She needs to take her stirrups up a notch, though.
-ccm
Posted on 08/27/2006 7:01:21 AM PDT by Aussie Dasher
U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris told a religious journal that separation of church and state is "a lie" and God and the nation's founding fathers did not intend the country be "a nation of secular laws."
The Florida Republican candidate for U.S. Senate also said that if Christians are not elected, politicians will "legislate sin," including abortion and gay marriage.
Harris made the comments - which she clarified Saturday - in the Florida Baptist Witness, the weekly journal of the Florida Baptist State Convention, which interviewed political candidates and asked them about religion and their positions on issues.
Separation of church and state is "a lie we have been told," Harris said in the interview, published Thursday, saying separating religion and politics is "wrong because God is the one who chooses our rulers."
"If you're not electing Christians, then in essence you are going to legislate sin," Harris said.
Her comments drew criticism, including some from fellow Republicans who called them offensive and not representative of the party.
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., who is Jewish, told the Orlando Sentinel that she was "disgusted" by the comments.
Harris' campaign released a statement Saturday saying she had been "speaking to a Christian audience, addressing a common misperception that people of faith should not be actively involved in government."
The comments reflected "her deep grounding in Judeo-Christian values," the statement said, adding that Harris had previously supported pro-Israel legislation and legislation recognizing the Holocaust.
Harris' opponents in the GOP primary also gave interviews to the Florida Baptist Witness but made more general statements on their faith.
Harris, 49, faced widespread criticism for her role overseeing the 2000 presidential recount as Florida's secretary of state.
State GOP leaders - including Gov. Jeb Bush - don't think she can win against Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson in November. Fundraising has lagged, frustrated campaign workers have defected in droves and the issues have been overshadowed by news of her dealings with a corrupt defense contractor who gave her $32,000 in illegal campaign contributions.
So if we elect those that profess Christianity, they will legislate what exactly?
If you inject Christianity into politics, you taint Christianity. The best way to ensure the restoration of Christianity as the basis for this country's policies is though straight conversion of the people, not through taking over the government.
Do we want the election of those such as Pat Robertson, Jimmy Swaggart or Benny Hinn? Would that be going in the right direction?
Judeo-Christian America bump
"The best way to ensure the restoration of Christianity as the basis for this country's policies is though straight conversion of the people, not through taking over the government."
That's the most sensible thing I've read regarding religion and government on this forum. Well stated, ottom.
She needs to take her stirrups up a notch, though.
-ccm
FR posters have an unworkably narrow definition of Christianity. What Harris is saying (as if you did not know) is that atheists in positions of power see only themselves as the final moral authority. Those with western religious roots recognize, and are tempered in their actions by, a higher authority. No one is saying Christians do not sin. The whole concept of sin is a central tenet of Christianity, as is man's imperfectability.
I live in Florida. Harris is getting my vote. Katherine Harris has demonstrated her character on more than one occasion. The Republicans down here are all RINO's including the President's brother. And the liberal media down here has never stopped beating up on Ms. Harris for enforcing the election laws against the Democrats. Not a day goes by that there are not unbelievably vicious hit pieces and columns in the Tribune or the Times trying to tear her to shreds. The reason is because outside of Tom Gallagher she is the only conservative running for office and man that scares hell out of all of the liberals. By the way Gallagher is hated too. Like the rest of the country, so goes Florida. Down the liberal sewer.
Yeah, Christian government works so well. Massachusetts had it for centuries, had an Established Church until 1833, even had blue laws up until recently, and look what an ornament to virtue it is today. For that matter, look at what an ornament it was fifty years ago.
FR posters have an unworkably narrow definition of Christianity.
I always thought that Christianity refers to those who follow Christ - has that definition been changed?
What Harris is saying (as if you did not know) is that atheists in positions of power see only themselves as the final moral authority.
What I heard Harris saying is that only Christians are fit to serve and to legislate correctly. The obvious conclusion is that she believes that those of other faiths are not. I believe that's called bigotry.
Again--the operative construct is that the distinction Ms. Harris draws is between those in elective office who are guided by and acknowledge a higher power than themselves--as did the Founders, and those who obviously believe that the self is the ultimate power.
Bigotry has nothing to do with it. So for example Jews, Orthodox Greeks, Russian Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Baptist, Episcopalian, all fit the definition of Christian. Or Judeo-Christian if you want to be exact. Atheists do not fit the description. So only an atheist should find Ms Harris' statement offensive or bigoted.
Sorry, I don't buy it. I can't see how Jews fit the definition of "Christian." And she didn't say "Judeo-Christian," she said "Christian."
If she was simply talking of those who are guided by a higher power, she could have used other words, such as "people of faith." (Of course that could includ Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, etc.)
You are aware that this country has been under siege from atheists and America-haters within its own ranks for quite some time. Why are you at this late stage of the game so concerned about the color of the tank the opposition and the reinforcements are riding in while your house is tumbling down around you?
I think what they won't legislate is the point of her statement, and she is right about that.
Didn't you get the memo?
What I heard Harris saying is that only Christians are fit to serve and to legislate correctly. The obvious conclusion is that she believes that those of other faiths are not. I believe that's called bigotry.
I agree with you and will go so far as to say that it must be clar now that God must not want Katherine Harris as a senator if He allowes he to say such stupid things.
She's doing a fine job of nailing herself in the head. The left just has to sit back and watch. Maybe snicker a time or two.
It would have been better if she had brains.
Do you think ANYONE would read that into her statement. That statement was dumber than anything to come out of a politician's mouth since the Dean Scream.
And I know there are many atheists who are good people who are more than qualified to lead. Moreso than many right wing fundies who think we should not follow the Constitution of the United States which explicitly prohibits selection of elected officials in Article IV.
If the Founding Fathers had wanted a Christian Nation, they would not have drafted Article IV or the 1st Amendment.
This was a stupid, stupid move by Harris. She has just ensured her marginalization to the extreme Right where she will stay forever.
Lets see if she read Napoleon: "Do not interfere if your enemy is making a mistake."
We have rulers now? Who knew? I thought that that was what the American Revolution was about - so that the Americans could have a representative republic.
I doubt you will find many jews who believe they are Christians and most would find the statement offensive and Harris bigoted.
It would have been better if she had brains.
ROTFL!!
It would have been better if she had brains.
ROTFL!!
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