Before we start, check out the next episode of License to Kill over at Glibertarians!

Now then: Sure, many Republicans and libertarians are also Christians.  That’s fine; most of both also believe the First Amendment codifies freedom of conscience for a reason.  But, some folks occasionally forget that some of us aren’t Christians.  Townhall’s Jeff Davidson has some thoughts.  So do I.

It happens so often that I am amazed when the contrary occurs. I am at a gathering of Republicans/Conservatives, and someone gives the benediction. This could happen at a luncheon, certainly at a dinner, and other types of gatherings. Usually, these prayers are only a couple of minutes in length. Then, after all has been said, the speaker adds a final sentence, “In Jesus’ name do we pray.”

Messaging Matters

I’m not the first to observe that Republicans and Conservatives have better programs and policies and a firm grasp of what actually helps the nation, but they have lousy messaging. The Democrats have harmful programs and policies but better messaging. They know how to twist and turn a phrase. Consider the difference between the terms “pro-abortion” and “pro-choice.”

When it comes to benedictions, conservatives can enhance their phrasing. Rebel is all you want, but citing the name of Jesus in the benediction is unnecessary. Once you say, “Heavenly Father,” or “God,” or “the Lord,” that is more than enough for a benediction in front of a group. 

I have no idea what Jeff Davidson’s religious convictions are; he doesn’t mention them, and in any case it’s none of my damn business, and sort of irrelevant to the point he’s making.

But my own convictions are well-known.  I’m an atheist, and very upfront about it.  Bear in mind that I’m not a militant atheist; that seems to be the province of leftist atheists, to want to belittle believers or force them to silence.  There is an old saw that says “If a conservative is an atheist, he doesn’t go to church.  If a liberal is an atheist, he tries to get all mention of religion removed from public life.”  My observation is that this is generally accurate.  Furthermore, I’ve never harbored any notions that I was smart enough to tell anyone what to do or think.  Robert Heinlein once wrote that his father had taught him to “…mind my own business, and always cut the cards,” and I think that’s a good general operating principle.

Mr. Davidson is not talking about religion so much as messaging, and making sure to consider the increasing numbers of Hindus, and Buddhists, and other religious groups entering the conservative movement.  It’s not a bad thing to remember, the concept of the non-denominational prayer; military chaplains have been doing it for many years.

Food for thought, certainly.