In a recent speech at a church in West Philadelphia, VP Harris talked about her faith and, in a very nuanced way, suggested that “God expects us to help Him” in our voting. While this appearance is far from the abuse of God going on in Evangelical churches around the country, it is still wrong. And sure, I know all about the long history of black churches hosting politicians to help get out the vote; that is wrong too. You also might remember when I wrote about hearing Barack Obama speak at our denomination’s 2007 General Synod when he gave what amounted to a part faith journey/part political stump speech as a then-senator presidential candidate. That was also wrong, and when I spoke up about it, I met overwhelming disagreement. I stand by these statements. Any partisan politics in religious organizations is wrong. It is un-Constitutional. And yet, we keep doing it.
“What about freedom of speech and freedom of religion?” Those two aspects of the First Amendment are cornerstones of American democracy. They are also meant for everyone, not just Christians. Nobody should have to listen to a politician’s religious views, and no politician should have to pass a religious test – that is in the original body of the Constitution. And it doesn’t matter how much or little a person running for office believes in God – being a person of faith has nothing to do with following the rule of law. Unless that faith promotes anti-democratic values – then, we need to keep those folks as far away from office as possible by voting for upholding and defending the Constitution. Religion is personal and should guide our lives, but it is never appropriate to use it to control others.
This isn’t an easy line to walk, because I believe that we should use our faith in everything we do. When that faith guides us to limit the rights of others, however, that faith becomes toxic to freedom, and is not faith in God anymore. What if there was an attempt to force the FDA to legislate that all food be Kosher or Hallal? Would that be appropriate? What if fundamentalists decided that all women should be forced to cover their heads or be submissive to their husbands – would that be right? (Some are trying that, by the way). I would rather vote for an atheist who believed in total equality than a Christian who did not. If that seems extreme, consider what is happening in this country right now, with so many attempts to limit rights being bandied about by certain kinds of alleged Christians.
Stop using the God card. Stop listening to people talk about how religious they are. Judge them, for office, by their actions, not just their words. If they are not fully committed to equality, they should not be elected, regardless of their party. Voting for equality is voting with God and neighbor in mind. That is true faith.
Prayer – Holy God, guide our lives according to what is best for others and not just ourselves. Amen.