At the risk of starting (or continuing) a flamewar, I wanted to clear up a few things. In no particular order:
- I do not believe, nor have I ever said, that Democratic candidates should be people of faith. I enjoy the ones who are, and I do write about them and occasionally speak to them. However, their stands on issues counts for far more than their religious persuasion. I'd rather vote for an atheist Democrat than a religious Republican.
- I do not believe, nor have I ever said, that faith is superior to no belief. I admit to taking the occasional potshot at other religions, and also to going after Thelema with a sledgehammer. But I do not believe that one faith is necessarily better than another. Being a Christian works for me. Your mileage may vary.
- I do not actually give a shit if you are religious or not. I have enough to worry about.
- I do not actually want to convert you. Nor is my presence on Daily Kos some sinister right-wing conspiracy to make this place "more Christian". I do not actually give a shit if you are religious or not. I do not get a toaster oven if I evangelize you.
- I am very sorry for all of the evil things that may have been done to you or to people like you in the name of religion. It's a damned disgrace what Christians have done in this country alone. However, I didn't do them. I have not restricted abortion rights in any state, nor have I banned same-sex marriage, withheld funding for AIDS research, or killed your cat. Nor do I have much control over the people who did. Contrary to popular rumor, I cannot dial up James Dobson and tell him to knock it off. I am very happy to talk to you about such things, and I can understand your need to vent. Just remember that if you use me as your personal punching bag, I may not be very inclined to talk to you.
- Along the same lines, just because I've pointed out to you that you're wrong or that you're being an asshole does not make me dogmatic or intolerant. It simply means that I think you're wrong - or an asshole. Deal with it.
- I do not believe, nor have I ever said, that government policy should be directed in accordance with religious principles. I do think that my political stances should match my ethical commitments, and inasmuch as those commitments are derived from my faith, it's appropriate to review what I believe as compared to what I practice for the sake of consistency. This is called "living by one's principles." You are not required to agree with my principles. See point 3 above.
However, that my principles are religious in origin does not mean that I want to establish a theocracy, that I want to govern by Biblical principle, or even that I am in favor of Pres. Bush's "Faith-based Initiatives." None of those things are true. But the fact is that in our national polity, there is no entry requirement. I am not required to have a good reason for a political idea. I am not even required to have a good idea, and you're free to tell me if I don't. But: religion and politics are not the same as Church and State. Please don't confuse them. It makes me tired.
- Have I mentioned that I don't actually give a shit if you're religious or not? Good.
- I am very sorry if you don't agree with my views on religion, politics, or religion and politics. I respect your right to your opinions, and would ask for the same courtesy in return.
- I am very sorry if you don't like "Brothers and Sisters" or any of my other postings, or that you're incensed by the existence of Street Prophets. I never like to give offense unnecessarily. Because I don't actually give a shit whether you're religious or not, you're welcome to participate in any of them, as long as you're not an asshole or a hater. But other people do get something out of them, and they're not going anywhere. Neither am I.
- I do not actually give a shit about the "Religion Wars" here at Daily Kos, or anywhere else for that matter. I don't believe it's necessary, or wise, to scream, fuss, fight, carry on, or call names over this issue or any other. That goes both ways. I don't think religious people have a blank check to abuse atheists, and vice versa. You all are big people, and you can decide whatever kind of language you'd like to with one another. Just remember: what goes around, comes around. Also, "Religion War" diaries bore me.
I think that just about covers it. Thank you for your attention to these matters. I hope this clears up any lingering issues, and I look forward to working with you in the future.