You seem to cling to the state too much. I dislike that in anyone. It frustrates me, a bit, because you are smart and I think you are generally a good and righteous person! I just find that the entirety of "the state" is incompatible with being a Christ follower. I can't see any other way to read the entirety of the Biblical story and come to another conclusion. It isn't like I dislike you any less, and I am only this chatty on this topic with you because I have a huge respect for your intelligence. And, well, I could be wrong, but I honestly don't think I am on this topic.