Politics of Religion

11/03/2008

Every now and then, I am confronted with a notion that I find so umm, interesting that it sticks with me. A message posted on the marquee of a church I drive past during my route to work fits into that category. It reads: “JOIN US IN PRAYNG DAILY FOR A PRESIDENT WHO WILL TURN US BACK TO GOD.” Ok, if I remember correctly from the presidential campaign that originally put Bush Jr. in office, this was supposed to be his job. According to the political right, Bushy was everything they were looking for in a Political Messiah. His appointment was supposed to heal our nation from the “moral darkness that was the Clinton era”. He was, according to the right, God’s man in Washington. So what happened? Did the right hear wrong, or was God pulling a funny? Oh, or maybe it is proof that no man can heal something as broken as we are as people and as a nation.

People were looking for a redeemer here on earth and they got Prince George. Now in this election, voters are once again looking for a savior and casting the parties that do not line up closest to right as very near demonic. The name calling, misinformation, and negativity of this political season has been amusing, sad, and embarrassing. My friend Joyce recently said something humorous and wise by remarking that we need to remember that we are "voting for a president, not a pastor". I truly believe that is a very important distinction that King seekers on all political sides need to keep in mind.

I am not saying that people with a religious viewpoint should not involve themselves in the political process...no, not even close. What I am saying is that everyone should do their own research and not throw their vote at one issue or because the candidate goes to church, is a woman, or black. I personally believe that the one issue votes is what led us into the past 8 years and sadly, I have been hearing that same nonsense voting practice circulating again.

I once heard that doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is the definition of insanity. I guess we really never learn or maybe the gods are truly crazy.

Peace,

zss

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