Politics and Religion...

The Relationship Between Politics and Religion

...has been at the root of much of the world's pain. These days we're hearing a lot about this impossible conjunction in the context of our nation's political woes, particularly as regards the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court. It is without a doubt a profoundly important issue, perhaps the most important issue facing Americans today. I believe, as did our Founding Fathers, that it is imperative to maintain a clear line of separation between church and state. To do otherwise is to invite the very circumstances the settlers of this nation intended to avoid... the oppressive rule of a theocratic government. The annals of history are chock full of evidence that supports this conclusion. Americans have diverse religious beliefs, and if the government is allowed to dabble in religion, show preference for any one doctrine or theology over another, or, worse yet, claim divine ordination, it won't be long before this "us and them" mindset pollutes our entire culture, and we'll have some subset of Catholics waging legislative war against a splinter group of Quakers. It's ridiculous to assume that the secular functions of a government are compatible with the clerical functions of a church. If we do not insist on having a purely secular government, devoid of any religious trappings, rhetoric or edicts, we will invite the same hate, dissension and tyrrany our ancestors fought so hard to escape. For those who think this nation was founded on Judeo-Christian principles, well, you're just wrong. This nation was founded on humanitarian principles of individual freedom (including the freedom to believe as we will), equality, and justice for all, and a clear admonishment was given to keep matters of church and state separate.

Footnote (7/4/2005):

I do not mean to imply that our nation's founders weren't influenced in their crafting of our government by their Christian convictions, nor do I discount the fact that the fundamental precept of Christianity (love for all men) is the same prinicple underpinning all advances in human rights (e.g. the Magna Carta). These steps forward in the spiritual evolution of man, however, do not owe their origin to the religion of Christianity. Love was around long before it was embodied in Christ, or preached in Christian churches - and it is currently evidenced and practiced by many who do not adhere precisely to the teachings of your favorite brand of church. If the government gets involved in any of this, things are gonna get messed up, you can count on it. If you really love your fellow man, regardless if his spiritual beliefs differ from yours, do him the honor of preventing the government from legislating anything regarding religion (with the exception that one may believe as one wishes). If you really love your God, then do Him (or Her, if you worship the Mother, or It, if you worship something else...) the honor of trusting Him/Her/It to be able to manage the spiritual end of things without having to get the government involved.