General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Omg omg omg ... I'm not sure if you are aware... [View all]AnneD
(15,774 posts)all my life (Texas). Not all clergy preach that, only those interested in their own power and aggrandizement. When I was a sprout, most taught to render unto Cesar what was Cesar but God's was the kingdom of heaven.
http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/2000/04/What-Belongs-To-God.aspx
In a famous passage about taxes, Jesus said, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (Mark 12:13-17; the same passage appears, slightly modified, in Matthew 22:15-22 and Luke 20:20-26).
Over the centuries, many Christians have based their attitudes toward government on this passage. Some have thought that Jesus' statement establishes two separate realms, Caesar's and God's, and that people should render to each what they ask for in their respective realms. This interpretation strikes many Americans as obviously correct, given our separation of church and state.