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From the Journal & Courier in Lafayette, IN...Amen!
More Dots to Connect on Values
On Nov. 18 a guest columnist complained about the use of "bigot," by columnist Brian Howey, to describe conservatives. He then called for us to "raise the bar of civility." I wholeheartedly agree. However, I don't recall any recent challenges, by the guest columnist, a Lafayette pastor, to the conservatives' nasty accusations that "progressives" are not tuned to moral issues, are naive and disloyal to America. As such, the pastor seems to lack balanced objectivity. Respectfully, pastor, put out a clear call for conservatives to clean up their acts, as well.
Dedicated, "progressive" Christians notice that in addition to the Ten Commandments, the rest of the Bible includes many additional moral instructions for living that also instruct us in the voting booth. Pro-life means opposing the violence inherent in abortion and in the death penalty and in war. The prophets Amos and Micah describe what will happen to Israel if it continues to ignore justice for people who lack the wealth, and its attendant political clout, to protect their basic needs (today, read: lack of health insurance, lack of a just tax law, massive corporate welfare). In Matthew 5-7 we get tough instructions. In Matthew 25: 31-46 we also find out how the "nations" (read: the United States and all other nations) will fare on judgment day, if they ignore "the least of these."
Notice, that for many Christians, legislating laws that are just for all is not a mere secular, political issue, it is a moral issue.
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