Founders Comments on the Separation of Church and State

[TRANSPONDER]

There is a lot in what you say, Gldnrule. But I believe the point is that it is like Churchill said about democracy - it is the worst system of government - apart from all the others.

Human morality and law and (as you say, the way it is applied - it is sometimes winked at out of expediency or in hopes to win or at least, not lose votes, here, too) are not perfect, and I would only say that while it looks dirtier than ever, this is actually good, as the dirty washing is finally being pulled out.

But it is the best that we have and - as I have said - the suggestion that Bible- based law or morality would be a better or even viable alternative is simply not on. If only because divine authority would not permit the dirty bits to be pulled out for laundering.

This is the best we have, and I believe that it is our interests to try to improve it - by constructive rather than destructive criticism.

[GldnRule]

Originally Posted by AREQUIPA

There is a lot in what you say, Gldnrule. But I believe the point is that it is like Churchill said about democracy - it is the worst system of government - apart from all the others.

Human morality and law and (as you say, the way it is applied - it is sometimes winked at out of expediency or in hopes to win or at least, not lose votes, here, too) are not perfect, and I would only say that while it looks dirtier than ever, this is actually good, as the dirty washing is finally being pulled out.

But it is the best that we have and - as I have said - the suggestion that Bible- based law or morality would be a better or even viable alternative is simply not on. If only because divine authority would not permit the dirty bits to be pulled out for laundering.

This is the best we have, and I believe that it is our interests to try to improve it - by constructive rather than destructive criticism.

Yes...I agree that this method of government is "the best" yet...regardless of faults.
I really like your "pulling out the dirty laundry" conceptual metaphor. It shines light on the additional problems that can come from a religious basis for forging laws. And a big problem it is! We've seen it within some religious organizations throughout history...and still now. The "dirty laundry" gets shoved to the bottom of the pile...with clean stuff on top to hide it.
We have that even besides religious influence...but add "God (pick one) said so" to it, and you've really got problems finding reasonable law making and enforcement.

I do give "constructive criticism" (and my thoughts on improvements) on the system in general.
Past or present actions of former leaders/officials/politicians...I call them as I see them, in no uncertain terms. Some things, I feel, can't be seen as anything but horrible...others, seen as anything but great. IMO, of course.

It seems some are confused as to my position on the government and religion.
It bothers me that we have laws to sequester one from the other...but the officials blatantly violate it any way they they choose...and little is done. What's new, huh?!
The government should be free from (there: I said "from") religious taint...in any way. That is not their mission, nor their domain. Do The Peoples' secular business...any theological affairs, completely isolated from it.
It's THEIR OWN RULES! Just follow it...no deviation or exceptions. You got a law?...then follow it yourselves!!
Make like the government is Superman...and theological concepts (ANY Belief or Nonbelief System) are Kryptonite! LOL.