Two forms of judgement

I just realized why it is desirable – even necessary – to have two independent forms of judgement (1 spiritual & 1 temporal).

One form of judgement should be administered by ecclesiastical authority where sins of thought and belief are involved. The ecclesiastical organisations have no authority for punishment other than limiting or removing standing withing the organization and people are free to associate with the religious organization of their choosing.

The other form of judgement is administered by civic authority where crimes of thought are beyond judgement. The civic institutions must focus on crimes of action and may impose punishments that go beyond Los of standing such as fines or incarceration and people obligated to abide the rules of the civic organizations where they interact physically, socially, or financially.

When sins of action are brought to an ecclesiastical court that court may judge the beliefs and repentance relative to the sin but must refer the case of any criminal action to the appropriate civic court. In other words, the ecclesiastical organisations may forgive someone based on their repentance, but forgiving them religiously doesn’t superceded having them face the civic consequences where any actions connected with the sin are considered criminal within the relevant civic jurisdiction.