The results of this recent survey underscore the same trend that has happened in Europe. It also highlights the founding father's warning in the Establishment Clause to the Constitution.
When politics and religion mix, religion loses.
The Germans have a state supported church and few Germans identify themselves as Christian or even attend service anymore.
In our country, the Religious Right have driven many people from religion altogether with their emphasis on prosaic matters above that of the spirit. Their striving for worldly power leaves a bad taste in everyone's mouth.
Even the bible says not to cast your pearls before swine, but that's exactly what happens in the marriage of politics and religion.
Personally, I welcome the decline. I've predicted it for years. You can't push a religious political agenda in a country with a long history of separation between church and state and expect faith to come out ahead.
Showing posts with label christianity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christianity. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Bush Administration placed ideology above the Constitution.
Is anyone really surprised by this report?
The Bush administration not only exercised an ideological purity test, akin the the Gestapo's litmus test for handing out jobs. They also lied about it.
I have first hand experience with the ideological side of political hiring.
While living in Washington back in 2004-2005, I sought government employment as an attorney.
When I asked for some assistance as to contacts and suggestions from my home state Senator--Bill Frist--I was advised that I needed to write him a letter explaining in graphic detail the nature and extent of loyalty to the Republican agenda.
What I found truly galling was that I was specifically instructed to spell out my loyalty to and adherence to Christianity.
As an attorney, well-versed in the Constitution, I was thoroughly offended that I was expected to pass some religious guantlet as well as an ideological purity test.
It took me days to get over my anger.
My desire to serve overcame my anger at the Republican's ignorance of the Constitution and using my legal skill, I drafted a letter that punted on the requested purity tests, while speaking highly of my country and parents.
I was never called back.
I'm so glad Bush and his wingnuts are gone. Those who seek to serve should not be turned away because of their loyalty to country over or church.
The Bush administration not only exercised an ideological purity test, akin the the Gestapo's litmus test for handing out jobs. They also lied about it.
I have first hand experience with the ideological side of political hiring.
While living in Washington back in 2004-2005, I sought government employment as an attorney.
When I asked for some assistance as to contacts and suggestions from my home state Senator--Bill Frist--I was advised that I needed to write him a letter explaining in graphic detail the nature and extent of loyalty to the Republican agenda.
What I found truly galling was that I was specifically instructed to spell out my loyalty to and adherence to Christianity.
As an attorney, well-versed in the Constitution, I was thoroughly offended that I was expected to pass some religious guantlet as well as an ideological purity test.
It took me days to get over my anger.
My desire to serve overcame my anger at the Republican's ignorance of the Constitution and using my legal skill, I drafted a letter that punted on the requested purity tests, while speaking highly of my country and parents.
I was never called back.
I'm so glad Bush and his wingnuts are gone. Those who seek to serve should not be turned away because of their loyalty to country over or church.
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