“He who says that religion and politics don't mix
understands neither one." ~ Gandhi
For the first two hundred years of
this country, most U.S. Presidents worked
diligently to keep their religious lives private and preserve a wall between
church and state. For example, even
though he was considered one of our greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln never
joined a church, publicly confessed a creed, nor publicly stated belief in
God’s validation of his policies.
But this President was different. Let’s call him ‘Sinner’ for now. Sinner started every day on his knees,
praying not for earthly things, but for guidance, wisdom, patience and
understanding. He read the Bible each
morning and studied a daily Bible lesson.
He often asked a Cabinet secretary to lead a prayer at the beginning of
Cabinet meetings. He frequently prayed
in the Oval Office (sometimes with foreign dignitaries) and frequently prayed
on the phone with a friend back home.
Like so many Presidents, his life was touched by Billy
Graham. But none literally turned their
life around after an improbable visit with the Pastor of the Presidents.
At a private family gathering, Sinner vaguely listened to the
Rev. Graham through an alcohol haze. Sober
the following day, the two talked religion while strolling through the family’s
estate. Graham questioned him about his
commitment to faith. Later Sinner would
admit that he’d been yearning for something different in his life.
Billy sent him a Bible and encouraged him to read it. It would take a while for Sinner to fully
understand that religion was not a course in self-improvement, but
surrender. You allow the living God into
your life by surrendering to Him; grace comes from pleasing God, not yourself.
His acceptance of Christ began a long walk; a journey of
discipline and focus. Family, friends
and longtime aides say faith helped save his marriage, quit drinking, find his
vocation in politics and check his fiery temper.
He believes it made him more humble and tolerant.
The impact of Sinner’s faith became evident in his
personality, rhetoric, campaigns, appointments, and policies. It has helped shape his electoral strategy,
his political agenda, and his relationship with leaders of other nations. Proponents argue that his faith sustained him
during crises, strengthened his resolve, increased his courage, confidence, and
compassion, and shaped his policies in many positive ways.
There's nothing wrong with that. Frankly, it’s a pragmatic understanding of
politics. We the people want our leaders
to be religious. We want them to be
ethical. We want them to stand for high
moral standards. Whether it's
faith-based organizations who get involved with the government on welfare or
prison ministries or helping folks in need, this partnership can be accomplished
without violating the church/state separation.
