What does seperation of church and state mean to you?

Question

Does it mean you can believe anything you want? Or does it mean that there are many different ways of accepting Jesus Christ as your lord and savior?

Answer 1

Ok, the Jesus excerpt was a bit scary. Hopefully people don't actually believe that the "separation of church and state" means that we get to pick between being Baptist, Protestant, Catholic, Mormon, and nothing else.

The separation of church and state means that I have the freedom to believe (or not) anything I choose, and the government cannot enforce laws on the basis of theological ideas. As an atheist, I consider the separation of church and state very important. It prevents tyranny of whatever religious group is in power and allows for personal freedom.

In religious countries, the governments are often cited for abusing human rights (see Saudi Arabia, Iran, Middle Ages in Europe). Even in the U.S. in the early 20th century, post offices banned the shipment of Voltaire's novels and gays were institutionalized or imprisoned for their own private behavior. When the church influences the state, tyranny is sure to follow.

I want complete personal freedom of idea, opinion, expression, religion, speech, etc, no matter how little it conforms to what most people believe. Nothing less will be acceptable in this country, if we still wish to call it "land of the free." Forcing someone to worship a specific god like Jesus is not only wrong, it's oppression.

I would rather leave the country than live under a theocracy, regardless of who is in charge. There is too much at stake to toss away the Bill of Rights and the Constitution.

Answer 2

It means that the Government can't decide what religion you are or aren't.
The Bill of Rights says you are free to believe whatever you want, and of accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, or not.

Answer 3

An atheist government that is religiously neutral. It means the government not showing preference to any particular belief. Because if you view it as meaning you can believe whatever flavor of the the dominant religion then what happens if say you wake up tomorrow and say scientology is dominant.

Sorry but no matter how you try to slice it a true separation of church and state is best for theists, atheists and anti-theists. A truly secular and atheist government would protect the basic human right to live your life as you like so long as you don't impinge on other's rights to do the same.

And someday perhaps we will see a true separation or church and state.

Answer 4

It works the other way around, too: the church can't control the state. That was actually the issue for the framers of the US Constitution. But both ways are legitimate. People misinterpret it for the same reason they misinterpret a lot of important things that aren't properly taught in the schools anymore. It is also politically convenient for some to misrepresent it.

Answer 5

It means that there should be a separation from government and religion.

The founding fathers realized that to have freedom of religion you have to separate the government from religion. In Europe they had many religious prosecutions placed by the government.

To prevent that you need separation from church and state.

The government buildings, schools, anywhere the government is, you cannot have any religious influence there. Because once you do that, you will lose religious freedoms.

Answer 6

The Hour of God's Judgment Come! Believers must NOW Flee the Churches!

The Bible teaches that in these days we should flee the churches. Gods jugment has begun, and God starts it at the external church. We should, if possible, fellowship with other believers; (He.10:25) but not in a church.
Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. (Re.14:7)

When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand: (Matthew 24:15)
And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. (Lu.21:20-22)

In these verses, Jerusalem and Judaea refer to the external or corporate churches. The ETERNAL CHURCH consists of all those whom God has saved and these will live with Him forever in Heaven.
The armies are Satan (the antichrist), as he comes with his false prophets and lying signs and wonders.
This is Gods judgment on the church. See also:2 Thessalonians 2:1+.
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? (1 Pe.4:17)

Join us for live fellowship over the Internet: http://www.ebiblefellowship.com

Q. So, I have to accept Christ? And then will I be saved?
A. Unfortunately, many churches teach this, but the Bible says that no man can “accept” Christ because all men are spiritually dead:
And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Ephesians 2:1

In question 20 from the tract "IS THE CHURCH AGE OVER" we read:
Q. Are you sure? I thought all I had to do was accept Christ. Isn’t this true?
A. No. The problem is that the Bible declares that man is spiritually dead in sin and totally incapable of mustering up faith in himself to salvation:
And there is none that calleth upon Thy Name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of Thee:… Isaiah 64:7
There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. Romans 3:11
No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him:… John 6:44

Answer 7

It means that no-one is privileged or disadvantaged on the basis of religious belief and that the state neither promotes nor acts against any religion per se.

Answer 8

That the state will not favor or be controlled by any religion. That the state will not require belief in any religion nor will it enforce religious practices in secular law.

Answer 9

It means that the church only responsible for the spiritual welfare of people and for political matters she only gives moral guidance for public decision and action.

The state has its own autonomous mecanism to perform its duties and responsibilities.

Answer 10

It means the government can't tell the people what to believe, and the church can't tell the government how to act.

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