Faith in Politics
by Stephen Crockett and Al Lawrence
The Republican Party has made great electoral progress by exploiting and
distorting the Christian faith. Separation of Church and State has been
the single most important element in making America a great nation. This
tradition is the greatest contribution toward worldwide political thought
to develop from the American Revolution and our Founding Fathers. This
tradition defines the spirit of America. This tradition is under severe
attack from the "so called" Christian Right at the direction of
the national Republican Party.
Separation of Church and State protects both from the corrupting
influences inherent in mixing them together. Republicans seeking to
exploit faith to achieve political ends are damaging the Christian
religion and our democratic nation.
Many Christians understand that the doctrines of the "so called"
Christian Right arise out of a misunderstanding of Christian theology.
Christianity differs from Jewish traditions by emphasizing the personal
and internal nature of salvation. Christ taught that merely following
external Law would never provide salvation. Just following Laws of
Behavior does not make us free from sin. The "so called"
Christian Right is trying to ignore this revolutionary doctrine by
emphasizing the changing of laws to make us a more Christian nation. This
is simply impossible. Salvation is personal and internal. According to the
Bible, salvation is only achieved with the help of Jesus Christ. A law
book provides no help in achieving salvation. Laws belong in the realm of
Caesar instead of God.
The Christian doctrine of "Free Will" is ignored by the
political activities of the Republican "so called" Christian
Right. We are given the choice to select sin or salvation by God.
Legislation is simply irrelevant to salvation. Salvation is the purpose of
Christianity, not legislative or political victories by Republicanism.
Christianity also teaches us to care for the poor and helpless. This is
not reflected in the lobbying or electoral activity of the "so
called" Christian Right. The Republican agenda is a political
statement that essentially glorifies Greed. Since when is the Christian
religion an advocate of Greed?
The Democratic Party agenda more closely reflects mainstream Christian
values than does the Republican agenda. The Democrats do this while
protecting our Constitutionally mandated Separation of Church and State.
We need to explore the radicalism of the "so called" Christian
Right.
We are all aware of the outrageous comments of Jerry Falwell and Pat
Robertson after the September 11th attacks. These political preachers seem
to think that God is opposed to civil liberties and Free Will. God is not
a Republican or supporter of Republicanism. God is the only source of
judgment regarding sin according to the Bible. This right to judge
morality is reserved to God. Political preachers have no right to usurp
God's authority in this manner. The "so called" Christian Right
has set itself up to judge the morality (the sin) of our political figures
in violation of this authority. The "so called" Christian Right
does not show a tendency towards Christian forgiveness when judging
Democrats. The political preachers and their organizations like the
Christian Coalition routinely forgive Republicans. Why the double
standard? Is it because it promotes Republicanism?
We recently located some interesting quotes by Ralph Reed and Pat
Robertson on "The Conservative Hall of Fame" website (click
here to read). Ralph Reed was formerly the head of the
Christian Coalition and now head of the Georgia Republican Party. In a
speech to the Christian Coalition, he said, "Tell em what they want
to hear; when elected do as you please. Lie if you have to." Ralph
Reed must have missed the Ten Commandments.
Pat Robertson said " I think one man, one vote; just unrestricted
democracy would not be wise. There needs to be some kind of protection for
the minority which the white people represent now, and they need and have
a right to demand a protection of their rights." Pat Robertson
attacks democracy and advocates white racism. There is nothing Christian
about these comments by Ralph Reed or Pat Robertson.
We recently heard anti-Clinton zealot and Republican commentator, Ann
Coulter, defend the comments of Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson concerning
the September 11th attacks while addressing the College Republicans in
Oregon. Her comments included a spirited defense on our treatment of the
American Indians as being an advance for Christianity. Her most outrageous
comment advocated placing in detention, under John Ashcroft, anyone who
criticized the use of references to God in our schools. She seems to be
against the Freedom of Speech provided by the Bill of Rights in our
Constitution. We do not imprison anyone for his or her religious or
political views in America.
The "so called" Christian Right is acting like an American
Taliban. Their political agenda is both un-American and un-Christian. They
have become nothing more than a tool of the Republican Party in their
quest for power. Voters beware! Christians beware! It is time to exercise
our Free Will in the ballot box and in our Churches.
Sincerely,
Stephen
Crockett and Al Lawrence
