u235

“America wasn’t founded as a theocracy,” he said. “America was founded by people trying to escape theocracies. Never in history have we had a Christian theocracy where it wasn’t bloody and barbaric. That’s why our Constitution wisely put in a separation of church and state.

“I am sorry to tell you,” he continued, “that America is not the light of the world and the hope of the world. The light of the world and the hope of the world is Jesus Christ.”
-the Rev. Gregory A. Boyd

Now I'm not religious, but I was pretty startled to find myself agreeing with Mr. Boyd. I respect the fact that people can find a place for faith in their lives, so long as it doesn't create a barrier for communication between them and me. Anyone who feels that you need to "have" religion, much less a certain narrow brand of religion, isn't someone I'd care to waste time talking to anyway. Still, I'm astonished to find what I'd call "intelligent" dialogue from someone who professes to be an Evangelical.... but that's precisely the point he's making.

A religious fraction that feels their ultra-conservative viewpoint is all encompassing - slipping from faith and morals to politics and voting is what has corrupted the movement (says Mr.Boyd). The superposition of crosses on military actions and the ideals of what's "patriotic" has polluted the real meaning of faith. To say simply "You need to vote for Bush if you're a real Christian" is a heap of bullshit. And if the reasoning behind that's not sufficiently clear then re-read the second paragraph in the block quote above.

What dedicated Christians need to realize is that while they might have a handle on what's morally good - they don't have the ONLY handle. Sure Christianity preaches love and respect, it has aspects that support the poor and downtrodden. But it has to be cautious of blending zealotry and narrow mindedness that comes along with political success. I think in their sudden successes, the religious right has ignored that - and flush with power their goals have gone from the "good of many" to the "enrichment of the few".