Separation of church and state is essential
There is, in this nation, a significant number of “deeply religious” (I could use a more descriptive term) Americans who do not grasp the very important principle of total and absolute separation of church and state. Or perhaps they do not believe in such principle.
There are several reasons why this total and absolute separation is very important, but I can think of three that come to mind:
1. This nation’s government is not a theocracy. It is a representative democracy (or tries to be).
2. Pilgrims came to America from Europe to flee religious persecution. The Founding Fathers, I think, wanted to have a nation with freedom of religion, as well as freedom from religion.
3. I don’t want your religious beliefs imposed on the rest of the nation.
I believe that any public official who does not abide by this separation should automatically be disqualified from any public office.
In the words of John F. Kennedy: “I do not speak for my church on public matters — and the church does not speak for me.”
Fabrizio Griguoli, Shell Beach
This story was originally published January 25, 2016 at 1:29 PM with the headline "Separation of church and state is essential."