It would seem that the religious right and the so called moral conservatives have won the day in the 2004 Presidential elections.
Having grown up in the heart land and been raised a deeply religious person I can understand why people voted the way they did.
My own interpretation of religious studies leads me to believe that religion should inevitability lead one towards social good works (as evidenced by the Catholic Church for nearly an eon).
We should not endeavor to alienate our neighbors through constraining laws that favor an interpretation of a moral code but instead should lead by example and reach out to those who would depart from the ideals through love and patience.
Creation of laws and statutes that force people into a specific agenda I believe is a lazy and morally self-centered way to achieve a goal that should be grounded in the highest ideals.
Christ himself led by example and there is very little liturgy supporting the institution of laws to force moral behavior. Indeed the New Testament teaches that Christ is the fulfillment of the law and his sacrifice was to break the chain of sacrifice and atonement for those things deemed inappropriate. Christ lived and died (and if you have faith) rose again to teach us one universal truth. Love thy neighbor, love thyself and be a beacon of hope.
Today the nation did not live up to that ideal.
Well written. Many church-goers today have lost the essence of the Christian church. They are critical and judgemental while lacking companssion on their part. Remember, Christ mixed with prostitutes and other “sinners” of the day but he feverishly resisted and stood up against the hypocrites. One should be compassionate while holding up one’s own values – the best way to initiate change is by influencing by example, not by control.–>