If there was ever any doubt that the “family values” movement was not about families, and that “Christian nation” policies are not about making sure our government acts in a Christian manner, the response of far-right politicians to the Syrian refugee crisis is the unequivocal proof. Continue reading
Our political leaders are quick to claim religious justification for those policies that serve their interests. They would do well to remember Jesus’ words of caution that simply claiming to act in his name is not enough (Matt 7:21-23). Jesus expects us to act, not according to some bigoted stereotype of what we think it means to be a Christian, but in accordance with his clear and unambiguous teaching that every single person is our neighbor, our brother or sister. Continue reading
We do our best to teach our future leaders that they should value everyone equally, but that equality takes on an entirely different dimension when you realize that the value of the person who is saving you from heat exhaustion has nothing to do with their level of education or tax bracket. Our next generation of leaders could benefit greatly from that kind of education. Continue reading
If slavery is such a horrid concept that even a flag associated with the institution (from 150 years ago) warrants so much energy, why aren’t we willing to at least hold our elected officials accountable for curtailing the widespread use of slavery by our trading partners? If Amazon and Wal*Mart shouldn’t even sell a flag that represents the history of slavery in the United States, why should they be allowed to sell goods produced by actual slaves living in horrid conditions of brutality and slaughter? Continue reading
You are interested in vituperative grandstanding for the purpose of single-minded political gain. On the other hand, we are doing our best to act with the values that make our country great: character, integrity, loyalty, and duty. If you decide to grow up and act like Americans, maybe you’ll begin to understand. Continue reading