Faith and Politics Summary

Wednesday, June 28 2006. Senator Barack Obama stands in front of an audience of firm Jesus Christ believers who want religion to be tied with politics. His goal is to address the use of religion in politics and ways our Country can overcome the conflicts arisen from this common debate. Senator Obama leads his speech by giving an example of faith in politics in action. He relays a statement said by Alan Keyes, one of his opponents in the past election, directed at the then-Senator Obama. Alan Keyes stated,  “Jesus Christ would not vote for Obama, because Obama is a Christian but supports the destruction of innocent life.” Obama goes on to speak about how this statement, and many others alike for thirty years, intertwine religion and politics negatively. This negativity is caused by a “gap” between party relationships other then the simple divide of red and blue. This gap is whether you attend church weekly or not.

As stated by Obama, Conservatives misuse this gap by suggesting that Democrats do not respect their values and do not like the church. Usually the Democratic Party avoids this type of statement because of the ethics that come into play, or they completely dismiss religion in politics all together. Obama explains that these strategies of avoidance are essentially pointless and that it is time to settle faith with the modern mixed democracy. He lists three ways Democrats can do to reconcile this faith; Understand that Americans are religious people because religious tendencies are an extreme hunger that search to fill a void, Democrats need to speak up about religious topics because narrow-minded others prevent the liberals from addressing the issues correctly, and the Bible has helpful guidance that liberals can use to rid of the biases they have of religious people and hopefully notice the overlapping morals both secular and nonsecular people share.

Obama proceeds to mention this country needs both the blue and red sides to be present when solving the religion and politics divide. He lists three ways Conservatives can prevent this debate; understand the role of the separation of the church and state and how this is no longer just a Christian nation, Know that there needs to be common laws or basic reason behind every argument, and a balance between faith and democracy is crucial. This balance should guide those who are on the boundaries between church and state.

Wrapping up his speech, Obama states that people are sick of seeing faith used as an aid to attack and used as a dividing point. Obama hopes we all can live with one another in a way that solves our conflicts between religious and no-religious beliefs with good intentions.