RELIGION AND POLITICS

Ironically, D’Antonio passed the same judgment on Christians that he claims we’re guilty of leveling at others. It seemed strange that he could talk affectionately about Sen. Albert Gore’s New Age beliefs while referring to Christians as “guerrillas.” Is it any wonder that some view Christian values as extreme when such beliefs are reflected by the media with such negative bias?

DAVID HAYFORD

Costa Mesa

D’Antonio replies: Christian Coalition founder Pat Robertson has acknowledged his intent to dominate the GOP, and his successes, including the one in Michigan, are well documented. Earlier this year, Ralph Reed helped lead a coalition seminar in Virginia on political takeovers. During the 1992 campaign, he often spoke in swaggering terms about the deceptive and aggressive tactics of his organization. It could be that a recent IRS investigation into whether the coalition has violated its tax status by engaging in partisan politics has led him to cultivate a milder image.

No one has denied conservative Christians political rights. However, in claiming to represent God in politics, the Christian Right has itself joined religion and politics, creating an issue that must be explored vigorously. By labeling criticism bigotry, conservative Christians seek to impose their own kind of “political correctness” upon their opponents. It is perhaps inevitable that political criticism would bruise their religious sensibilities.