Gerson

Another day, another incisive commentary by Michael Gerson about religion in the political sphere. Unlike most articles by Republicans telling Democrats what they need to do to win, Gerson actually comes across as sincere. Like most moderate evangelicals, he does not display an animus towards the left. Rather, he highlights areas where liberal and evangelical agendas coincide (human rights, AIDS) and where liberals have to compromise (abortion).

He has a clarity of vision on religious issues that all politicians would do well to study:

The whole enterprise -- there are examples on the right and left -- of asking "What Would Jesus Do?" on the earned-income tax credit or missile defense is presumptuous. Jesus, were he around again in the flesh, would probably be doing sensible things such as healing the sick, embracing outcasts and preaching sacrificial love. After all, he showed little interest in issuing a "Contract With the Roman Empire."

In addition, he offers the apotheosis of a politician with principled priorities:

When British author Hilaire Belloc ran for Parliament in 1906, his speech on religion and politics, given to a packed public meeting, went as follows: "Gentlemen, I am a Catholic. As far as possible, I go to Mass every day. This is a rosary. As far as possible, I kneel down and tell these beads every day. If you reject me on account of my religion, I shall thank God that he has spared me the indignity of being your representative."

It strikes me that not a trifling number of American representatives would do well to yield up their seats and recover their dignity.