The Faith Based Iniative: Can We Trust It?

With Obama re-upping Bush's "Faith Based Initiative", my initial reaction is one of concern.  Can the son of an openly secular family really be attempting to blur the line between church and state?  (There is a good quote from Obama's book at this link, describing his mothers view of religion)

Obviously this sort of action is expected from an evangelical oil executive, but not a thoughtful, intelligent, constitutional lawyer.  Is it possible to give federal dollars to any group that bases it's motives on "faith" and still preserve the separation of church from state?  Can faith based groups describe their desire to help others without invoking their mythology?  Will people that claim no faith be able to access this money?  

While looking for answers to these questions, I stumbled upon the website for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  At this site I found a FAQ page regarding the use of "Faith Based" funds, and how exactly these funds are to be used.  Admittedly, these guidelines were written under the previous presidents regime, and surprisingly are quite secular in their design. A Christian soup kitchen can identify itself as "Christian", but cannot make judgements upon those who may eat at the kitchen.  For example, if the soup kitchen refused to serve a customer because they were wearing a Burqa, this would violate the guidelines, as denying the food, (bought with federal funds), would be based on mythology/religious differences.  

It seems that there are guidelines in place to ensure that this federal money is not used in proselytizing, and this is the main worry of the agnostic/atheist movement.  But how do we moniter this?  Is there a regulatory watchdog keeping an eye on the money and the institutions? How can Barack give me the confidence that my taxes aren't going to the "christianization" of the homeless and those under state care, (ex. the incarcerated, those in adoption homes)?  As we know the history of religion's ability to infiltrate the minds of the destitute and undereducated, how do we ensure that our nations core beliefs are heeded and respected?  As previously written, (see my Feb. 8th post, "The fight continues..."), Obama has opened his arms to non-believers, now, can he continue with the systematic secularization of the country?

Trusting churches to spend government funds properly?..."Faith-Based" indeed... 

An article I found direclty pertaining to this...Faith Based Fudging

 

The Fight Continues...

Before we get into this too much, I'd like you to read this article by Jake Jones, the "Evangelical Examiner" for Wichita, Kansas...

Obama meets with Atheists.

As you see, the push for equality regarding non-believers is still being fought for.  The good news is our president is acknowledging and meeting with leaders from the agnostic/atheist movement to get some ideas on how to move forward in these tough times.  The bad news is the radical-right refuses to accept non-believers as equals under the constitution, and are acting to marginalize this movement.  This isn't a big surprise, no one expects the religious/radical right to roll over when placed on equal standing with non-believers, (they are born in, reside, thrive, and spread the fear of a "non-christian"nation).  Of course we've had nothing but christian presidents, (including Obama), since the founding of our nation, Obama is simply acknowledging that not all people believe in Bronze age mythology.  And since there is evidence to show that "Higher levels of belief among people with no college education and lower levels of belief among those with postgraduate education.", (think scientists, professors, lawyers, doctors...), Obama may be indeed acknowledging that we need non-believers to assert their expertise to help with our current issues. This isn't in fact a knock against Christianity, (as the religious right would like to think), but a reach out the best and brightest that may have felt ignored, neglected, and at times demonized by our previous presidential administration.  If Obama can bring a sense of real compassion, of real change to the Oval Office, acknowledging the millions of us who refuse to adhere to ancient dogmatic beliefs, is a good start.

If the movement to stop Obama from talking to non-believers makes you a little anxious, go here, and tell "In God We Trust", what you think of their un-patriotic ways.  I did.  

And as with my pastime of including pictures, here is one I find particularly funny that symbolizes the irrational fear and hatred of those that claim Jesus as their shepherd...