I found myself in a discussion on religion and politics last night (no, really I did). I won't name any names, but the person stated an opinion that although prevalent isn't regularly discussed even in my social circle (which should be running out of nasty things to say about the president by now). That opinion being that George Bush is as far from the Messiah of modern-day Christianity that many paint him out to be. In fact, as this person pointed out, "I just can't imagine how anyone could call that man a Christian, and I don't know why the Christian Right is still backing him?"

Neither do I, so I decided to do a little digging into some Christian resources and compare and contrast the behavior of the man that has come to lead the modern Christian revolution that threatens civil rights, wages endless war and from time to time bends the truth. Sounds like an interesting spin on the Sermon on the Mount.

First, let's get one thing out of the way. Christianity (or ANY other religious belief) has no place in the governing body of the United States of America. Before anyone's head explodes, that is not in any way an Anti-Christian statement. I happen to be a man with a belief in God and consider myself an (extremely flawed) Christian. But this has nothing to do with Christianity, it has to do with a system of government implemented hundreds of years ago that expressly forbade governing from religious text.

Every day the Christian Coalition crowd harps on and on about the values of our founding fathers, but neglects to inform their followers that the same founding fathers believed in a secular government, despite their personal beliefs. Need proof, well, let's start with the Constitution of the United States of America. Often people quote the 1st Amendment as "FREEDOM OF RELIGION!" However, the actual wording handed down from the "wise old dead white guys (as Charlton Heston would say)" is, "Congress shall make NO law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

Not just freedom of, but a clearly defined freedom from.

Still need more proof? Let's try out the Treaty of Tripoli, shall we? In the early days (y'know, the founding father days) the United States began to encounter problems when trading with the various theocracies of the world. In response to these issues the U.S. Government drafted "Treaty of peace and friendship between the United States of America and the Bey and Subjects of Tripoli, of Barbary," to official declare it's stance on theocratic government... later shortened by historians to the "Treaty of Tripoli." This document reads:

As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility, of Musselmen; and as the said States never have entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mehomitan nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.

Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself.

So, now that we've established that the founding fathers did not intend for our great nation to be one steeped in religious doctrine, what does that say about GOP tactics of infusing their names with Evangelical Christian principles? Are the claims being made by the administration simple ignorance (hard to believe from such a highly educated bunch) or are they a more deliberate method of public deception using icons that instill patriotism?

Furthermore, is jingoism a Christian principle? Hardly. One of the most basic teachings of the Bible is to follow the word of God above all else, and yes that even means The President of the United States. Consistently, the Bush Administration spin machine has painted opposition as Anti-American, then tarred Anti-American's with the Anti-Christian brush. The simple fact of the matter is this, it is not only possible, but often necessary to oppose American ideas to more closely follow Biblical teachings.

Direct yourself to Proverbs 28:13, "He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion." From his drug and alcohol problems as a young man to his mishandling of governmental issues the President has repeatedly refused to accept responsibility for his own mistakes. He has used every tool at his disposal to spin, hide and erase records that indicate wrong doing, hardly the character of a truly Christ like figure.

Not only is George W. Bush's personal character contrary to the word of God, but his policies fly in the face of what Christ claims to be important. His administration has cut funding to programs that clothe the needy, feed the hungry and help in the imprisoned. This administration even opposes health care systems for the sick and dying.

Quite simply put, the overwhelming majority of Americans believe in some form of a higher power. The majority of those Americans believe that particular higher power is the Christian God, and a large percentage of those individuals are Bush voters. It's extremely important for us all to realize that pro-life shouldn't equal Republican (in the same way that pro-choice shouldn't equal democrat), and that despite your own beliefs most Christian people aren't Pat Robertson in the same way that most Muslims aren't Osama Bin Laden.

It's time for the left to embrace it's religious side, and for those on the left without a religious side surely you can embrace a few Jesusey ideas, y'know, love, peace, good will, compassion, helping your fellow man and most importantly, EQUALITY for all people.