Conservatives and Their Religious Views

Conservatives will be more widely accepted if they can live their lives in a manner that attends to their personal beliefs, while also keeping those beliefs private. Do not proselytize and the majority of Americans (even those deeply religious) will be much more accepting of the conservative message.

The term "Religious Right" has become synonymous with the Republican Party and conservatism. This term is not a term of endearment for most Americans. It is has come to mean intolerance and holier-than-thou snobbishness. Personally, I know this meaning is not accurate, but this image prevails when the term "Religious Right" is used.

For me, religion is a deeply personal topic. I am significantly influenced by my upbringing and belief in Christianity. However, I do not impart my views on others. My relationship with God is MY relationship. I do not need an organization to monitor or facilitate my religious views about what I believe. I do not need a middle man to act as a portal to God for me.

I married a woman from a Jewish family. I accept her religion. She accepts my religion. Our children have been educated on the traditions and meaning of both Christianity and Judaism. Our children are primed to make a decision on religion when they are old enough to fully understand and develop their own views. My advice to the devoted evangelical is that even if a you believe a person will "go to hell" for not being Christian - - let them do it. Let people live their lives and respect them for what they believe. As long as their belief is not infringing on human rights or promotes violence, then let them believe what they want to believe. The best example of how to apply this in real terms is the same-sex marriage debate. Let the marriage happen. Accept the lifestyle of others and as long as their lifestyle is not forced on you, then everything is OK.

I am confirmed as a Presbyterian, but have attended many Catholic masses, Jewish services, Baptist and Unity services. There is one God with many paths to that God. Let people have their path and use the founding principles of respect, human rights, dignity, honesty, integrity and good citizenry to base decisions on. These principles can come from any religion. Factions within religions that are intolerant should be exposed. The method to do this is through discussion and debate. Discussion and debate will show objective individuals that the radical factions are not worth following.