One Poisons the Other

The atheist position on religion and politics is that religion poisons politics, bringing to the political realm goals and ideas that have no business in the politics of a secular democracy such as the United States.

I think, given this, that perhaps the Christian position on religion and politics should be the opposite side of the same coin: politics poisons religion, bringing to religion goals and ideas that have no business in the realm of Christianity.

Case in point:

I have no idea how this will play out, and as the non-Mormon on this blog to some extent it is none of my business, but last week one of the Mormon elders “apologized” to some pro-gays in Oakland

. . .

It is made clear by every one I have read on this that it is NOT and apology for Prop 8 or for Mormon doctrine on homosexuality, but rather an apology for the pain felt.

Okay, it's a start. I'm inclined to snark, am desperately holding back some truly nasty comments, but perhaps this is sincere. Perhaps, beginning from a point of recognizing, and apologizing for, the pain caused by Prop 8 and Mormon doctrine, more can come. I doubt it, but beneath my cynicism is an idealism that gives me hope. And frequently gets viciously beaten down by reality, but that's another story.

Beyond that, if you've ever read the Bible, which Mormons at least nominally follow, this apology is within the teachings of Christ. Politics, however, demand a different path:

I do not know if I would make such a generalization about Monson, but I will say this was a huge political gaffe for the CJCLDS. There is an old phrase, “Never apologize, it makes you look weak.” It’s not the most Christian of phrases as confession lies at the heart of who we are, but it sure applies to politics. If mistakes were made, you find a way to correct them, but politically you have to do so from a position of strength.

A less Christ-like approach I could not imagine. Apparently, neither can the author, but politics, once adopted as a goal, soon becomes the goal. It's isn't about making America moral and safe for hetero-only marriage, it's about winning. And, as a wise man once said, winning isn't everything, it's the only thing, and that leaves very little room for the teachings of a savior.

All of which leaves me with one conclusion: anyone who combines religion with politics cares very little indeed for religion.