Newsgroups: soc.culture.canada
From: robinson@mdivax1.uucp (Jim Robinson)
Subject: Re: Sydney Sharpe and Don Braid's new book on the Reform Party
Reply-To: robinson@mdd.comm.mot.com (Jim Robinson)
Organization: Motorola - Mobile Data Division; Richmond, BC
Date: 7 Apr 92 20:26:00 GMT

labach@acs5.acs.ucalgary.ca (Terence Michael Labach) writes:
>>In article <1992Apr2.193953.13927@mdivax1.uucp> robinson@mdivax1.uucp (Jim Robinson) writes:
>>However, it is possible I am missing something, so for the sake of
>>enlightenment how about elaborating on this mix of Manning, religion,
>>politics, and evangelism? When asked about his religion, Manning always
>>says something to the effect that he would not try to force his religious
>>values on the country; and, I, for one, am not aware of any RP polices that
>>could be construed as being religious based. If you can demonstrate
>>otherwise, I would like to hear it because I would *not* want to vote for
>>someone who intends to ram his or her religion down my agnostic throat.
>>But, until I do hear otherwise I will park my vote with the RP. 
>
>  "  However, as a practising Christian, I chose to participate in the
>  formation of the Reform Party and to contribute to the development of
>  its policies and positions.

I suspect that there are hundreds of thousands of practising Christians in
Canada who contribute, in big and small ways, to the PCs, the Liberals and
the NDP. Indeed, the NDP has been known to have United Church of Canada
(the NDP at prayer:-) ministers in its caucuses. 

>  "  Of course my perspective and contributions will reflect Christian
>  convictions such as the following: that human beings are of infinite
>  value, that all human beings are of equal value in the sight of
>  God...and that human beings will be held accountable to God for their
>  actions."
>
> - Preston Manning, _The New Canada_
>
>I'd guess that God would hold Preston accountable if he became Prime
>Minister and didn't uphold God's law.

Placing a high value on human beings and the equality of human beings are
motherhood issues. I think that most Christian religions say the same thing
one way or another. Put it this way: do you know of any mainstream
(Christian) religions which do not place a great deal of value on human
beings or believe that people are *not* equal?

As well, as far as I know, nearly all Christian religions believe that
people will be held accountable by their god for their actions. The
Catholic Church certainly believes this - hence the practice of
Confession. In other words, there is nothing special about this as far as
religions go. Did you really think all those jokes about St Peter and the
Pearly gates came out of nowhere? :-)

Now I would be concerned if someone could quote Manning as saying something
like: my religion makes if clear that abortion is murder, so I will take
any and all steps to stop it should I be elected to a position of power.
However, I have not heard such a thing, and the RP's position on abortion
does not at all seem to be the product of religious dogma.

> And if you believe that Preston
>is really going to listen to all sectors of the party, no matter what
>their religious or political beliefs, I think you'll be quite
>disappointed.  He certainly has been more than willing to get rid of
>dissidents who don't march in lockstep with him.

I take it you are not talking about Quebec flag stompers and members of
racist organizations here. Could you perhaps elaborate on this?
-- 
Jim Robinson
robinson@mdivax1.mdd.comm.mot.com
{ubc-cs!van-bc,uunet}!mdivax1!robinson

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