Why I Don't Mix Religion with Politics

I work in politics. Sometimes it's a cesspool, sometimes I am very reassured by the things individual office holders and collective bodies are able to accomplish. I know many Republicans and many Democrats closely. When I go talk to them on behalf of a client or regarding public policy, I speak honestly. But, I know how to tailor a message when that is what it called for at times to make a candidate feel good about a choice I am offering up. Because of my own moral compass, I am careful never to mislead or to mispeak. I feel I owe a decision maker the facts, my opinion about their impact, and if asked, an honest assessment of the issue's bottom line. At the end of the day, when removed from this environment I have to live with myself and reconcile the choices I make in life with my religious sensibilities and also with my sense of fair play and decency in the democratic society within which I live.

I am a Catholic, a christian. I participate in prayer services weekly with other Catholics involved in politics and I also infrequently attend Bible study sessions with Christians of numerous denominations in the same setting. Sometimes on a weekday morning. In my private life I regulary attend mass, pray and adhere to the tenets of my faith.

I have a strong distaste for mixing politics with religion. Politics is about power on earth, and for me, religion is about the kingdom of heaven. I live under a Republic form of a representative democracy, in a pluralistic society with people of all faiths, and people who do not believe in God, and such has always been the case in America. I think this is a precious gift. I love that I live in a country where people like the Amish are free to live according to their religion and their values, eschewing technology, etc., right in our midst. Of course, should a person living in Amish country in the United States break the law, breach our consitution, he or she would be held up to the same standard of justice as everyone else here.