Help with a debate?

Question

We have a debate in our house about religion (Jesus) and goverment.

Should they work together hand in hand?

Or should they stay separate? Separation of church and state.

One of us says, totally separate but active in both.

One of us says, totally together.

btw. we are in the United States.

Answer 1

Separation of church and state is important. We have freedom of religion. If we start legislating religious doctrine into law then we WON'T be free to practice whatever faith resonates with us and we won't be free to be WITHOUT belief in any and/or all faiths.

Forcing people to accept some particular idea or adhere to behavioral standards from someone else’s religion means that their religious freedom is being infringed upon.

Also, the United States is not in the business of legislating based on morality ALONE. As former Justice O'Connor once said in a ruling that struck down morality based sodomy laws: "A law branding one class of persons as criminal solely based on the State’s moral disapproval of that class and the conduct associated with that class runs contrary to the values of the Constitution and the Equal Protection Clause, under any standard of review".

Answer 2

Separate, of course. It's what our founding fathers intended, and it's in the Constitution. And can you imagine, with all the THOUSANDS of denominations in the U.S. what kind of chaos we would have as each group began to vie for domination. Without separation of church and state, we would be just like the totalitarian theocracies of the Muslim world, (eventually). Or, it could work the other way. The "state" could begin sticking their nose into the church's business, and begin telling them how to practice their religion. "Separation of church and state" also PROTECTS religion against this possibility. The church (the INSTITUTION, NOT it's people!) does not have any say so in the running of the country, and the state does not have any say so in the running of churches. Those that are religious and want to do away with "separation of church and state" don't seem to realize that this could do more harm to the church than good, because it opens the door for churches to done away with by the state. Something to think about.

Answer 3

Given that one is in the U.S.; it is easy to answer the questions. Right now, in the U.S. the teachings of Jesus and the power of the State are separate. The 'Reformation Movement' is moving things away (and getting further apparently) from Jesus, not toward him.
I could give many examples; but the Jews were warned about debt (Deut. 15) as were the Christians (Romans 13:8). What currently is the National debt and the personal debt? Need I go on?

Answer 4

When you read the 1st amendment you'll see that government cannot make any laws that would establish a religion (i.e., make a state religion). The people are free to practice religion as they choose.

The government is made up of the people. The people are, therefore, allowed to let their religion influence government. But not to the point where government institutes a religion.

The whole "wall of separation" thing isn't in the constitution. That was a phrase from a letter which was taken out of context. The way the phrase was originally used was to indicate there exists a one-way wall. People's religion is allowed to influence government, but the government is not allowed to establish a religion.

Answer 5

I feel the Reigning religion has NO PLACE in a government with all different cultures and religions living here.
I would also let Atheists run for office.
I don`t know why we exclude them ,as they usually are very intelligent and more tolerant of different cultures.
Any issues the religions want addressed should be done through the proper channels and not through our Congressmen and Senators.
All religious issues should also be VOTED on By the Public using demographic percentages to keep the voting fair.
Ex. A city with 90% christian voters versus 10% ethnic should not be able to pass a christian ammendment without a 90% registered christian voter turn out.

Answer 6

Well @ the end religion and science will fuse 2 be the observation of existence and these understrandings will run the world, but religion and science need a little modifying 1st.
At the moment they should remain separate since many church institutions decide not 2 embrace adapting 2 the present.

Answer 7

Completely separate. Not everyone is Christian, so trying to include a WWJD clause in every law only ensures inequality against every non-Christian.

I'm sure that Christians don't see a problem with that, but remember that this country was FOUNDED by people that left their mother land because their law system wasn't fair and impartial.

So to include religion in law defeats the basis of why the United States was created.

Answer 8

Totally separate

Answer 9

religion and state in constitution are separated, but now the relegions have a big part in the government or state. it depends on the government itself to allow the religeous group to participate pertaining the out growth of the community. religeous groups have a huge followers and believers, and some politicians take advantage to these groups, for their personal interest as far as the voting is concern. they (polititcian) extend help or donate huge amount to some religeous groups to get more points if the elections comes. the religeous group on their part and in fairness with their religions, they accept the donations but there's always a limitation, they stay in neutral position, they have obligation to their group and they usually set aside the political aspects.

Answer 10

According to the scriptures, followers of Jesus are to remain neutral in matters concerning politics. Jesus said his kingdom was no part of the world. (John 18:36) Additionally, according to the scriptures God's kingdom will 'crush and put an end to' all other kingdoms and governments at a future time. (Daniel 2:44, 45) If we pray for God's kingdom to come (Matt. 6:10) then we need to conduct ourselves as subjects of that Kingdom. Granted, according to scripture we are to heed the authority of the earthly governments (Rom. 13:1, 2) but only so far as it doesn't hinder our obedience to God (5:29). Being involved in political matters would show that we are putting out trust in men and not in God. (Ps. 146:3).

Answer 11

I believe in Separation of church and state.