I agree with use of Jefferson’s letter in both regards – we can’t allow government to establish or even promote the exercise of religion. That cause too many issues as a result. But then again government should be free of religion as well – I’m going to stick with this.

I want to preface my argument by saying that politics are the politicians and government is agencies and authority running the country.

I think govt (actually running the country) has no place for religion in the sense it can be a whose side are you on scenario (Christian, Muslim, Judiasm then what type of Christian are you argument.) Like Manifest Destiny for example – its our God-given right to expand the US to the Pacific Ocean but at what cost? Do we expand through treaties with Native Americans or do we enter into combat with them knowing we have better technology? The result, we expanded all right and allowed a culture to be isolated and then assimilated to fit into the American image – it was policy that involved a theory that put religion as its central thesis.

I think religion and state can garner three types of people:

a) the zealots – I know a few.
b) the religion must die and all those who believe must die with it see Bill Mahr.
c) everyone else.

In any case, religion and politics may be one thing (I really don’t care if the President goes to church) but religion and government is another – they are like oil and water. Trust me, you want science and logic on the side of running of country – at least in the policy areas of Education, Environment, Defense, State, etc.

Its a hot mess.

I have said it before but my faith is intrinsic to what I believe, to how I vote, and who I am to the core of my being. I can’t seperate my beliefs from my politics so much as you could seperate your heart from your chest! (“Your” is a general term meaning no one in specific by the way.)

You make an awesome point about the majority. Not that “true” Christians are a majority, it is just percieved that way by society. I think if more Christians voted and governed with their whole hearts to their faith this would be a much more AMAZING country to live in!!

I encourage you to read this short quote from Thomas Jefferson about the “Wall of Seperation” seperating religion and government. This concept was based on the writings of Thomas Jefferson and it was taken DEAD WRONG. He wanted freedom OF religion, not FROM religion! Read for yourself…

“Because religious belief, or non-belief, is such an important part of every person’s life, freedom of religion affects every individual. Religious institutions that use government power in support of themselves and force their views on persons of other faiths, or of no faith, undermine all our civil rights. Moreover, state support of an established religion tends to make the clergy unresponsive to their own people, and leads to corruption within religion itself. Erecting the “wall of separation between church and state,” therefore, is absolutely essential in a free society. ”

In short: if a government uses religious power it will disrupt our free will to participate in religion. It is necessary to seperate the two in order to ensure freedom of religion. Not in order to ensure the government is “safe” from religion.

Sorry for the novel length comment, but this is something I am so very passionate about!

Here’s more resources:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/152648/defending_thomas_jefferson_freedom.html?cat=9

http://gileadtaylor.com/dwnld/a00482_15.mp3

The first is an article, the second is a very compelling audio sermon.