The author of the Sept. 12 letter, “Religious beliefs belong in home and church,” made unsubstantiated statements, as if there were authority for them, when in fact the only “authority” is his own opinion.

He states, “There must be a definite separation of church and state, which is written in our Constitution.” He doesn’t cite any passage to that effect, and though I have not studied the Constitution, I am not aware of anything in it that states or implies it.

And where does he get the authority to affirm that “your religious beliefs belong in your home and church and only there”? Really? Thank God our founding fathers never noticed that. Or the founders of our colleges and universities, hospitals, promoters of abolition, child labor laws, etc.

In fact, it is impossible to practice the Christian religion only in our churches and homes, for its founder unequivocally charged his followers, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19). I can quote my authority!

To the writer’s credit, he did get one thing right–“What people forget is that God preaches love first…” But true love does not sanction all conduct.

Rev. Richard L. Shaw, Ph.D

(As printed in “Your Views,” Asbury Park Press, September 19, 2015)