Religion and the Democatic Party
When it comes to religion and politics, we usually think of the Republicans. Until very recently they had cornered the market on God-talk. The pundits, talking heads, the mega-church pastors, they all talked up religion. David Barton, the Christian America guru, becomes an advisor to the Republican Party, while Newt, Tom, even George Allen pledge their loyalties to church and state.
Democrats, on the other hand, being godless (according to that godly woman Ann Coulter), ran as far and as quickly from religion as possible. Values voters and those who attend church regularly, they're Republicans. But these are interesting values that are endorsed by such partisans -- lower taxes, strong military, fences along the southern border, abortion (anti-) and homosexuality (anti-). Then along comes Barak Obama, who with grace and charisma, seems able to combine faith and politics with authenticity! And here we are, both parties wanting to talk religion and politics (I must add that our own congressional representative, Congresswoman Lois Capps, is a person of faith and able to bring these two together with much grace).
Anyway, this morning I participated in a round table discussion between leaders of the California Democratic Party and a number of religious leaders (most assumedly Democrat). We talked about ways of developing a conversation, one that would give clergy access to elected leaders and a point of contact for party leaders with religious communities.
What is interesting from this is a strong sense that we religious folk don't want to be come the reverse of the Religious Right -- just another voting block to be manipulated and used to win elections. We want to keep the wall of separation strong, but we want to be able to bring our values into the public square. There was talk about ethics and compassion. Quite an interesting discussion, that is meant to continue.
The future is positive, if both religious and political communities will deal with each other respectfully.
Democrats, on the other hand, being godless (according to that godly woman Ann Coulter), ran as far and as quickly from religion as possible. Values voters and those who attend church regularly, they're Republicans. But these are interesting values that are endorsed by such partisans -- lower taxes, strong military, fences along the southern border, abortion (anti-) and homosexuality (anti-). Then along comes Barak Obama, who with grace and charisma, seems able to combine faith and politics with authenticity! And here we are, both parties wanting to talk religion and politics (I must add that our own congressional representative, Congresswoman Lois Capps, is a person of faith and able to bring these two together with much grace).
Anyway, this morning I participated in a round table discussion between leaders of the California Democratic Party and a number of religious leaders (most assumedly Democrat). We talked about ways of developing a conversation, one that would give clergy access to elected leaders and a point of contact for party leaders with religious communities.
What is interesting from this is a strong sense that we religious folk don't want to be come the reverse of the Religious Right -- just another voting block to be manipulated and used to win elections. We want to keep the wall of separation strong, but we want to be able to bring our values into the public square. There was talk about ethics and compassion. Quite an interesting discussion, that is meant to continue.
The future is positive, if both religious and political communities will deal with each other respectfully.
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