[Another Not a Candidate Diary]
Thinking about so-called "compassionate conservatism," the role of religion in electoral politics, and the way that the right uses Christianity as a hammer with which to scare voters, I started to think about what it meant to be a Christian nation. Alot of this is influenced by a book I read a few months ago called The Myth of a Christian Nation.
Now, I would in no way call myself a good Christian. I believe in god, but I'm more of a Taoist than anything else.
But I've recently had time to think, if not write, about the question of Christianity and politics. A recent article by Amy Sullivan, entitled "How Would Jesus Vote" set me to outlining some of the differences between the two parties' beliefs, and how Jesus might vote on them.
A couple of caveats:
- I'm not a good Christian, and can't even pretend I am. I know the Bible only well enough to cause trouble.
- I'm partially inspired here by the version of the Christian Bible authored by Thomas Jefferson, a good version of which can be found here.
- I'm cherry-picking positions that I think are important to people. This isn't an exhaustive list; it's my list.
- I like to poke political foes in the eye with a sharp stick
So, the issues:
Issue | Democrats | Republicans | Jesus | Jesus Votes? |
War in Iraq | Withdraw Troops | In for 10,000 Years | no killing, so no war | Democrat |
Children's Health Care | Cover everyone, even if care spills over into those who don't need it | As little coverage as possible | Heals the blind, lepers, and pretty much anyone He can get His hands on, regardless. | Democrat |
Minimum Wage | Raise minimum wage so people can make a living | Keep it low, pro-business | In favor of helping the poor; has anti-buiness leanings, especially money-changers; tries to redistribute wealth to poor | Democrat |
Immigration | Bring them into US society, take care of them | Expel immigrants | Was a Jew; Jews treated as illegals everywhere they went; Passages in Matthew (25:35-41) imply an obligation to give stuff to those who need it. | Democrat |
Environmental Protection | Protext the environment, even if it costs businesses | Shpx the environment | It's God's earth, humanity is supposed to care for it (Gen. 1:28) | Democrat |
Medicare, Medicaid | Health insurance for those who need it | Once you're out of the womb, you're on your own | Care for the sick, the elderly, whatsoever you do unto the least, and all that. | Democrat |
Cheap Perscription drugs | Make them so more people can afford them | Make sure the drug companies make as much money as possible. | Again, a reminder: Help the sick. | Democrat |
Death Penalty | Anti | Pro | Forgiveness | Democrat |
Role of Government | Use when necessary for the good of the people | Use when necessary for the good of the corporations | Help people | Democrat |
Torture | No | Use when necessary for the good of the corporations | No | Democrat |
Anyway, that's my quick take on how Jesus would vote on the issues. Have fun.