I am often criticized for speaking out on politics, especially at this point in history with the end of the disasterous “reign” of Obama. New choices now loom and we Catholics and other Christians need to be in the middle of it all salting our culture with the life of the Gospel and good common sense.
Do I dislike Obama because he is black? Ridiculous! That is often the blustering response to criticism of Obama. I can think of many blacks, both men and women I would proudly claim as president. Race is not the issue — knowledge of economics, loyalty to our historical principles, Christian morality, conservatism (not socialism), integrity and real experience ARE the issues.
I recently received an e-mail from a British reader of my blog who I met while speaking in England this summer. I don’t mention his name but thought I’d share his comment and my response.
What do you think?
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British Friend: I think it’s a pity that your politics are mixed up with your religious convictions [on your blog] – we need good leaders – just pray for them.
STEVE RAY’S RESPONSE:
WE DISAGREE HERE. ONE OF THE REASONS GREAT BRITAIN IS IN SUCH A DISMAL SPIRITUAL CONDITION IS BECAUSE OF THE VERY ATTITUDE YOU EXPRESSED. EVERYWHERE I SPOKE IN ENGLAND AND AUSTRALIA THERE WAS A DISCONNECT BETWEEN CHRISTIANITY AND THE “REAL WORLD.”
IT IS TIME REAL CHRISTIANS RISE UP AND GET INVOLVED IN MORALS AND POLITICS AND OUR CURRENT CULTURES — CHALLENGE AND REMOVE UNGODLY LEADERS AND FORCE GOOD POLITICIANS TO STAND UP FOR GODLY MORALS AND POLITICS AND ECONOMICS. PRAY FOR THEM? OF COURSE! BUT ARGUE, FIGHT AND GET INVOLVED TOO!
REMEMBER THAT JOHN THE BAPTIST WAS BEHEADED NOT FOR PREACHING JESUS BUT FOR CRITICIZING THE KING. SOUNDS LIKE ST. THOMAS MORE TO ME.
MAYBE WE SHOULD FOLLOW THEIR EXAMPLES AND SPEAK TO OUR SOCIETY AND CULTURES, NOT JUST TO THE CHOIR.
What do you think?
This Post Has 8 Comments
Religion is not a hobby we keep in the garage and not talk about in public. honestly I’d rather see politics consigned to the hobby room.
This is it exactly, Steve. I finally woke up from my secular smog after the Holy Father spoke in Yankee Stadium about the false dichotomy between public and private life. It was I dichotomy that I lived or should I say slowly died. We need only to look to Europe to see what happens with we keep our light under a basket. The gospel speaks to us as private citizens to demand ethics and morality in government. We are falling. Only God can catch us.
Spot on Steve.Im glad you noticed that here in Australia.Australian politicians have been pushing that idea here for a very long time.As a result we have an Athiest for a Prime minister now.Julia Guillard
Our country was founded on Judeo-Christian values, and you are correct in stating that the attitude of “keep your religion to yourself” is exactly the reason that we have slid so far into relativism. There is no shame, nothing is “scandalous”, there are no common values; it is the era of “whatever you like is ok”. It’s NOT ok. It’s time to respond with “IT”S NOT OK”. Keep up the courageous work, Steve. God bless you and your ministry.
The situation in the United States with politics has been caused by Christians not living a Christian lifestyle. Part of that Christian lifestyle involves voting. Hard times are coming and hard decisions may have to be made. When, at some time in the future, you are stopped at a roadblock and asked if you are a Christian, what will your answer be? Christians must take a stand now.
I think this month is a good month to engage the Brits about Religion. With the invitation to the Anglicans to come home, and the Canonization of John Henry Cardinal Newman…it is a good time to educate those that feel they already know more then you. This debate is right on schedule…or should I say Shed you Al.
You point is right on Stephan.
Thank you
Dennis in San Antonio
Nice repost here! I don’t think that politics and religion can be separated. Religion gives one a background that carries over into all facets of life, especially politics. Our country was established by men with deep religious and moral convictions. While they may have had political divides, they had the same moral conviction deeply rooted in their religions.
Spot on. And the other parallel between St Thomas More and St John the Baptist: notice what the “real” fight was over? Marriage. And the State’s “view” of it. Sound familiar? When the big Church/State issues hit, if you look at it over time, it so often has to do with the nature of Marriage. Both St John and St Thomas More lost their lives defending real marriage against a King (State) that wanted it to mean something to suit themselves.
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