Faith groups and institutions should not be allowed to form political parties and they should not attempt to gain influence in the workings of government for their views and values by entering the realm of political discourse and attempting to elect their own politicians. It is not in the best interest of the Church to determine on the basis of their doctrine whether it is legitimate or wise for a church official, congregation, or denominational body to endorse a particular policy or candidate. A major problem with this is that it may bind religious faith injudiciously to a particular Party or possibly controversial political candidate, and it may run the risk of damaging and possibly destroying the denomination. The state could also decide that the political …show more content…
A second range of problems arises when religious belief and practice conflict with secular law.
Separation of church and State
In 1689 a man named John Locke had argued, "The church itself is a thing absolutely separate and distinct from the commonwealth [government]." In America today, churches are allowed to participate in political activity as long as no one candidate or party is endorsed. They can express their position on issues but cannot support individual candidates. This is largely in keeping with the principles that states are and should always remain secular, meaning that they do not favor as being better than another. The government does not appoint bishops and pastors for the churches and churches do not appoint presidents, governors, and judges. No religion can be favored over others or supported by taxes. The state has no role or authority in defining beliefs relating to God and worship. The free exercise of religion is to be guaranteed under the first amendment of the constitution. The state is neutral between particular religions and permits citizens to believe or not believe in a higher power and to engage or not