Open Mind, Common Ground ...Understanding What Really Unites Us
October 17, 2011
In a recent Los Angeles Times Op-Ed, comedian and atheism campaigner Penn Jillette claims that the word “Christian” is being increasingly employed by politicians to appeal to a wider base of voters. Further, he argues that this shift has been to the detriment of society as a whole. However, the same evidence could be used to argue that a positive shift has occurred - one towards greater understanding among those with similar beliefs. Perhaps it has even been instrumental in providing a unified voice for common concerns and beliefs.
Jillette also references the debate that arose in the 1960s regarding the campaign of John F. Kennedy, the first Catholic to be elected to the American presidency. He rightfully acknowledges that, in confronting concern and criticism over his faith, Kennedy reminded Americans that the real issues were finding ways to tackle hunger, fight poverty, and advance technology. Kennedy was able to convince skeptical Americans that regardless of his religious beliefs, he intended to lead a country of Americans, not only Catholics. In his Op-Ed, Jillette argues that this direct acknowledgment of separation of church and state would be unheard of in the current political environment. I believe Penn is mistaken.
Recently, when Texas pastor Robert Jeffress made inflammatory remarks directed at candidate Mitt Romney, calling Mormonism a “cult,” commentators across the board immediately called into question the relevance of Romney’s faith to his qualifications for presidency. To the extent that his faith affects whether or not Americans will vote for him, it is an issue. However, at its core, the issue of Mitt Romney’s faith should not be an issue in his campaign. If anything, it is a detractor for the issues that really need to be discussed – such as health care, employment, and education. In this respect, the debate is similar to the one in the 1960s, serving as a reminder to Americans that religion need not be a wedge driving voters apart by masking the critical issues that voters need to discuss.
Recently, when Texas pastor Robert Jeffress made inflammatory remarks directed at candidate Mitt Romney, calling Mormonism a “cult,” commentators across the board immediately called into question the relevance of Romney’s faith to his qualifications for presidency. To the extent that his faith affects whether or not Americans will vote for him, it is an issue. However, at its core, the issue of Mitt Romney’s faith should not be an issue in his campaign. If anything, it is a detractor for the issues that really need to be discussed – such as health care, employment, and education. In this respect, the debate is similar to the one in the 1960s, serving as a reminder to Americans that religion need not be a wedge driving voters apart by masking the critical issues that voters need to discuss.
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