The Siren Song drawing too many toward theocracy
In recent months, we've witnessed a troubling trend in certain states: the creeping influence of religion into our public institutions. Oklahoma's decision to make the Bible part of the school curriculum and Louisiana's mandate to display the Ten Commandments are but symptoms of a larger, more insidious movement. While on the surface, these additions seem morally sound, but if you look back to history, it will reveal a less than moral outcome. Some, misguided in their zeal, call for nothing less than a theocracy in America.
But let us pause and consider one historical precedent. The rule of Oliver Cromwell in 17th-century England stands as a stark reminder of the perils of theocratic governance. Cromwell, that iron-fisted Puritan, sought to forge a godly nation through the hammer of state power. The result? A land where Christmas was outlawed, Christians were persecuted, and found themselves under the heel of religious tyranny.
With over 200 Christian denominations in America which one gets to decide the laws and which interpretations of religious doctrine are presented.
America's Founding Fathers, many of whom were descendants of those who fled such oppression, understood this danger all too well. They enshrined the separation of church and state in our Constitution not to weaken faith, but to protect it from the corrupting influence of political power. If you ever wish to break up a church or church family give them too much money or power.
Those who now advocate for a Christian nation fundamentally misunderstand both Christianity and America. They forget that true faith cannot be mandated by government decree. They ignore that our nation's strength lies not in religious homogeneity, but in the vibrant tapestry of beliefs and cultures that comprise our republic.
Moreover, they fail to recognize that in a true theocracy, it is not faith that triumphs, but power.
The question quickly becomes not "What does God command?" but "Who speaks for God?" And in that struggle, it is inevitably the most ruthless, not the most righteous, who prevail. Cromwell’s rule in England’s past and present day Iran prove this.
We must resist this siren song of theocracy. America's greatness stems from its commitment to liberty - religious and otherwise. Our task is not to impose faith through force of law, but to create a society where faith can flourish freely, where believers of all stripes and non-believers alike can live and thrive together.
Let us remember the words of James Madison: "The purpose of separation of church and state is to keep forever from these shores the ceaseless strife that has soaked the soil of Europe in blood for centuries."
In our present times, we would do well to heed his wisdom.
Editor’s note: Joseph McCain is the publisher of The Star-Herald. He has worked in the newspaper industry for over 30 years and may be reached at 662-803-5236 or 662-289-2251 or email news1@starherald.net.
