Along similar lines (dated June 17th) titled "
Onward, Moderate Christian Soldiers (subscription). It was written by a name that rang a bell from long ago, John Danforth, a retired Republican Senator and now Episcopal Minister. Although I've seen the rumblings here on DU this increased my sense of hope that perhaps the liberal and moderate Christians and the real "GOP" that I was taught about by my father (who, I was a bit surprised and happy to learn, voted against BushCo and is mighty PO'd I might add) are getting their voice back.
Here are a few excerpts from Rev. Danforth's editorial:
<snip>
IT would be an oversimplification to say that America's culture wars are now between people of faith and nonbelievers. People of faith are not of one mind, whether on specific issues like stem cell research and government intervention in the case of Terri Schiavo, or the more general issue of how religion relates to politics. In recent years, conservative Christians have presented themselves as representing the one authentic Christian perspective on politics. With due respect for our conservative friends, equally devout Christians come to very different conclusions.
<snip>
But for us, the only absolute standard of behavior is the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves. Repeatedly in the Gospels, we find that the Love Commandment takes precedence when it conflicts with laws. We struggle to follow that commandment as we face the realities of everyday living, and we do not agree that our responsibility to live as Christians can be codified by legislators.
<snip>
For us, living the Love Commandment may be at odds with efforts to encapsulate Christianity in a political agenda. We strongly support the separation of church and state, both because that principle is essential to holding together a diverse country, and because the policies of the state always fall short of the demands of faith. Aware that even our most passionate ventures into politics are efforts to carry the treasure of religion in the earthen vessel of government, we proceed in a spirit of humility lacking in our conservative colleagues.
<snippty snip>
For us, religion should be inclusive, and it should seek to bridge the differences that separate people. We do not exclude from worship those whose opinions differ from ours. Following a Lord who sat at the table with tax collectors and sinners, we welcome to the Lord's table all who would come. Following a Lord who cited love of God and love of neighbor as encompassing all the commandments, we reject a political agenda that displaces that love. Christians who hold these convictions ought to add their clear voice of moderation to the debate on religion in politics.
~*~
disclaimer: I was brought up as a Christian by loving Christian parents, was very active in Christian youth groups as a pre-teen and teen, used to know the Bible rather well (especially the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament) and even taught Sunday School many many years ago. At one point as a teen I even seriously considered becoming a Methodist or UU Minister even. I also was briefly married to a Fundimentalist Pentacostal type christian many years ago who turned out to be a very troubled soul and emotionally very abusive (which was actually encouraged by the Fundie Minister). Needless to say that marriage didn't last long once I saw the pattern. However I learned from it and it made me spend a lot more time meditating on what I truly believed on a spiritual level. Because of this and over time I have evolved into what some (except perhaps some UUers) will consider an odd eclectic mix gleaned from many spiritual paths, some of which are still from the teachings of the person called Jesus. :)
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