religion and politics

[Hibbidy Ha]

And separation of church FROM state would mean (from your definition) outlawing all religion?

[Peter1469]

Keeping all religion out of the public arena. 

[Hibbidy Ha]

Keeping all religion out of the public arena. 

That's like telling people they cannot wear certain colors because it might offend gangs.

Although, I would rather live in a society where I wasn't plagued by other people's ruthless and WRONG beliefs.  However, they have the right to shove their dirty ideas down my throat all they wish, and I must respect that as an American I suppose.

[Peter1469]

Yup

Or you could look at it this way: don't expect people to act contrary to what they are capable of.  You'll only be disappointed. 

[soaring]

Keeping all religion out of the public arena. 

That's like telling people they cannot wear certain colors because it might offend gangs.

Although, I would rather live in a society where I wasn't plagued by other people's ruthless and WRONG beliefs.  However, they have the right to shove their dirty ideas down my throat all they wish, and I must respect that as an American I suppose.

Wearing certain colors indicates a mindset and a political stance. Look at the stars and bars of the confederate states, and what immediately comes to mind?  However, what is in someone's mind is not obvious as are colors of a flag.  And, who is to say that a person's beliefs are wrong?  You? 

[pragmitician]

No one is to say that, and neither should the government, which is why we aren't not goverened by a religious theocracy.