This is your place to publicly comment on the topics and issues addressed in Speaking of Faith programs. React in a personal way, and put into words what this program meant to you.

Submit Your Reflection about "Conservative Politics and Moderate Religion"

Religion and Patriotism (September 22, 2006)
It has occurred to us to wonder about the relationship between patriotism and religion. We assume that when humans lived in tribes, each tribe had its own god, often with a divinely sanctioned leader. This pattern echoes through the early Italian states and even through to England (For God, Queen, and Country…). Eventually some people's religious affiliation diverged from that of their ruler, possibly leading to the erosion of the "divine right" of ruling families. But even (or especially) in places without kings, patriotism seems to be linked to the notion that god is on the side of one's own country (manifest destiny).

There also seems to be a psychological connection: people who are fervently religious tend to also be fervently partisan, and to be suspicious of people who profess to be one but not the other. Team loyalty in sports also seems correlate with overt patriotism (my country right or wrong). Can political authority stand without religious support?

Clara Fitzgerald
Columbia, MD (WETA, 90.9 FM)

Death Penalty Comment by Danforth (September 21, 2006)
Reading Sen. Danforth's words on the transcript confirms that what I heard on the radio was correct. He said if he thought taking a life could save a life he would agree with the death penalty. How is it that men of such obvious integrity can ignore the documented cases of killers who have come out of jail and murdered again? I wish you or he would do a show to address this issue.

Don Gillman
Los Angeles, CA (KPCC, 89.3 FM)

LDS Has a Hierarchy Too (September 20, 2006)
I have learned so much listening to your program each week. He [Danforth] sounds like a man with much insight and faith. I love the way you conduct your program. I want both of you to know that the Catholic Church is not the only church to have an organized church with a leader you can go to for help in countries around the world and our own. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) and we have over 12 million members who love and listen to our Prophet/President, Gordon B. Hinckley. We have missionaries and members in almost every country and most of us try to live Christian lives and help those around us. As the wars escalate all around us, I'm praying we'll all do our best to be tolerant of each other and help make peace in any way possible.

Diane Bjorklund
Maplewood, MN (KNOW, 91.1 FM)

Reconciliation as Ambassadors of God (September 17, 2006)
As a member of a mainline Christian denomination, I have been long troubled and saddened by intensifying and polarizing divisions within our denomination. Many of these divisions seem to me to be fueled by intolerant political beliefs. Other Christian denominations are also similarly struggling. It is a fact that membership in these denominations is not growing. I think Sen. Danforth sounded a clarion call for these denominations, indeed all Christians (and I believe all persons, not only Christians, living life through faith in God), when he said that the churches' central theme should be reconciliation as ambassadors of God. This was an excellent show, and there have been numerous others of equal quality. Brava, Krista!

Scott Laird
Wayne, PA (WHYY, 91.0 FM)

Civics and Civilization (September 17, 2006)
Thank you again for such a timely presentation. I'm finding that the Sunday morning sessions are wonderful thinking lessons and preparation for the news and events that follow on All Things Considered Weekend Edition Sunday (such as the report on the issue surrounding the Pope's comments on Islam and the issue about honoring Dr. Maher Hathout, an Muslim leader in Los Angeles). The discussion with Senator Danforth provoked a thought about the death penalty: Is it an act of terror?

I don't want to compare it with terrorism, because capital punishment is not directed at innocent victims. But contrasting the words and motivations may provide insight to our culture. Danforth said, "I thought that if you could show me that you could save a life by taking a life, well, then, OK, that would be a rationale for it. But I didn't find that in the death penalty." Isn't this close to the rationale for war and, for some, terrorism?

For several years, I have been curious about the forces that led to the original development of conservative and liberal culture in prehistory and early history. I believe we are witnessing in the last few years and currently those forces at work. The advancement of civilization seems to depend on the balancing of conservative and liberal extremes. I hope and pray that we can continue that advancement. Is ending the death penalty, terrorism, and war a reasonable order for long-term advancement of civilization, or is it even a reasonable advancement?

Frederick Grose
Rochester, NY (WXXI, 91.3 FM)

Room for Dialogue in Politics and Religion (September 17, 2006)
Thank you for rebroadcasting the John Danforth interview this past weekend in advance of the release of his new book. John Danforth is a great example of a Republican who has stayed true to the ideas of tolerance and compassion for all. Hearing him talk gave me renewed hope in our politics; there is space for us to disagree on religious and political issues with out slamming each other as people of faith.

Brian Krippner
St. Louis, MO (KWMU, 90.7 FM)

Authentic Faith Is Quiet (September 17, 2006)
How refreshing to hear a religious conservative speak about the separation of church and state! How refreshing to hear that faith is a private matter. It irks me to no end to hear "people of faith" evangelize and proclaim that if you don't agree with their version of faith, then you're doomed! To me, authentic faith doesn't need evangelization. Didn't Jesus say "by their fruits you shall know them?" Words are meaningless, while love, compassion and mercy, to me, are the true fruits of faith. Authentic faith is quiet. Why, if someone is certain of his or her own relationship with God, does he or she have to convince anyone else of that? People of authentic faith, whom I've met, radiate dignity and grace — just like John Danforth.

Sorah Dubitsky
Pembroke Pines, FL (WLRN, 91.3 FM)

What About American Capitalism and Family Life (September 17, 2006)
A question for John Danforth and your staff as a future program for discussion. How does Mr. Danforth as a conservative Republican feel about the ever rampaging American form of capitalism and its effect on a sensible family life? How can he explain why so many conservatives seem to believe that conservation of the land is a dirty concept that should be avoided whenever possible? Does he know anything about the Peace Room program that is being planned at the University of Missouri in Columbia in the fall of 2006?

Craig Jones
Blue Ridge, VA (Listens to SOF OnDemand)

Elected Leaders Need a New Outlook on Religion (September 17, 2006)
I did not hear Sen. Danforth the first time it was aired. I found his comments to be very meaningful. I do not attend church regularly but I consider myself a person of faith. I am very frightened by the current political climate and sincerely hope that Sen. Danforth's viewpoint can be adopted by new political leaders. The current elected officials are not likely to change. We must send people to Washington with his outlook on religion before anything will truly change. Thank you for the program.

Karen Schafer
Tulsa, OK (KWGS, 89.5 FM)

Applauding Danforth (September 12, 2005)
Your program featuring former Senator John Danforth was a real bright spot in my trip over the mountain. I am a liberal Christian and a Democrat (and a cynical one at that), but the reason and tolerance that Mr. Danforth espoused gives me hope. Listeners heard several points which have been lost in the era of corporate propaganda, attack radio, and Bible-thumping zealotry.

The senator's notions of churches being centers of reconciliation, of Christians being moderators, and of the now forgotten gulf between God and man struck a resonant chord for me. His theory recalls the wisdom of John Winthrop, who led the Massachusetts Bay colony in the 1600s. With all the freedom to shape their new society into whatever theocracy they wished, lesser colony leaders lost sight of the fact that heaven cannot be recreated on earth by us. Setting the bar that high dooms us to fail miserably.

The Christian right wing and the Republican Party have entered into dangerous territory in trying to impose the will of the loudest upon all of us. Danforth is right to point out that true believers do not "own" the message of God, and equally right that the current brand of "Christian" politics is counterproductive and divisive. I applaud this man for saying what he's said.

Grady Baker
Telford, TN (WCQS, 88.1 FM)

Not a Good Mix (September 12, 2005)
John Danforth's position is absolutely correct. Politics and religion are not a good mix! In theocracies down through the ages we have seen enormous wrongs done in the name of religion: the Crusades, Inquisition, pogroms, witch-burning, cruel punishment for those who did not follow "true" religious practices. I have no quarrel with religion per se and have always been a staunch supporter of religious freedom. But religious freedom has a way of disappearing when one religion dominates and becomes the official or de facto state religion. Zealots who are certain that theirs is the "one true religion" and that those who disagree are infidels, not "real Christians," or characterized by some other epithet.

Worse, they ultimately attempt to force all others to adopt their religious beliefs or, in many cases, to face dire consequences. No, I don't believe the U.S. is a "Christian nation" in the sense that the Christian Right would have us believe. I do not believe the fathers of our country meant it to be a Christian nation in that sense, either. If we continue to allow the wall separating church and state to be dismantled, we do so at great risk. And we will ultimately pay a great price for allowing it to happen.

Ken Fermoyle
Woodland Hills, CA (KPCC, 89.3 FM)

Do As I Say, Not As I Do (September 12, 2005)
I would find Danforth's call for moderation more believable were he not responsible for foisting Clarence Thomas on us nationally and on Missouri before that. He has championed this shining example of mediocrity and intolerance for the last 20 years. I would also find him more credible as a man of faith had he not perjured himself at Clarence Thomas' confirmation hearing. He said under oath that he did not know Thomas' position on freedom of choice when in fact they had discussed it several times and in front of witnesses. I can only think this is a case of do as I say, not as I do.

Sandra Rangel
Alexandria, VA (WETA, 90.9 FM)

More Debate (September 11, 2005)
Today's program with John Danforth was the most true to heart examination of what is happing to American politics I have yet heard. This country needs more debate and attention to the subduction of politics in this country to the religious right.

Robert Dunagan
Pasadena, CA (KPCC, 89.3 FM)

A Question for John Danforth (September 11, 2005)
A question I wished you had asked John Danforth is this: "You have stressed the importance of reconciliation between those of differing views on faith and values; how do you do this when those with whom you differ do not believe in reconciliation, or even tolerance, of differences, but rather believe in exclusion or even expulsion of differences? For example, you differ from the extreme Republican Christian conservatives as to the way in which religious belief plays out in the political arena. How do you go about reconciliation with them, given their belief that they are God's spokespersons and either you are "for them or against them?" Thank you so much for your fine work in putting Speaking of Faith together.

Jim Hall
Silver Spring, MD (WETA, 90.9 FM)

Reaching the Grey Area (September 11, 2005)
Your discussion with John Danforth was timely and reflectively executed. The hot topic of faith and politics was presented in a way that did not undermine or promote one "side" or another. In fact, while listening to Mr. Danforth and Krista discuss religion and politics there was no "other side" at all, just a yearning to understand. Thank you for having a program on NPR which gives us the opportunity to question our own belief system without putting anyone on the defensive.

I look forward to listening to Krista and Speaking of Faith. It is one program which does not have a bias toward a political party or belief system. It promotes thinking in the gray area and reaching across the table to understand one another. It is a wonderful thought that Krista's peaceful sharing is going across the world on radio waves to persons of every color, race, religion, and political ideology. She is a unifying factor at a time when the world seems to be having a tug of war on who is "right." For those of us who like to make decisions based on hearing all the facts on all sides, Krista's program is a breath of fresh air. I left NPR as a member during the last election due to the tremendous liberal left slant. If I join again, it would be due to programs like this. Thank you, Krista!

Lois Lenz
Waseca, MN (KNWF, 91.5 FM)

Faith and Politics (September 11, 2005)
I want to thank you for your program. My public radio station has just placed you on the Sunday afternoon schedule. I had never heard of Speaking of Faith before. I was excited and pleased to hear former Senator Danforth give his ideas on religious freedom and tolerance and the place of religion in politics. I felt he had been unfairly attacked by the religious right after his recent op-ed on politics and faith. Senator Danforth, whom I respect immensely, describes himself as a conservative. It would be interesting to redefine this concept of conservatism based on one's behavior, not on what one acclaims. For example, I have been raised Democrat and always thought I was a conservative because I believed we should adhere to separation of church and state. The so-called conservative movement, however, seeks to break down or blur this barrier.

As Senator Danforth pointed out, the pulpit has been used historically to make political statements. As a former Catholic, I see that the liberation theology movement seems to have been, pretty much, beaten into submission. The average Catholic now is primarily concerned with anti-abortion and anti-ecumenical agendas (I have even seen the Dalai Lama condemned on a conservative Catholic Web site). Sadly, the love commandment, seems no longer to be on many Christian church marquees, having been supplanted by promises of selections from the Bible where we see God at his thumping best, smiting down the wicked. Will WWF soon follow with a Joshua-like figure kicking Philistine butt?

Browsing your Web site, it looks like a breath of fresh air. The current atmosphere of religious discourse and its place in public life seems to me fraught with self-righteousness. I applaud this use of air time to put forth conversation of substance instead of religious propaganda condemning imaginary characters like Spongebob and the Teletubbies.

Mike Ruhland
Carbondale, IL (WSIU, 91.9 FM)

Appreciation of Program (September 11, 2005)
The interview with John Danforth has both restored my hopes for possible government leadership and provided a definition of how leaders can retain their beliefs and yet, let others retain religious freedom. This may seem elementary, but I wonder exactly why that I, a reasonably law-abiding citizen, feel so angry, rebellious, and powerless with present political and religious leadership and why so many others are so staunchly comfortable with it.

Yvonne McDowell
Salt Lake City, UT (KUER, 90.1 FM)

Reconciliation Between the Religions (September 11, 2005)
If we want to promote reconciliation between the religions, why not, as a first step, teach in our public schools the holy texts of our major religions as LITERATURE instead of doctrine. Each year, one branch could be taught as an extended day, federally funded new core curriculum. This will allow politicians to claim that we embrace our religious traditions and are spreading the Word(s), while at the same time faithfully preserving our belief in separation of church and state. As literature, students should be exposed to the best in modern academic Biblical criticism. The evidence for the four authors and great redacter of the Old Testament, the historical perspective that each of the New Testament authors was writing in and for and then shining a light on the Koran.

Instead of trying to impose beliefs on science like Intelligent Design proponents do, why not apply the principles of Intelligent Design on the holy books themselves. Each generation has painted over their revelation with their own values. Our job, like a good restorer, should be to strip away the old paint to reveal the original structure. From those original structures, a new community of houses of worship can be built. As a final senior project, students should be encouraged to write their own, "Last Testament," a personal reflection on what the great final document of reconciliation will be. Arming our children with this knowledge of the Word is the best defense against the madrasas and other schools of exclusive truths.

Joseph Greenwald
Baltimore, MD (WYPR, 88.1 FM)

Are We on God's Side? (September 9, 2005)
The conversation about moral issues that is dominating discussions in our society today is important and long overdue. So far this conversation is dominated by a few religious people with "loud voices." And many of these people out stumping on "moral issues" have been ordained to speak about these very important things because, according to them, God is on their side. There is a problem with this. And, the problem is not the presumption that God is on their side, the problem lies in the arrogance — the sin of arrogance — by the implication that God is not on the side of those that disagree with them.

As Christians our faith teaches us that God's devotion to God's people is proven and should be without question. From creation to the promise of salvation through the life and death of his son Jesus, to everything in between, and everything since, God has proven to be on the side of ALL of God's people. So the more important question that we must ask ourselves, the fundamental question, and the fundamental moral responsibility that we as Christians have to ask is "are we on God's side?" In the Old Testament, God went to Noah with the promise of new life because Noah had proven to God that he was on God's side. The scripture says, "Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God." In this lesson we know it was not a matter of God not walking with his people, but this was God's people not walking with God.

From abortion to gay marriage to stem cell research to Terri Schiavo's death, politicians and religious leaders are asserting with authority that God is on their side. And this means that our laws and culture should reflect their values. Government fails God's people everyday as we've witnessed from the Gulf Coast disaster to the 30,000 children throughout the world that die everyday from the conditions of poverty. Imagine if there was a public outcry on poverty, a mobilization from Christians like those that stood vigil outside Terri Schiavo's hospice, on issues of poverty. God has not never said, "I'm on your side, I'm not on your side." Christians believe that God sent Jesus to save us from ourselves and in doing so God told us that he is on the side of ALL of his people. As Christians we believe that God offers us salvation when we choose to walk with Him. In this we believe that God gives us a choice to be on his side and being on his side brings us eternal freedom.

As Christians we should remember what being on God's side means. God's side is not just what your position is on X, Y, or Z. No, being on God's side is outlined in the Gospel of Matthew:

"For I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you gave me drink,
I was a stranger and you welcomed me.
I was naked and you clothed me,
I was sick and you visited me,
I was in prison and you came to me.
Truly, I say to you,
as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren,
you did it to me."

Kerri Allen
St. Paul, MN (KNOW, 91.1 FM)

Tolerant Christians (September 9, 2005)
Thanks so much for your program with John Danforth. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to what I believe is an incredibly strong, hopeful message of faith, respect, and tolerance. I am always glad to be validated in my concern over the Christian conservative agenda — an absolute intolerance — seeping into American society. There are many of us who are religious in many different ways: kind, tolerant, respectful, helpful, and caring who are not Christian conservatives.

Mara Smith
Lake Placid, NY (WSLL, 90.5 FM)

Taking Back the Language (September 9, 2005)
Thank you for addressing the concerns of moderate Christians. I appreciate Speaking of Faith's contribution to the nationwide awakening to the presence of an American "religious left." I sometimes find that the rhetoric of the religious right distorts the debate even before it begins. They define themselves (usually) as "pro-life" which carries the secondary connotations of being anti-death, and makes anyone who disagrees about reproductive rights appear "anti-life." The irony, of course, is that the same people who use the "pro-life" label to define their anti-reproductive rights views, also embrace such necrophilic movements as the gun lobby, capital punishment, and ignore environmental protections that would sustain the health of the living planet and its species.

In the same vein, while labeling themselves as "Christian conservatives" these fanatics do anything but conserve what Jesus taught, and the implication is that "moderate Christians" are sort of weak, or watered-down Christians, even though they are the ones who are more charitable, compassionate, forgiving, selfless, and just than the so-called "Christian conservatives". Time for us to take back the language.

Terri Murray
Sandusky, OH (Listens via Web Audio)