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On October 3, 1863, President Lincoln, wearied by a bloody Civil War that threatened to destroy the Union, proclaimed a day of National Thanksgiving. He did so with a heavy heart, reminding the people of America that this great land, even as it was engaged in a war against itself had much to be thankful for.
Candidates have used their personal religious views in past presidential campaigns and I see that this election will be no different. Candidates will continue to do so at their own peril however.
The United States is not a theocracy, and never has been! Some would have us believe that “One Nation under God” really means that we are a nation whose God is Christian and therefore we are a Christian nation. This is the hidden agenda underlying this complaint. To be sure, the vision of the early founders of this Nation was based on their understanding of Providence as defined by Christianity. Their vision however was severely limited in that they were not clear at all about the theological concepts and complexities of monotheism. They did not have the prolonged access of their Christianity to the balances of the occidental and oriental influences of Islam and other religions and belief systems. And their exposure to Judaism was warped by European anti-Semitism and xenophobia.
What some may believe, that a Hindu chaplain opening a session of the United States Senate with prayer has somehow violated the notion of “One Nation under God,” is absurd. It points to those who hold a view that fails to understand the theological complexities and make-up of the current religious population of the United States. It is a point of view that is theologically intolerant, xenophobic, religiously narrow, and dangerous. It borders on the heresy of an American theocracy that could lead to a totalitarian view of acceptable religious expression. It is a failure to understand that there are more than just one set of religious constructs and beliefs that can provide pathways to enlightenment for some and for others a personal relationship with a living God.
The Question: John McCain's spiritual guide, televangelist Rod Parsley, calls Islam a "false religion" that should be "destroyed." Should McCain renounce Parsley? Will Islam be an issue in this year's U.S. presidential election?
If Islam is a "false religion" then so too must Christianity and Judaism. Pastor Parsley unfortunately demonstrates a level of ignorance that is both dangerous and divisive in understanding the faithful and historic connection between the three great Abrahamic, monotheistic religions of the world, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Such thinking demonstrates a level of Islamaphobia that inflames the current divide between creative dialogue with Christians, Jews and Muslims.
What Islam Really Says About Violence, Rights and Other Religions
Gomaa, Fadlallah, Mubarak, Khan, Siddiqi, Ellison, others | On Faith
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