Welton Gaddy
Leader of the Interfaith Alliance

Welton Gaddy

Pastor for preaching and worship at Northminster (Baptist) Church in Monroe, LA, Gaddy has written more than 20 books and hosts the weekly radio show, State of Belief.

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Serious Questions About Religion

The upcoming candidate forum at Pastor Rick Warren's Saddleback Church provides a unique opportunity to ask the presidential candidates crucial questions about the role of religion in their political worldview.

America's political process can be divisive, and never more so than when candidates use the language of faith to advance their own partisan interests, or when they seek to marginalize religious minorities and emphasize their beliefs as the only truth. Rhetoric like that is unhealthy for politics and for religion.

Many candidates and elected officials have long-standing views on faith and politics and issues related to religious liberty. But in the modern era of campaigns, the news media and the public often overlook or disregard these issues altogether. Too often the media has asked the wrong questions of the presidential candidates, probing them to list their biggest sin or name their favorite Bible verse.

The solution is not to eliminate religion in the public square, but to find a relationship between the two that is inclusive and uplifting. Thus, I hope Pastor Warren and the media will ask the candidates these five questions:


  • What role will your faith or values play in creating public policy or making appointments?

  • What are your views on the boundaries between religion and government?

  • What steps will you take to protect the rights of your constituents regardless of faith or belief?

  • How will you speak about your beliefs without making them just another political tool?

  • How will you balance the principles of your faith and your obligation to defend the Constitution, particularly if the two come into conflict?

By Welton Gaddy  |  August 16, 2008; 8:54 AM ET
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" phi-listin':
"Candidate Mr. Barack Obama, You have been named as reincarnation of Abraham Lincoln "

I have no idea what the rest of your post is about,and I'm sure it was just meant as a metaphor about the young Senator from Illinois, but wouldn't *that* be interesting? :)

Posted by: Paganplace | August 17, 2008 3:03 PM
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Almost forgot. For those that don't know what happens to those that stand silent when confronted by the powerful, Jesus was crowned with thorns, beaten to a bloody pulp and crucified -in case you missed the movie. Jesus rose from the dead of course. Will BarakO manage that?

Posted by: BGone | August 17, 2008 12:45 AM
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"The upcoming candidate forum at Pastor Rick Warren's Saddleback Church" has come and gone. And, your questions were answered. Both candidates gave the same answer too. They are ready to shred the constitution should that be necessary to the end of getting elected.

Your questions is really just one, "what about taxing all Americans and turning the money over to faith based organizations?" The answer is: Faith based initiative shall continue to have, "taxing power" regardless of which candidate wins the election -to the best of the winner's abilities. And both have the same reason: "Faith based operators do so better of a job than government agents -they get things done."

Now for the other news. BarakO loves his mother, grandmother and Jesus while McCain loves generals and politicians. Understand why McCain received such warm approval on that point?

BarakO will confront evil and McCain will end evil. Note that ending evil is bad for faith leaving nothing to be saved from while confronting evil leaves the need for faith in it's present position. Explains why the congregation was pleased while the pastor simply knows better.

McCain will drill, anything, and BarakO stood silent never taking the opportunity to express an opinion. Jesus stood silent in front of Pilot?

Posted by: BGone | August 17, 2008 12:39 AM
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greetings Mr Welton Gaddy

to have read your article on this page has been cheerful will to write here with what i have taken to present.

i speak of only SAid Nursi and his handwritings and letters. all i say is known by his fellow students in the circle of "Readers".

Posted by: phi-listin' | August 16, 2008 1:40 PM
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Candidate Mr. Barack Obama,

You have been named as reincarnation of Abraham Lincoln in "Returning Series" in Crimson Circle, and the voice behind Geoffrey Hoppe, supports John McCain.

You know Said Nursi, he was after Ali and Fatima, son-of-uncle and daughter of Ahmet prophet, Said Nursi was in MAcedonia, Egypt, Cyprus, Russia and Anadolu.

Said Nursi is known with "stand up is when Jesus and Muhammed are together" and astronomy. his structure is available in Catholic Text. so every one muslim may be catholic too.

Said Nursi had found a loaf of bread on a tree, while he was travelling in the forest. "Allah" words have been one under another in Quran pages coloured in red, maybe You have met in the Qurans in USA too. it was a gift with him.

Posted by: phi-listin' | August 16, 2008 9:39 AM
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