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{{Government Lectures}}

{{Government Lectures}}

Government and politics affects nearly every aspect of society.  Violent video games?  The U.S. Supreme Court ruled, by a narrow 5-4 majority, that they are protected as free speech under the First Amendment.  Of course, that does not make violent video games right, but it does affect how many people play them, and whether State legislatures can pass laws limiting their use by children.

Government and politics affect nearly every aspect of society.  Violent video games?  The U.S. Supreme Court ruled, by a narrow 5-4 majority, that they are protected as free speech under the First Amendment.  Of course, that does not make violent video games right, but it does affect how many people play them, and whether State legislatures can pass laws limiting their use by children.

How are churches affected by government and politics?  The free exercise clause of the First Amendment protects churches in many ways.  Taxation of church property and minister's salaries are not allowed.  What is said in a church receives greater protection against government regulation than what is said in a business.  The police are reluctant to search a church; judges are reluctant to issue a search warrant for them to do so.  In a 9-0 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court recently held that churches can fire key employees for almost any reason, without having to worry about the regulations and laws that apply to businesses.

How are churches affected by government and politics?  The free exercise clause of the First Amendment protects churches in many ways.  Taxation of church property and minister's salaries are not allowed.  What is said in a church receives greater protection against government regulation than what is said in a business.  The police are reluctant to search a church; judges are reluctant to issue a search warrant for them to do so.  In a 9-0 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court recently held that churches can fire key employees for almost any reason, without having to worry about the regulations and laws that apply to businesses.