Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

With rare exception, the history our kids and grandkids are learning is limited to that necessary to pass the standardized test. This is tragic as it allows the government to dictate just what a student learns and provides a veiled opportunity for distortions and half truths. A graphic example of this can be found in the misrepresentation of what Thomas Jefferson said and did regarding the separation of religion and the government and which has been misinterpreted even by some courts over the years.

It is high time for students, our representatives and the general public learns the truth.

Thomas Jefferson`s separation letter was clearly “One Directional.”

His personal letter to the Danbury Baptist Association was written to counter rumors that Congregational denomination was about to be made the national denomination of America in 1802. Jefferson wrote the following:

 “I contemplate with solemn 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. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation on behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in  opposition to his social duties. I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection and blessing of the common Father and Creator of man, and tender you for yourselves and your religious association assurance of my high respect and esteem.”

By definition, “natural rights included that which the Books of the Law and the Gospels do contain.” Jefferson believed that the government was to be powerless to  intervene with religious expression as he had long witnessed the tendency of government to encroach on the free expression of religion. 

Jefferson’s words and deeds clearly provide us with the reason he wrote a letter to the Danbury Baptist Association. 

He meant for the “Wall of Separation to be one directional, to protect religion  from government intervention.

A strong declaration that the First Amendment was never intended to separate Christianity from public affairs came in the form of legislation approved by Congress on the same day that Congress approved the First Amendment. The legislation, entitled  “An Ordnance for the Government of the Territory of the United States, North-West of the River Ohio.” later shortened to the “Northwest Ordinance.” The Northwest Ordinance expressed the importance of religion to the territories. Article III: “Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.

The Northwest Ordnance was re-ratified by Congress on September 25, 1789, the very same day that is approved the wording of the First Amendment. Since both were approved on the same day, it is obvious that our Founders did not believe that establishing a frame of government mandating that religion, morality, and knowledge be provided through schools was a violation of the First Amendment prohibition of the establishment of religion. In fact, Jefferson asked

Congress to appropriate money to send missionaries to evangelize the Indians of the Northwest territories. 

It was ratified by the same Founders who voted for the First Amendment.

Other writings by Jefferson only confirm the fact that his letter to the Danbury Baptist Association was meant to be “one directional.

 For example: No power over the freedom of religion is delegated to the United States by the Constitution.” Kentucky Resolution, 1798.

In matters of religion, I have considered that its free exercise is placed by the Constitution independent of the powers of the general [federal] government. Second inaugural address, 1805.

Our excellent Constitution has not placed our religious rights under the power of any public functionary. Letter to the Episcopal Church. 1808.

I consider the government of the United States as interdicted by the Constitution for intermeddling with religious institution of exercises. Letter to Samuel Miller, 1808

Thomas Jefferson was clear on wall between church, state as evidenced by his words and deeds , contrary to some recent court decisions and what is being taught in schools. Let the truth prevail .

Respectfully submitter,

Wilbur Kline

Westerville, Ohio