Separation of Church and State

I believe in the separation of Church and State. Unnecessary influence is not good for either. As I celebrate First Fruits, Jesus’ Resurrection or Easter I read the scriptures. It is obvious to any unbiased reader of any of the gospels that Jesus was condemned by a combination of both the religious leaders and the government. Pride of authority can easily destroy the quiet and relational leading of God’s Spirit. Hence, my fear of unnecessary relationship or influence between government and church. I am angered when a Church leader, even at the present time in Russia, endorses the military action of his government. I am frustrated when government leaders successfully legislate their religious ideas with the assistance of selected Church leaders. As a recovering Baptist, I know that my religious ancestors came to this country to get away of ‘State Religion.’ I fear that we may be moving closer toward an inappropriate relationship between church and State.