There’s a reason why I’m not a political writer. Politics is far too contentious for my taste. I did an event piece about the Reagan Centennial and even though it got a lot of hits, it also came with several nasty comments mainly from liberals who disdain Reagan. Having said that, it seems remiss to remain silent in the face of a perceived social injustice.
Most Americans are fairly weary following a presidential campaign of hearing speeches and debates largely thanks to 24-hour coverage of the campaigns, the candidates and their candidacy in large part because of the negativity. In spite of polls that demonstrate that a majority of voters disapprove of negative campaigns, there are also statistics to support the perception that going negative is an effective way to sway constituents. In fact, some political analysts have attested that in spite of his impressive track record, Mitt Romney’s failed 2008 bid for the White House was derailed in large part by the fear and wariness that goes along with his religion. This last week when a prominent evangelical Christian Dr. Robert Jeffress introduced Texas Governor Rick Perry, he did so by marking Mitt Romney as a cult member and later publically stating that given the choice between a Christian and non-Christian it is your duty as a Christian to prefer the Christian. He then took the judgment seat (the bema seat perhaps?) proclaiming that Mitt Romney is not a Christian. How dare he.
There’s a reason why the wise framers of the US Constitution drew firm lines between church and state. In fact, it is part of the law that those who hold public office are free from religious litmus tests. Article six of the constitution states "no religious tests shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States." In other words, you could worship Mickey Mouse if you want—it shouldn’t impact your ability to serve in public office. Since Jesus Christ Himself said, "judge not lest ye be judged For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again" it could serve as a warning to Dr. Jeffress. Who is he to proclaim that a person is or is not a follower of Christ? Who is he to judge a man who appears to be a ginuinely good person? The answer to that is a guy who wants to sell books. It turns out that the good doctor has a new book out and this stab at Mitt Romney is more of a publicity stunt than anything.
With two wars going on, the economy in shambles and so many other crucial issues the next leader of our nation will have to address, it seems inappropriate to infuse any political campaign with religious bigotry.
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