Thanks to RSR reader Matt for pointing out this video which is a little more recent than the first one posted. Ben talks about care for the environment in a faith context. I’m really starting to like this guy. Not ready to endorse him, but I like him. Ben is a good reminder, to some progressives like myself who react reflexively to Christianity in politics, that not all Evangelicals are cut from the same cloth – not all have sold out to the Republican corporate establishment.
Ben’s concern for stewardship and for social justice is refreshing to one who has live through the reign of Henry Hyde and his political heir, Peter Roskam, in the 6th district. I’ll be watching closely to see whether Ben can translate his admirable impulse for justice and stewardship into a sound policy platform. I’ll also be watching to see how well Ben is able to relate to the diverse 6th District community (we’re not all Christians, we’re not all religious, some of us have been marginalized by organized religion) and how he deals with the boundary between personal belief and public policy.
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First, is this guy old enough to run for Congress? Second, I’m a bit worried about all the Christian stuff, but if that helps to get some middle-ground republicans to vote for him, it might hurt Roskam. He can’t let it be the center of his campaign though.
25 is the age requirement. I presume based on the fact that Ben has filed that that requirement is met. I am excited to see a committed young person running for this seat. I am not a religious person, but don’t have any problems voting voting for someone who is – be it Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu or whatever. If its their faith that motivates them to work for justice, that’s terrific. They just need to work for justice. I guess if there is anything that concerns me it is than Ben has come out of a very conservative Christian institution. But I like what I see of him so far. I will be watching to see that he demonstrates a healthy respect for the separation of church and state (our present Congresman has co-sponsored establishmentarian legislation). I also would hope to see a committment to equality for LGBT people and to the right of women to make decisions regarding their own bodies without interference from the state (our present Congressman stands against both). I am optimistic about his candidacy.