As Unitarian Universalists we affirm and promote the acceptance of one another and the encouragement of spiritual growth in our congregations. As Francis David, a sixteenth century forbearer of Unitarianism said, we don't have to think alike to love alike.
With this in mind I was listening today to Marlin Lavanhar's sermon given on February 17 which raises the question of whether the purpose of religion is to bring us together or split us apart? Rev. Lavanhar makes the point that when religion and politics are mixed neither religion nor the government is well served. In this primary season as we enter the Presidential campaign, it would do us well as Americans to keep Rev. Lavanhar's message in mind. I highly recommend that you listen to his sermon.
Last week, during Super Tuesday, my son came home from first grade asking
questions about the difference between Democrats and Republicans. At first I was
pleased to see that my son was beginning to take an interest in American public
life. I began by asking what he knew. He explained that he had learned from his
friend that Democrats don't believe in the Bible. Initially, I smiled and
thought it was a cute story about some first graders and their interpretation of
American politics and religion. Then, it came to me that this is what a lot of
adults actually think too. When any religion becomes identified with a
particular political party, that religion compromises its purpose, weakens its
witness and becomes idolatrous. In this protracted primary season it can do us
some good to think about the role of religion in American public life.
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