Sikh or Christian: Who Cares?

Haley Just Can't Catch a Break

Barely a month after the emergence of the extramarital affairs scandal and the all around denunciation of the (seemingly baseless) allegations, the Palmetto State has served up another issue for the Haley camp. Yet with this new concoction she has done nothing wrong (unless being vague is a crime, which would mean 95% of all politician would be in jail), yet the Christian camp in the Republican Right want to paint her in an evil light. The reason is religion, but then again in American politics, when isn't it about religion? State Representative Nikki Haley, an Indian-American, was born into a practicing Sikh family and at the age of 24 converted to Christianity and now attends a Methodist Church. But apparently for some that's not good enough, for some religion is enough to vote against someone, regardless of where they stand on issues. And that my friends, is ridiculous.

A Sprint to the Finish

With the June 22nd runoff primary for the Republican gubernatorial nomination looming ever closer, one would think (or at least hope) that the candidates would be allowed to zero in on the issues. However, this seems not to be par course, in actuality, this election has already been dirtier than most. In a cycle reminiscent to the 2008 battle between Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, the Republican gubernatorial candidates in South Carolina have pounded each other relentlessly, with most of the most vile and despicable politicking has been levied against State Representative Nikki Haley who surged from behind in the last month of the campaign in order to clinch first place, finishing with 49% of the vote, one percentage short of avoiding a runoff that was all but assured not even to include her a month prior.

Haley was able to beat back the allegations of a sex scandal and with the emergence of political powerhouses at her side (Sarah Palin, Mitt Romney, and Jenny Sanford) she nearly grabbed the nomination out from underneath her bewildered opponents. Yet after all that, it seems people haven't had enough with tormenting her yet. After having her character dragged through the mud without any proof ever being shown to validate the claims, after being referred to as a 'rag-head' by a member of her own party, these people just aren't finished. Now the complaint is that Nikki Haley isn't Christian enough. Questions have arisen regarding her ability to believe in Jesus Christ while still attending Sikh services with her parents and family. Pastors have been cited claiming that a larger amount of their parishioners asking for advice on the race for governor.

So hold up. If people can't decide whether or not they will vote for an individual by themselves there is something inherently wrong there. Secondly, who cares if she still attends Sikh services, I have plenty of friends who go to church with friends of a different faith, just to experience something new and different. It doesn't show a lack of faith, in fact their ability to be introduced and endure the proselytizing of a different faith in an area where he or she has no one around them to assure them they are right, shows the strength with which they grip their beliefs. Only then can one truly know that his or her faith is unshakable. Not only that but interest in other religions shouldn't be discouraged, but instead encouraged. To few in the United States know the difference between the sects of Islam, or even what Sikh texts actually teach, let alone be capable or pronouncing the religions name. Interest in other religions should be fostered, not killed, because there is nothing wrong with wanting to understand those around you.

"'Once you commit to Christianity, it excludes all other religions.'"

That is the biggest load of bull I have ever heard. This is what is wrong with the Christian right, it is made up of, althoughnot completely but with a large enough number of, narrow minded people that it can be characterized as an ignorant movement that fosters contempt and even hatred towards other religions. That actual quote was used by a CNN source, a pastor from South Carolina who supports Barrett (Haley's Republican opponent in the runoff). He truly said that if she is a Christian she can not have or carry any beliefs from any other faith. Well I just have one question: Who died and made him God? God, whether worshiped from a Christian, Jewish, Islamic, etc, view is a god of love and peace. A God of forgiveness and nurturing. So called Christians need to stop conveniently forgetting that fact and they should probably follow the teachings from the very book the revere so much.

Regardless, Nikki Haley will win the nomination because there are enough fair minded people who aren't blinded by hatred who will vote for her. For those people out there who won't vote for a person on faith alone, I pity you. I pity you because you misunderstand the real beauty and meaning of religion completely. Religion is about faith, about hope, and in its simplest form, it is a moral code. It is just one way to live a moral life and it is a set of ideas meant to nurture and give hope to the downtrodden or destitute. I am a devote Catholic and I will public declare that I have accepted Jesus Christ as my lord and savior, but just because someone hasn't, doesn't mean I'm going to hate them or not vote for them. Jesus taught tolerance and love, not hatred and vindictiveness. You people need to get over yourselves.

Later,
Cody



(Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images)