For family, religion shapes politics

[papau]

how Democrats are waking up to how religious views shape voters' politics —

For family, religion shapes politics
Heartlanders convert others to live daily by 'the word of God'
By Brian MacQuarrie, Globe Staff | March 29, 2005

MASON, Ohio -- <snip>A middle-class family in a Cincinnati suburb, the Wilkersons are evangelical Christians for whom a literal interpretation of the Bible is a blueprint for living. Religious beliefs also guide their politics in this staunchly Republican region, which helped President Bush carry Ohio and the national election.

To them, the president is ''a godly man" and Senator John F. Kerry of Massachusetts is not.

Such thinking is prompting many Democrats to rethink the party's message on religion and abortion, and how to reach out to voters for whom religion plays a critical, determining role. But in the Wilkersons' four-bedroom home, nestled between a creek and a cul-de-sac, a political conversion seems unlikely at best.

The Wilkersons oppose abortion and stem-cell research, consider homosexuality a sin, and regard same-sex marriage as the work of activist judges who cater to a dangerous fringe group. The future holds either heaven or hell, and the only way to paradise is to accept Jesus Christ. In their reading of Scripture, even a saintly non-Christian such as Gandhi has been doomed to eternal torment.

''This is the word of God," Michael Wilkerson says, brandishing the New International Version of the Bible. ''There's only one way, and it's through Jesus."

MarCee and Michael are committed to converting others by example, the approach preached at Hope Free Evangelical Church, where the stereotype of Bible-thumping fundamentalists has been rejected in favor of a gentler model that promotes the transforming power of a Christian life played out 24-seven.<snip>

[Tux]

1. OK

So they are fundies that hate people and want to convert them so thier fragile beliefs can be preserved. Got it.

Can't we just cut these people from society and go back to intelligent dialogue without breaking out the Bible?

[Dr.Phool]

2. No, you just don't get it!!!

If we're ever to win another election, we have to run as far to the right as we can, and act just like these people, no matter how ridiculous they are.

[Bellamia]

3. Run far to the right...?

Hmm, is that "the end justifies the means" ideology? I'd be a hypocrit if I did that. Heaven forbid!;>)

[saracat]

4. If we are ever to win we must run as far to the left as possible in order

to give voters a choice! Why vote for the copy when you cn vote for the real thing< a genuine Republican?

[Tux]

5. Ignorance

Acting like them won't solve any problems. We have to continue with our agenda but rephrase it as religious. Once we get into power, we can fix the problems they made, enhance the economy, give back freedoms, and try to get people to ignore these fools that can't even attend college literature class without being offended by a liberal professor, evolution textbook of biology student, or the lack of theocratic prayer for Jebus.

[papau]

6. we get into power??? - We need them to not see us as enemy if we are

to ever get back into power.

That does not mean run far to right - it does mean tolerance for religion and the views of those of faith.