http://news.aol.com/political-machine/2007/12/06/religion-in-politics/Here’s a good article on each political candidate’s roll for religion. Magic Underwear Mitt Romney wants us all to have faith, but states that his preachers won’t have a roll in his administration (a lie). Huckabee would have us teach creationsim as science, making us the laughing stock of the world (even worse than we are now). Too bad. Allowing every other country to raise smarter kids than Americans to suit his religious or political agenda smacks of treason, IMO. He would be literally giving away our kids future, subjugating them en masse to lesser jobs, serving better-educated Europeans and Asians.Obama’s father was an Atheist, but he’s Christian. At least he has some connection to the thought process.Clinton and Edwards, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. They sound like Bush. A LOT.Giuliani says he keeps his Catholicism to himself, but his endorsement by bigots and liars like Pat Robertson make me doubt his conviction to religious freedom.And.. 60% of Americans are bigoted and ignorant, and would not vote for an Atheist, according to the AOL poll (not scientific).
Obama is ex-Muslim but Church of Christ these days. I have problems with all churches, but Church of Christ seems to me to be one of the more idiotic irrational ones (as if they all aren’t.
I remember an argument between a C-of C member and a man who had married a C-of-C woman. They were arguing over whether there should be music in the church since C-of-C says it is a bad and unacceptable thing. The C-of-C guy demanded that the other one show him where it said in the bible that music was okay. The answer was: Right after that verse where it says air conditioning is acceptable.
The only candidate that has shown that he actually supports the Constitution above all, so far, is Kucinich. However, as long as the MSM continues to marginalize him, it’s going to be a tough row to hoe. Example: look at the time he was allowed to talk during the debate 11/15. Five and a half min.! Compare that with the time alloted for Ho bama – 18min. and Hilarious – 15 and a half min.
No bias there, huh?
Totally agree on the so-called debate business. Time given to candidates seems extremely uneven. Joe Biden is another one that has been given limited talking time and I would like to see him get more exposure.
I used to think I might be able to go with Kucinich but if you check his past record and pesonal life I’m not sure I would like to see him get the nomination.
I said earlier there really isn’t anybody I really like. It’s going to be another of those elections where I vote for the one who will be likely to do the least harm and that will be the Democrat, regardless of which one gets the nomination.
Godfree
I didn’t see that coming and I laughed so hard I almost cried! Thanks!
As for candidates, I got an email from the campaign for Bill Richardson, Dem. Gov of New Mexico yesterday. I had forgotten about him. Anybody have any opinions about him? His biggest selling point was a promise to “end this war on my first day in office”. I don’t know if that’s naive, overly ambitious or batshit crazy. I haven’t clicked the link to his plan yet.
GodFree&Glad,
Regarding your comment concerning Obama’s denomination, he is a member of the United Churches of Christ and not the “Church of Christ.” There’s a huge difference.
The United Church of Christ is a very liberal church that is much like Unitarian Univeralists. They are very open and welcoming, not very dogmatic.
The “Churches of Christ” refer to local churches that are literalist and try to follow scripture exactly concerning forms of worship. Their mantra is “Speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent.” Some of them are very exclusive and hateful while others are simply conservative.
I hope this clears up the confusion.
Agnosticat,
Thanks. My that is confusing and brings up the question: If they are much like Unitarians why “Christ” in the name? Or are Unitarian Univeralists different than plain old Unitarians? I once had a Unitarian tell me that Unitarians “believed in only one god, if that.”
I’ll look up The United Church of Christ just for the information. Thanks again.
Agnosticat,
A quick check of Wikipedia and I’m not so sure you are correct about The United Churches of Christ being “much like Unitarian Univeralists,” although they are, apparently, more liberal than THE Church of Christ.
Here’s a little of what Wikipedia says about them both:
The United Church of Christ: The United Church of Christ acknowledges as its sole Head, Jesus Christ, Son of God and Savior. It acknowledges as kindred in Christ all who share in this confession. It looks to the Word of God in the Scriptures, and to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, to prosper its creative and redemptive work in the world. . . . it recognizes two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion.
Unitarian Universalism (UUism) is a theologically liberal religious movement characterized by its support of a “free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” This principle permits Unitarian Universalists a wide range of beliefs and practices. Unitarian Universalist congregations and fellowships tend to retain some Christian traditions such as Sunday worship that includes a sermon and singing of hymns, but do not necessarily identify themselves as Christians.
Both Unitarianism and Universalism trace their roots to Christian Protestantism. Many UUs appreciate and value aspects of Islamic, Christian and Jewish spirituality, but the extent to which the elements of any particular faith tradition are incorporated into one’s personal spiritual practices is a matter of personal choice in keeping with UU’s creedless, non-dogmatic approach to spirituality and faith development.
I would prefer, if I had the choice, to vote for a Unitarian.
GF&G,
Yeah, I already know that’s going to happen in this state.
I am a “non-theist” member of the United Church of Christ and can echo the other poster who claims that the UCC is much like Unitarian-Universalism. Even though the UCC continues to claim itself as a Christian denomination (something the UUA no longer does) there is a deep historical relationship between one group and the other. The Unitarian Church began in New England from a schism of Congregationalist churches. The Congregationalists created Harvard, Yale, and Darmouth (among many other universities). It was during the schism that Harvard sided with the Unitarians and Yale remained “faithful” to the Congregationalists (which later became the UCC).
The UCC continues to be the most progressive Christian denomination in the United States. It began ordaining women before the Civil War, and LGBTIQ people since 1972. It has a strong history of social justice including ending slavery, working to advance feminism, and is now actively involved in the LGBTIQ Civil Rights Movement. Our churches are also known for celebrating Darwin’s birthday every year.
Atheists, non-atheists, theists, panentheists, and all others are warmly invited to the UCC. But be forewarned, we will put you to work when you come. We expect our members to be actively involved in working for peace and justice in their communities and the larger world.
Karen
I’m glad you asked. I was in New Mexico March 2003 shortly (about a week or two) after the Invasion of Iraq began. I tuned in to KKOB – a conservative talk radio station – and caught an interview of Richardson by the conservative host. The host asked Richardson why he thought there were so many people protesting the war in Albuquerque and Richardson responded: “They are just stuck in the sixties”. It got a good laugh from the host but I was deeply insulted.
So what I want to know is when did the flippant and disrespectful Richardson make the anti-war conversion. Most folks I new in New Mexico were Dems and none of them trust Richardson. He is widely known as a devious opportunist. He was behind the bogus and politically motivated prosecution of Wen Ho Lee. He should be tarred and feathered for that alone.
“robustly Christian yet religiously tolerant” America from Ron Paul’s rant. Does this seem as oxy-moronic to y’ll as it does to me?
“robustly Christian yet religiously tolerant America” put the quotation marks in wrong place. sorry
What
Thanks for the insights. Food for thought.
Dennis Kucinich.
Dave loves to use the term “Magic Underwear” when talking about Romney, but does Romney admit to wearing said Mormon undergarments? And when was the last time Dave wore his magical jewish beanie? Perhaps when he went to temple to take part in celebrating some backward, primitive religious myths from the torah.
But back to the candidates- sure they almost all cater to religion and religious fallacies, but what are atheist groups doing about it other than complaining on blogs?
How about publicly going to candidates events and calling them out.