No, I'm not a fan of the faith-based initiative. That may seem odd, as I am a Christian minister. Let's just say I come from the old school and take what these days is becoming an unusual view: Religion should pay its own way in the world. If Pastor Bob wants to start a ministry, good for Pastor Bob. Let Pastor Bob's congregation pay for it.
The problem with the faith-based initiative is that it's a euphemism. We used to call such things "taxpayer-supported religion." Of course, no one would support it if it were called that. After all, the idea of taxing people to pay for religion is scary. It's what got folks so riled up back in the colonial period. No one wanted to pay taxes to support some other person's religion.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Barry W. Lynn Rocks!
Here's an excellent essay about the U.S. government's "Faith-based initiative". I agree with every word. Just a taste below, but you should check out the whole thing.
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2 comments:
Of course, now we can say "Barack Obama's 'faith-based initiative'", since he seems to want to expand it and offer the recipients the chance to discriminate against those who don't share their particular delusions on the taxpayer's dime.
More proof, to my mind, that Obama will do and say anything to get elected.
I'm disappointed in Obama over this. But not so disappointed that I'd be stupid enough to vote for 4 more years of the Bush administration.
If the Republicans haven't lost your vote already, what more would they have to do before you said "enough"?
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