More Myths About the Separation of Church & State

Myth No. 7: The separation of church and state is a creation of 19th century anti-Catholic bigotry and 20th century secularism.

This is simply not the case. The concept of church-state separation, familiar to Baptists for more than four centuries, preceded the 19th century by a long shot. Even though some may have used it to support reprehensible bigotry against Catholics, many champions of religious liberty — including our Baptist ancestors — insisted on separation to protect religion, all religion, from coercive and corrosive influences of government. Separationists have opposed the Catholic Church when it has sought to tap into the public till to support its parochial schools. But that principled debate on the issues does not support the charge of bigotry.