Should Democrats Talk More About Religion?

[TexasTowelie]

While the group of 2020 Democratic presidential candidates has already proven to be unusual due its large size and the schisms in policy between the party’s more moderate and more progressive wings, there hasn't been much discussion about religion. However, some, like South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, believe it’s time for Democrats to begin speaking more openly about faith.

“The Republican Party likes to cloak itself in the language of religion. Now, our party doesn’t talk about it as much, largely for a very good reason because we are committed to the separation of church and state, and we stand for people of every religion and no religion,” Buttigieg said during last week’s Democratic candidate debate. “But, we should call out hypocrisy when we see it.”

Though some have applauded Buttigieg’s embrace of his spirituality, others say they find it offputting.

Reverend Emmett G. Price III said that in modern political parlance, references to religion often come across less as a way of genuinely describing one’s faith and more as a tactic to woo a new demographic of voters. Price is the Professor of Worship, Church & Culture and Founding Executive Director of the Institute for the Study of the Black Christian Experience at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Read more: https://www.wgbh.org/news/politics/2019/07/01/should-democrats-talk-more-about-religion

[Midnight Writer]

1. Democrats should talk about faith if it is genuine, if they live it.

If they are going to base their decisions on faith, if their faith is their moral compass, then certainly that should be made clear to voters.

Indeed, their morals and values should be front and center, regardless of whether faith is involved.

But it should never be used as a tactic, a selling point, a brag, an ingratiation.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

6. Exactly. Discuss morals and values without discussing religion, unless Repugnants raise it.

Then point out the corruption and hypocrisy of their actions contrasted with their avowed beliefs.

In all other situations, call out the corruption and hypocrisy of their actions that contrast with their other stated principles, which can be done without reference to religion.

[sacto95834]

18. Agreed...

example - Jimmy Carter.

[elleng]

2. Damn, not if 'others say they find Mayor Pete's genuiness offputting.'

Let's close off all of the doors that might be open to us, like playing hardball a'la repugs!

[leftofcool]

9. Yep

[Sherman A1]

3. NO

Just NO

[Dorn]

4. No

Speak of positive things that you did instead

[Bernardo de La Paz]

5. No. And by the way, no.

Only in direct response to RepubliCons directly and obviously trying to coopt religion or attacking religions or suggesting imposing religion.

Dominionists fear and jack up fears of "sharia law" because they want to impose their own mean narrow christianist law.

[leftofcool]

7. Obama did

But of course, we must bash Mayor Pete at all costs. Let us post all of the negative stories we can find right here on DU.

[wyldwolf]

10. I'm an agnostic who believes religion still plays a roll in MANY lives, even Democrats'

Two of my very best friends who grew up as gay-hating Evangelicals dramatically changed their tune when several of their children came out as either bi or gay. They started voting Dem in 2008. They now attend liberal, tolerant churches.

There are more of these in the Democratic party than "progressives" care to admit. And they're a more reliable voting block, too.

[leftofcool]

11. Yes indeed

[wyldwolf]

8. Sure, if it's genuine. Of course...

... they'll be raked over the coals for it by the 'more progressive than thou' crowd who enjoy their own special brand of fundamentalism.

[betsuni]

12. Yes. Nail the ninety-five theses to the church door.

Americans are weird about religion and "spirituality."

[stopbush]

13. I'm always interested to hear how Zeus and Odin have influenced the lives

of our politicians.

While we’re at it, shouldn’t we have an “I believe in Santa Claus” test for our candidates?

[Turin_C3PO]

14. Eh.

I think it’s good to point out Republican hypocrisy on the issue but otherwise, I don’t really want to hear it.

Pete inserted the subject into the debate perfectly.

[dalton99a]

15. Absolutely.

Specifically, Matthew 6:6.

(Marianne can recite 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, or Psalm 45, or the Song of Songs)



So hell no.

[ooky]

16. I think Pete was just calling out their hypocrisy.

It was a good applause line, but I didn't read much else into it.

[GulfCoast66]

17. More? Probably not. But in the US it is bound to come up.

While I am a freethinker I realize many people over the years working to make America better have been motivated by their religious beliefs.

Conversely, so are many people pushing for the forces of repression.

Guess I want to have democrats say it is no business of the government what you do or do not believe in.

I wouldn’t mind reminding people that while the people may be religious, or constitutional system gives a secular government.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

19. No, and if anyone gave a shit about religious hypocrisy in politics, our elected officials would

be different than they are now.

[highplainsdem]

20. Yes, IF their faith is genuine, and IF it's relevant. I thought it was, the way Mayor Pete

spoke about it during the debate.

[rogue emissary]

21. No, as every year the number of non-religious or none practicing grows steadily.