"We establish no religion in this country, nor will we ever. But we poison our society when we remove its theological underpinnings. We court corruption when we leave society devoid of belief"

Jeff Miller’s words reflect a nuanced perspective on the relationship between religion, society, and governance in the United States. He begins by affirming the foundational American principle of religious freedom, acknowledging the constitutional safeguard against the establishment of any single religion. The state, he insists, is neither in the business of promoting nor endorsing religious faiths; it must remain impartial, guaranteeing that no creed is enshrined as official. This affirmation echoes the First Amendment and the historical commitment to pluralism and liberty of conscience.

However, Miller shifts the focus to a broader concern: the underlying role of theology in shaping the moral and ethical fabric of society. The “removal of theological underpinnings” speaks to the foundational influence that religious thought, across faith traditions, has had in shaping cultural values, laws, and social norms. His argument is not for governmental establishment but for recognizing the indispensable influence of belief in grounding people’s sense of right and wrong, justice, compassion, and community.

When theological frameworks, which often serve as sources of meaning and ethical guidance, are stripped away, Miller warns that society becomes vulnerable. The phrase “poison our society” suggests a moral decay, a loss of cohesion or moral compass, that could result from neglecting the spiritual or transcendent dimensions that have historically supported civil behavior and societal order. To be “devoid of belief” is to risk losing the invisible bonds and shared values that foster trust, discourage corruption, and encourage personal responsibility.

Miller ultimately suggests that while church and state must remain separate, belief itself cannot be dismissed without consequence. The absence of a shared sense of purpose and moral foundation may create a cultural vacuum, potentially leading to greater societal issues like corruption or alienation. The challenge, then, is maintaining a society that is both pluralistic in faith and united by an enduring, if diverse, ethical vision rooted in sincere belief.