Marvin over at Little Red Blog has taken issue with those who are trying to avoid being identified as conservative Christians and in particular former Senator John Danforth.

In an op ed for the NY Times Sen Danforth accuses Christians of turning the Republican Party into their “political arm”.

The following is part of Marvin’s reply

And finally sir, to the issue of Terri Schiavo. Like many a conservative and liberal alike, we are conflicted and challenged by this case in a way unlike any other. As for my position, I supported the Congressional action because it was an attempt to ensure that the courts in Florida were not ignoring the rights of a Floridian. It was generally a toothless effort that without teeth fell on deaf ears in the 11th Circuit. By supporting this action, the Congress acted to protect life, to give one last hearing to the unheard. If that to you is a Christian agenda worthy of alarm, then let it be.

Senator, we Republicans are not falling prey to an intrusion of religion into politics. We are instead experiencing a willingness to assert the fullness of the values that we should all use as barometer for governance. As a minister, you recognize the difference between what is legal and what is sin. The current Republican efforts you take issue with are guided not by an understanding of sin, but rather an understanding of the moral depth behind the founding principles of our nation and a desire to support them. These issues, like your support for ending the genocide in Darfur, are important to me because they tell me about our world, our nation and our desire to make the world more free and just.

Like Marvin I find these claims against conservative Christians to be as ludicrous as they are offensive.

All parties have a fringe element and sometimes they go beyond what is acceptable, however the majority of conservative Christians myself included have no ambition or desire to highjack the party nor to turn our nation into a theocracy. What we hope for and what we strive towards is the return of America to the moral foundation that made her so great. The America that once served as a beacon of hope and light to the afflicted and persecuted of the world.

We do not believe this can be achieved without maintaining a deep respect for the sanctity of life for all, including the weak and unwanted.

As Americans we are as much a reflection of our leaders and our policies as our leaders and policies are a reflection upon us. It can not be expected that we should cower and stay hidden to avoid offending merely because we believe in the existence of All Mighty God.

We are fully capable and for the most part do separate our politics from our faith. However it may be impossible to separate our values and morals from choosing our leaders and in deciding which policies and actions we support.

That is not a religious action, it is however the action required of every citizen blessed with the ability to think and consider.

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