Separation of Church and State
Dear Daddy:
You've talked about religious vs. secular matters. So, what's your stance on
the separation of church and state? I mean, things are going great here in
America. The government leaves the church alone, and vice versa. Can't we
live and let live?
-- Churchgoing Citizen
Dear Citizen:
I just read a book review, and I think that this book may help answer your
question. It's Hitler's Pope: The Secret History of Pius XII (Viking).
It is the story of Eugene Pacelli, who became Pope Pius XII, and was very
accommodating to Hitler. He was bought off and granted the Third Reich a
complete Catholic withdrawal from all social and political action in Germany.
Hitler, in turn, provided significant financial compensation to Catholic
clergy -- and allowed them to continue to operate in their abbreviated role.
The pope knew full well about the mass deportations, concentration camps and
murders of the regime, yet ignored desperate pleas for papal action -- or at
least condemnation.
Kind of makes you wonder about the timidity of our current crop of preachers
and their various denominations here in the U.S. Although officially pledging
allegiance to the separation of church and state doctrine, are many unaware
just how joined these institutions may be? Could this be a major reason for
the deafening silence in the arena of abortion and other "social sins"?
Have the clergy been so bought off that they dare not rankle Uncle Sugar,
lest he cut off their allowances?
For example, what about this 501(c)3 thing? This is a cute device used by the
government to have the IRS implement a gag rule on the nation's churches.
Stay politically correct -- by staying out of the political arena -- in your
preaching and church activities, and we won't tax you. If you behave, you
still get some First Amendment protection!
Another example: the benevolent state has generously allowed pastors to be
included in its "Social Security" system. Now the care of ministers in their
later years can be borne by all Americans. How Democratic!
Don't you think that expecting to be fed by the Feds might have some slight
influence on just how forceful a preacher is in criticizing bad laws and
corrupt politicians?
Someone once said, "You can't expect a man to understand that which his
paycheck demands that he not understand." How many masters have our pastors?
Got any more examples? Write the Editor and let us know.
Meanwhile, I'm gonna read this book.
Daddy.
Past Issues of 'Dear Daddy'
What is Gunophobia?
Reclaiming Freedom
Loving Correction
Throw Off the Shackles
Death Penalty 'Balance'
Keep Christ in Christmas
Ten Commandment in Schools
The Never-Born and Heaven
Who Do Your Serve?
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