(Be forewarned, this editorial does not suggest any reader action. It is just commentary.) Recently, Lou Dobbs, CNN's lead commentator, and Rev. Al Sharpton, past Presidential candidate, have been more outspoken than usual. They have given opinions on the place of religion in the already heated process of selection of Presidential candidates. Dobbs was doubly indignant, first because, in his words, "The leadership of the Catholic Church and many Protestant churches, as well as Jewish and even Muslim religious organizations, are driving that political adventurism as those leaders conflate religion and politics." Secondly, he was named in a personal attack by Rev. Jim Wallis, who said, "If given the choice on the issue between Jesus and Lou Dobbs, I choose my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ." The issue in this case is amnesty for illegal aliens. Rev. Sharpton is more general in his political foray, saying "...those who really believe in God will defeat" Mitt Romney for the White House. Shapton presumably meant a Christian God, possibly even one of his denomination. Will that be in the primary election or general election? He denies that he is attacking Mormons, only being clear that God is on his side. In the past fifty years U.S. Presidents have been everything from a Catholic to a nominal Quaker, by most standards a wide range of Christians, but seldom causing concern. Several Presidents, irrespective of party affiliation, have been blasphemous, adulterous and in the eyes of some people even heretical. But their religious beliefs were seldom an issue. For better or worse, we seem to be in a new era. |
