n7axw wrote:Hi Jeff,
You are right that I don't like the church with political power period. Look at my signature line.
But my real issue in the context of this discussion is that we are talking about the COGA. You may well be right that the best that can be done is something like what you guys have described. I, for one, don't want allied troops committed to a long term occupation in a hostile environment.
Maybe we can at least keep the COGA from running everybody elses affairs. That would at least be progress.
Don
I have no issues with a Church having political power. The issue I have is the combination of the power to compel and the moral authority over matter of conscience. The Church can attempt to persuade or even remonstrate to its heart's content. What it cannot have is the legal authority to compel individuals to accept its view.
If the Church were to administer social services as well as moral and philosophical education for people, that's just fine. Church involvement in the police and military powers of the state? Hell, no. The same applies in reverse. The state because it does hold police and military power, stays the hell out of matter of personal conscience and morals.