[Mariner]

"Churches should be able to use whatever influence they have to shape public policy."

I agree with that.

But I don't believe a church or the church should have a role in the operation of the state.

Should the run the courts and be the judges? Should they run the public schools?

If so, which church?

[impimp]

Santorum mentioned influence over the operation of the state. Did he REALLY say operation of the state? Influence over, and operation of, are two different things.

There are some functions that are called state functions now but they shouldn’t be state functions (education, adoption, healthcare etc.) It is only in that context that a church would “operate” the state.

Don’t buy into radical separation of church and state - the endgame is the Soviet Union if you do.

[Nifster]

You and I agree on that. But the idea that a church is a box or a specific group is mistaken. Fr many Protestants and Evangelicals the individual carries responsibility and authority of the church as well