Thread: What are the three most important reasons for the separation of Church from State?

I think that the first and foremost reason for the separation of the Church and state is for the sake of democracy. In any democratic country there are a huge amount of religious beliefs: to rule the country on the basis of one set of beliefs over another is ludicrous. Even in the case of Christianity the amount of varying beliefs is huge - Catholic, Anglican, Seventh-Day Adventist etc etc. To expect a population of 280 million like the US to adhere to one firm set of beliefs is stupid and constrictive. Might as well be living in a communist country.

Not only that, but when religion is applied to policy measures it becomes woefully inadequate - especially in the area of the sciences. People should by all means be free to guide their moral decisions according to religion if they like - as long as that doens't harm others - but it should not be forced upon them. Areas in which religion IS mixing with policy, such as sex education, is damaging. Not promoting the use of condoms is dangerous, no matter how religiously correct. In issues of public health, religion should not be the guide of morals.

I also do not see why people need a religion to guide their morals. Cannot people think for themselves? I don't believe in god and I know that killing someone is wrong, and I think it's pretty easy to make our minds up about things. In cases where it IS hard, religion shouldn't be used either. Each case should be evaluated on its own merits, according to the implications, rather than taking a dogmatic, inflexible approach.