Should there be a license to practice/teach religion?

[Philosophy Explorer]

I don't recall ever seeing it discussed.

I'm not talking about being degreed. I'm talking about being licensed. Some might say it's a violation of the doctrine of the separation of church and government (US). But wouldn't you like the reassurance that your local preacher is valid rather than dealing with a flimflam man or woman?

What do you think?

PhilX

[uwot]

...wouldn't you like the reassurance that your local preacher is valid rather than dealing with a flimflam man or woman?

Hmm. State sponsored bollocks, or just any old bollocks. Tough choice.

[bobevenson]

I'm talking about being licensed. Some might say it's a violation of the doctrine of the separation of church and government (US). But wouldn't you like the reassurance that your local preacher is valid rather than dealing with a flimflam man or woman?

Jesus Christ, you're looking for certification from the government, the same people you wouldn't ask the time of day from for fear of getting the wrong answer? Please! No, make that double-please!

[thedoc]

I don't recall ever seeing it discussed.

I'm not talking about being degreed. I'm talking about being licensed. Some might say it's a violation of the doctrine of the separation of church and government (US). But wouldn't you like the reassurance that your local preacher is valid rather than dealing with a flimflam man or woman?

What do you think?

PhilX

There already is, it is a simple promise to join a church and become a member. It is a bit longer process to be ordained and become a pastor. These could be considered as a License to practice or teach religion and they are both internal to the church.

[wtf]

I'm sure the Romans would have loved to be able to license Jesus.

Would that be a counterexample to the proposition that the government should be able to license those who profess to interpret the word of God?

Now here is a better question. Should churches be tax-exempt, and which churches get that privilege? I don't think Jesus ever applied for tax-exempt status, did he?

In my opinion, any church or preacher who hooks up with the government for a tax break isn't a church worth going to or a preacher worth listening to.

I don't want my religion tainted by the dirt of politics. And politics is a dirty business.

[bobevenson]

Politics is a dirty business.

Please, with the notable exception of my proposed American Energy Party (AEP), which, by the way, would have nothing to do with churches or any other so-called non-profit organizations.

[uwot]

I'm sure the Romans would have loved to be able to license Jesus.

They did, it's Roman Catholicism after all.

I don't want my religion tainted by the dirt of politics.

Well, that rules out every religion ever then.

[Walker]

I don't recall ever seeing it discussed.

I'm not talking about being degreed. I'm talking about being licensed. Some might say it's a violation of the doctrine of the separation of church and government (US). But wouldn't you like the reassurance that your local preacher is valid rather than dealing with a flimflam man or woman?

What do you think?

PhilX

Meat for the attorneys.