Righting the balance

Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League, prompted scepticism with his call for the Jewish community to counter the religious right's approach to dismantling the separation of church and state. Do you feel the religious right is making such an effort? What do you think of Foxman's message?

The implication of Foxman's message is that the "religious right" is acting in a subversive, unfair manner that should be stopped. Apparently he believes that if conservative Christians have our way all Americans will be forced to conform to the dictates of a government dominated by the church.

The fact is, Bible-believing Christians do want to "Christianize" (Foxman's wording). Following our Lord's command, our intent is to "make disciples of all the nations [read properly, "people groups"], baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that [Jesus] commanded ... " (Matthew 28:19-20).

That is no secret, subversive plan. That has been the publicly stated goal of Christianity for 2,000 years. But notice that our primary goal is to "Christianize" people, not overthrow or dominate governments.

Therefore we proclaim the good news of repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ, knowing that everyone who embraces this "gospel" receives complete forgiveness and is made a new person in his heart.

So what about the political activities of conservative Christians? We enjoy and exercise our rights just like all other Americans. Yes, it's an ideological battle. But don't be afraid of Christians. "Rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Jesus' words, Matthew 10:28).

PASTOR JON BARTA

Valley Baptist Church

Burbank

I do not know enough about Abraham Foxman's activities to comment on them, but I do believe the so-called "Christian Right" is definitely trying to bring down the wall of separation between church and state. And I am not alone.

There are organizations to which I contribute, including the Interfaith Alliance (supported by Walter Cronkite, by the way) and Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. These groups see a danger in those who would weaken that separation.

What the "Christian Right" fails to take into account is that the Founders of the United States were not all "born again" Christians; in fact the founders were a diverse group.