As I proceeded with my reading of The Brothers Karamazov, the topic of church and state was discussed between the characters of the book. The allotted discussion interested me and propelled me to the thought of whether church and state should be separated. I wondered if church and state were never separated then would today's society have less or more problems? I wondered if society would be better off with church and state separated or without church and state separated?
My stance on the topic is still undecided. Please leave comments on your opinion of whether or not church and state should be separated.
The separation of Church and State is essential. If there were no separation, then how does a state determine which religion is the State supported religion.
ReplyDeleteMain article: Separation of church and state in the United States
ReplyDeleteJohn Locke, English political philosopher argued for individual conscience, free from state control
The concept of separating church and state is often credited to the writings of English philosopher John Locke.[1] According to his principle of the social contract, Locke argued that the government lacked authority in the realm of individual conscience, as this was something rational people could not cede to the government for it or others to control. For Locke, this created a natural right in the liberty of conscience, which he argued must therefore remain protected from any government authority. These views on religious tolerance and the importance of individual conscience, along with his social contract, became particularly influential in the American colonies and the drafting of the United States Constitution.[7] Indeed such was Locke's influence, Thomas Jefferson stated: "Bacon, Locke and Newton..I consider them as the three greatest men that have ever lived, without any exception, and as having laid the foundation of those superstructures which have been raised in the physical and moral sciences"[8][9]
The concept was implicit in the flight of Roger Williams from religious oppression in Massachusetts to found what became Rhode Island on the principle of state neutrality in matters of faith.[10][11] Many mistakenly believe that the "separation of Church and State" is a part of the U.S. Constitution, and in fact, it is NOT! It's just how many have interpreted it. See Wikipedia article on separation of church and state I found it interesting!
James,
ReplyDeleteWhen quoting directly from another source, be it book, article, internet, or otherwise, proper credit must be given to the source. Although you reference Wikipedia, you do not specifically attribute this text to Wikipedia, which borders on plagiarism, at best.