Faith-based politics

April 28, 11:35 AMManchester Atheism ExaminerBarbara L Bell

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While I have not seen anything like this in New Hampshire (and if I’ve missed it, let me know!), I find faith-based politics fascinating. Take a look at the Oklahoma GOP platform. It starts off with god-driven text:

"The United States has attained its position as a world leader and champion of freedom by protecting our God-given liberties. We believe our rights come from our Creator. We believe in the unalienable rights of the individual. It is a government’s first duty to protect these God-given rights: to life; to liberty; to property; to the pursuit of happiness."

Their entire platform revolves around their religious beliefs. No room for atheists! Okay. But if religion is their driving force (and from what I’ve seen, this is across the entire Republican party), why don’t they change their name to reflect a theocratic-based political party? It would certainly be honest. And I can’t see anyone losing respect for a political party changing its name to more accurately reflect its belief system.

What I find less honest is the inherent contradictions in their platform. PZ Myers calls out a contradiction found in their Education section – one I find absolutely hilarious. Item 4 states public schools should not be endorsing religion. Sounds good to me. Right next to it, item 5 states the Ten Commandments should be posted in all public schools. Sigh!

PZ linked from ERV’s blog commenting on item 7, also in the Education section and rightly pointing out that this part of their platform - teaching biblical creationism - is illegal. And thanx to The Morality War blog for performing a wonderful smack-down of all the lapses in critical thinking that are apparent in their document.

So back to my point. Anyone is entitled to base their politics on their faith. Even entire political parties. But be honest about it.

Don’t say you’re a Republican, when you’re not. True republicans want a true republican government. Among other things, that means separation of powers and diminishment of religious influence.

Our current Republican party obviously wants a theocracy. They want the government to be guided by an invisible, magic guy in the sky. The Oklahoma GOP is not the only example of this, but it's a fun one.

So I call on the Republican party to change its name to accurately reflect its goals and beliefs. Let’s have a little honesty in advertising. Besides, it would make it easier for them to purge the atheists from their ranks.

Heads Up: The National Day of Reason is May 7, 2009.