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On the Issues
Faith and Political Debate
Our country's political discourse and debate are enriched by a discussion
of the political implications of our faith traditions, an exploration
of how these traditions relate to the principles of American democracy,
and an understanding of the humility they should give us when tempted
to identify God's will with our own power or programs. If these discussions
are to be meaningful, however, they need to be broadly-based, inclusive
and taking place in our communities, from our dinner tables to our
places of worship.
I am actively participating in discussions among Democratic leaders,
across party lines, and in our faith communities on how we can better
understand and interpret our religious traditions and their implications
for politics and policy. As a young man, I witnessed the impact of
religiously-inspired ideals and commitments on politics through the
civil rights movement. As Jim Wallis recently wrote, “Where
would Americans be if Martin Luther King Jr. had kept his faith to
himself?” However, we have also witnessed the power of religion
to exclude and divide; we must reaffirm the Constitution’s
First Amendment, which forbids the “establishment” of
religion, as a protection of the liberty – including religious
liberty – of all.
We will not always agree on such matters, but I believe a far-reaching discussion of the relation of faith and politics can help our society better live up to its professed ideals and to resist political hypocrisy and arrogance.
Related Information
"Faith Engaging Politics: Passion & Constraint," by
David Price
"The Theological Roots of Humility in Politics," by
David Price
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