Pope Francis Visits Philippines - Day 2
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When I review the US Constitution I can’t seem to locate the specific section that deals with the separation of church and state.

There is a provision in the first amendment that says government can’t create its own church. But it also says we the people have the right to start churches separate and apart from government and worship as we choose.

Religions were founded long before any government. Throughout history human beings have held strong beliefs about the creation of the world and other events.

When government came along some forbid the following of religion teachings because it conflicted with the ruling class.

As a result many people of strong belief were forced to practice their faith in private under penalty of death in some cases.

Federal and State Funds

Legitimately defined churches are tax-exempt. Why? — Because they’re non-profits. Although looking at some of their buildings makes that hard to swallow — TV preachers especially.

Yet other groups that regularly violate the Ten Commandments are also tax-exempt.

  • Thou shalt not kill — police and soldiers kill people with guns and other weapons supplied by tax dollars. Do I even need to mention Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood?
  • Thou shalt not steal — Congress? Hard to make a case it’s not outright theft.
  • Thou shalt not commit adultery — Congress again? Even presidents. JFK, Eisenhower, Jefferson, Clinton, some while living in the White House.

All get big time tax dollars and are non-profits and preach their beliefs daily, not just on Sundays.

Why Not Politics From The Pulpit?

Many religions preach that marriage is between one man and one woman. The Supreme Court opinion differs when it comes to the legal definition of marriage.

Church and state are on opposite sides so should the marriage argument be prohibited speech in churches?

Or tax dollars pulled because of that single belief?

Many religions are against war. Every war in history has had conscientious objectors.

“A conscientious objector is an "individual who has claimed the right to refuse to perform military service" on the grounds of freedom of thought, conscience, disability or religion.”

Many conscientious objectors served as support personnel during WW2, Korea and Vietnam.

The military also has Chaplains and that seems like a clear violation of church and state.

Preaching the gospel while in uniform might make the Supreme Court Justices squirm in their seats a little. Go in peace and kill?

Some Final Thoughts

So churches are tax exempt but can’t take a stand on social issues that conflict with political ideology? Why Not??

Church boards select who will preach to their congregation. That means there must already be a preconceived agenda that the church would like their leader to follow if they want the job.

Politics are a part of our society. Our constitution is based largely on religious teaching and the freedoms those beliefs afford us.

Currently if you don’t agree with the teaching of a particular church on any issue you find another one.

So what’s the big deal about churches with conservative leanings versus those with liberal leanings?

Find the church that matches your beliefs and give generously and embrace the message. Whatever that message happens to be.

Or, do we have freedom of speech only if there’s no tax money involved?

Comments below.

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