The religious right claims God is republican.....your thoughts?

Question

The Robertson/Falwell/Bush contingent all claim that God is Republican. By his actions, Jesus was a social Democrat. So that leaves the Holy Spirit. Independent? Libertarian? Is the Godhead schizophrenic? What are your thoughts on religion dabbling in politics in the United States?

Answer 1

The Republican party has embraced the far right wing Christian Coalitions to bolster their political base. I seriously doubt that God had anything to say in the matter! Bush's claim that "I trust God speaks through me. Without that I couldn't do my job" is (to me) nothing short of blasphemy.

Separation of Church and State is supported by the US Constitution. The document that Bush swore an oath to preserve and protect; the one he flagrantly disregards as nothing but "a piece of paper".

Article 6, U.S. Constitution:
"The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."

Answer 2

My thought? I think that you are lying about "the religious right" and the people whom you mention (one of whom is dead). Can you give us a verifiable source which proves that Robertson or Bush have ever said that God is a Republican?

Furthermore, my thoughts about "religion dabbling in politics in the United States" is ........ so what else is new? When has there ever been a time, at all, when religious folks did not have any influence in American politics?

Answer 3

Based on my studies of the Bible, I'm gonna have to go with God being non-political, but everyone wants them on their side. Who wouldn't? He's a pretty powerful force though it doesn't seem that he interferes too much in the affairs of man.

I'm an Independent myself and vote in much the way I expect he would. I look at the individual running for office, the issues and where those individuals stand on the issues. Don't know that he would always vote the same way, but figure he'd choose in the same manner (he'd probably be more concerned and knowledgable on the issues of sin and morality. No need to guess about accusations of marital fidelity when you already know the thoughts of the person as well as the actions!)

No party platform can fully represent my ideals, nor my interests. Why should anyone preach for issues of a platform that doesn't support their issues? Even the politicians we *like* have faults and even those we dislike have positive characteristics.

There are certainly plenty of immoral politicians in both parties as well in probably every religion and denomination and in the latter, you're more likely to find them at the top.

Answer 4

So, here's some humorous insight into this topic:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/586481/posts

But, seriously, politics and religion are two topics that should NEVER intermingle. What annoys me most is how working class folks vote Republican, but are barely getting by supporting their family on minimum wage. (The Democrats are really no better on this matter, but, at least they know how to market the idea that they are.) Both parties need to come to the realization that the majority of people in this country are "working class heroes" (thanks John Lennon). The Religious Right & Left should be preaching about how it is socially unjust that there are people that could be their friends or neighbors who are living just above the poverty line because our political system is based on the power of money instead of the value of the well being and health of it's people.

Answer 5

God is not a member of a political party. People of faith can support a wide variety of politicians and political parties based on deep religious convictions. To claim that God has chosen a particular candidate or party is hubris.

A number of religious scholars from a variety of traditions published a signed statement about just that in a far more eloquent way than I could.

Among other things they said:

We believe that sincere Christians and other people of faith can choose to vote for President Bush or Senator Kerry —for reasons deeply rooted in their faith.

We believe all candidates should be examined by measuring their policies against the complete range of Christian ethics and values.

We will measure the candidates by whether they enhance human life,human dignity, and human rights; whether they strengthen family life and protect children; whether they promote racial reconciliation and support gender equality; whether they serve peace and social justice; and whether they advance the common good rather than only individual, national, and special interests.

We also admonish both parties and candidates to avoid the exploitation of religion or our congregations for partisan political purposes.

For the full text see: http://www.sojo.net/action/alerts/sojourners_petition.pdf

Answer 6

Well, I guess only Falwell knows for sure now.
My thoughts - I'd have to say that Jesus would be completely disgusted by both Republicans and Democrats. I don't think he'd want to be associated with EITHER party. Washington is full of filthy, scuzzy, money-grubbing, sleazy politicians. I think Jesus would avoid such a place, but he'd certainly not carry around the hate that each party has for each other.

Answer 7

You know what is really funny? Everyone runs in little circles thinking "we are right...they are wrong..oh what will happen if THOSE people are elected" and all the time God has it all under His control. So spend that money and campaign really hard because in the end God's plan will still be carried out. We're not fooling Him or pulling off something He can't control. But it would be nice if He were a republican! lol

Answer 8

God does not belong to any political party either does any of his affiliates (Jesus, Holy Spirit). His law has already been written and there is no such mention of any party.

Although I am not a religious person I am a spiritual one. Our higher power instills in us the feeling of right and wrong and those who chooses to ignore it will be accountable for their actions.

Answer 9

I think that if there really is a "god" of the universe, that diety is much too busy to be involved in the petty disagreements of a 3rd rate planet in a 4th rate galaxy at the edge of nowhere.

These religious nuts crack me up!!! Like a superior being would really give a crapola about a football game, a war or political differences.

I don't worry about the religious dabbling. Our Constitution protects us from these screwballs.... What I worry about are the people who actually believe them and who hang on every word they say..... Those are the people who are dangerous - and need serious therapy.

Answer 10

Your claim is an outright lie. I have never heard any Republican claim God is a Republican. Iv'e heard many Democrats make the false statement that we do make that assertion. Just because we state a belief in God does not mean no one else can believe as well.