Separation of Church & State

October 2006

There is a lot of confused thinking about the concept of separation of church and state in particular, and the role of faith in public life in general. The former is often used by secularists to insist that religion should have nothing to do with politics, and that the public square should be a religion-free zone. Moreover, it is argued that Australia is a secular nation, and all religious influence must be rigorously guarded against.

But is this in fact the case? Although this is entire discussion is a complex and multi-layered one, it is worth looking at in some detail.

Sexualising our Children

12 October 2006

Earlier this week the Australia Institute issued a report claiming that the corporate world is increasingly targetting and sexualising our children. Young girls especially are in the sights of many major retailers. Bras and lingerie for 6-year-olds, for example, are becoming common in our mainstream retail outlets. Fashion and gossip magazines aimed at very young girls are also becoming the norm.

The Institute report, authored by Dr Emma Rush, claimed that in the interests of making big bucks, the coporate world is stealing away our children’s innocence. And the danger of these advertising and marketing campaigns is that children will succumb to eating dosorders, miss out on their childhood, and fall victim to pedophiles. Indeed, the report is titled, “Corporate Paedophilia: Sexualisation of children in Australia”.

Bill Muehlenberg is an Independent Commentator on Cultural, Social and Religious issues.

Bill describes himself as a "cultural missionary," with a mandate to stand up for God's standards in the secular world.

Bill works freelance, speaking up for Biblical values in society as an independent consultant / contractor. He is often contracted to various Christian organizations as a researcher or speaker and is well known for his media comment and public speaking.

If you are interested in supporting this Faith-Based Ministry then please contact : BillMuehlenberg@Link-Zone.net

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