Separation of Church and State

I challenge anyone here to tell me that separation of church and state is a bad thing for a democracy.

To clarify, separation of church and state is an institutional separation. It's when neither side is part of the other. For example, the church doesn't become the "Holy Government of Jesus's Moses." This would NOT be separation of church and state.

What are the benefits of separation? We can better protect each person's individual freedoms. In a society without separation, churches (religions in general) could become part of the government. With this influence, who knows what they could do. Possibilities include banning and oppressing other religions, favoring members of their religions, or generally just wreaking havoc. So that being said...

What if we don't want the separation?

We have to have it. No matter what, having no separation means that we will turn into the next Iran, where groups of religious zealots take control of the government and make it impossible for there to be a democracy. We would have a theocratic society where only religious beliefs rule. This is bad for everyone else and human rights.

Separation doesn't help us!

Yes it does. No matter which way you look at it, no separation can only hurt a democracy. Either we become a theocracy as above, or else religions will discourage minorities and uproot them. If you have a dominant religion without separation, there is absolutely no chance that there will be no one state religion. With a state religion, people will have serious problems following another religion. Minority groups following these religions would run away from the country or be oppressed. Now without a minority, it will be a pretty damn boring democracy.

You're wrong!

No, you're wrong.

Oh yeah!?

Yeah.

Damn you. I'm leaving.

Good for you then.