The Separation of Church & State
as:

The "Two Swords"

Of thee Church & State:  Yes, the pendulum is swinging.  'Tis true.  As the "Church" grew to dominate and to control virtually all aspects of life of western civilization from the 4th-16th centuries, so has begun the "State" during the 20th and 21st centuries.

The "Two Swords" -- not a game or sport, dear reader.  Lest we fall asleep. . .  On Guard!

One Absolute Distinction

Iron or Steel?  The sword is the most revered of all of man's weapons.  Although the club is older, the knife more universal, and the firearm much more efficient, it is the sword that the most decoration, myth, mysticism and reverence has been given... The sword has been the symbol of Justice, of Vengeance, and of Mercy.  The katana has been called "the soul of the Samari." The Vikings lavished love, care, and attached wonderful names to their weapons.  No one artifact has captured the imagination as the sword.
(The Book of Swords)

Thee Church & State:   far from myth and mysticism, but pith and cynicism on the back of "a human body."  When held in separate hands, the two swords provide strength and might and proper balance of power -- even at rest within their sheaths strapped criss-cross upon the back of "a human body."  But when forced together into the same sheath, or held together by the same hand, over time, "a human body" develops an awkward gate. . .  a disabling impediment.

The Reformation of the 16th century, a critical and momentous period in world history, brought forth much change. 'Twas a shift of the pendulum from Church to State that cleared the path for the Scientific Revolution, the Age of thee Enlightenment and our “Great Nation” -- the United States of America!  Martin Luther (1483-1546) penned:

​And the civil governments -- the princes, kings, the nobility in the country, and also the judges in the villages -- take it upon themselves to wield the oral sword and to tell the pastors what and how to preach and how to administer their congregations.  But you say to them:

​"You fool and stupid dunce, attend to your calling.
​Don't try to preach, but leave that to your pastor!"

​On the other hand, the schismatic spirits
will not content themselves with the oral sword
but will reach rebelliously for the secular sword
​and will insist on reigning in the city hall. 

​All this is due to the devil's maneuvers, who will not desist until he has brought confusion with respect to these two swords.  It is not unusual for the devil to mix things up this way.  But remember, it is the emperor's or the secular government's duty to use the sword of iron and the rod of wood, but we preachers hold sway with the rod and sword of the mouth.
​(p. 225-226, Luther's Works)
​

Of thee Church & State:  Yes, the pendulum is swinging.  'Tis true.  As the "Church" grew to dominate and to control virtually all aspects of life of western civilization from the 4th-16th centuries, so has begun the "State" during the 20th and 21st centuries.  

The "Two Swords" -- not a game or sport, dear reader.  Lest we fall asleep... On Guard!

One Absolute Distinction:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."  (The First Amendment)

Thank you, Founding Fathers.  God has truly blessed the United States of America!

In my mind, my heart, and my conscience:  The list of issues are all relevant and begins with The Constitution of the United States of America -- the dawn of our "Great Nation" and gracious gift to humanity second only to. . .  God's living Word, the gift of salvation and eternal life.  (John 1:1)

​Court Jester image:  Wikipedia