Every family in America needs to see “Separation of Church and State?” Host Dave Miller, Ph.D., does a commendable job exploring our country’s founding and what our forefathers truly intended when it came to church and state. He uses quotations from those involved in the groundwork of the Constitution of the United States, such as Thomas Jefferson and Joseph Story. The documentary uses paintings, quotes on screen, old texts, and the host himself to present this compelling film in an interesting manner. Miller unquestionably shows what our leaders intended in setting up the Constitution, the First Amendment and the other amendments as well.
Some of Miller’s examples include a letter from Thomas Jefferson in which he plainly expresses his concern that religion not be prohibited. He did not want God, the Bible and Christianity kept out of public life, but intended that the government not interfere with the practice of Christianity. George Mason, called the Father of the Bill of Rights, taught that all men had rights to freely exercise their worship of God. It may surprise some people to know that Thomas Jefferson attended church in the House of Representatives and that the speaker’s podium was used for the pulpit. In his second Inaugural address, Jefferson maintained that the Christian faith was the basis, the foundation, and the platform on which the American Republic was poised and built. President Madison feared that religious activities would be abolished altogether. Joseph Story referred to the United States as a “Christian country.” Many other examples are given, some of which may surprise viewers.
Miller maintains that for several decades now, God has been pushed out of our country in many ways. He makes a plea for Americans to hold onto their religious rights and to exercise them. As the documentary concludes, Proverbs 14:34 is quoted: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” This amazing documentary, “Separation of Church and State?” clearly shows that separation was not intended in the way many contend today. This film has earned five Doves from us and is approved for all ages, although it will be hard for the very young to understand. This is a powerful teaching tool!
