The Peril of Politics and Religion

The Pew Forum released a June 2nd article titled "Hazards for both sides when politicians court pastors" written by Adelle M. Banks and Daniel Burke. The article cites the perils of religious injections, and the consequences that continue to unfold.

It is interesting to reflect on the lack of actual policy content in the religious injections of pastors, during the 2008 Presidential primary. The most developed element is the foreign policy debate over Israel and the War in Iraq, but name a pastor who articulates clear policy stances that have solid Biblical merit.

I challenge everyone reading this post to examine the Scriptures in light of general political philosophy, economic policy, education policy, social policy and foreign policy. Religious Humanism has clear policy objectives stated in the Humanist Manifesto (which I mostly reject). We can also see religious principles that underpin our Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. That includes the principle that you cannot force someone into faith or specific worship practices, which only makes a better hypocrite, but that does not exclude religious principle from good government policy.

Eileen Flynn of the Austin-American Statesman also has a post on this issue. Join the greatest debate in U.S. history. Where does the actual separation of Politics and Religion need to reside?