And still I try ...

I'm beginning to think it's unhealthy for me to read the Family Research Council emails. I really do try to read them with an open mind - and I should say that I don't adamently disagree with everything, all the time.

But, dammit, I wish they didn't make it so HARD for me to appreciate their perspective.

In his July 21 edition, Tony Perkins basically says that the religious community has no right to be talking about issues other than the "traditional" ones of life, marriage and religious freedom.

Excerpt from Tony's latest email:

A Purpose-Driven Debate?

No one can blame Sen. John McCain for wanting to reach out to evangelicals. The latest poll from the Pew Forum shows the Arizona Senator lagging seven percentage points behind President Bush's support from this valuable constituency in 2004. Although 61 percent of white evangelicals still prefer McCain to Democratic nominee Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.), more of them are "undecided" (12 percent) compared to this point in the last two elections. Both candidates will attempt to shore up vital support from this community at a forum hosted by Rev. Rick Warren of California's Saddleback Church. On August 16, McCain and Obama will appear separately to discuss what Warren describes as "main areas of focus"-AIDS, poverty, human rights and the environment. While the Left would have us believe that this is the faith community's new agenda, a candid discussion of traditional values issues such as life, marriage, and religious freedom is what American voters need and deserve. Surely Rev. Warren won't ignore the most crucial initiative in his state (and perhaps the entire nation) as California determines the fate of marriage this November. Saddleback Church has the rare opportunity to crystallize the debate over abortion and homosexuality before FRC Action's Values Voter Summit in September. The candidates should be asked:

1. What is your position on man-woman marriage?

2. Where do you stand on partial-birth abortion and the killing of nearly-born babies?

3. Would you sign the Freedom of Choice Act into law?

4. How can the federal faith-based initiative survive without hiring protections for religious charities?



Really, Tony? Really?!? I have no problem with a person of faith who considers these "traditional issues" to be the most crucial ones out there. They ARE important and everyone has issues that they are passionate about. But to insinuate that someone who cares about AIDS, poverty, human rights and the environment isn't a true Christian, or is a Christian whose priorities are messed up or has been disastrously hoodwinked by "the Left" -- that's just plain disgraceful. Especially when you're talking about a well-respected, proven, and highly influential preacher like Rick Warren. Never mind the thousands of devout Christians and Christian leaders who support organizations like World Vision, World Relief, Bread for the World, The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and Opportunity International -- and take seriously Jesus' command to clothe, feed and care for the poor, the disenfranchised, and the broken.