Should there be separation of church and state?

Ancient Hellenic civilization and culture continues to be atomic number 53 of the landmarks of world history because of the invaluable contribution that the Greeks have made in virtually all areas of mankind endeavor. However, civilization is not static and Greek society was swept into the same historical process that take all societies to the modern world of capitalism.What is distinct about Greek society today is the direct role that the church plays in the realm of politics, where most other countries have developed forms of government that excluded the direct confederation of religious entities. What is the churchs role in the Greek state of affairs? Should on that point be a separation of powers of church and state in the context of Greece?The Jewish-Orthodox Church in Greek SocietyThe Orthodox Church traces its roots to the Orthodox Church establish in Constantinople. It is the most overriding religion in Greece, claiming influence over 90% of the countrys population, a very astray political base that could determine the winner in national elections. The subsequent nationalization of the Church barely institutionalized its political power and created a culture/national identity where handed-down church determine are the core (Geographic 2004).Like most church hierarchies, the Greek Orthodox Church has always play as a conservative political force. It supported the monarchy and also aligned itself with the right wing military junta in the 1960s in order to wage a common battle against a common threat communism (Maniatis 2002). It also perceives pluralism and other liberal ideas as a challenge to its monopoly in the cultural sphere and has vigorously opposed such influences.Its involvement in politics resulted in factionalism but nevertheless, it has undeniable influence over government policies and programs (Geographic 2004). Currently, Orthodox Church officials are actually sedulous by the government through the Ministry of National Educa tion and Religious Affairs which incidentally, also manages the properties of the church (BBC 2005). Recently, scandals rocked the Orthodox Church with allegations of embezzlement, smuggling and bribing of judges.On the Separation of Church and StateFrom the perspective of a person right(prenominal) looking in, I believe that there should be a separation of church and state. This position is based on the premises that the Church (or religion in general), especially if it is conservative promotes an ideology that preserves the traditional way of life and the status quo in society. If the church is part of governance, naturally it ensures the consistency of laws, policies and programs with the tenets of the church.For instance, because homosexuality and split up is contrary to Church teachings, it leaves out the agenda of women and gays rights. Because the Orthodox Church opposes multi-culturalism, it promotes religious and cultural discrimination to governance. Because science is c ontrary to church teachings, how then can scientific study be actively promoted by government institutions?As such, government can not effectively respond to the breadth of friendly issues first through objective study followed by the institution of measures appropriate with empirical evidence if there is no actual separation of church and state.Finally, if the church also functions as part of Civil Society, or as a check and balance to government, it can not do so if it is employed by that institution with its officials actually receiving salary from it. It would be a case of conflict of interest and undermines the interest of the public. count of ReferencesGeographic (2004) Greek Church and State.18 February 2008BBC One Minute News Europe (2005) Greek Church Plans shite Summit. Available from