A quick note on politics on this blog.
There are times such as now that I get ticked off at a particular political occurrence (see my SCHIP rants). I want to emphasize that when I write about those things I write as a person with a particular political belief - a particular set of beliefs and values. Those beliefs are regularly informed by my faith. They are not, however, the same as my faith. My politics and my faith are distinct.
I do not say that Jesus is on my side and that those who disagree with me are an affront to God. I'm obviously overstating just a bit but I do so purposely because all too often when faith and politics meet the end result is a sort of "holy anger." There is this notion that the people we "oppose" aren't merely advocating bad public policy but are grieving God and proving that they aren't really God lovers after all (and, by default, that we are really and truly holier than they are).
To equate politics with faith is a dangerous thing and I've made that mistake way too many times. I hope to make it less often in the future because faith is eternal and politics is not.
Add to Del.icio.us
Add to Technorati
Add to Digg
Add to Newsvine
Add to Facebook
Add to StumbleUpon
David, Your passion in the cause of children makes you human. I doubt too many will doubt your sincerity, nor demand your apology.
We're entitled to our own opinions. Whoever doesn't think so is Satan's acolyte.
President Bush did what was correct. He knows the Liberals are trying to make America a socialist nation.
Great post! I believe it is important for Christians to humble themselves and sometimes say, "I'm not speaking for God here, I'm just trying to do my best... I don't know everything."
Was this directed in response to my post? Regardless, that still doesn't answer my question. You have made it clear, I believe, that you think your faith leads you to believe that we should favor SCHIP. I don't accuse you of saying people who disagree have poor faith. What I accuse you of is not showing why and how your faith links compassion/charity to government action.
This is a "blog" about faith and politics, is it not? I think this is one of the most important issues of our time, among people of faith who are politically active. I think this is the main dividing line among politically active religious people. I think it deserves some thought and response.
Post a Comment
By submitting these comments, I agree to the beliefnet.com terms of service, rules of conduct and privacy policy (the "agreements"). I understand and agree that any content I post is licensed to beliefnet.com and may be used by beliefnet.com in accordance with the agreements.