Baptists in the history of separation of church and state

Separation of church and state is one of the primary theological distinctions of the Baptist tradition.

History

Originally, Baptists supported separation of church and state in England and America. Some important Baptist figures in the struggle were John Smyth, Thomas Helwys, Edward Wightman, Leonard Busher, Roger Williams (who was a Baptist for a short period but became a seeker), John Clarke, Isaac Backus, and John Leland.

In modern day United Kingdom, of the four constituent countries, only England still has a state faith. The Church of England, is officially endorsed by the state. Although an established church, it does not receive any direct government support. The British monarch (at present, Elizabeth II), has the constitutional title of "Supreme Governor of the Church of England."

In modern day America, there is a significant group of Baptists, as well as other Protestants, who believe the United States was formed as a Christian nation by the Founding Fathers. They recognize that the term "separation of church and state" is 1. not found in the constitution and 2. Refers to the state not bearing authority in the church, but in no way limits religion in the state. They see the current government supporting secular humanism, which is a religion. They also believe in organized Christian prayer and Bible reading in the public schools during regular school hours. Many Baptists, especially members who are also Freemasons, still strongly support the separation of church and state although, believe there should be more freedom in society and government to express personal religious beliefs, even if non-Christian.

However, a small number of American Baptists still believe in the wall of separation and support maintaining it. For example, fourteen Baptist organizations, representing collectively over 10 million Baptists in America, collaborate with one another to protect religious liberty and the separation of church and state through their funding of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. Freedom of conscience is a central Baptist distinctive, and these organizations believe the best civil method of obtaining and securing freedom of conscience is the separation of church and state.

English Baptists

In 1612 John Smyth wrote, "the magistrate is not by virtue of his office to meddle with religion, or matters of conscience". That same year, Thomas Helwys wrote that the King of England could "command what of man he will, and wee are to obey it," but, concerning the church -- "with this Kingdom, our lord the King hath nothing to do." In 1614, Leonard Busher wrote what is believed to be the earliest Baptist treatise dealing exclusively with the subject of religious liberty.

American Baptists

The Danbury Baptist Association of Danbury, Connecticut sent a letter, dated October 7, 1801, to the newly elected President Thomas Jefferson, expressing concern over the lack in their state constitution of explicit protection of religious liberty, and against a government establishment of religion.

In their letter to the President, the Danbury Baptists affirmed that "Our Sentiments are uniformly on the side of Religious Liberty — That Religion is at all times and places a matter between God and individuals — That no man ought to suffer in name, person, or effects on account of his religious Opinions - That the legitimate Power of civil government extends no further than to punish the man who works ill to his neighbor..."

As a religious minority in Connecticut, the Danbury Baptists were concerned that a religious majority might "reproach their chief Magistrate... because he will not, dare not assume the prerogatives of Jehovah and make Laws to govern the Kingdom of Christ," thus establishing a state religion at the cost of the liberties of religious minorities.

Wall of separation

Thomas Jefferson's response, dated January 1, 1802, concurs with the Danbury Baptists' views on religious liberty, and the accompanying separation of civil government from concerns of religious doctrine and practice. Jefferson writes: "...I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between Church & State."

Others recognize this statement as putting a wall around the church, protecting it from the state, and in no way limits religion being involved in the state.

See also

• Baptists
• Separation of church and state
• Soul competency