We now have restrictions on church services. Isn’t it handy how the “separation of church and state” only works one way? Leftists often insist the “religious right” is attempting to create a theocratic state. Religious people are shoving faith down their throats.
How often is the phrase “separation of church and state” invoked by secularists? They use it as a cudgel to beat down religious groups most especially Christians.
Let’s set the debate
Our founding documents enshrine the freedom for people to worship as they choose. The First Amendment isn’t only prohibiting the government from establishing a national religion. It also prohibits the government from impeding the free exercise of religious worship. Think about that.
America’s First Amendment says; “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Sure the First Amendment applies at the federal level. But here’s the thing, many states follow suit and have similar state regulations. Yes, New Hampshire has a bigoted Blaine Amendment. It should be repealed. But our state constitution allows for the freedom of religion.
The secular position
The left often flexes the muscle of the state to infringe on religious liberties. Now they have a very convenient excuse to do so, public health. They say, how dare you! How can you want to gather together as one body to worship God? It makes no difference that it was the holiest day of the Christian calendar. You want people to die!
Some states are trying to walk that political tightrope. They are asserting a public health interest above religious liberty. They are prohibiting worship services with 10 or more people present. These states include Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. We now have restrictions on church services. At the same time, some states have outright banned churches from being open during the coronavirus lockdown including California, Hawaii, Illinois, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Virginia.
Long live the liquor monopoly
Reasonable people can disagree about the definition of “essential service.” Here’s the thing in New Hampshire. The state owns the liquor monopoly. The liquor stores are essential services. Whether we agree or disagree that is how it is. The liquor stores are open.
There is an argument to be made that buying liquor is not a good thing. That tax on it is high because of the social problems that come along with it. Part of the revenue goes to things like addiction treatment. There are laws against its use and use of vehicles. You get the idea…
Why is it not equally as reasonable to leave it to churches to decide? There are many who will argue religion and religious services are essential services. Leave it to the churches to decide if or how to minister to their congregations. No reasonable person wants to expose themselves or others to the virus unnecessarily.
Critics will say that it is irresponsible for churches to remain open. That is a position one can reasonably take. Many congregations are live-streaming their services. Some are encouraging churchgoers to stay at home. Others are attempting to put into place CDC guidelines for social distancing. Yet at the same time, in order to celebrate as the Body of Christ on Easter Sunday are holding a service.
And we need not mess with transit
To the extent we have public transit, it is still running. Perhaps it is running on a reduced schedule with fewer stops. As far as I am aware, they are not adhering to a limit of 10 or fewer people. You can get on a bus, which is a small, enclosed space. You will not be subject to the same rules the state is imposing on churches.
Perhaps a critic can point out exactly where in the Bill of Rights the “right” to move about on public transit supersedes free exercise of religion. We now have restrictions on church services. So what do you think? Is church okay as long as you buy a bottle of liquor from the state on your city bus ride home? Is that what our principles amount to? Well, Amen brother… pushover and pass the bottle, will ya…