On Tuesday, at 8 p.m., on “Mouthwash,” a podcast produced and hosted by John Schmitz, I shall debate separation of church and State with Micah Beckwith, a pastor at several churches in counties north of Indy. This should be fun and informative.

Mr Beckwith was a candidate in the 2020 GOP primary for INCD5. His campaign website notes his “deep understanding of American history....” and he’s “answering the call to take the fight to Washington to defend true CONSTITUTIONAL conservative values ...” Those values?

To “love and honor”: 1..my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; 2. my family; 3. the Constitution. Mr Beckwith embraces originalism, a philosophy whereby judges look only to the “plain wording” of The Constitution and “original intent” of the Framers to determine meaning.

The Constitution is short, a framework for later details. James Madison, the “Father” of the Constitution, said not to look at the delegates for intent. The State ratification conventions might be a source. Also, this ties us to the beliefs of 1787 white, male landowners. Including?

Women, indigenous peoples, African-Americans, Jews, “Mohametans” and atheists don’t have rights. But the Framers knew the country would change and provided for amendment, used most notably, after the Civil War. We’ve evolved since 1787. On 2/1/20, Mr Beckwith tagged me:

“The Democrats called. They want their taking (sic) points back. You’re in the wrong primary! But I’m glad you decided to fake it in the GOP primary. I’m gonna have a lot fun dismantling the stupidity of your progressive ideology. Can’t wait to see you on the campaign trail!”

I replied: “Those aren't my talking points, but I look forward to the campaign, too. I'd rather a person like you, who obviously hates so many (e.g. LGBTQ folks) views me as stupid. That's a compliment to me!”

A year ago, Mr Beckwith claimed he is great at debate; he can see an opponent’s arguments a mile away. He said he never has lost a debate, but after a couple of conversations to discuss logistics, Mr Beckwith did not get back with me.

I’ll make things a little easier for Mr Beckwith. He can read back on the blogs I have written on the subjects of the Constitution, separation of church and State, and why other Christians should be concerned about people who advocate theocracy.

So if you want to hear a view propounded by someone stuck in the 18th Century versus a 21st Century point-of-view, tune into “Mouthwash” on Facebook, Tuesday, April 13, at 8 p.m. Mr Beckwith is supposed to be super at debate. Maybe he is. We’ll see.