Rejecting "Agents of Intolerance"

In 2000 John McCain spoke out against agents of intolerance, that is, leaders of the Religious Right that sought to divide Americans along social/cultural lines. In 2008, needing their support, he began by mending fences with the original target of his critique -- Jerry Falwell -- by accepting an opportunity to speak at Liberty University.

More recently he sought the support/endorsement of two of the most virile proponents of intolerance -- John Hagee and Rod Parsley. These guys make Falwell and Dobson look like leftists. Both preach an end times theology that appears to support Israel, but only for selfish purposes. They need conflict in the middle east so their end times scenario can take occur. Hagee's comments about Catholics has become well publicized, but only recently have we heard his bizarre theories about God using Hitler to push Jews to Palestine. Does McCain buy into these ideas? I doubt it. But by pursuing an endorsement without checking into his views, it appears as if he does.

As I noted in an earlier posting, more problematic in my mind is Rod Parsley -- for several reasons.

1. Parsley is politically active in Ohio.

2. His anti-Islamic statements are reprehensible and dangerous.

Again, McCain sought out Parsley's support -- probably as a way of garnering support in Ohio among religious conservatives. Once again he failed to vet this pastor.

Today we have learned that McCain has rejected both endorsements. That is a wise decision, for these are truly agents of intolerance whose views pose a a danger to American foreign policy. Just as I criticized McCain for seeking these endorsements, I applaud his rejection of them.

Now, as for the comparison to Jeremiah Wright. Obama was a member of Wright's church, but he did not seek Wright's political endorsement nor did he align himself with Wright's views. He made clear that Wright helped him find a faith in Jesus Christ and encouraged his commitment to social justice. Obama has not shown any evidence of supporting or aligning himself with Wright's more radical views.

McCain has suggested there's a difference here, and he's right. He sought these pastor's support for political gain, not because of religious agreement. All of which points out the dangers of trying to wrap ones' self within a religious flag. McCain, who isn't especially adept theologically, stepped into a hole, but his lack of support among religious conservatives led to this debacle.

What McCain may need to do at this point is explain his views on Middle East policy. How does he view Islam and America's relationship with predominately Muslim countries? With that in mind, how does he view Israel? Those are legitimate questions that both candidates need to address, because the Middle East will be center stage in American foreign policy for the foreseeable future.

Finally, perhaps we can now take the pastor question off the table. Neither Jeremiah Wright nor Rod Parsley should be of any interest in this election process.