Whether you participate in politics or not Americans are witnessing an emerging debate that once defined America.

This week a candidate for the presidency chose to speak to the American people about his religious beliefs. It so happens the doctrines he holds are feared by many mainstream Protestants and labeled cultish. His speech is being compared to one made by John F. Kennedy when he ran for office in the mid-60's. America had never elected a Catholic as President and Kennedy addressed the nation to discuss his religious beliefs. But the difference is that Kennedy, in so many words told the nation not to worry about his beliefs because they were not that important to him.

Forty years after Kennedy's speech a candidate is saying his beliefs ARE important. While my beliefs are in strong opposition to his and I'm not sure I would vote for him the debate is touching something fundamentally American; a belief in God as the giver of freedom. It is time candidates for office stood FOR something and had the courage to say so. May the trend continue!

He went on to say, "Each religion has it own unique doctrines and history. These are not bases for criticism but rather a test of our tolerance. Religious tolerance would be a shallow principle if it were reserved only for faiths with which we agree."

As the pastor of two congregations whose beliefs are so traditional they are untraditional, tolerance for religious differences is something I appreciate.

Finally he stated that the "separation of church and state has been taken by some beyond its original meaning...They seek to remove from the public domain any acknowledgement of God. Religion is seen as merely a private affair with no place in the public life. It is as if they are intent on establishing a new religion in America - the religion of secularism. They are wrong. I will not separate us from the God who gave us liberty,"

The Church of God has enjoyed much growth in a free environment. We have more to fear from people who attack Christianity than those who love God and tolerate opposing beliefs.

Religious tolerance was a founding principle of this country. It was not a tolerance for destroying others. It was a tolerance for a man who maintained deeply held convictions about God and lived in peace with his neighbor. It cannot hurt this nation to return to that sincerity.

Until next time,