Opinion

Religion should take back seat in politics

I heartily agree with commentary writer Carrie Sheffield's plea for less religious influence, not just in the GOP, but also in all of government and politics ("Why the GOP needs 'heathens,' " On Religion, The Forum, Monday).

READ OPINION: Why the GOP needs 'heathens'

Religions carry with them the excess baggage of intolerance because each one claims to be the "one real truth." Thus, each religion views everything else as false, and all claims of religious tolerance are hypocritical. This same ethos is carried over by religious zealots into politics and manifests itself in the attitude of no compromise that has characterized Congress and political campaigns over the past several years.

The Constitution requires no religious test to qualify for office. It shouldn't matter that 20% of the population believe President Obama is a Muslim. The people who continuously harp on Obama because of religion reveal their true colors and disrespect for the Constitution. We need the wall of separation between church and state more than ever to ensure decisions are based on clear-eyed reason.

With an atheist prime minister, Australia is proving that religious zealots have no monopoly on morals, ethics and principles.

Arcadio Ortiz; Flagler Beach, Fla.
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Make GOP tent bigger

Carrie Sheffield's "heathen call" sent two messages to me, a religious conservative who loves NPR and diversity conversations.

On the negative side: Her commentary speaks from the mentality of a victim. Sheffield states that secular conservatives are "in a bind" and "shoved into the canonical closet and forced to keep quiet."

In my opinion, passion with tolerance is required in our pluralistic society.

On the positive side: She calls for the GOP to acknowledge that family values can be (and are) taught in non-Christian religions as well, such as a Buddhist temple or an Islamic mosque, and even in the homes of atheists.

It is time we unite on what we agree with, drop our judgments and be a part of a country with a growing new awareness.

Tom Haygood; Lindale, Texas

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