We are now on the eve of a Presidential election, one that will surely shape our future for years to come, no matter the outcome. A recent article I read looked at the role of religion in this year’s election. It noted that the divisiveness in our religious life is closely tied to the deep divisions in our political and social lives.
As a society we face serious questions regarding how our faith, or lack of it, influences social policy. On the one hand we have evangelicals wanting a “Christian” nation, whatever that means; on the other hand, many of us are Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus, as well as “nones,” those who espouse no religion.
How do we as Americans handle these differences in our society? Our Founders with memories of destructive religious wars came up with a solution: the absolute separation of church and state, enabling the free exercise of religion. That separation does not negate the importance of basic values common to all faiths. The question is how we incorporate those values to maintain an inclusive society, rather than one that pits us against one another.
Prayer for the Day
Be with us, O God, as we make the decisions shaping our future,
As we reach within each of us our hopes and longings;
Help us as we wrestle with the dreams and demons of our lives,
And bring us to a new understanding of your will for the world.
Write within each of our hearts your law of love and justice,
As we strive to fulfill your promise of grace to the world.
In the name of the One who calls us to justice,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Asking for the government to treat us all equally no matter what our belief system is not attacking religion. It’s protecting religious freedom for all of us
Rachel Laser, Americans United for Separation of Church and State
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press, or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
U.S. Constitution, First Amendment
Take away from me the noise of your songs, and the music of your harps
But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever flowing stream
Amos 5:23-24