October 13, 2004

Kerry and his Faith

Over at Heretical Ideas , Dan Hendrickson, while looking for differences between Kerry and Bush in the debate tonight, faults Kerry's approach of separating his religious beliefs from his political intentions.

Religion is an important part of America; our country was founded with religion in mind. Both candidates answered this well, though Kerry showed the lack of depth of his faith. This was highlighted earlier by his answers about abortion. My wife, a catholic, was livid when he said in the same sentence that his belief that abortion is against his faith, but we should let people do it anyway. If he takes his faith seriously, he could not support the right to choose, as the Pope has said that by doing so he cannot take communion, and hence not be graced with eternal life in Heaven.

This may fit fine when the hot button topic of abortion is at hand, but this belief would, I think, doesn't reflect a few realities (or, at least, reality as I see it).

First of all, speaking as a lapsed Roman Catholic - lots of people disagree with teachings of the church/pope. Now, you might argue (as some do) if you really believe in your faith, then you can't go against these teaching, and still consider yourself a good (in this case) Christian. However, I think many people distinguish between the church hierarchy and history, and their true belief in god.

Secondly, things get blurry when you move away from abortion. Gay rights? How can any politician who is religious, be for gay rights, as it is opposed by the teaching of many religions. Divorce is another area - Both Kerry and Bush should be anti-divorce (IE Actively working to outlaw divorce). Kerry's stance on Iraq should be easier to defend: "I was for it until the pope told me that I couldn't be for it."

The list goes on (depending on your religion). Sex outside of marriage, shellfish, welfare, idols, head scarfs, ect, ect, ect. Do we really want Leiberman working to prevent resteraunts serving shellfish? How about requirements that McDonalds can not serve hamburgers on Fridays?

I think Kerry's answer on his faith was much more comforting than Bush's. I don't want my president to be a slave to his religious beliefs. I want him to work for the betterment of all people, regardless of whether or not your faith agrees or disagrees with them.

The question here is whose betterment does adherence to religious dogma when making public policy work towards? Society or the politician?

I realize things aren't quite as black and white as I present here, but it's a scary thought indeed that we would expect our politicians to work towards implementing legislations which furthers the doctrine of their faith.

Comments:
Posted by Henry at 09:03 AM || Link to me || Category:: Just left of God