politics and religion... Someone said along time ago that we should never discuss these two things in public. I think the conclusion was determined due to some awkward, "Now what do I say?" moment when it appeared obvious to two people who stood on opposite sides of either issue but didn't want to disrupt their civility.
For politicians, the paid professionals in the world of politics and those in the clergy, the paid professionals of religion, you would assume there would be a moratorium on this social rule. That politicians and clergy can speak freely on the subjects... After all it's what they're paid to do right? Well, I don't know. Scuttlebutt in the street seems to say otherwise; that religion should remain a private affair and politics in the hands of those who know better. Even so, there seems to be a lot of talk about how the religious professionals are trying to determine political outcomes and how political bureaucrats are deepening the divide on moral issues as some kind of wrong. Just watch the news, from same sex marriage issues to political "rightwing, conservative," special interest lobbies in Washington, it appears there is a lot being said about religion and politics these days! On both sides... about both sides.
Why just a couple of weeks ago, the two presidential candidates were present at a discussion forum at Saddleback Church in Southern California and moderated by recent Time Magazine, cover feature, Rick Warren. This forum was important enough to garner national television coverage and become fodder for radio talk and TV news channels. Someone is breaking the rule and like a driver who decides to run a stop light because it's stuck on red... others are following.
So I'm curious... what are your thoughts on this RULE? Do you agree or disagree. Should there be a separation of the Church and State when it comes to opinion? Please leave a comment... here there are no rules!
Part of a Watercooler Wednesday discussion happening at ETHOS. See what others are talking about there by clicking HERE.
