Separation of Church and State....

[DrLeftover]

.... only applies to Conservatives and Republicans.



Right?



That's what it seems like.



http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/valerie-jarrett-blasts-republicans-pulpit_616821.html

 

[Evil Eye]

All is fair in a popularity contest, right?

 

[Cranos]

Well, technically the seperation only exists for ruling the country, making sure that a powerful religious movement doesn't get any political power. There's no actual problem with mixing religion and politics in this way.



And in a more global view, I'm pretty sure the left wing is usually more anti religion than any conservative party.

 

[Cranos]

whoops double post

 

[Jazzy]

Just a reminder that this is a political debate NOT a religious debate. If if turns into one, this thread will be locked.

 

[Temerit]

The separation of church and state is about keeping government secular.



It is not about regulating the sermons of religious institutions.



And don't worry Jazzy, we wouldn't dare question the validity of religion.

 

[Evil Eye]

It is not about regulating the sermons of religious institutions.

That would be pretty bad actually.

 

[DrLeftover]

Oh?



If a church endorses the WRONG candidate, they can lose their tax exempt status.



http://www.opposingviews.com/i/reli...l-allow-churches-endorse-political-candidates

 

[Jazzy]

@DrLeftover: Since religious discussions are in violation of board rule:

{g}

Religion debates (making topics and/or posts anywhere on this forum containing argumentative comments or discussions relating to religious disagreements;​

Can you please explain what exactly you are debating here?

 

[Temerit]

It's a debate about the separation of church and state.



Dr. Leftover, I apologize, I didn't know that the woman speaking at the church officially endorsed a candidate for president.



---



And by the way, the link you posted has to do with 501c tax exemption for charitable organizations.



That has nothing to do with the separation of church and state.

 

[DrLeftover]

The 501 can be pulled by the IRS for political activity.



If that speech at the church, during a service, by an official representitive of an active candidate doesn't qualify. What does?

 

[Temerit]

More than one sentence. The speech mentioned politics, but did almost nothing to advocate a particular member of the government or political party. It was a jab, and the original article completely overblows everything about this situation.



Raising money, campaigning, running advertisements, or organizing for activism would.



Donating millions towards a political initiative (like prop8) should violate this statute, which is why it is a wonder to me that the mormon church remains tax-exempt.

 

[Temerit]

They are, but one of the stipulations is that they can't use the finances of the church for political purposes (which is not something that happens a lot). Once a church begins donating to political initiatives and getting involved in politics, they lose their right to tax-exemption status.