'St. Jack' and the Bullies in the Pulpit

[ruggerson]

A lone, sane Republican voice in the wilderness?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/01/AR2006020102393.html

'St. Jack' and the Bullies in the Pulpit
John Danforth Says It's Time the GOP Center Took On The Christian Right

By Peter Slevin
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, February 2, 2006; Page C01

ST. LOUIS

Jack Danforth wishes the Republican right would step down from its pulpit. Instead, he sees a constant flow of religion into national politics. And not just any religion, either, but the us-versus-them, my-God-is-bigger-than-your-God, velvet-fist variety of Christian evangelism.

As a mainline Episcopal priest, retired U.S. senator and diplomat, Danforth worships a humbler God and considers the right's certainty a sin. Legislating against gay marriage, for instance? "It's just cussedness." As he sees it, many Republican leaders have lost their bearings and, if they don't change, will lose their grip on power. Not to mention make the United States a meaner place.

Danforth is no squalling liberal. He is a lifelong Republican. And his own political history shows he is no milquetoast.

A man of God and the GOP, he is speaking out for moderation -- in religion, politics, science and government. The lanky figure once dubbed "St. Jack," not always warmly, for the perch he seemed to occupy on Washington's moral high ground, expects people will sour on the assertive brand of Christianity so closely branded Republican.

[Charlie Brown]

1. Most "traditional" Republicans support limited gov't and personal freedom

They used to be big supporters of the Separation of Church/State, too (the Baptists invented the Separation of Church/State, after all). I guess Danforth is a man without a party.

[rpannier]

2. Too bad Clarence Thomas was his choice for SCOTUS

[salin]

3. Very interesting read.

I had respected Danforth when I was frequently around the Hill in the 80s, but was disgusted by his attacks on Anita Hill and his role in the Thomas hearings (which the above article addresses.) Regardless of that - this is a good read - I suspect it gives voice to the discomfort that many are feeling and his prognostication - as opposed to that of Land's - seems to already be beginning. What he doesn't state is that it is these folks growing emboldenedness to push harder and harder that will lead to their eventual marginalization ... as their pushes, each time, make them loose some who start to wake up to the rather ugly growing face in the mirror (of extremism/theocracy).

[0007]

4. Very good article - I can see it coming now! This will be the pisser.

Gotta build that wall, the end is coming.

Some people in politics have decided that tolerance doesn't mobilize a base for a campaign, and what does is making people angry. My hope and my guess is that there is a fair amount of revulsion and that the moment is right for one or more candidates who want to appeal to a more generous spirit in the American people."

[Kixel]

5. You know...

It amazes me that the religious right doesn't realize they are driving people from their faith. I guess it bothers me as a Christian. That, and the fact that in so many ways the act the exact opposite of their faith. It's really sad. It’s some frustrating mental gymnastics to watch. I don’t get it. We are supposed to be Christ-like. To say that Christ would back those who are hurting us the most, it’s just so wrong.

In case you can’t tell, this stuff irritates me.