Richard Mentor Johnson Quotes

I think that we are at a point in our country where we're trying to decide what role should religion play in the political arena.

Separation means separation, not something less.

T]he prevailing opinion in Europe, England not excepted, has been that religion could not be preserved without the support of government nor government be supported without an established religion that there must be at least an alliance of some sort between them. It remained for North America to bring the great and interesting subject to a fair, and finally a decisive test

I didn't get into politics because I thought government had a better answer. I got into politics because I knew government didn't have the real answers, that the real answers lie in accepting Jesus Christ into our lives…. I hope we answer the alarm clock and take this nation back for Christ.

I don't bring religion into the square.

If you're a Christian and you're running for president and you want to make this into a theocracy, I'm not going to support you.

You need demarcation." "Demarcation?" I asked. "It means a clear separation between two things," he told me. "A solid end before a clean beginning. No murky borders. Clarity.

The Church's role should be separated from the state's role.

I don't think that any political party should claim Jesus as being a part of a political party.

Quite often you hear people say, 'What about separation of church and state?' There is no such thing.

The Establishment Clause prohibits government from making adherence to a religion relevant in any way to a person's standing in the political community.

Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is.

Make definite assertions. Avoid tame, colorless, hesitating, non-committal language.

Belief is nothing but a more vivid, lively, forcible, firm, steady conception of an object, than what the imagination alone is ever able to attain.

I don't believe there is a separation of church and state. I think the Constitution is very clear. The only separation is that there will not be a government church.

Don't expect ambiguities, hesitations or palace intrigues from me.

Politics are not the task of a Christian.

Whether we like it or not, religion and government policy are unavoidably linked.

Personal religious convictions have no place in political campaigns or in dictating public policy.

Don't Politicize Churches! Houses Of Worship Should Not Be Part Of A Political Machine

I have no doubt that every new example will succeed, as every past one has done, in showing that religion and Government will both exist in greater purity the less they are mixed together

What is crucial is that a government practice not have the effect of communicating a message of governmental endorsement or disapproval of religion.

Churches are excluded from the affairs of government. Important, discretionary, governmental powers may not be delegated to or shared with religious institutions.

Religion must be disciplined by democracy.