Tuesday, October 11, 2011

The GOP's Religious Test

I had dinner with my (conservative Republican) mother last night and the conversation moved to the fundamentalist Christian attacks on her candidate, Mitt Romney. She simply couldn't understand how this had become an issue. She said, "George Romney never had a problem in Michigan. It was never a problem when Charles Percy (Christian Scientist) ran for Senate in Illinois."

I explained that this is how today's Republican Party operates. I told her the (mostly Southern) fundamentalist Christians form the base of her party and that Midwestern common sense had been replaced by Bible Belt intolerance. She is upset at this development and pointed out that Michael Medved said on his radio show that "Born Again Christians" are only about 26% of the American population. "The way they act, you would think they were the majority!" I told her they are, in fact, the effective majority - in her party.

My lifelong Republican mother is upset and offended by this turn of events. Canary in the coal mine?

8 comments:

Mark Chaney said...

Thank God you were there to explain it to her. What a tremendous opportunity for her and all of us. Did you tell her your Clinton story, all of us would love to hear again.

Baxter said...

No, Mark. I told the Clinton story to your mom - over "dessert".

Mark Chaney said...

Ah Rich gets personal. No class, but what would you expect. Have a great day,

Baxter said...

Mark - you got personal. You want to be sarcastic? I can play too...

When is the last you posted a thoughtful contribution? Seriously? If it wasn't for your sophomoric asides, you'd have nothing to say. Hey - you should be in the debate tonight!

Mark Chaney said...

You are truly the "only" voice of reason. There is a big difference between sarcasm and personal family attacks.

Baxter said...

Mark - You attacked me, rather than my idea. The post was about the fundamentalist Christian attacks on Romney, calling the Mormon religion a cult, and the fact that many long time Republicans are uncomfortable with this. Your response was a petty attack on me, so I responded. Imagine that!

So - stick to the issues rather than personal attacks. You can do it.

Jim G. said...

What Christian attacks?

As with most things in life, people have questions about the unknown.

One pastor said LDS were not classic Christians, he is right.

This is just smoke.

Baxter said...

I think Mormons regard calling their faith a "cult" an attack. I think they feel they have been attacked when they profess Christianity, but are told they do not qualify. The two reddest states in the country are Utah and Idaho - the two most Mormon. It is amazing that a large portion of the party would be so inclined to insult them.

Everyone else needs to pay attention - Jews, secular humanists, other 19th century Christian religions - there is no place at the table for you in the Republican Party. The base of the party has spoken.