In the pages of the booklet “The Trail of Blood” we find some historical moments within the early development of the United States of America.  The previous article posted here was of three Baptist preachers defended in trial by Patrick Henry, this post has to do with churches receiving goverment support to survive.

“19. Evidently, one of the greatest obstructions to religious liberty in America, and probably all over the world as to that, was the conviction which had grown into the people throughout the preceding centuries that  religion could not possibly live without governmental support.  That no denomination could prosper solely on voluntary offerings by its adherents.  And this was the hard argument to meet when the battle was raging for the disestalishment of the Church of England in Virginia, and also later in Congress when the question of religious liberty was being discussed there.  For a long time the Baptists fought the battle almost alone.”

“20.  Rhode Island began her colony in 1638, but it was not legally chartered until 1663.  There was the first spot where Religious Liberty was granted.  The second place was Virginia in 1786.  Congress declared the first amendment to the  Constitution to be in force December 15,1791, which granted religious liberty to all citizens.  Baptists are credited with being the leaders in bringing this blessing to the nation.”

From THE TRAIL OF BLOOD by J. M. Carroll, p. 51

As Christians we all need to remember what Religious Liberty is all about.  It is not a freedom from religion, but freedom of religion.  It does not forbid Christians from participating in government, keep us from voting, nor to keep us from voicing our opinion during election time.  It, ie., the First Amendment was given to keep Government from establishing a State Church, and from dabbling into church business.