Democrat Religion

Yes, you heard that right. Apparently, Democrats do pray. You may not be able to tell it from their politics. You may not be able to tell it from their personal lives. You may not be able to tell it on important social issues. But apparently, Democrats do pray. And at the upcoming Democrat Party Convention, they want you to know it!

Faith is supposed to play an important role at this year's Democratic Convention. To kick off the festivities tomorrow, the DNC "Faith in Action Initiative" will host an interfaith gathering at the convention center. The gathering will include clergy of different faiths, Party leaders, elected officials and local community leaders.

The DNC has also began the convention kick-off of a new program called “The Matthew 25 Network,” an organization began by Howard Dean to bring "Christians together under the Democratic banner of inclusiveness."

Convention invitations even said "Senator Obama is a committed Christian, and he believes that people of all faiths have an important place in American life. He's proud to work with the Democratic National Convention Committee on a Convention that fully engages people of faith in dialogue, celebration and prayer. We are honored that so many religious leaders are reaching across partisan and ideological lines in this Convention to address the values that matter to Americans."

Even one of the top convention leaders is a "proud person of faith." Leah Daughter, CEO of the DNCC said "Democrats have been, are and will continue to be people of faith – and this Convention will demonstrate that in an unprecedented way. As Convention CEO and a pastor myself, I am incredibly proud that so many esteemed leaders from the faith community will be with us to celebrate this historic occasion and honor the diverse faith traditions inside the Democratic Party.”

Other faith-based convention events include a meeting entitled "Common Ground on the Common Good" with pastor Jim Wallis. Obama will also meet with a Jewish Rabbi on Monday to explain how his administration will "engage people of all faiths." On Thursday they'll have a "Getting out the Faith Vote" with several people with fancy theological titles like 'Reverend,' 'Apostle,' and 'Bishop'." The Democrats love religion so much they're letting a Rabbi do the invocation (I had a feeling it wouldn't be James Dobson).

Yep, I'm now convinced. Those Democrats are faith friendly now, sure thing! Oh, and I almost forgot "The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice" sponsoring "a reception with inspirational music to honor religious leaders and activists who safeguard and promote reproductive health and reproductive justice." That event is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27th. Ah, yes - a religious coalition for promoting abortion. What doesn't the Democratic Party have to offer?

And although the vast majority of these so-called religious leaders (A) don't lead anybody and (B) would be put pretty quickly into the false-prophet category, a few well-meaning evangelicals have been suckered in by promises and hopes to "build bridges."

Once such evangelical was Cameron Strang, the 32-year-old editor of edgy and hip Relevant Magazine. Strang just pulled out of the DNC line-up, after first committing to leading some forums. Citing fears that his bridge-building gesture would be wrongly construed as an endorsement, Strang said he instead hopes to take a lower-profile role, participating in a convention caucus meeting on religion later in the week.

Strang said, "Through Relevant, I reach a demographic that has strong faith, morals and passion, but disagreements politically. It wouldn't be wise for me to be seen as picking a political side when I've consistently said both sides are right in some areas and wrong in some areas."

In his blog post, Strang wrote that he initially accepted the benediction invitation, in part, so he could pray in a forum where faith isn't typically emphasized. He also wanted to provide tangible evidence that "this generation of values voters doesn't necessarily need to draw political battle lines the way previous generations have, and that we can work through areas of disagreement toward common goals."

Here's my statement, Mr. Strang. I'll draw the stinking line. I'll draw the line and I'll draw it deep and long. I'll draw the line in front of the party that supports infanticide for convenience and on demand - and I'll tell God's people to go no further. I'll draw the line at the party that support the destruction of the family unit purposefully and blatantly in direct contrast to nature and divine intent - and I'll tell God's people to go no further. I'll draw the line at the party that has been and is an enemy to open and free faith in both private and public life - and I'll tell God's people to go no further.

Does common sense not tell us that when the DNC asks us to lead an invocation or benediction or any prayer or forum that they're not legitimately interested in a relationship with Christ or our point of view? They're interested in making us a poster child for those who are without a religous compass.

For me, to lead a prayer at a Democrat event is epitome of blasphemy. It is the equivalent - in every sense - in taking God's name in vain. They do not care what Almighty God wants or says. That is evident by their views and policies. To continue to invoke God's name in the very place where He is unwanted and for their amusement is not the role of a prophet. It is falling into their snare, making a mockery of prayer. I think there is certainly a role for a good evangelical man of God at the upcoming Democratic National Convention. I think that role is to walk in and go Elijah on them - proclaim the error of their ways and give an ultimatum. Repent...or face the consequences.