We all know that Tim Walberg is a minister-turned-politician, and I personally have no problem with people of deep religious faith being political figures. A minister offers a different perspective on an issue, and that's good. Joe Schwarz-- a doctor-- offered a different perspective, too, as does Vern Ehlers, a physicist, and Bart Stupak, who was a police officer.

That said, something doesn't sit right with me after reading this article from the World magazine. The World, for those not familiar with it, is a far-right evangelical weekly news magazine.

In an interview with the magazine, one reads this:

At a time when some conservative religious leaders are questioning the marriage between evangelicals and the Republican Party, Rep. Walberg has found unity between his religion and political interests. "Politics is just another format that can be used as a place of intentional ministry," Walberg told WORLD. "Christians can be involved in influencing their culture here [in Washington]."

(Emphasis added.)

See, that's what doesn't sit right with me. We elect our representatives to serve the interests of their constituents, not to spread their religious beliefs. I have no issue with religion helping to shape your views on issues. My problem is with someone acting like a minister when he should be a legislator.

At the very least, Walberg's statements in the interview show that he's not at all interested in reaching out to "secular liberals" in his district like me, who are uncomfortable with such rhetoric. But we're all too busy supporting Hollywood and undermining Christian values, right? (To be fair, I've never heard Walberg himself say that. Others, though...)

Religion should to be a private experience, to be shared with loved ones. It shouldn't be something you highlight in public to certify your credentials as a good, moral person. And it definitely shouldn't be your motivation to seek public office. But, of course, that's just my opinion.

Go and read the whole article. It's pretty short, but it's worth reading.

Now, at the risk of being called a hypocrite myself, I'll leave you with this:

(Matthew 6:5-6)

"When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.

"But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."

Labels: Faith and Politics, Tim Walberg