Church and state are drawing closer together

The headline “Grooming Politicians for Christ” (Column One, Aug. 23) has a telling and chilling subhead: “Evangelical programs on Capitol Hill seek to mold a new generation of politicians who will answer not to voters, but to God.” This is the form of government that Iran espouses and that we are hoping does not prevail in the new Iraq. It’s called a theocracy, and it is far from a democracy.

In order for this to happen in this country, the evangelicals will have to take over the courts and do away with the whole concept of an independent judiciary. They seem to be working on it. Am I the only one frightened by this? We obviously need to spend more money in this country teaching people how to think critically.

LOUISE BUCK

San Diego

*

If Christ were alive today he would be demanding that everyone receive healthcare at no cost, for starters. Remember: “Heal thy sick.” Lawmakers not only commit the “sin” of compromise but completely disregard this important teaching.

And I don’t suppose Pat Robertson would be walking beside Jesus while advocating murder (“Televangelist Urges Chavez Assassination,” Aug. 23).

While the immoral Iraq war is being conducted and the president sleeps with the “money changers,” Christ exists as only a brand name to many of these politicians.

True followers of Christ’s teaching would be standing with Cindy Sheehan right now.

RICHARD RAY HARRIS

Palm Desert

*

I am a Christian who reads the Scriptures on a regular basis. I can point to the passages in which Jesus instructs us to feed the hungry, love our neighbors and fight against the hardening of our hearts. I have yet to find the verses in which Jesus endorses a policy of lower taxes or condemns global treaties. Perhaps Robertson can help me to locate these passages, as well as those that support political assassinations.

LORI DAVIES

Brea