Sometimes I get so tired of the religious litmus tests that we have for political candidates. I was reading the text of a candidate's speech today and this section from it popped out at me:I love the profound ceremony of the Catholic Mass, the approachability of God in the prayers of the Evangelicals, the tenderness of spirit among the Pentecostals, the confident independence of the Lutherans, the ancient traditions of the Jews, unchanged through the ages, and the commitment to frequent prayer of the Muslims.Perhaps in this political season it would be wise to remember these words when we consider the faith traditions of the different candidates? Maybe these words could cause us to value each other and our differences? Reality check: do we really want a theocratic government?
I think we have fooled ourselves into thinking for many decades now, that we are a country of freedom of religion. In reality, our common law stems from the judeo-christian principles. If I elect a christian or a jew, or to some extent a mormon, I know that the most important part of who they are, their faith, will not come into conflict with our established laws and traditions. If I elect a muslim, however, I have a greater chance of that conflict. If they are a true person of faith, where do they have room for tolerance of other faiths, or equality for woman. I'm not saying these things as a judgement, but really, we really aren't set up the way people think, nor the way the founders anticipated religion and government to evolve.
ReplyDeleteSo, when it comes to the ballot, if you believe in status quo, then a person faith will matter. If you believe in radical change, a person's faith will matter.
Good point. Jrc's comment is very interesting. Giving me food for thought.
ReplyDeleteLoved this FB comment from my friend Missy about this post:
ReplyDelete"I would rather vote for someone who simply acts like Jesus than one who talks like a Christian".
I do not know the heart of a candidate whether they be a Muslim, Christian or Jew. All I have is the fruit of their lives. Better to look at the fruit of the Spirit in a candidate's life than judge them on their religious affiliation.