As we move closer to federal, state and local elections, political rhetoric becomes more heated, less rational and downright ugly in some cases. Why does this concern me as the pastor of a Baptist church, committed to the separation of church and state, as Baptists have been historically? The answer is on multiple levels.
Whenever I see or hear former Gov. Mitt Romney or President Barack Obama called unflattering names (such as “Mittens” for the one and “Big Zero” for the other), I wonder how the speaker or writer would feel about similar names being used for themselves? All of the major faiths have some version of the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” at the heart of their beliefs. The intentional demeaning of others is unworthy of any person, religious or not. And as we continue to bad-mouth those with whom we do not agree, the habit forms and custom leads us to dehumanize and disregard the opinions of anyone who does not share our views exactly.
Two of the greatest leaders of the early church, Paul and Peter, taught the virtues of prayer for government officials (I Timothy 2:1-2) and of showing honor to them (I Peter 2:13-17). The disrespect shown for incumbents or challengers alike seems far from these teachings. If Christians took these scriptural injunctions seriously, I wonder how we might change the tenor of political conversation in our country.
I also continue to be deeply disturbed by attacks made on candidates based on their faith. Whether it is aspersions cast on Gov. Romney’s Mormon faith or the attacks on President Obama (which bounce between accusations of his being a crypto-Muslim and that he is overlyinfluenced by a controversial Christian pastor), such sectarian questions should have no part in civil political debate. There continues to be debate about the interaction between church and state and what the Founding Fathers intended. There can be no doubt, however, about what they actually codified in the Constitution. Article VI, paragraph 3 of the U.S. Constitution clearly states, “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.” It is significant that the First Amendment to that Constitution opens with the words, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof …” Gov. Romney’s membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is every bit as much protected as President Obama’s faith as a member of the United Church of Christ, as is the Muslim faith of his father.
The United States was established as a country with wide regional differences, as seen in our motto: e pluribus unum, “out of many, one.” Only a civil and honorable discourse can produce the unity we claim. Today, I call on all people of faith and good will to stand against demeaning language in political debate and for a kind and loving treatment of even those with whom we most disagree. In this way, we honor the Creator of all.
The Rev. M. Christopher Boyer is pastor of Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Lynnwood.
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