The column compares and contrasts candidates' faith-based assertions with Saunders' interpretation of traditional mainstream Christianity and a "what would Jesus do" approach.
Florissant, CO (PRWEB) January 15, 2016
Issued by Rider Green Publications (http://www.ridergreen.net).
Columnist Rodney Noel Saunders wishes to bring attention to the way politics is representing the Christian faith, inspiring him to create a new website dedicated to taking his views to a wider audience.
In his inaugural analysis on Jan. 12, Saunders examines candidates' various interpretations of Christian beliefs and teachings during the 2016 presidential campaign. He takes issue with Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Ben Carson, Marco Rubio and others through a new website titled "Farespithe" (http://www.farespithe.net).
"Farespithe" stands for "faith, religion, spirituality, and theology." It's pronounced “fare” like fair; “spithe” like "with." Saunders has written a weekly column by the same name since 2004 and circulated it widely among colleagues and church leaders, some of whom have added their endorsements to the new website. But some of the faith-oriented positions stated during the 2016 presidential campaign have concerned the columnist – a former campus minister and religion professor – so much so that he is taking his concerns to a new level of public awareness through the creation of the "Farespithe" website.
Saunders' opening column, titled "Some Debatable, Challenging Questions for Some Claimed Christian Perspectives," compares and contrasts candidates' faith-based assertions with his interpretation of traditional mainstream Christianity and a "what would Jesus do" approach. Among his challenges:
- "Where does Jesus teach that you should constantly be in such deep fear that you believe you must always carry a weapon to defend yourself?"
- "How is it … Christian to oppose compassionate treatment for immigrants (even threatening to deport them all, or to close the borders to all but 'Christian' immigrants), or oppose aid for the poor when, 'Jesus saw the crowds and had pity for them because they were worried and helpless … ?'"
- "How is it … Christian to support the wealthiest getting even wealthier with tax proposals that will give ridiculously more to the top 1-10 percent than to anyone else, when Jesus spoke more about the problems of money than anything else?"
Asserting that voters hold the key to changing political rhetoric, Saunders challenges his readers as well: "Shouldn’t we certainly be asking such questions, and even more challenging ones?"
As a United Methodist pastor and campus minister, a professor of religion and literature, and a seminar leader on death and dying, Saunders has published numerous articles and guest editorials in newspapers and magazines across the country. He now focuses on the ways that religion and politics intersect, with a particular focus on the 2016 presidential campaign.
Look for more of Mr. Saunders commentary at "Farespithe" (http://www.farespithe.net). For more information, contact the author: 719-689-4185, info(at)farespithe (dot)net or Rider Green, 207-457-5088, ridergreen(at)me(dot)com.