Political-Religious Bilingualism

Living in Southern California, as I do, bilingualism is a big thing (or at least it's a political thing). With a growing Hispanic population, plus significant Asian immigration, knowing more than one language helps -- which makes me a dinosaur.

John Dominic Crossan, best known for his work on Jesus (and membership in the Jesus Seminar) writes cogently in an On Faith piece about the need for religiously inclined politicians to be bilingual in a different way. To privatize religion is not only impossible, but when tried simply makes faith insular. But how do we express and live faith in a way that's appropriate in the public square -- something I'm very interested in -- and his suggestion is this bilingualism.

In order, however, to enter the public square and argue for their political vision in that open venue, they must translate their traditional religious language into communal public discourse. For example, if they were Christian and asking “WWJD?,” their religious reading could be ”What Would Jesus Do?” but their political translation could be “What Would Justice Demand?” And, if they actually know their Christian tradition, they can be bilingual like that with complete and absolute integrity. And so, of course, for any individuals or candidates who come with religious faith and personal integrity to speak in and to the public square.

He concludes with an important warning -- if someone seems to be talking religion just to get your vote -- then drop them cold! That's not talking with integrity.

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