Montana Bill: A Direct Assault on Secular Government

A new joint resolution introduced in the Montana legislature is causing alarm among those who value the separation of church and state. This bill, which explicitly acknowledges the “kingship of Jesus Christ” over the state, represents a dangerous fusion of religious doctrine and government policy.

Key Points of Contention:

• Explicit Religious Endorsement:
  • The resolution is saturated with biblical quotations, asserting that Jesus Christ holds dominion over “not only spiritual, but civil” matters, including the state of Montana.
  • It cites passages from Matthew, Daniel, Psalms, and Revelation to justify its claim of Christ’s “kingship.”
• Theocratic Implications:
  • By acknowledging Jesus Christ as the “rightful ruler of nations,” the resolution blurs the line between religious belief and government authority.
  • This raises serious concerns about the potential for religious bias in policymaking and the erosion of secular governance.
• Ignoring the First Amendment:
  • The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the separation of church and state. This resolution directly contradicts that principle by promoting a specific religious belief as the foundation of state policy.
  • The bill ignores the diverse religious and non religious views of Montana citizens.
• Christian Nationalist Agenda:
  • This resolution aligns with the ideology of Christian nationalism, which seeks to establish a Christian-dominated society and government.
  • It uses selective biblical interpretations to justify the imposition of religious values on all citizens, regardless of their personal beliefs.
• Manipulation of Historical Context:
  • The bill makes note of the first Montana constitution’s referance to “Almighty God”. This is used to imply that the state was founded as a christian theocracy, which is a false premise.
• Potential for Discrimination:
  • By elevating one religion above all others, the resolution creates a climate where non-Christians and those who hold differing religious beliefs may feel marginalized or discriminated against.

Secular Perspective:

This resolution is not a harmless expression of religious sentiment. It is a calculated attempt to inject religious doctrine into the heart of Montana’s government. It undermines the fundamental principle of secular governance and threatens the rights of all citizens to freedom of conscience.

This bill is a clear indication that vigilance is required to protect the separation of church and state. Citizens must remain informed and vocal in their opposition to any attempt to erode this essential safeguard of religious freedom.