Although I adamantly oppose abortion and gay marriage, I'm a little leery of some of the folks who share my social conservative views. I’m referring to those politically-self-assured, it’s-all-black-and-white, God-is-a-Republican, fundamentalist type of people who insist that almost every national election is a battle for the heart and soul of America.
For one thing, people like that tend to take on an "end justifies the means" type of attitude. They know they are right and that God is on their side, so He surely wouldn't mind a little stretching of the truth – or even a little outright lying – to bring about His will on earth. And He will certainly overlook the misdeeds of the candidates who are on his side. After all, everyone is human, right?
Of course, those who are against Him will be held accountable for every single peccadillo in their life. And woe to the guys on the other side who have had associations with shady characters in the past. But what about some of the folks on their side who have associated with bad people? Well, come on now, that's okay because they are the good guys and gals and are therefore above being tainted by such associations.
In addition, this "God is on our side" assurance tends to foster a sense of paranoia. If you are not for them, you are against them, they feel. Likewise, if you are not for God, you are against Him, right? Then it becomes okay to hurt people who are a threat to their cause. After all, the forces of the "enemy" are just dangerous, they're scary, they're terrorists, … they're baby killers! They must be put in their place or even eliminated, if need be – before it's too late!
This kind of rhetoric, of course, has the potential to incite mob-like behavior. Remember the cries of “Terrorist!” and “Kill him!” in reference to Barack Obama at some of the John McCain-Sarah Palin rallies this year? That's why one should never be too sure about his or her own rightness on political issues. It can get ugly.
Comments