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For years Jim Wallis has tapped his foot on the Democratic platform, telling us to remember God's Word and describe His desires as we campaign. I don't believe Wallis has made much of an impact on the DFL platform, or that he's a good final word, but I do think Jim Wallis could lead us in a smart direction.
Some Minnesota districts might want Christian leaders, or at least religious leaders. If Democratic candidates in those districts didn't fight it, would we see better election rates?
I'm on page 64 of Wallis' God's Politics and wondering why is it, anyway, that we Democrats are the silent, do not discuss G-O-D, party? It is we Democrats who want to help the poor, love our neighbors, use peaceful resolution, and etc. That sounds like God's politics, to me.
How did the Republicans become the party which talks God? Sometimes it seems Republican Christians are more interested in throwing stones than anything else.
History HAS proven, with dire consequence, that church and state should remain separate. Would it be acceptable, however, for some candidates to simply describe themselves as religious and talk about what God wants?
IMO, Wallis is helpful but isn't the final answer on how to mix religion and politics. I'm only just into Wallis' God's Politics, and already it's obvious he and I don't always agree. For example, he feels protesters should always present an alternative plan instead of complaining about what isn't correct. I agree. However, he also describes how he and others appealed to Tony Blair before our current war in Iraq: Would he talk George W. out of going to war? I didn't vote for Wallis and his men and I don't think it's right for US citizens to meddle in grand scale foreign affairs. I view his actions as an abuse of power.
My thoughts on Jim Wallis
There is some common ground between Wallis and I. I told my children to make sure no one was left out on the playground and stand up to bullies. Jim Wallis' mother told him those same things.
Jim seems honest, faithful, and doesn't watch the world go by. I'd like to think I am like that, too. We also both agree personal and social responsibility are needed to overcome poverty.
"Together, personal and social responsibility creates the common good." (God's Politics, pg 6). So, how good are things, lately? If the middle class is watching every penny and clinging on for dear life, what are the less fortunate doing? They're bringing kids to homeless shelters and hoping someone will hand the kid a pencil in school.
Should We Applying Wallis?
Wallis thinks God is personal, but never private. I'm still digesting this theory, especially when it comes to politics. Can I be a good, silent Christian?
One thing for sure, I'd definitely talk religion if I were campaigning in Minnesota's CD6. What if Tink said: God would be in favor of this (social program), but even if you don't believe in God, perhaps you can still see the need. Michele Bachmann wouldn't have two legs to stand on. Of course, Tink may have won if Dean Anderson hadn't entered the race...
(side note: And by the way, did you hear Minnesota's first case of Swine Flu was in CD6? I'm just saying...)
More on Activism, not necessarily religiously motivated activism:
Wallis thinks politicians stick their finger in the wind to see which way to vote. If we create movement, they vote a certain way. Perhaps we activists should prioritize our list, and "change the wind," as Wallis puts it.
If we feel gay rights is the most pressing issue, then so be it, out to the streets with a sign asking for less pain and more gain concerning that, specific, issue.
If we feel poverty and help for the less fortunate is the most important, we should hit the streets with a plan to level the playing field.
My thoughts as I read Wallis:
Wow. He's changed a lot over the years (photos on books).
He likes the word Co-opt.
He frequently uses the word 'progressive' to describe Republicans and movements. I haven't seen it describe Democrats, yet (Remember I'm only on page 64 in God's Politics). Plus he throws the word around, in differing situations, as if we know what the hell it means.
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