Two parallels and an outlier: Graham Platner, Roy Moore and Donald Trump

The analogy between “inerrancy” as the foundation of biblical authority and judicial “originalism” as a basis for constitutional jurisprudence is noteworthy. Of more import is the sheer cynicism lying behind proponents of both inerrancy and originalism.

John McCain was no saint, but he pointed us to the better angels of our nature and many of us loved him for it. He treated enemies like friends. And in a messy and divided world like ours, that may be as good as it gets.

President Trump’s dinner with “evangelical” ministers is a reminder that American Christians have every right to support the politicians and policies that their consciences may dictate. But none of us can claim to have it both ways – dictating moral constraints to the masses while excusing them in governmental officials for political purposes.

Judge Kavanaugh, contrary to your disparagement of “the wall” of separation between church and state, this concept is certainly not “bad history,” nor is it useless in modern debates. This metaphor worked for Roger Williams and President Jefferson – and still works today. The wall does not keep people of faith from the public square but separates institutional control.

If we preach on Sunday that being children of God is enough, yet ignore dangerous policies that tell persons of color — including children and their immigrant families — that they are not enough, we are complicit in this racism