Saturday, November 24, 2007
Separation Of Church And State?
There is a separation between church and state. Remember that old and tired phrase? Well, the government only believes half of the sentiment behind it; the separation of the state from the church. Now, separating the church from the state? That is another matter. Seems we, as a country, are a little shaky on that point.
Take the case of Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, a wing of the evangelical faith with whom I share little in common. Kenneth Copeland has for years preached a materialistic view of faith, firmly grounded in the world’s view of an individual’s worth. That is to say, wealth shows one’s level of spirituality. God materially blesses the spiritually connected. It is called the Prosperity Gospel.
To take this piece of doctrine apart would require a lot more time and effort than I wish to devote to it but let me just point out that some of the vilest and most degenerate people in humanity’s history have been wealthy and powerful. God’s blessing?
Nevertheless, Copeland has, according to the Constitution of the United States of America, the right to believe and speak about those beliefs and practice those beliefs to his heart’s content. Any objections…? Anyone…? God help any politician who would dispute this assertion. EXCEPT…perhaps if it were couched in the subtleties of a senate investigation for the good of the people. Which is exactly what Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), part of the Senate Finance Committee, wants to do. It is a slippery slope down which the senator has begun. And take it from someone who lives in the rolling hills of Tennessee, starting down an incline, especially in winter or rain, can be a daunting task filled with unknown obstacles and a very unsure ending at the bottom.
“Jesus came into the city of Jerusalem on a donkey. Do these ministers really need Bentleys and Rolls-Royces to spread the Gospel?” the good senator is quoted as asking.
Senator, what business is it or yours what these ministries believe? Who died and appointed you guardian of religious doctrine in this country? By the way, senator; as a taxpayer, one who employs you, I would like a detailed accounting of how you spent the funds to run your office. Please itemize every expense and feel free to add any notation you think necessary to explain what might otherwise appear as a suspicious outlay of the public’s money. And, include the gifts, freebies and off budget uses of military transportation as well as reimbursements from your campaign.
I thank you in advance for your quick compliance to this request. Oh, and do you, Senator Grassley, believe in the doctrine of the separation of church and state? Please include a response with your financial records.
Take the case of Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, a wing of the evangelical faith with whom I share little in common. Kenneth Copeland has for years preached a materialistic view of faith, firmly grounded in the world’s view of an individual’s worth. That is to say, wealth shows one’s level of spirituality. God materially blesses the spiritually connected. It is called the Prosperity Gospel.
To take this piece of doctrine apart would require a lot more time and effort than I wish to devote to it but let me just point out that some of the vilest and most degenerate people in humanity’s history have been wealthy and powerful. God’s blessing?
Nevertheless, Copeland has, according to the Constitution of the United States of America, the right to believe and speak about those beliefs and practice those beliefs to his heart’s content. Any objections…? Anyone…? God help any politician who would dispute this assertion. EXCEPT…perhaps if it were couched in the subtleties of a senate investigation for the good of the people. Which is exactly what Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), part of the Senate Finance Committee, wants to do. It is a slippery slope down which the senator has begun. And take it from someone who lives in the rolling hills of Tennessee, starting down an incline, especially in winter or rain, can be a daunting task filled with unknown obstacles and a very unsure ending at the bottom.
“Jesus came into the city of Jerusalem on a donkey. Do these ministers really need Bentleys and Rolls-Royces to spread the Gospel?” the good senator is quoted as asking.
Senator, what business is it or yours what these ministries believe? Who died and appointed you guardian of religious doctrine in this country? By the way, senator; as a taxpayer, one who employs you, I would like a detailed accounting of how you spent the funds to run your office. Please itemize every expense and feel free to add any notation you think necessary to explain what might otherwise appear as a suspicious outlay of the public’s money. And, include the gifts, freebies and off budget uses of military transportation as well as reimbursements from your campaign.
I thank you in advance for your quick compliance to this request. Oh, and do you, Senator Grassley, believe in the doctrine of the separation of church and state? Please include a response with your financial records.
