Clarifying church beliefs

We hear the term “religious right” a lot, but not “religious left,” though it does describe a lot of believers. Frank Pastore takes up the issue in his column on clearing up fuzzy words.

I’m a big believer in full disclosure, truth in advertising, and getting what you pay for – especially when it comes to discussing my two favorite topics, politics and religion. I hate euphemisms, deceptive labeling, half-truths, and any bait and switch. People should be honest about who they are and what they believe. They should be as plain-speaking, clear, and direct as possible – especially when it comes to important issues.

I have written these same words many time. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Then we can all have an honest dialogue and make decisions based on truth and reason. But that’s not happening in a lot of places.

I believe people are supporting organizations like the National Council of Churches and other groups on the religious Left, without knowing – in clear terms – what these groups believe. Beneath their soaring and winsome rhetoric lies poli-cies and positions that betray their professed compassion. They sound so sensitive, caring, and empathetic, but the poli-cies they support – if implemented – would be the proverbial “medicine worse than the disease.” Their solutions would only make matters worse. It is my contention that if people actually knew the views of these groups and the conse-quences of their policies they would withdraw their support.

Pastore gives a quiz in his column on the position statement of that council, and asks how many you agree with. It’s a good reminder to know what you believe, and where you place that belief.