Is There Room in Public Affairs for the Faithful?

Anyone of moral character has a welcome voice and will in public affairs, whether it be religiously or philosophically based. But hypocrites deserve to be tarred and feathered. Jesus frequently talked about those who liked to make a show of their religiosity, but were completely shallow spiritually. Any Christian running for or holding public office who feels they must "brand" their acts and words in religious terms when they must be responsible to and for a spiritually ecumenical community is acting with insensitive arrogance. America never has been a "Christian State". From the get-go we have been a nation of deists, atheists, agnostics, Catholics, Protestants and Jews! And now we can proudly add Hindus, Sikhs, Baha'is, Muslims and Wiccans to our Constitutionally-protected diversity! To speak and act as though the rest of us don't matter is not the behavior of someone who believes in the democracy of America! If you are a true Christian, it should suffice that your actions and words are guided by your humble conscience and informed convictions. There are moral principles shared by every faith and even non-belief system on the planet. You will have respect if your words and deeds truly are moral ones. You need not proclaim that you do this in the name of "Jesus" or "God", or by whatever name your deity goes by. Those who make an issue of such a matter are the enemies of democracy and democratic pluralism. They are also abusing the names of God and Jesus for mercenary purposes. Lead by example, not by religious chauvinism. Jesus looked upon the overtly religious with contempt. He wanted us to act from our inner light -- not for the limelight.