There has been much talk in the culture recently regarding the desire on the part of certain elements of society to use the issue of a separation of church and state to essentially force all references to Christianity out of the public arena. Some examples include judicial attempts to remove Christian symbols and images from courthouses, state flags, public parks or other federally controlled land etc. Forty years ago the push began in earnest with the removal of prayer from school grounds. The official position by sponsors of this type of activity such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other secularists is that these symbols impose an ‘undue burden’ on the members of society who do not share a belief in the Christian religion. The fact that over 70% of the population views themselves as Christian and so are in favor of these symbols is irrelevant as far as passing the ‘undue burden’ test. Apparently it would not be an undue burden to them to have these images removed.It is interesting to note that God too has a version of separation of church and state as well. In fact His version is likely to please groups such as the ACLU…at least in theory. His version is commonly known in Christian circles as ‘The Rapture’ - the sudden removal of all genuine Christians from the face of the earth. To illustrate this, please read the biblical verse below:
1 Thessalonians 4:15-18
I can tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not rise to meet him ahead of those who are in their graves. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the call of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, all the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and remain with him forever. So comfort and encourage each other with these words. (The New Living Bible)
Oh the ACLU types will be thrilled – their opponents in the culture wars (the Christians) will indeed be separated from the state: physically and permanently!
The secularists will be able to reshape the culture in their own image. It is ironic to note that the shape of our current culture is close to that image now anyway. However, just think of their nirvana: no Christians to impose their outdated religious views on the rest of the enlightened world. No prayers being imposed on unsuspecting children in schools, no outcry against the aborting of children who are inconvenient. A blissful society indeed.
So just give it a little time all you fans of the separation of church and state, God is hearing your cry, and He will be responding in due time.