October 14, 2007 3:49 PM
Faith in the planet
In American politics, we're used to hearing Republicans use the language of faith. And we're used to hearing Democrats talk tough on protecting the environment.
But this year, we're starting to notice candidates from both sides mixing the two, perhaps hoping that breaking that language barrier can win them cross-over support.
On Sunday, Sen. Barack Obama held an inter-faith forum at the Des Moines Public Library to talk about how his Christian faith -- something he picked up relatively late in life -- influences his hopes of protecting the planet from global warming and man-made destruction.
As Obama told a few hundred people in the audience:
"The Bible tells us that when God created the Earth, he entrusted us with the responsibility to take care of that Earth -- to exercise stewardship over His creation."
Obama spoke about being raised without religion and being mostly "an observer" until he began working as a political organizer with churches in the south side of Chicago in the early part of his career.
Since then, Obama has become a member of the United Church of Christ, and said it has shaped his views on the separation of church and state, too.
"I don't believe that this separation means that we should leave our religion at the door before entering the public square."
View image Photo by M.E. Sprengelmeyer
That phrasing is reminiscent of what we hear all the time from religious conservatives -- though often in entirely different contexts, like in recent fights over judicial nominees.
Likewise, on the Republican side, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, a Baptist minister, is candid when talking about religion.
But he also uses it to talk about protecting the planet -- one of several issues he doesn't think the GOP should automatically concede to Democrats.
Consider this section of Huckabee's web site on "Faith and Politics":
"My faith is my life - it defines me. My faith doesn't influence my decisions, it drives them. For example, when it comes to the environment, I believe in being a good steward of the earth. I don't separate my faith from my personal and professional lives."
It remains to be seen whether either man can win significant cross-over support, but it's noteworthy that they're both trying to cross a language barrier that sometimes separates the traditional liberal and conservative camps.
What do you think?
October 15, 2007
10:09 AM
JB Davis writes:
Anyone can pick and choose parts of the Bible to prop up their personal and political stands. Some bible readers say global warming was prophesized. I'vd seen the passage but can't quote it here.
The point here is the bible can be used to justify almost any personal or political position.