Onward, Moderate Christian Soldiers

(The following is adapted from an opinion piece in the New York Times of Friday, June 17, written by John C. Danforth, an Episcopal priest and a former Republican U.S, senator from Missouri.)
   
    In recent years, conservative Christians have presented themselves as representing the one authentic Christian perspective on politics.  It is important for those of us who are sometimes called moderates to make the case that we, too, have strongly held Christian convictions, that we speak from the depths of our beliefs, and that our approach to politics is at least as faithful as theirs.
    Many conservative Christians approach politics certain that they know God’s truth, and that they can advance His Kingdom through governmental action.  Their agenda includes efforts to “put God back” into the public square and to pass a constitutional amendment intended to protect marriage from the perceived threat of homosexuality.
    Moderate Christians are less certain about when and how our beliefs can be translated into statutory form.  For us, the only absolute standard is the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves.  Repeatedly in the Gospels, we find that the Love Commandment takes precedence when it conflicts with laws.  So we do not agree that our responsibility to live as Christians can be codified by legislators.
    When we see a person in a persistent vegetative state from which she will never recover, we believe that allowing the natural and merciful end to her ordeal is more loving than imposing government power to keep her hooked up to a feeding tube.
    When we see an opportunity to save our neighbors’ lives through stem cell research, we believe it is our duty to pursue that research, and to oppose legislation that would impede us from doing so.
    We think that efforts to haul references to God into the public square, into schools and courthouses, are far more apt to divide Americans than to advance the faith.
    Following a Lord who reached out in compassion to all human beings, we opposed amending the constitution in a way that would humiliate homosexuals.
    We strongly support the separation of church and state, both because that principle is essential to holding together a diverse country, and because the policies of the state always fall short of the demands of faith.  Aware that even our most passionate ventures into politics are efforts  to carry the treasure of religion in the earthen vessel of government, we proceed in a spirit of humility lacking in our conservative colleagues.
    We moderate Christians see ourselves, literally, as moderators.  Far from claiming to possess God’s truth, we claim only to be imperfect seekers of it.  We believe it is God’s work to practice humility, to wear tolerance on our sleeves, to reach out to those with whom we disagree, and to overcome the meanness we see in today’s politics.
    Following a Lord who sat at table with tax collectors and sinners, we welcome to the table all who would come.  Following a Lord who cited love of God and love of neighbor as encompassing all the commandments, we reject any political agenda that displaces that love.      Christians who hold these convictions ought to add their clear voice of moderation to the debate on religion in politics.
            ~Bill Blundell