benefit for those of us who are lucky enough to live in this country. Separation of church and state is one of their lasting legacies. The predominant religion in our nation has always been Christianity. That is true here in Minot.
That said, Christian beliefs are very diverse. Upon review of the Minot phone book, there are 50 different congregations of the Christian faith of which there are 23 different and separate sects. Within several of those sects, there are schisms. Lutherans, Presbyterians, and Methodists, for example, are divided over how to address same-sex marriages. Within the Roman Catholic Church, some clergy think Pope Francis is too liberal. Some think he is just right.
Sincere beliefs and strongly held opinions were anticipated by our founding fathers. That is why they tried to prevent dominance of any particular religious sect.
Shortly after our nation’s founding, in 1805, Native American leader Red Jacket addressed the topic of religion with white missionaries as follows, “Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agree as you can all read the Book? … We will wait a little while and see what effect your preaching has upon them. If we find it does them good, makes them honest, and less disposed to cheat Indians, we will consider again what you have said.”
As some of our legislators are attempting to codify their personal religious beliefs into law, are they doing so in the spirit of our founding fathers or confusing Caesar with the Lord? If diversity is a sin, why are there 50 different churches in Minot? Which one of the 23 different sects should impose its dogma on the other 22? Red Jacket understood the rationale of our founding fathers for separation of church and state. His wisdom has stood the test of time, or has it?
Cover Photo: James Madison, Red Jacket, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington.
