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Usually my local paper won't print a letter to the editor unless it involves secession, atheists, or some other sort of crazy. But we're getting an earful of Palin support around here, and it really bothers me. I'm not going to stand by this election and silently watch the people around me be duped by the GOP ticket's refusal to retract the bald-faced lies they've been telling, and I'm sick of the tone of their attacks. So I decided to give the letter to the editor a shot:
I am dismayed by the exuberance with which so many good, Christian men and women stand and cheer the venomous and mocking remarks uttered by Governor Sarah Palin in her rallies since the Republican National Convention. Of course in a political race the candidates will point out what they perceive to be one another’s faults. But Christians who agree with the statements Governor Palin is making about her opponents should consider the tone of these attacks before they yell out their support.
The Sermon on the Mount makes clear that Jesus wishes us to grow as Christians by changing from the inside out, beginning with a clean heart that then becomes outwardly apparent in our attitude and actions. In Matthew 5:21-22, Christ aligns anger and mockery with murder in the eyes of God. Matthew 5:43-44 tells us to not only love our neighbors but to love our enemies. Governor Palin has made a talking point of her faith since joining the McCain campaign, but a clean heart is not shining through in her attitude. In fact, the tone of anger, mockery and disrespect that has accompanied her is damaging to the testimony of every Christian. I’m pleased to see that Senator Barack Obama, who has also discussed his faith during the campaign, has generally rebuffed her attacks with a measured and respectful tone.
I cannot and would not question Governor Palin’s faith; I fail in my faith every day. But I would like to see more Christians thinking twice before so loudly and publically cheering a display that shows perhaps her heart isn’t quite where it should be.
