Church, state separation intriguing
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Editor,
I find the subject of separation of church and state quite an interesting one. And it calls to attention some quite interesting considerations and good opportunity for dialogue.
Just what does this so-called “separation” really involve? I ask this because of two experiences I had just this week that brought this church and state issue to mind.
In last weeks Valley Journal there was a very clearly expressed letter from Jim Pettit of Ronan, outlining his opinion in the political arena of “Vote for anybody but Obama.” Mr. Pettit is apparently a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He made this quite clear. I quote, “You fellow Latter Day Saints know that light and darkness cannot dwell together. And a man’s voting record counts for who he says he is. If you vote for Obama, who spends more money on abortion than any other president, that one issue alone is enough to disqualify him as a person who a Christian can vote for.”
Ok, that was one experience. The other experience I had was sitting with others at the “Journey Be” gathering at our service in Polson, in which Rev. John Payne gave a fine talk on “Scarcity,” with the theme: “The cultivation of generosity is the beginning of spiritual awakening.” After John’s talk, he asked for comments. Many people commented, told stories and gave examples, and we generally explored and listened on this whole subject of giving and receiving. That lasted for probably 20 to 30 minutes.
My point in relating this is this: On the subject of “separating church and state,” I can clearly see how important it is to not mix up Mr. Pettit’s main points in his letter as guiding principles for our political process. On the other hand, the sort of talk and discussion we had at “Journey Be” this morning can do nothing but help in being guiding principles in any political process.
So, just what is church all about? What parts of church do we separate from politics and what do we include?
What would Jesus say beyond “Love one another” and “Judge not, that ye be not judged?”
Bob McClellan
Polson
