Right wing politicos developed a brilliant strategy a few years back to usurp control of American politics. By pandering to the sensibilities of Christians they co-opted control of middle class Christians everywhere. Now, despite profound corruption, most Christians remain Republicans. If Democrats are to regain control of our nation's heartland we must address this issue by regularly questioning the morality of Republican policy. Luckily for us the greed, war-mongering, and hatefulness of Republican lawmakers could make this process an easy one. But Democrats must recognize the problem and address it.
The religious mindset of the bible belt is something many Democrats have failed to understand. In fact they've failed to recognize that the real basis of Republican power is rooted in the notion that Republicans have a greater grasp of God's will than Democrats. Even the excellent documentary Jesus Camp, in some ways, fails to recognize the importance of this fact.
As concerned citizens we must reconize that the relgious right will continue to wield great power in our society unless Democrats begin to attack the evangelicals on their own turf, that is scripturally. For example, one movement within the evangelical community prosperity Christianity or to simplify the notion that one's success in life is an adjunct to one's faith. Many Republicans believe they are prosperous, not because of their own work ethic, or greed, but rather because God made it so. Never mind that the bible warns again and again of the dangers of wealth. Never mind that the organizations supported by the tithes of these Christians seldom find their way to the needy but almost exclusively go to the building of huge churches and the salaries of Elmer Gantry like preachers like Joel Osteen,and... yes... to Republican special interests and campaign coffers. Here is a verse I like to combat this notion that God rewards the faithful with wealth.
Jeremiah 9:23
Thus saith the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might; let not the rich man glory in his riches.
And yet Joel Osteen stands up Sunday after Sunday pumping up the flock. I'm not sure I call that Christianity.
The greed of Republicans has become monumental. Many Democrats have noted the networking of Banking, Insurance, Energy, and Media created by Republicans during the past few years. Republicans move from political office to lobbying and investment firms. Government contracts are sought after by lobbists and given out based upon political affiliation rather than upon the the best interests of taxpayers. This self interest is not only damaging to our country, but can also be attacked from a Christian perspective. Republican Evangelicals must be shown again and again the moral corruption of the men they have made leaders.
Another way Christians have become tools of Republican corruption can be found in our media. While Democrats have been very diligent in pointing out the poor morality of many Republican media figures, the multiple divorces and affection for hookers displayed by Rush Limbaugh, the contemptuous bullying of Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity...etc...They have not taken the extra step of connecting these acts to scriptural warnings against such behavior. Republicans must be called to task for their moral shortcomings in this manner.
Here are a couple of bible verses to consider.
Exodus 20:16
"Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor."
How often have Republicans distorted the truth to defame their political opponents. Indeed Karl Rove's entire political strategy seems based upon the notion that one bear false witness against another over and over until that lie becomes truth. Why not make this biblical point of collapse clear to Republicans.
In addition, if you view Iraq as our neighbor, which I do, it seems now that Bush's distortion of truth leading us into the war in Iraq must quality as false witness.
Ezekiel 22:12
"In thee have they taken gifts to shed blood. Thou hast taken usury and increase, and thou hast greedily gained from thy neighbors by extortion, and hast forgotten Me, saith the Lord GOD."
While this verse is a bit obtuse in its phrasing the relationship to the war in Iraq is clear. Shedding blood in God's name for personal gain is wrong. Can you say Halliburton?
Isaiah 1:21 (Whole Chapter)
"How the faithful city has become a harlot! It was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it, but now murderers."
I'll leave it to you to decide how this verse relates to the moral collapse of our society.