It seems that Ralph Reed, one of the people most responsible for overly mixing politics and religion in America, is taking his campaign to the globe stage. The Globe and Mail: U.S. religious right enters electoral fray
Reed, who is under investigation for possible fundraising violations with lobbyist Jack Abramoff (which brings to mind the bumper sticker "The Religious Right is Neither"), recently spoke at a conservative Christian conference in Canada to encourage them to get out the vote. Maybe in a few years Canada can also have churches more focused on politics than sharing the love of Jesus, and religious leaders under investigation. Oh, Canada!
Reed, who is under investigation for possible fundraising violations with lobbyist Jack Abramoff (which brings to mind the bumper sticker "The Religious Right is Neither"), recently spoke at a conservative Christian conference in Canada to encourage them to get out the vote. Maybe in a few years Canada can also have churches more focused on politics than sharing the love of Jesus, and religious leaders under investigation. Oh, Canada!
Wow. A very interesting post. Although I did vote for President Bush, I have always been bothered by the conservative right's embrace of Christianity.
ReplyDeleteI consider myself a Christian and find it quite disturbing to hear Pat Robertson, Jerry Fallwell, and Dr. James Dobson speak about political issues when it has little to do w/ Christianity. Jesus never told his disciples to seek political office or a place of power so you can force your morality on others.
I believe we are called to live humble lives that reflect glory back to God. I vote w/ a conscience, but it makes me ill when politicians insincerely use Christianity for no other purpose than to attract voter base. I have seen this done by Democrats and Republicans.
Thanks for the post. You are absolutely correct in your observations!
ReplyDeleteI am troubled by the misuse of religion by both parties, though it probably happens with Republicans more than Democrats. If you have not read it, I highly recommend Jim Wallis's God's Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It . While he has aligned himself more closely with one party than I have, I greatly appreciate his critiques on both parties.