There is a belief, widely shared in the Obama camp, that there is a plethora of voters out there who are dying to vote for a Democrat if they can just be convinced that he or she is truly religious. The storyline goes that there were folks who didn't believe Al Gore or John Kerry were serious about their faith, so these voters cast ballots for Bush (presumably because he seemed more faith saturated). In this view, these men and women will join the ranks of Democratic voters this year if the Democratic nominee talks about God a lot, or at least talks about God as much as the Republican candidate.
As I mentioned a few weeks back on Keith Obermann's show I can't say with absolute certainty that such people don't exist. However, neither at that time nor since have I seen any polling data to suggest that "evangelicals" are all of a sudden rushing to embrace the Democratic ticket. Sure, there are evangelicals like Steven Mansfield who just wrote The Faith of Barack Obama who are absolutely convinced that he is an authentic and honest Christian--but who told me on my radio show that he wouldn't be voting for the Senator because Obama is "pro choice". Why go after voters who will say, in the end, "nice fellow, true believer, not voting for him though"?
Now comes the merchandising add-on to this story: faith merchandise announcing, for example, that you are a "Catholic for Obama". I'm not sure how far this will go. Will we see "Presbyterians for Obama"? Or, to dig deeper, "Left Handed Methodists for Obama"? Or maybe "United Church of Christ Members Who Don't Agree With Jeremiah Wright For Obama"?
Seriously, I think one of the great strengths of the American political system has been that it has largely avoided setting up political parties along religious lines. Many countries have chosen to do otherwise and have suffered from it. It is not a healthy direction, in my opinion, to have political parties treat members of faith communities as just one more special interest group. Religious values often motivate people to act in ways that help their communities and even give a general direction to their voting patterns. But, shouldn't candidates be most interested in finding people of every race, religion, and ethnicity who agree with them on the merits of their positions alone? Perhaps this is too much to ask.
And, by the way, back on those shirts and other paraphernalia--does
anyone really believe that if one Scientologist or one Mormon saw some
guy wearing a "Scientologist/Mormon for Obama" tee he or she would say:
"that's the capper for me; I'm voting Democratic this time". If you
find that person, have him or her call me, please.
-
LEFT HANDED METHODISTS FOR OBAMA
Tuesday September 16, 2008
Categories: Election '08
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About Lynn v. Sekulow
Lynn v. Sekulow is an ongoing debate blog--a blogalogue--about how big (or little) a role faith and religion should play in American politics and government, featuring the two leading voices of the church/state battle: American Center for Law & Justice Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow and Americans United for Separation of Church and State Executive Director Rev. Barry W. Lynn.
Please note that in discussing political issues, candidates’ positions and political party statements, the Rev. Barry Lynn and Jay Sekulow are offering analysis in their individual capacities as lawyers and commentators. They are not speaking on behalf of Americans United for Separation for Church and State or for the American Center for Law & Justice. Those organizations do not endorse or oppose candidates for public office. Nothing contained in this dialogue should be construed as the positions of the respective organizations.
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Rev. Barry W. LynnExecutive Director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, a nonprofit educational organization that defends religious liberty by opposing government interference in religion
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Jay SekulowChief Counsel for the American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ), a law firm and educational organization focused on protecting religious freedom, American families, and human life.
» Posts by Jay Sekulow
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- Gwyddion9 commented on Abortion Funding ...to be continued - Up Next: A God-free Capitol Visitor Center?: Elizabeth,
To reinforce what Jason said: President Clinton twice vetoed legislation banning partial birth abortion. It was not until President Bush took office that it was signed into law. The republicans do make some effort as opposed to none by the democrats.
"...President Clinton twice vetoed legislation banning partial birth abortion. It was not until President Bush took office that it was signed into law."
Actually, the law only "half-banned" partial birth abortion, since, under the above-mentioned law, the women who have such abortions get away scott free with no punishment of any kind.
Abortion has been performed for thousands of years, and in every society that has been studied. It was legal in the United States from the time the earliest settlers arrived. At the time the Constitution was adopted, abortions before "quickening" were openly advertised and commonly performed.
The anti-choice fanatics try to insinuate that before Roe v Wade abortions were not done legally. This is part of their attempt to claim that it is only recently, when America supposedly became a secular nation and rejected God, that abortions were made legal. It's just part of the campaign of lies and distortions that fundamentalist Christians use to promote their false and evil doctrines. Fortunately fundamentalist Christians have so marginalized themselves with their anti-social and anti-science propaganda and nonsense that blogs like this is the only place they can spout their lies and anyone pays any attention to them. The general public now recognizes that fundamentalist Christians are people who should just be ignored.
"... dying to vote for a Democrat if they can just be convinced that he or she is truly religious."
How odd. I'm dying to vote for whoever can convince me that he or she is NOT truly religious.
I'd rather have a leader that fully considers all decisions, rather than one who "simply knows," which is to say, "has already been told," which choice is better.
Even though Pres. Barack purports to be a Christian, his true colors are showing now that he has become President. For example, in his speech in Cairo, he stated: "We will convey our deep appreciation for the Islamic faith." In fact, his speech was so pro-Islamic that had a president attempted the same thing except hailing Christianity, the press would have jumped all over the person. As Dr. Jay stated, it was almost as if he was apologizing to the same people of faith who killed thousands of people in the Twin Towers during 911. Moreover, he is so Pro-Islam that he goes against the grain of the U.S.' history of backing Israel, so much so that he supports the Organization of the Islamic Conference's effort to fly the Muslim flag over the city of Jerusalem. My question is: Which religion do you really uphold, Mr. President? Are you a Christian in name only just for political kicks? If not, why aren't you taking a stand against abortion, the killing of innocent fetuses? When will the walk match the talk?
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