We believe in separation of church and state, that there should be no unwarranted influence on the church or religion by the state, and vice versa.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clear boundary between religious institutions and government authority.
Jimmy Carter's quote underlines the fundamental principle of separating church and state, which aims to protect both religious freedom and the integrity of governmental operations. By advocating for this separation, he highlights the necessity of ensuring that neither institution exerts undue influence over the other, thereby allowing individuals to practice their beliefs freely without interference from the state, and vice versa, ensuring that the government remains neutral in matters of faith.
In practice
During a speech advocating for religious freedoms, one might reference this quote to stress the need for government neutrality in spiritual matters.
Acknowledging the physical realities of our planet does not mean a dismal future of endless sacrifice. In fact, acknowledging these realities is the first step in dealing with them. We can meet the resource problems of the world - water, food, minerals, farmlands, forests, overpopulation, pollution - if we tackle them with courage and foresight.
The preeminent obstacle to peace is Israel's colonization of Palestine.
I would say the biggest handicap we have right now is some nutcases in our country that don't believe in global warming. I think they are going to change their position because of pressure from individuals, because the evidence of the ravages of global warming is already there.
If I were president, I'd be very glad to see the Palestinians have a nation recognized by the United Nations. There's no downside to it.
My understanding of racial discrimination as a child was highly distorted because the most prominent man in Archery was an African-American bishop. When he came home from up north, where he was in charge of A.M.E. churches in five states, it was front-page news. He was the most successful man in my life.
Our American values are not luxuries but necessities, not the salt in our bread, but the bread itself. Our common vision of a free and just society is our greatest source of cohesion at home and strength abroad, greater than the bounty of our material blessings.
We cannot restore integrity and morality to our society until each of us-singly and individually-takes responsibility for our actions.
The atomic bomb made the prospect of future war unendurable. It has led us up those last few steps to the mountain pass; and beyond there is a different country.
A man should be upright, not kept upright.
We can tell much by what we have already willing discarded along the pathway of discipleship. It is the only pathway where littering is permissible, even encouraged. In the early stages, the debris left behind includes the grosser sins of commission. Later debris differs; things begin to be discarded which have caused the misuse or underuse of our time and talent.
The kingly office is entitled to no respect. It was originally procured by the highwayman's methods. It remains a perpetuated crime, can never be anything but the symbol of a crime. It is no more entitled to respect than is the flag of a pirate.
Leaving your country at a tender age really rearranges the way you perceive the world. So I feel marginally attached to many places rather than deeply attached to any one place.
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