It isn’t every day that you run into one of those. But this definitely is one. The distinctions it draws between separatism, fusion, and critical engagement are well thought out and wise. If only more Christians understood the need to be critically engaged in the current debates in our country!
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/inquirer/123701709.html
http://blog.sojo.net/2011/02/24/this-is-not-fiscal-conservatism-its-just-politics/
http://www.optimum.net/News/AP/Article?fmId=51779945
It is revealing to observe the budget cutting debates. As Jim Wallis of Sojourners rightly affirms, “A budget is a moral document.” So budget cutting reveals moral priorities. Where leaders are willing to cut and where they are not willing to cut is indicative of what interests they are willing to sacrifice and what they are seeking to protect.
As a citizen and a pastor, I am very concerned about this process for many reasons. Some are just common sense, some are very Scriptural, and some may be my own politics too. I read a recent thought-provoking editorial by Jim Wallis of Sojourners. For those of you who are looking for a Christian voice that is very concerned about the poor, this organization may be your choice. I am adding them to my blog roll. After reading Jim’s comments, I decided to make some of my own budget debate observations.
Many Christians, including myself, have been praying specifically for these elections. We have been concerned with the moral and spiritual direction of our country as well as the economic one. Today I am praising God for the election of many more conservative candidates because the causes of sanctity of life, sanctity of marriage and religious freedom will be strengthened. Here are some further election observations.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/tomtoles/2010/10/carl_paladino_unhinged.html
http://blog.syracuse.com/opinion/2010/10/paladino_vs_brainwashing.html
Commentators, especially liberal ones, have had a ball with Carl Paladino’s recent comments. I quote one version of the supposedly offending lines. “Appearing before a group of Orthodox rabbis in Brooklyn on Sunday, Paladino declared that he didn’t want children “brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is an equally valid and successful option — it isn’t.” Then, in trying on the “Today” show on Monday to make things better, he made them worse. He spoke of how “disgusting” he had found a gay pride march he had seen, in which marchers “wear these little Speedos, and they grind against each other.”” (From http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/13/AR2010101305533.html )
My contention is that Carl Paladino is not bigoted as the cartoonist suggests, but rather represents accurately two contentions of the majority of Americans, both of which are completely lost on the modern-day media and, of course, on the gay-rights lobby as well.
The first constitutional contention he represents accurately is that it is the right of people of faith, whether evangelical Christian, Muslim, Catholic, Jewish, Amish, Orthodox or Mormon who believe that homosexual behavior is wrong, to teach their children the same and not to have their children taught otherwise by whomever. This is fundamental to the free exercise of religion. Schools exist primarily to work for parents, and only secondarily to serve the interests of the state. Carl understands this right.
Second, Carl’s comments about Speedos and grinding in a gay rights parade describe an immodest display. Such behavior would be immodest if it were by a woman and a man too. It would also be inappropriate for children then as well. Good parents still teach children modesty. But contemporary culture considers the concept of modesty archaic. Media moguls argue that freedom of expression rules. Consider the argument currently raging concerning the GQ pics by Glee stars (http://blog.syracuse.com/entertainment/2010/10/steamy_glee_gq_pics_have_many.html). How dare parents bring up the idea that stars might want to be a good example of something old-fashioned like modesty because their show caters to preteens. And the stars themselves are clueless. As far as Hollywood and the fashion industry are concerned, about the only ones who cover up are the Amish, Muslims and very old women. Carl is right that children should not be taught that immodest displays are proper, whichever sex they involve. They indeed, don’t need to see them.
Carl’s candidacy may have issues, but the way he thinks about gays grinding in Speedos and politically correct police pushing gay rights on other peoples’ kids is not one of them. His mistake was in apologizing instead of explaining. Quite a few of us are just a little mad that simply thinking thoughts like I am writing will get us labeled as bigots. But having traditional morality is not the same as being a bigot, despite such verbal bullying!