post2.docx

Himes makes the case that it is appropriate for churches to be involved in political and economic issues by stating what the bishops cited. The bishops cite four areas where the religious mission spills over into social concerns: commitment to the defense of human dignity, promotion of human rights, fostering unity among members of the human family, and discerning, the deeper significance of human work and activity (Himes). It is the beliefs and values of our faith that make us want to be involved for the people who were created in the eyes of God. We want to protect the people by what we believe is true through our faith. However, we all do not believe the same and that becomes the issue. It would be wonderful if we could support each other and make the right choices for everyone. But we know that can't happen if we are making our decisions through our faith and what we believe. Unfortunately I do not think it would be 'fair' for politics to make their decisions based on their faith and values. But isn't that how it is anyways. We see what the candidate will do and what they believe is true and we vote for the candidate that fits closely to what we believe and what he will try to accomplish. Isn't he trying to sell us his values to win us over? Himes states churches can be involved and that they should have self-imposed limits so that the church can avoid its religious mission to become overwhelmed.  He says that the constitutional separation of church and state means that the organized religion will receive neither favor nor obstruction from the state. He says that nothing in the first amendment should be interpreted as separation of the churches from society.

John Lewis says the Civil Right movement was an extension of the activist religious beliefs. The movement was faith in God and the fellow human being. He said that he got involved with the movement because he believed that all people were created equal in the image of God, worthy of dignity and justice. He thinks that religious leaders are too quiet and they need to become profits.  He feels that if faith and spirituality were deeply involved in politics then we would have more faith in God and our fellow human beings. I think he believes in this because he wants everyone to be equal and to realize that to have faith can bring change. I agree that if we all had faith we could accomplish more for our nation. It takes courage to stand up for what you believe in. And maybe if we were all a little more spiritual maybe we would not have so much hate in our world.