The ‘Christian religious right’ is a misnomer; it should properly be called ‘the Christian lobby.’ It supports the Republican Party in violation of the ‘Johnson Amendment.’ Although this amendment is not enforced; it should be.

The Johnson Act is supposed to stop leaders of houses of worship from using the pulpit to campaign for certain politicians.

In a broader sense, it affects 501(c)(3) tax exempt organizations — which includes not only religious institutions, but charities and universities — and says they can’t participate in or wield an influence in political campaigns. “Violating this prohibition may result in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status and the imposition of certain excise taxes,” the IRS website says.

One of my greatest complaints about the right wing is its inclusion of Christianity into the operations of our government. The first amendment prohibits a national religion, but Republicans always ignore parts of the Constitution they don’t support.

I find this practice immoral and illegal, and I also resent it personally. As one of more than 65 million Americans who reject all organized religion, it is offensive, and violates my rights. I don’t need a pompous man or woman standing behind a pulpit telling me how to live my life. I consider myself and my wife to be two of the most spiritual people I know. But we do not need another human offering instructions about how we should live our daily lives.

This is why the Johnson Act is so vital. It protects a single religion, and denies equal protection under the law for all others.

If Christian leaders were not allowed to include their hypocritical “beliefs” into one of our major parties, abortion, and same-sex marriage would not be issues. They would not receive national attention, because they are protected under the Constitution. I reject Christian leaders who deny the teachings of Jesus Christ. They are judgmental, and refuse to accept all people as children of god.

Call, don’t write your congressmen and demand that the Johnson Act remains intact. Protect the rights of all Americans and do not allow one religion based on pagan beliefs an opportunity to further destroy democracy and violate the first amendment.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

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Photo courtesy of rochelle hartman

Follow me on twitter; @jamesturnagenov

My fifth novel is available on Amazon