Does a candidate’s faith matter?

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Thursday October 20, 2011 · 12:44 AM PDT

2011/10/20 · 00:44

Robert Jeffress wrote the op-ed Why a candidate’s faith matters published October 18 in the Washington Post. After watching Robert Jeffress on Bill Mahrer, below:

I gave Jeffress enough credibility to read his op-ed.

Prior to reading the op-ed I would have disagreed with the title. After listening to Jeffress and reading him in the Washington Post I have come to agree with him that a candidate's faith is important, but not the way many voters of the radical Christian right seem to vote.

While talking to Bill Mahrer the subject of faith and good works sticks its ugly head up. Jeffress says "Faith is the way we are saved. Good works is the proof we are saved." Careful examination of the statement leads to the conclusion that even, I, an atheist, can prove through my good works that I am saved.

To put this another way, candidates who profess faith in Christianity should be asked what good works do you have to offer as proof you have been saved. The point should be clearly made that more than expressing faith is necessary for these candidates. The must prove their faith through good works. This is where republicans of all stripes tend to fall short. But those who profess Jesus Christ as their savior should be held to this standard of good works. Those who are not Christian or do not proclaim Jesus Christ as their savior should also be asked "what are your good works?" This is a question that President Obama can answer easily.

Now what about policies. Candidates should be asked about are the policies they support "good works?" For example, "is the death penalty a good work?" Or, "Is denying health care a good work?" Another question that should be asked today is "isn't providing retirement benefits a good work?" Once these questions are answered in either affirmative or the negative, then we can have a discussion about how best to accomplish these good works.

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