I want to thank Julia Sperry for publicly pointing out something I have often thought when I hear or read someone on the political right laying exclusive claim to “Christian” ideals or values (“Democrats can be Christians, too”). I reject, as does Ms. Sperry, any notion that a Democrat cannot be a Christian.
I am a Christian; I try to follow the teachings of Christ in my life. However, I am in no way the kind of “Christian” who would deny help to the sick, to the poor or to the downtrodden, or who would celebrate greed and lust as “family” values.
There is, in fact, a religious left, of which I, as a Quaker, am a proud part. We, and members of many other denominations, share Christ’s concern for those who are the least among us; those who walk difficult, challenging paths; and those who are our fellow travelers on Spaceship Earth but who may not be as fortunate as others.
No politician, of any stripe, should presume to speak for or about all the people who they would seek to pigeonhole under some shorthand, pejorative label. I’m just not having it.
John P. McCarthy
Frederica
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
