November 14, 2004 - They claim to be Christian and demand that the United States is a Christian nation and must embody what they call Christianity in its laws and public institutions. They demand that the administration appoint judges who will regulate the most intimate of human intercourse. They demand that medical science not explore embryonic stem cell research likening a zygote frozen in a Petri dish to a child. They demand that we erect graven images of the Ten Commandments in our public places. They demand that our children be taught in our public schools to pray to their God and that they be kept ignorant of scientific truths. They would have the law cast out those who they indict as sinners. They make all of those demands in the name of Jesus Christ.

If we are a Christian Nation to be governed by Christian principles should we not look to the teachings embodied in His ministry to guide us in the conduct of our public life? Standing outside the Temple in Jerusalem He taught that should we fail to feed the hungry; to slake the parched throats of the thirsty; to give shelter to the stranger; to comfort the sick in their illness; and to relieve the oppressed in prison we condemn ourselves to eternal punishment. Matthew 25 - 31:46. In what part of the Christian Right’s political agenda are those prescriptions reflected?

Jesus, when he had appointed the seventy evangels to go two by two to prepare the cities for his ministry, taught of the priest and the Levite who went out of their way to pass the wounded man lying of the road side. He told of the outcast Samaritan who stopped to bind up the victim’s wounds, carried him to a place where he might be cared for and stood ready for the expense. He commanded the evangels to go and do likewise. Luke 10 – 30:37. In what part of the Christian Right’s political agenda is that commandment followed?

The Christian Right demands prescribed public prayer in our public institutions. Jesus taught us to address our prayers privately. The Christian Right demands that we publicly support religious charities. Jesus taught us to give our alms anonymously. Matthew 6 – 1:8. The Christian Right demands that we embody judgment against those whom they label sinners in our civil law. Jesus taught that we will be measured by the same judgment that we mete out. Matthew 7 – 1:5. Just how are His teachings reflected in the moral values trumpeted by the so-called Christian Right?

The Christian Right would do well to heed the admonition with which He closed His Sermon on the Mount, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”