The Study of Religion and Politics
Earlier this month — around the time Sen. Ben Nelson’s United Methodist Church was chiming in on health care reform — Washington University announced the formation of the John C. Danforth Center on Religion & Politics, named for the former Senator who offered a (very good) book on the same topic in 2006.
This confluence of events was the subject of my latest guest commentary for St. Louis Public Radio, aired yesterday morning.
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Addendum: Discussing this subject with my wife this morning, I pointed out that the Center was endowed with $30 million gift from the Danforth Foundation, which is chaired by the former Senator and was established by his grandparents.
My wife wondered if that was too much money for this purpose; if perhaps $30 million could have been more productively invested in another worthy cause. I see her point, considering the pressing life-and-death needs of billions of people all around the world. On the other hand, knowing that wars have been fought (and continue to be) over the confluence of religion and politics, I could argue that $30 million is wholly justified — and perhaps not near enough for a subject of such import.
One Response to “The Study of Religion and Politics”
$30 million for Religion and Politics? Like Kit Bond's tax money white elephant “Business Incubator” in St.Joseph?
Just look at St. Louis alone: Could you use $30 million there for anything?
Even if you just improved a river levee it would be better used than Religion and Politics.
Religion and Politics needs to be met with a baseball bat, not contemplation.