While I do not hold to a hierarchy of sins I do believe that all sins do not impact the neighbor in the same way. Sin alienates us from God, our fellow-human beings, and the rest of creation. Certainly, the impacts of these sins are exponentially increased when they are exhibited in systems and powers that exert influence and power over others. Reinhold Niebuhr warns us that the dangers of hubris, pride, envy, greed, lust, etc., are heightened in groups.

In my observations of the worst of contemporary culture (there is much in it also to celebrate), I am concerned with how consumerism and ethnocentrism is tearing our world apart. In short the sins of prizes (how many things can I own) and pride.

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Recently, much has been written and said about the nature of faith and the public sphere. Questions about the faith and values of Presidential candidates are ubiquitous. Let me just enumerate several examples (This is not an exhaustive list):

-- A faith, values, and poverty forum hosted by Sojourners and CNN with the top Democratic Presidential Candidates.
-- Huckabee's statement about God and the Constitution.
-- Mitt Romney feeling compelled to give a speech at the George Bush Presidential Library on his faith and presidential candidacy.
-- Several recent books about the issue, Mark Tolouise's "God in Public", Jim Wallis' books "God in not A Republican or A Democrat" and "The Great Awakening.."
-- Numerous articles in the press about Evangelicals and their shifting voting practices.
-- Questions and false statements on the internet about Barack Obama's faith heritage. He is a Christian and some have said he is Muslim as if one or the other better qualifies him for being a President.
-- Pat Robertson's endorsement of Mayor Rudy Giuliani,

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