Rand Paul is a theocrat. I don’t believe this has been a big secret. His father was a theocrat and he seems destined to follow in his footsteps, believing America is a Christian nation and believing religion has a role in our government.

Paul however does not seem to have a firm grasp of the constitution, as someone running for president probably should. He is under the impression that the first amendment of the US Constitution is only a one-way street telling a small audience at a prayer breakfast:

“The First Amendment says keep government out of religion. It doesn’t say keep religion out of government.”

It actually doesn’t say or imply that at all, as it clearly states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”

The government can not establish as religion, meaning religion must stay out of government, this is the foundation of the separation of church and state.

According to the Christian Broadcast Network, Paul attended the prayer breakfast to:

“[D]iscuss his views on religious freedom, the church & U.S.-Israel relations, faith & public life, and the essential role the church plays in the U.S. Government.”

Paul also commented that the government and politicians cannot solve America’s problems and is in need of a spiritual revival.

“We need a revival in the country. We need another Great Awakening with tent revivals of thousands of people saying reform or see what’s going to happen if we don’t reform,” he said.

Currently Paul may be the most likely candidate from the right to get the presidential nomination and comments like this should be focused on when he is questioned about the kind of government he would run.

Religion has no place in our politics and belongs only in peoples minds, homes and church. The first amendment protects everyones right to practice their religion, but also protects everyone from one religion having any say in our political discussion.

Video of the remarks can be seen here:

(Image: Gage Skidmore / Creative Commons)