why should religion and politics be kept separate?

Do we want a country in which we must follow a specific religion?

No, because that takes away religious freedom. Would it also cause a division of countries and politicians using their beliefs to manipulate voters?

Yes.

Can you help me find an example for politicians using their beliefs to manipulate voters?

http://www.debate.org/opinions/does-religion-have-too-much-influence-within-the-u-s-government

http://www.policymic.com/articles/10722/tea-party-uses-religion-to-manipulate-working-class-americans-into-buying-their-dogma

Thank you :) Out of my points, which one would India be an example of?

The separation of religion and politics is an important principle in many democratic societies. There are several reasons why religion and politics should be kept separate:

1. Freedom of religion: Separation ensures that individuals have the freedom to practice their own religion or have no religion at all, without interference or favoritism by the government. It protects religious minorities and prevents the domination of one religion over others.

2. Equal representation: When religion and politics are separated, it allows for a more inclusive and diverse representation of people's beliefs and values. It ensures that political decisions are made based on the needs and aspirations of all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation.

3. Avoiding discrimination: Keeping religion separate from politics can help prevent discriminatory policies that favor or oppress certain religious groups. It promotes fairness and equality before the law, as laws and policies should be grounded in principles that benefit everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs.

4. Focus on shared values: Politics deals with creating and implementing policies that address societal issues. By keeping religion separate, the focus remains on finding solutions that are based on shared values, human rights, ethics, and the common good, rather than on religious dogma or religious interpretations.

5. Stability and social cohesion: Separating religion and politics can help maintain social stability by reducing conflicts that may arise due to differences in religious beliefs. It fosters a sense of unity among diverse populations by promoting tolerance, inclusivity, and respect for different religious beliefs.

To ensure the separation of religion and politics, it is important to have a secular government that treats all religious groups equally and maintains a neutral stance regarding religious matters. This includes policies that prevent the establishment of an official state religion and uphold the principles of freedom of religion and expression.