Should Churches speak to poltical issues of the da

[sachi]

Yes agree with ALL of the above statements -very well articulated.

Given that there is a dissolution of Judeo Christian values in our culture and institutions we do need to galvanize and work together to be a clear unequivocal voice for the values of our Faith.

No doubt.

My question is that when we open the door to having churches become a forum for political issues; and subsequently watch dog groups arise to identify what churches are violating the 'tax examept status" - is this not a subtle progression towards a polic state??? :x:

Maybe Tako's point is well taken - churches should pay taxes and then they could be at liberty to espouse what they wanted to.

And then again how does it ( political side-taking) fit in with 'the great commission'?

Blessings- Sachi

[UndecidedFrog]

Dear Tako,

This is my opinion, and you do not have to accept it. DISCLAIMER: I am not a christian.

Separation of church and state was not imported to the US from Russia. The US was founded on religious freedom, and during the writing of the constitution, the founding fathers of the US saw it a wise thing to separate church from state. The separation of church from state in Russia really happened several hundred years later after the Bolsheviks took power and killed the czar and his family.

One can interpret the real beginning of separation of church from state during the reign of King Henry VIII, when he broke with the Roman Catholic Pope and established his own church (Church of England, Anglican) which allowed him to divorce one of his wives.

Regards,

UndecidedFrog

[tako]

HI UNDECIDED, Thanks for the Info. Actually I was trying to point out how our DEMOCRATIC PARTY has leaned towards SOCIALISM in America and the word SEPERATION of CHURCH and STATE was not heard of till the early 80's or 90's I believe. And how they the LIBERALS have put a spin on IT to mean what they want it to mean,But don't want to get into that right now. Any way thanks again. Oh! and SACHI mentioned about a POLICE STATE ? I know, SOCIALISM from what I understand wants the GOVERNMENT to be YOUR GOD and I can see this in our DEMOCRATIC PARTY where all the LIBERAL, ANTI-GOD, ANTI-CHRISTIAN, ACLU, etc. etc. groups has UNITED themselves against the CONSERVATIVE PARTY the REPULICANS who are the GOD FEARING PEOPLE of AMERICA. So, I do understand about the GREAT COMMISION, But I must also stand up against what I believe is a GREAT THREAT TO OUR SOCIETY, SO, I must do both as best I can.......nice talking with you both........ TAKO

S

[UndecidedFrog]

Dear Tako,

This is just my opinion, you don't have to accept it if you don't like it. DISCLAIMER: I am not a christian.

I am sure there are some God-believing people who are also democrats, just as I am sure there are some atheists who are republicans. I doubt democrats want to worship government as some worship God. I think both the democrats and the republicans want to control government, rather than worship it.

Tako, I think it would do everyone good if we try not to generalize people into categories and then make broad unsubstantiated characterizations about these categories of people. I don't think it serves a useful purpose.

Best regards,

UndecidedFrog

[tako]

OK UNDECIDED, Thanks for the input, talk to you later. ........TAKO

[stevehut]

Let me get this straight:

The Catholics are complaining that the Protestant churches are becoming too political?

I can't imagine a religious institution that's more politically active than the Roman Catholic Church. Look it up, they're everywhere, trying to influence governments and control legislation.

Charlemagne was appointed and crowned by a pope.

Over the years, several popes were appointed by emperors.

Jean Bertrand Aristide, president of Haiti, was defrocked by the Pope because priests shouldn't be involved in politics.

The vatican sends ambassadors to countries all over the world, just like every other country.

Oh, yeah, and isn't the Pople himself a head of state?

[sachi]

Steve Hut:

My how we let prejudices cloud our ability for rational thinking.

THAT is not what the article is about.

Helloooooo..........? Earth to Steve.

Are you in this election year . . . . . ?

Politcial watch dog groups are NOT a Catholic/Protestant issue - they are a Republican /Democractic issue with the context of Governement defines Church Mandate.

That is the discussion. Kindly stick to that.

Blessings-Sachi

p.s A more careful reading of history will reveal that politcis and religion have been bedfellows in both traditions.

Political rulers of the day had very little interest in the religious beliefs of Calvin and Luther, but utilized those beliefs as a way to galvanize power in Switzerland and Germany;

then there is Henry VIII, Oliver Cromwell - just off the top of my head.

BUT THAT IS ANOTHER DISCUSSION

[stevehut]

THAT is not what the article is about.

OK, I thought this was the headline of your oiginal post:

Catholic Group to Ask IRS to Revoke Tax-Exempt Status of Florida Church

Silly me.

[sachi]

STEVE HUT

On the contrary, from following several your posts on this board I do not find you silly

But I was concerned -

Thanks for clarifying your oversight -

Blessings, In Christ - Sachi

[ServingHim]

Steve Hut:

My how we let prejudices cloud our ability for rational thinking.

THAT is not what the article is about.

Helloooooo..........? Earth to Steve.

Are you in this election year . . . . . ?

Politcial watch dog groups are NOT a Catholic/Protestant issue - they are a Republican /Democractic issue with the context of Governement defines Church Mandate.

That is the discussion. Kindly stick to that.

Blessings-Sachi

p.s A more careful reading of history will reveal that politcis and religion have been bedfellows in both traditions.

Political rulers of the day had very little interest in the religious beliefs of Calvin and Luther, but utilized those beliefs as a way to galvanize power in Switzerland and Germany;

then there is Henry VIII, Oliver Cromwell - just off the top of my head.

BUT THAT IS ANOTHER DISCUSSION