Faith and government can be very dangerous mixture

Pope Francis has many good things to say but faith and government make an explosive mixture. Combining religious or secular beliefs with government is fraught with disaster.

There are many obvious examples but we must remember that "Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." (Attributed to George Washington)

We may wish to care for the poor and the environment, for more economic equality, for equal education and medical care. We must remember that, like corporations, government is run by people. Those in government are no better, no smarter, no more moral than those in the private sector. Further, in a democratic society, only government, not the private sector, is authorized to use force.

The best way for government to solve most problems is to allow free individuals to develop them in a framework of liberty and peaceful interaction. Pope Francis' call for us to care for each other and the environment is admirable. To interpret that call to justify government imposed solutions is a mistake.

This story was originally published September 29, 2015 at 1:14 PM with the headline "Faith and government can be very dangerous mixture."