KIMBERLY C.

PENA
CM-201

REFLECTION PAPER

Government and religion are comparable to a pair who occasionally find it difficult to coexist but
who discover they are unable to do so. Both religion and government require their own individuality in
order to thrive, although history has demonstrated that neither one benefits from a total split. Things go
along parallel but dissimilar rails. When they support and encourage one another, they are most successful
and effective. Governments are crucial in preserving religious freedom and supporting the function of
churches in society. Thankfully, most governments in the world today recognize some form of religious
freedom and guarantee their citizens the ability to practice their faith and engage in worship as they see
fit. For some, the importance of religion and morality in upholding and advancing good and efficient
government may be less clear. Spiritual, not political or economic, solutions are the only lasting answers
to many of the major issues that currently plague our planet. For instance, racism, violence, and hate
crimes are spiritual issues that can only be resolved spiritually. For societies to establish moral order,
religion and churches play a significant role. Government could never construct enough prisons to
imprison the criminals that a culture devoid of morals, virtue, and religion produces. Religious attendance
is a better means of promoting these qualities than law or coercion. The attitudes, longings, and hopes
that arise from the human heart are beyond the control of the government. But these are the seeds from
which the behavior that needs to be regulated by the government grows.

The letter's reaction from one reader only served to highlight how divisive the topic of religion
and government cooperation still is in this nation. The author berated the religious community for relying
too heavily on the government to address social issues—issues that we, as a body of faith, have indeed
been termed to discuss across with us faith to feed the poor, clothe the naked, and care for the sick. The
author disapproved of people, regardless of political affiliation, who tries to entangle religion in politics.
If the church had performed its duties, the author claims, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid
wouldn't be necessary. Religious freedom and protection are promoted by excellent administration.
Decent religion also promotes upholding the law and being a good citizen. No side should be taken by
good administration. It must not promote or give preference about one group over another. Our delegates
has to be free to adhere to beliefs and conduct their lives in accordance with the conscience. In a same
vein, a decent religion should abstain from supporting or denouncing a politics candidate or party. As well
as its adherents must be free—indeed, they should be exhorted—to engage in politics and back the
candidate or party they deem most deserving. Despite the Church's institution's constant affirmations of
it's own objectivity, Next Saints have been urged to participate in politics and to contribute to the public
discourse. Being responsible residents wherever we dwell is a component of our religion. "Members are
advised to sign up to vote, carefully research issues and candidates, and cast their votes for people they
believe will behave honorably and wisely, in accordance with the laws of their various countries. Latter-
day Saints have a specific responsibility to look for, support, and vote for leaders who are truthful, upright,
and wise.
 The church continues to be a powerful institution in this nation, and society increasingly seeks to
us for spiritual guidance on a variety of topics. We applaud the new health care reform law and all other
action which has the potential to enhance the standard of living for the most vulnerable citizens of this
nation for precisely this reason. We can no longer think of church as a semi-weekly event that takes place
inside a building featuring facade and a pulpit in the twenty-first century. Instead, we must spread our
message of justice, peace, harmony, and optimism across society—yes, even to Capitol Hill! Real change,
in my opinion, occurs when different groups—public and private, secular and religious, progressive and
conservative, rich and underprivileged, elderly and young, black and white—join forces to realize a mutual
goals. The Savior would then return at a certain point. Here as King of all kings also as our magnificent
High Priest, He has always had the authority to rule and reign. Therefore, the power of the priesthood and
the scepter of governance would be merged into this one. Both government and religion must progress
through humanity's existence side by side until that glorious day, each recognizing the other's
independence and acknowledging the other's indispensable contribution.
This same transformation we seek in our society and among our communities will inevitably materialize
again when the church has done its part, heralding a tranquil environment free of tumultuous situations.