It's no surprise how Michele Bachmann feels about the separation of church and state. One of her famous quotes that has been circling around the media surrounds the issue. in 2006, Rep. Bachmann was quoted saying that public schools "are teaching children that there is separation of church and state, and I am here to tell you that is a myth" (The Atlantic News). Bachmann's conservative views have brought about controversy throughout the election because of her overt religious language and strong Republican views.
Bachmann's reasoning behind her strong stance on separation of church being a concept and not reality is the letter the Danbury Baptist's wrote to Thomas Jefferson. The Baptist's wrote, "Our sentiments are uniformly on the side of religious liberty-- that religion is at all times and places a matter between God and individuals-- that no man ought to suffer in name, person, or effects on account of his religious opinions-- that the legitimate power of civil government extends no further than to punch the man who works ill to his neighbors; But, sir, our constitution of government is not specific" (Baptist Letter). THe Baptist's views align with Bachmann's in that the Constitution did not outline the proper boundaries for religion and it's place in government and society. Jefferson replied by coining the famous "wall of separation" saying in his letter: "Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between Church & State" (Library of Congress).
Bachmann's belief that their truly is not separation of church & state clearly goes against Jefferson and the idea that the founders truly wanted a country based on Christian values. It will be interesting to see how Bachmann will defend her stance as the election continues. For Bachmann and Paul alike, it is clear that they will not separate their overt religious views from their political ones and therefore will not be able to lead this country without a clear religious bias. Such controversy may lose both of them a spot on the Republican ticket.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPzIfcxuwSU
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
9/19
It comes as no surprise that religion has been a bigger part of the 2012 presidential campaign than people anticipated. Michele Bachmann's entire campaign was centered around her strong belief that the separation between church and state was "a myth". She has utilized every public appearance as a tool to forward her religious and political message --- but aren't they the same thing?
Bachmann was born in Waterloo, Iowa but moved to Anoka, Minnesota following her parents divorce. She attened Winona State University and went on to the O.W. Coburn School of Law. She began working on projects that centered around religion and politics, most famously working alongside John Eidsmoe.
While she continued to become more well-known in academic law circles, Bachmann still saw her place in the household and not in the office. She married Marcus Bachmann in 1978 and once her 4th child was born she became a full-time mother. Her husband and her were members of the Salem Lutheran Church in Stillwater, similar to the church Bachmann attended growing up. The church is apart of a controversial group of churches, the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The church has controversial views on certain aspects of Christianity, which is alarming to most Americans. The synod believes deeply in the scripture -- or sola scriptura -- making the Bible the one and only piece of scripture by which to judge and authorize one's actions. Because of all the heavy press Bachmann received during her time as congresswoman of Minnesota, she recently left her church which is almost ironic since her entire platform for her campaign is based off her faith.
While some speculate that Bachmann's departure from Salem Lutheran was a personal choice, there are no doubts the benefit that it has had on her campaign. Even in the 2008 election, Obama left his church because a reverend, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, delivered a sermon that was controversial in terms of politics and political views. Being associated with the "wrong" church could make or break a campaign, which is why seeing very overtly religious figures running for the Republican ticket this year is interesting.
Bachmann's religion is not the only thing propelling her reputation in the media. She makes Sarah Palin's comments look intelligent because Bachmann, somehow, is the queen of saying the wrong thing. As seen in most of her public appearances, Bachmann is not the most eloquent speaker yet she will make sure that people watching know she is running for President. When confronted about her ideals or past comments, Bachmann is only able to repeat herself and not exactly answer the question. The better question is who would win between Bachmann or Palin? Check this website out for some of her ridiculous comments: http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2011/06/16/246618/bachmann-craziest-quotes/
It will be interesting to see where Bachmann fits into the campaign as Rick Perry, her evangelical competition, vies for a spot amongst the conservatives.
Bachmann was born in Waterloo, Iowa but moved to Anoka, Minnesota following her parents divorce. She attened Winona State University and went on to the O.W. Coburn School of Law. She began working on projects that centered around religion and politics, most famously working alongside John Eidsmoe.
While she continued to become more well-known in academic law circles, Bachmann still saw her place in the household and not in the office. She married Marcus Bachmann in 1978 and once her 4th child was born she became a full-time mother. Her husband and her were members of the Salem Lutheran Church in Stillwater, similar to the church Bachmann attended growing up. The church is apart of a controversial group of churches, the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The church has controversial views on certain aspects of Christianity, which is alarming to most Americans. The synod believes deeply in the scripture -- or sola scriptura -- making the Bible the one and only piece of scripture by which to judge and authorize one's actions. Because of all the heavy press Bachmann received during her time as congresswoman of Minnesota, she recently left her church which is almost ironic since her entire platform for her campaign is based off her faith.
While some speculate that Bachmann's departure from Salem Lutheran was a personal choice, there are no doubts the benefit that it has had on her campaign. Even in the 2008 election, Obama left his church because a reverend, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, delivered a sermon that was controversial in terms of politics and political views. Being associated with the "wrong" church could make or break a campaign, which is why seeing very overtly religious figures running for the Republican ticket this year is interesting.
Bachmann's religion is not the only thing propelling her reputation in the media. She makes Sarah Palin's comments look intelligent because Bachmann, somehow, is the queen of saying the wrong thing. As seen in most of her public appearances, Bachmann is not the most eloquent speaker yet she will make sure that people watching know she is running for President. When confronted about her ideals or past comments, Bachmann is only able to repeat herself and not exactly answer the question. The better question is who would win between Bachmann or Palin? Check this website out for some of her ridiculous comments: http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2011/06/16/246618/bachmann-craziest-quotes/
It will be interesting to see where Bachmann fits into the campaign as Rick Perry, her evangelical competition, vies for a spot amongst the conservatives.
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