The Politicization of Religion

What Jesus NEVER said.

You've seen it.  We all have.  We hear on the television about how people fear the radicalization of America.  Even the radicalization of it's politics by those pesky, evil Muslims.  What people seem to forget is we already have radicalization in our politics, and it's not from any faith outside Christianity...and it's scary as hell.

Catholics (and other Christian faiths) are not Republicans.  We are not Democrats.  We are not Tea-baggers (yes, I will refer to them in that manner as this is my blog).  I am a Democrat.  I used to be a Republican.  That is me.  Just because I am, does not mean my religion is, nor does it mean that I am in any way at odds with my faith.

The hubby and I actually had a brief discussion about this after church this morning.  One of the reasons we like our faith so much is that while the Church is Pro-Life, they do not abandon you after the child is born.  Not like you would see many (not all) Republicans we see today..."Abortion stops a beating heart!  Save the life of the innocent!  But now that you're born, get a job, you lazy bastard!"  Not very Christ-like, is it?  We value our Church because we know that while we may be Pro-Choice (and that does not mean Pro-Abortion, regardless of what any political hack wants to spit out), we know that life is valuable and the Church does not abandon someone in need.  The Church is not charitable only until the child is born.  Charity is universal and everlasting.

Republicans are seen as Pro-Life, which is an important tenant of the Catholic faith, but as far as I can see it's the only tenant that Republicans value, and there are some Republicans, believe it or not, that are Pro-Choice.  There are also Democrats that are Pro-Life (but try to convince that to some Republicans!)

Democrats, are more charitable in general.  Mindless Americans that do not think for themselves, but prefer to spew out "talking points" would undoubtedly disagree with that statement.  I'm not saying that Republicans don't tithe, but I'm not referencing tithing.  I'm talking about being charitable every day of their lives.  Not judging someone because of their position in life.  Jesus was not rich.  In fact, I daresay that if Jesus walked among us today, most Republicans would turn their back on him because of his appearance and lack of a proper job.  He would be labeled as a nut-case, and they would continue to put on superior airs.

Jesus walks among us always and in every person, born and unborn.  He is in every person, whether they believe in him or not.  Each and every one of us regardless of our gender, color, religion, sexuality, etc. are God's children and how you treat God's children will be something you will need to answer for when you stand before Him some day, and none of us knows how soon that day will come.

To paraphrase a good friend and her blog, to politicize religion is blasphemous.  I agree entirely.  Catholics are not Republicans.  Catholics are not Democrats.  People are Democrats and Republicans.  You do not bring yourself closer to God...you are not more Christ-like, simply based on your political views.  You bring yourself closer to God, to Christ, to salvation, by your actions.  Period.

WWJD?  Well if you honestly think that Jesus would look at either political party and smile, you are truly delusional. As I've said, I'm a Catholic and I'm a Pro-Choice Democrat.  I believe in helping the less fortunate, the poor, those that need health care, and I believe in the right to choose.  Having said that, I would do all I could to convince someone to keep their baby and not choose abortion.