Mark Small

Rev Beckwith is the person who doesnt understand history. As Jefferson states in his 1785 “Notes on Virginia,” on Virginia laws against heresy, then in effect, could result in a “father's right to the custody of his own children ... being taken away ...” 5/19

In Indiana, a Beckwith-driven DCS could claim a child abused because that child was not properly baptized. Maybe Betsy DeVos is formulating - and carrying out - such policies now. 6/19

2) Ours is a secular govt Franklin proposed prayer start ea session 1787 Constl Convention: voted down. Collier, Decision at Philadelphia. “...no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.” Const. Art. VI. 7/19

3) Framers proscribed affirmation to a deity as part of the oath of office for members of Congress and the judiciary. U.S. Const., http://Art.VI , cl 3. The oath of office for the President, likewise, contains no avowal to a deity. U.S. Const. Art. II, sec. 1. 8/19

4) founders of this country had many beliefs. Of 55 delegates at 1787 Convention, many were deists: denied Divinity, Incarnation, & Atonement of Christ, amongst other aspects. Holmes, “The Faiths of the Founding Fathers,” 2006 ed., pp. 39-40. 9/19

The founders had to include indigenous peoples and people held in slavery, all of whom held many religious beliefs. 10/19

5) by what does Rev Beckwith mean when he talks about “the church”? There are many devout Christians today who reject the trump-ian form of Christianity - and read Rev Beckwith’s campaign website; he’s a member of dt’s cult. 11/19

Rev Beckwith says he’s scared people of his faith will lose their freedom to worship. In the name of freedom of religion, he would deprive that freedom to others. Jefferson’s “Notes on the State of Virginia” describes American history of religious oppression. 12/19