NO REALLY, WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?

NO REALLY, WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? On the heels of yesterday's discussion of religion and the Democrats comes this fascinating New York Times article on outreach to evangelicals in Ohio by Democratic candidates Ted Strickland (in the gubernatorial race) and Sherrod Brown. After years of longing, I have finally heard from Strickland, an ordained Methodist minister, words of faith I had prayed to hear from a Democratic candidate:

"There are those in Columbus and elsewhere who argue that the biblical mandates to love your neighbor and to work for justice are meant only for individuals and have no application to the political sphere," Mr. Strickland said. "They dismiss the Democrats and those religious leaders who claim that our faith requires us to insist that governments and government leaders -- not just private citizens -- seek justice, love, mercy, and humbly work to help the least, the last and the lost in our society."

Here's the real stuff. I don't want to know how often you go to church or how often you pray. I want to know how your faith informs your political philosophy. And Strickland's appeal for inclusion and justice is a tough one to argue against.

Happy Samhain!

--Adele M. Stan