The Role of Pastors & Christians in Civil Government

According to host David Barton, not only does the separation of church and state represent a relatively new concept, but the traditional emphasis on the economic aspects of the American Revolution (such as taxation without representation) supposedly derives from a textbook shift that began in the 1920s. Needless to say, viewers reasonably familiar with early American history will find both of these assertions very questionable, especially Barton's reading of the First Amendment. In The Role of Pastors & Christians in Civil Government, Barton delivers a straightforward lecture proclaiming the Christian principles upon which America was built, citing (but not quoting) chapter and verse from the Bible, and backing up his arguments with references to the founders, influential members of the clergy, early jurists, various educators, and an array of presidents who claim a Christian ethic. The program concludes with a pitch to evangelical Christians to get out and vote to elect the “right kind” of leaders: i.e., those who support classroom prayer, creationism, the display of the Ten Commandments in schools and public venues, and oppose abortion rights. While no candidate endorsement is offered, the idea of urging pastors to preach politics from the pulpit is an egregious example of disregarding the separation of church and state. Not a necessary purchase. Aud: P. (J. Reed)