One of my Facebook “friends” (it's actually somebody I went to high school with) posted this statement as her status:
In the face and grieving of tragedy we preach and praise God's word, yet come election time we leave it aside. Please help me understand this?!
Now, if she was a blogger, this is clearly link bait to me. What surprised me was that she was oblivious to the argument that ensued in the comments after she typed this. She was surprised that people were offended. Now, I want to hear your thoughts, but I want to offer mine first.
I don't talk about religion or politics on here too often. What you believe is what you believe. What I believe is what I believe. What I say isn't going to change your mind. That's is why I don't talk about it. However, this is something I do think needs to be addressed.
The part the author seems to miss is that not everybody believes in God. Will goes to a public preschool — he has kids of every shape, color, and kind. Some celebrate Christmas. Some celebrate the Muslim holidays. And some don't celebrate at all. Madison attends a small Catholic school. (Had to get my disclosures out of the way)
However, I do think that the conservative “right” has hijacked God for (and I'm quoting another friends comment here that was on this post) cheap political points, furthering an agenda of bigotry against homosexuals, and legislating a woman's body.
I'll be honest — I don't vote for who my Church tells me to vote for. I look at the issues that are important to me. I vote on that — not whether or not somebody is Catholic or Christian. I don't want people voting for somebody because their priest told them too. I don't want religion in my government — I really don't. Just think if you aren't the majority religion and what life would be like. I also don't need a MAN in Washington deciding what I can and can't do with my body. Plus, I know plenty of atheists that are moral, loving, and kind. You don't need religion to have those qualities. I love my country too much to want the founding father's vision — that is keeping religion out of government — destroyed. They came here to get out of the reach of the Church.
Though I think I get some of what she was saying — that in tragedy everybody seems to “find God”. I didn't watch the speech last night, but I've heard about it. If everybody on BOTH sides of the table, did what “God” wanted — we wouldn't be fighting on social programs (like the healthcare bill since I think have a doctor care should be a right not just a privilege for those who can afford it). We would take care of the old, the sick, and the poor and NOT fight over who is paying for it.
Okay, off my soap box, and I think I've talked in circles. What are your thoughts? (And feel free to disagree with me).
For me I don't ever like to talk about politics and religion with others. It seems those are the tough things to talk about and no one ever agrees.
Everyone seems to be right, which makes it hard to talk about. I am glad you shared. It was great to hear how you feel. Thank you.
I'm an advocate of tolerance, so I tend not to address politics or religion in an open forum either. That doesn't mean that I don't have strong opinions on these subjects though.
Personally, in the interest of tolerance, I agree with you. There should be a separation of church and state. People have the right to believe or not believe in whatever faith suits them individually. That was the whole reason people came here. You're absolutely right.
The abortion issue, I don't touch publicly. It's a sensitive issue on both sides, and can turn blog conversations ugly really quickly, even when it's unintentional.
I'm an advocate of tolerance, so I tend not to address politics or religion in an open forum either. That doesn't mean that I don't have strong opinions on these subjects though.
Personally, in the interest of tolerance, I agree with you. There should be a separation of church and state. People have the right to believe or not believe in whatever faith suits them individually. That was the whole reason people came here. You're absolutely right.
The abortion issue, I don't touch on other people's blogs. It's a sensitive issue on both sides, and can turn blog conversations ugly really quickly, even when it's unintentional.
I never look at religion when deciding to vote. I always look at the issues at hand.
As a person living in Arizona, I enjoyed your post very much. Thanks so much for sharing
http://www.meandbella.com
I vote according to my personal beliefs. I take into account what is best for the country – the people of this country as well as the economy and safety of it.
When you refer to "the speech last night" I believe that you mean the memorial service where Pres. Obama spoke. Yes, he did bring up religion, but I believe because it was a memorial service, it was the time and place. The audience's reaction – applause – was disturbing, but he had no control over that. In fact they applauded for other speakers as well.
In times of tragedy, people fall to what helps them most. I was pleased that the President attended and spoke at the service. We needed him as a leader to bring us together as a country and help us heal.
Tough topics, religion and politics. I seem to often put my foot in my mouth when I try to talk about either one, despite my best of intentions.
Shortly after September 11th, our country had such strong and public feelings of patriotism and unity. I wish we could regain that but without having to experience such a horrible tragedy.
I typically try not to voice my opinions on politics publicly. I do have strong beliefs and opinions, but I fear starting drama or something. That being said I vote the way I think is right, not how someone else thinks I should.
I don't understand………
I've got my own opinions on religion but I'd never force them on anybody else. People need to learn to be more tolerant, and understand that an extreme minority of any group doesn't reflect the majority.