Seperation of Church & State

**RaiderWahoo0105** · January 10th, 2006, 11:07 AM

Seperation of Church & Politics

Post your opinions. I hope to come out of this of a stronger stance in one way or the other (hopefully there is a happy middle ground).

**burton2019** · January 10th, 2006, 11:11 AM

This is going to end up in a fight.

**RaiderWahoo0105** · January 10th, 2006, 11:12 AM

I hope not, I hope people could be non-offensive with a topic like this.

**burton2019** · January 10th, 2006, 11:12 AM

Just wait. You will see.

**imported_hhstigerfan** · January 10th, 2006, 11:13 AM

This will end up in a fight, because people on either side are always too arrogant to see the other persons point of view.

**burton2019** · January 10th, 2006, 11:14 AM

Agreed.

**imported_MoonlightGraham** · January 10th, 2006, 11:19 AM

IMO it is hard for a Christian to say there should be a seperation, however it is hard for an American to say that people have to acknowledge the Bible in society. A classic catch 22 of modern times. One of the main reasons America was founded was freedom of religion, we as Americans can't take that away just because we have strong feelings toward God. That is why I do not have a probelm with this, I believe that your relationship with God should be both private and personal, I am sure we can all think of a handful of hypocrites who can see everyone else's faults (and makes it well known to the public), but can't see the log in his own eye. Actually a parallel quote from both Jesus and Buddha. That being said who are we to judge someone on how they pray or lack there of?

As Earl's former mother -in-law (My name is Earl, an LPD Sports Forum Favorite) said, "Don't judge me."

**CoeburnCane** · January 10th, 2006, 11:29 AM

Agreed MG...I've said plenty of times on here when you look at guys like Rasputin and Cardinal Richelieu throughout history, when anyone in a religious walk of life attempts to control the course of action in their government, it can often be as underhanded and evil as can be. Why? Because people who are too far into their religion instead of focusing on their relationship with God and Jesus (and for Catholics, the Holy Mother) can rationalize that they're doing sinful things "for God's will and purpose". Religious leaders should stick to what they're supposed to do--lead people to God and help to get souls saved and into Heaven. They should NOT attempt to control government. There shouldn't be any statements on any governmental control or law by the Vatican, the Church of God, the Southern Baptists, the Jewish, the Islamic, etc...as a body trying to influence government. Religious freedom means freedom to WORSHIP as you wish...not freedom to force your doctrine on others, especially when it comes to affairs a religious body has no business dealing with.

Our modern day Rasputin or Richelieu? Has to be guys like these Bishops in this article and Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, James Dobson, etc...Religious men claiming their religion as an excuse to push their own political agendas. It's not right and really and truly I believe against what God wants.

God, being omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent as he is has no need for a Christian president of any denomination in the White House to get HIS agenda done. And isn't that the one that really matters anyways?

**RaiderWahoo0105** · January 10th, 2006, 11:39 AM

In response to: Why? Because people who are too far into their religion instead of focusing on their relationship with God and Jesus (and for Catholics, the Holy Mother) can rationalize that they're doing sinful things "for God's will and purpose".
- Just to dispel a quick myth - the Holy Mother is not the center of the Church. The Holy Trinity is. The Mother of God is just looked at in espeically HIGH regard. She is not of "God" status, but she's seen as an example of how good Christians should act and serve

**CoeburnCane** · January 10th, 2006, 11:53 AM

<blockquote>In reply to:<hr />
I've done a lot of wrong. I'm still working on becoming a better person, and I may not ever be completely happy with how morally good I am

[/ QUOTE ]

Isn't it this kind of guilt what it takes to be a REAL Catholic? Or just Jewish...either one...OY! [img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]...just kidding RW0105...

<blockquote>In reply to:<hr />
- Just to dispel a quick myth - the Holy Mother is not the center of the Church. The Holy Trinity is. The Mother of God is just looked at in espeically HIGH regard. She is not of "God" status, but she's seen as an example of how good Christians should act and serve

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't think that, but what I guess I meant was that she is looked up to and prayed to as a religious figure--not a God--but a religious figure, like any of the saints. She's a central figure in the faith just like the Holy Trinity, but just below that God status you mentioned.

To be honest, I think for the most part I agree with your argument. I have those same problems...socially, I think abortion is a choice. Religiously, I think it is an abomination. Socially, I think church and state should be kept separate. Religiously, I feel that we need to have people who have a personal relationship with God in office to make the right decisions, not just totally based on their faith alone, but by the knowledge that God has blessed them with. That may be where the rift lies...some of the religious figures that dabble in government policy are basing their beliefs totally on the letter of the word, and not leaning on the understanding of the world today that's granted to them by a relationship with God. Some people thump the Bible until they're red in the face, but lose sight of the fact that God lives and we can have a relationship with him and he will guide us through prayer and through studying the word...not all answers come from the Bible--it is merely a guide by which for us to worship & relate to God and Jesus Christ. I know that's an unpopular opinion, but I think it's a focal point to help us see things that God wants us to see and have knowledge of.