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Should Christianity be allowed to play a part in American Politics?
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On September 17, 1787, the U.S. constitution was signed. With it was the preamble, which reads:
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
Desiring the commitment of the common man, the writers began their preamble by showing a common unity without regard for class, race, or culture. “We the people” showed that all people of the United States were protected by this constitution just as all people of the United States helped to create it. So, should Christians have a part in American politics?
With the growing conservative movement of the Tea Party, many are beginning to fear a division among, “We the People” and the utterances of succession are becoming more common. Government leaders are taking a closer look at those opposed to abortion and bigger government. In some instances they are considered to be possible threats to the country. And at the center of all of these debates is one central idea, “Christianity should be practiced at home and not in the public arena.”
However, can Americans not also be Christian? As such are they not included in the preamble of the Constitution? It is “We the People” and not “You the liberal” or “You the Conservative”, correct? Are “the people” still American or have we finally become African American, Latino American, Asian American and such? After all, once we begin to exclude or individualize one part of America’s citizenship we are no longer “We”.
Tony Blair, former prime minister of Britain said, “Religion has played a crucial role in the development of nations and is always oriented towards achieving the common good. I believe religion has a central and unique role within society and for its development. But it is true that a conflict exists, because many people want to remove religion from the public sphere.”
Barry Morgan, The Archbishop of Wales, said, “People also forget that this country’s beliefs in freedom and equality and the desire to remove poverty, injustice, oppression and slavery are based on Judeo-Christian values”, when speaking of his own government.
Tamrat Layne, former prime minster of Ethipoia, said, “I believe that the gospel is the only solution for my country. For development, democracy, for politics, for economic development—the only way out, the only key is the gospel.”
Christianity has played a key role in the development of the world. It has fought for freedom alongside Gen. Gorge Washington. It has struggled for equality alongside Dr. Martin Luther King. It has championed science alongside Sir Isaac Newton. It has wrestled against disease alongside Louis Pasteur. It has battled for better commerce and pricing alongside Sam Walton. It has created literary works alongside J.R.R Tolkien. It has explored the world alongside Christopher Columbus. It has worked hand in hand with farmers like George Washington Carver. And Christianity has cared for the world alongside Mother Teresa.
Speaking with L’Osservatore Romano, former Prime Minister Tony Blair said, “The importance of religion does not mean that debates and confrontations will end, but would probably continue to pit the Church on one side and political leaders on the other."
"However, I don't think this is the main point: The point is that faith has every right to enter in (the public space) to speak. It must not be silent.
"The voice of faith must not be absent from the public debate."
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