Me Tarzan. You Preacher Politics

                                  Valley of Decision by Christafari. Appropriate me thinks.

On the night before the American election, while walking towards the taxi-stand, I became depressed by religion in politics. Actually, I became depressed by the thought of RACE in RELIGION but since that flowed into the political stream, one can say that I was sorely depressed all the way around. Here’s why:

A prominent “Father of the Faith” so to speak, sat down with Mitt Romney. Now, tradition has shown that he’s the kind of guy that Presidents and Presidential hopefuls go to at some point in their careers, so it should come as no surprise that Master Mitt and the “Father” wold meet. It is said, that after meeting with him, though he didn’t give an all out public endorsement as other members of his family seem to have, he did advise the [Christian] public to vote according to Biblical Views/Beliefs. With all that’s going on, it’s safe to say that that person APPEARS to be Mitt Romney. But as I thought about it, I got seriously depressed, because in my mind, this wasn’t about Biblical Values, this was about Mitt Romney being Caucasian. Why would I say that? Because up until recently [if the reports are true], this Father of the Faith believed that Mitt Romney’s Mormon beliefs were that of a Cult. Yet suddenly, after meeting this candidate, he was all kosher? He was the Biblical choice? This reeks of racism and my heart fell.

What does it mean to vote Biblically? Why should people care? Why do THEISTS care? Bear with me while I explain your Theist friend’s belief. See Theists pray for good government. They believe that it is in a nation’s best interest to have a leader who understands the value of putting God first. This is not an idle right wing whim, it is in fact based on years on Biblical history and record. Whenever Israel had a King who valued God’s Law, His Word, His Precepts… every thing went fine in the land. Crops grew, their enemies were at bay, their children’s children grew up in safety. On the reverse, whenever a King did things like – had temple prostitutes, inter-married with other nations, set up idols in the Lord’s temple or generally disobeyed God’s word, the land would be in a mess, their enemies would have the upper hand on them and [as eventually recorded], they [Israel/God’s people] would be taken into captivity. In essence, they were humiliated before the world. All this as a result of non-godly leadership. Now that may seem one-sided but remember, this was not a democracy. This was a Theocracy. Sure the King held court and dispensed justice but often times, the priests and the prophets would be consulted. “Would the Lord be with us, should we go up and fight the Philistines?”, if yes – they went and were very much successful. Thus to this PRESENT DAY, Theists [Christians, though I’m sure other religions have their similarities on the topic], in an attempt to avoid wrath and chaos, see it prudent to vote and follow a leader who will do what God wants. Even if it messes with the beliefs of the day. Therefore it should come as no surprise that - if another storm hits the US, some TV evangelist or else FOX NEWS will say, it’s because America voted the human loving Obama and his liberal…ness that landed them in flooded streets and NOT climate change.

Of course, said Theists will conveniently forget that sometimes, God is not in the wind or the earthquake or the fire but in a still, small voice [1 Kings; Chapter 19, verse 9-18].

Vote Biblical. My afflictions aside, that is still a strong statement; but if I were American, I’d still NOT VOTE for a guy who a) – goes against most Christian beliefs [if you think mainstream Christianity is weird, wait till you get a hold of Mormonism] b) – I forgot what “b” was but I’m sure it’s pretty strong.

Give me the guy who UP FRONT says what he is; who says – LOOK every body is human, shouldn’t we treat each other as such? Give me the so-called liberal guy who is open to all possibilities of thought/discussion than one who pimps their Faith for votes.

It’s a good strategic move, Master Mitt made. Get a leading Evangelical leader to like you thus swaying even more Christian votes; veil it as Biblical views [like being anti-abortion] and become [closer to becoming the] President. Brilliant. Race in Religion, Religion in Politics… Where have I NOT heard that strategy before?

Even in Oil Country - T&T, we are not immune. In 2010, I voted for the People’s Partnership. I grew tired of uncle Patrick’s arrogance [not actual uncle; just being facetious]. Here was a guy who was openly a Christian – and was loved my many of the Faith – but both him and his party… let’s say I wasn’t feeling the faith. So I voted for [now Prime Minister] Kamla Persad Bissessar. I had a Christian [Seven Day Adventist] neighbour who was appalled by my decision. Not only was the Prime Minister elect a perceived drunk but she was a Hindu/Baptist hybrid [Spiritual Baptist of African heritage, not the American Baptist you may know]. I basically voted for a Hindu. How dare I?! How dare we, since my mother [known to friends as Buddha] was also for Ms. Kamla. I may not vote for her next election, but that’s if her party [in fact if ALL parties] don't get their act together. NOT because of her religious beliefs; because like my mother had to say – even King Cyrus was used by God to help His people’s cause. In essence, God can use whomever He wants to achieve whatever He wants. *

You know some people actually believe the crime and madness in this country is God punishing us for voting Ms. Kamla? Not because [whether you’re religious or not, I think you’ll agree that] man is inherently evil but because SHE is in power.

Godly leadership. Voting Biblically. I get it. I really do. But dear fellow theists, two things:

A). since we believe in the power of prayer, shouldn’t we pray that whoever is in charge [whether we voted them in or not] do right by the population and use Wisdom to keep us afloat in a turbulent [ecomonic, social, educational, creative] world?

B). Aren’t you tired of politicians using you/us to get where they want? Today, they come to a church function and say, “How good it is, for brothers to dwell in unity.”; tomorrow they go to a Temple and say, “Támaso ma jyótir gamaya” hereby cementing votes in BOTH religions?

And just so we’re clear, I’m for knowledge. I’m for knowing each audience so you can talk to them and not down at them, not knowledge to pander to a crowd. Getting back to the top, I’m not voting PNM because they are [perceived] black, middle class and Evangelical and I’m not voting P.P. because they are [perceived] indian, middle/upper class and Hindu. I’m voting because as much as the Sapiens annoy me, I need someone who will show EMPATHY and COURAGE to all. That’s also why I’d have voted Obama. You know, these days I’m reading 1 Samuel. You know what the prophet Samuel was told? God looks at the heart.

Pax