March 1, 2000
EDITORIAL:
Beware politicians in saints' clothing
___The road to the White House apparently runs through--figuratively, if not literally-- America's churches.
___With the possible exception of Bill Bradley, all the major presidential contenders have utilized religion to score political points and/or assert their identification with blocs of Christian voters. George W. Bush campaigned at Bob Jones University, a fundamentalist anti-Catholic school, as the South Carolina campaign heated up. He also called Jesus his "favorite political philosopher." John McCain's campaign staff, seeking to garner votes in Michigan, telephoned Catholic voters, reminding them of the Bush-Bob Jones connection. Al Gore has touted his born-again status to the press. Pat Buchanan also has played up his Christianity and Catholic connections.
___This is nothing new, of course. John Kennedy met with the editor of the Baptist Standard and others in an effort to prove he would not do the pope's bidding in the White House. Richard Nixon appeared at a Billy Graham crusade. Jimmy Carter attempted to explain what "born again" means to a writer for Playboy. Ronald Reagan intoned the name of God. George Bush worshiped at First Baptist Church in Dallas. Bill Clinton quoted Scripture. They were not alone, but they all won their elections.
___The role of faith in politics is a touchy subject, especially for Baptists.
___We would like for all the world to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. As people of faith, we can envision this hope even embraces politicians. If every political leader were a Christian and conscientiously followed the religious, moral and ethical precepts of Jesus, we can imagine the world would be a much better place.
___On the other hand, Baptists historically have been steadfast in their protection of religious minorities. We have been quick to condemn those who would use religion-- even their abiding personal faith--for political gain. That's why Baptists' charlatan radars go off when politicians get too glib and profuse with their protestations of faith. The exploitation of private faith for political advancement is blasphemy. You don't have to listen to athletes swear to hear God's name taken in vain. Politicians do it all the time, in so-called polite company, no less.
___Still, ours is a public faith. Christ has bidden us to share our faith. We are commanded to "go ... tell" others about the love and saving power of Jesus Christ. So, we wouldn't expect politicians to be exempted from that evangelistic mandate.
___But in their political roles, candidates add another dimension to their lives. When they seek office and attempt to serve the citizenry, they become public persons for all people. They must seek to respect and protect the political and religious rights of all people. They may have a difficult time doing that when they ride into office flying the colors of one religious group. The U.S. Constitution guarantees religious liberty for all, and that liberty is preserved most securely when those who swear to uphold the Constitution and protect that liberty are not politically beholden to one particular group.
___We need look no further than the daily paper to see the illegitimate offspring of the cohabitation of religion and political power. In the Balkans, the union of religion and political power has produced civil war. In Western Europe, the marriage of church and state has yielded defiant secularism and religious apathy. In parts of Africa, religion's political hegemony has spawned genocide. In the Arab states, the singular identification of one religion with government has produced unparalleled persecution.
___The United States is not on the verge of such atrocities. However, we should learn from them. And we should be suspicious of the religious proclamations of politicians.
___Of course, we want leaders who will lead prayerfully, guided by God's word and empowered by the Holy Spirit. But we also want them to live as God requires--loving mercy, doing justice and walking humbly.
___ Marv Knox
E-mail the editor at marvknox@baptiststandard.com
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