Separation of Church and State - Opposing View

Redefining the Wall of Separation between Church and State

A Rebuttal to “The wall of Separation between Church and State Defined”

What we call The United States originally started as colonies in 1607, created by those who wanted to escape religious intolerance and persecution. Although the Constitution has never explicitly said that it was a country under God, it has been held as such for centuries. Unfortunately there has always been those who, intolerant of beliefs of any kind, have attempted to separate religion from the country that empowers it. And if this country becomes a secular nation in comparison to the religiously based government it is currently, the morale of its citizens will become darkened and the Democracy will be derailed.

I would like to start by pointing out that churches are not excluded from taxes in order to have a “free pass”. Churches and other religious gatherings alike are considered sovereigns – not controlled or owned by the government, but rather residing inside the country. Just as the United states does not tax property owned by foreign governments, the United States cannot interfere with religious gatherings as well. The “Wall of Separation between Church and State” mentioned by Jefferson is not a one-way wall – the government needs to be held in check as well. Just as they cannot be affiliated with a religious groups or having taxes benefit them, they cannot have taxes hamper either. Therefore attempting to tax the church would be wrong to do, and would be considered breaking the 1st amendment. Aside from the law aspect, wherein by itself shows that it would be unjust to tax, churches are non-profit organizations, and in many cases would be unable to pay the taxes. Between keeping the congregation operational, keeping its workers paid, and raising funds for charity, money would be unreasonably tight – in smaller towns across America, churches would become near extinct.
In defense against the accusations of church effecting the outcome in politics, the two are near inseparable. “It is impossible to separate them (religion and politics), and anyone who claims it can and should be done is either lying or hasn’t thought it through”, says Bishop Pierre Whalon. There have been many national elections happening within the past few years, and religion has been one of the most important aspects – it is impossible to name one election that religion hasn’t been a significant factor. Many people say that it’s best to “stay out of politics”, but in the end it’s impossible for a Christian – or any other religious affiliated person for that matter. Even Jesus of Nazareth was blatantly political, up to the point of his execution.

I would like for there to be a reconsideration of the Bill to “Define the Wall of Separation between Church and State”, and leave the wall alone, just as it has been for centuries. In accordance to Bert Lance, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget in Jimmy Carter’s 1977 administration, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That’s the trouble with the government: Fixing things that aren’t broken and not fixing things that are broken.” Don’t try to fix the system we’ve had working for years – instead focus on something that will be of more use.