Commentary
Week: September 8th - September 12th, 2025
9/8/25 - Discussing the Separation of Church & State
A lot people mistakenly think the phrase “separation of church and state” is in the Constitution.
It’s common for educators and school officials to claim that, because of the “separation of church and state” they must remove any mention of Jesus at Christmas or stop students from sharing their faith in class. How should you respond?
First, agree that no one wants a Church of America. But then ask, “What should happen when a church is on fire? Should it have its own fire trucks because government funded fire fighters cannot provide aid to a church?” And religion is in our curriculum. Should we censor it out? And religion is reflected in our community? Should we censor teaching students about the culture of our own community?
You can help those around you have a better understanding of religious freedom in your schools. For help, click here.
9/9/25 - Martin Luther & Religious Freedom
Most Americans have no idea the connection between Martin Luther and religious freedom.
Addressing religious freedom, Martin Luther wrote a paper entitled, Secular Authority: To What Extent it Should be Obeyed. Luther was at the forefront of religious freedom and students should learn how the Reformation brought about liberty.
He quoted Matthew 10:28 when Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Luther then wrote: “Surely that is clear enough: the soul is taken out of the hands of any human being whatsoever and is placed exclusively under the power of God... It is impossible and futile to command or coerce someone to believe this or that.”
For a free article explaining the connection between the Reformation and America’s religious freedom, click here.
9/10/25 - The Giver
Has your child been assigned to read a book called The Giver? If so, you might want to talk to the teacher.
Many elementary and junior high teachers assign The Giver for their students to read. Many parents are concerned about the book because of its descriptions of euthanasia and sexual awakening in the main character.
While I like the book's conservative message against the dehumanizing dangers of government, it isn’t well served when students are not emotionally or intellectually ready to appreciate the issues it raises.
If teachers aren’t willing to draw parallels between the society described in The Giver and disturbing trends in American society today, then the book is reduced from being thought-provoking education to being merely titillating entertainment.
Another option is to read the book with your student and discuss it along the way. You can be a gateway to better education for your local schools. For more resources visit our HOME PAGE.
9/11/25 - Biblical Worldview of History
What will Jesus think while sitting in your child’s History class?
You can prepare your children to have a biblical worldview as they sit in their History class by discussing what Jesus is thinking while sitting with them.
Of course, he’s thinking biblically. I can imagine Jesus thinking of Acts 17:26 and 27 – “From one man he made every nation of men that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out to him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.”
History is just that – HIS story. Every aspect of history should be seen as God working in the world.
You can be a gateway to better education for your children as they attend the public schools by visiting our HOME PAGE.
9/12/25 - Constitution Day
Eighteen states have laws commemorating Constitution Week. On September 17th, 1787, America’s founders signed the Constitution – a ground-breaking document that limited the power of government and protected the rights of its citizens.
On the issue of religion, a lot of people think the phrase, “separation of church and state” is in the Constitution. It isn’t. The First Amendment states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”
It is common for public school officials to think they must create a religion-free campus. But that isn’t necessary nor is it legal. Ironically, it violates the First Amendment’s requirement that government not prohibit the free exercise of religion.
You can honor the Constitution in your family by explaining to your children their right to express their faith at school. You can get the facts on students’ religious liberties by visiting our HOME PAGE for more resources.