Here is a link to a Washington Post article about Texas Governor and presidential candidate Rick Perry. He is, perhaps, a very good test case for Prothero's argument. So please read this article in addition to Prothero's text for class on Wednesday.
I think Rick Perry’s somewhat simplistic idea that U.S. leaders should just hand over the basic facets of government like to God is a stark abdication of all responsibility. Somehow he carries more of an air of menace than evangelical, energizing belief, especially when he gets into religious absolutism, like how he seems to always say “we must call upon Jesus to guide us through our struggles.” I feel that just as a citizen he is free to advocate this, but coming from someone who wants to lead this mess, his language is offensive to the founding principles of the republic. This relates to the Prothero reading because it brings about the question would such an evangelical religious revival foreshadow more intolerance and dispute? Or how much does Perry actually know about Christianity and whether he is being a hypocrite by making a show of praying in public.
Thanks for engaging this reading on the blog. You didn't have to, of course, and can bring it in more once the Prothero discussion gets going properly, but I am glad you engaged this short text. Anyone else have any thoughts? You can add them to this thread or include them in your comments on Prothero's article once Alex and Dylan start that discussion. I have my own thoughts, of course, but I'll save them for Wednesday so as not to become too bossy here. For now though, I think it makes sense to think about the Free Exercise clause and the Establishment clause of the first amendment (remember today's quiz) and how those two interact....and how that interaction relates to Rick Perry and his ideas.
It terrifies me that Rick Perry is considered a potential candidate. I have no problems with religion but Rick Perry's statements have me concerned. From the articles I have read it would appear the he will not be able to separate his religion from government and will use his religion and beliefs therein as the reason for his answers to problems and legislation introduced. There are parts of religion that cannot be subjected to reason, but Rick Perry rejects those points with reason from religion.
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ReplyDeleteI think Rick Perry’s somewhat simplistic idea that U.S. leaders should just hand over the basic facets of government like to God is a stark abdication of all responsibility. Somehow he carries more of an air of menace than evangelical, energizing belief, especially when he gets into religious absolutism, like how he seems to always say “we must call upon Jesus to guide us through our struggles.” I feel that just as a citizen he is free to advocate this, but coming from someone who wants to lead this mess, his language is offensive to the founding principles of the republic. This relates to the Prothero reading because it brings about the question would such an evangelical religious revival foreshadow more intolerance and dispute? Or how much does Perry actually know about Christianity and whether he is being a hypocrite by making a show of praying in public.
ReplyDeleteAparna,
ReplyDeleteThanks for engaging this reading on the blog. You didn't have to, of course, and can bring it in more once the Prothero discussion gets going properly, but I am glad you engaged this short text. Anyone else have any thoughts? You can add them to this thread or include them in your comments on Prothero's article once Alex and Dylan start that discussion. I have my own thoughts, of course, but I'll save them for Wednesday so as not to become too bossy here. For now though, I think it makes sense to think about the Free Exercise clause and the Establishment clause of the first amendment (remember today's quiz) and how those two interact....and how that interaction relates to Rick Perry and his ideas.
It terrifies me that Rick Perry is considered a potential candidate. I have no problems with religion but Rick Perry's statements have me concerned. From the articles I have read it would appear the he will not be able to separate his religion from government and will use his religion and beliefs therein as the reason for his answers to problems and legislation introduced. There are parts of religion that cannot be subjected to reason, but Rick Perry rejects those points with reason from religion.
ReplyDelete