Sunday, June 15, 2008. 10 AM
What Politicians and Religious Leaders Need From Each Other
The Sunday Forum: Critical Issues in the Light of Faith
The Very Rev. Samuel T. Lloyd III, host
Lee H. Hamilton, president and director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, joins Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III to talk about “What Politicians and Religious Leaders Need from Each other.” Hamilton is an expert in international relations, and a strong proponent of “the practice of civility, an almost overlooked virtue nowadays,” according to Lloyd.
In a discussion that steers through the rocky waters of religion and politics, Hamilton points out the merits and discrete roles of each. He disagrees with the view of some, that politics is too impure or unethical for Christians. “People who are dedicated to their church can contribute a lot…to the political life,” Hamilton asserts. In addition, “The politician is the better if he or she is reminded regularly of the Christian point of view.”
Hamilton sees limits in the role of religion in the world of politics. “The Christian’s primary business is not politics,” he asserts. “The Christian’s primary business…is to know and to make known the love of God through the person of Jesus Christ.” Hamilton comments that politicians deal with the community, whereas Christianity is personal, concerned with personal salvation. Lloyd challenges the broad implications of this view, citing the Christian commitment to furthering the Kingdom of God.
Hamilton, who served 34 years as the U.S. representative for the 9th district of Indiana, points out obvious “tensions” between politicians and the many and varied groups they address. Allowing that politicians don’t like to alienate audiences, he speaks of the care that a politician must exercise in addressing any group. In the years since Hamilton reached adulthood, the population of the United States has more than doubled and greatly expanded in diversity. “Making this country work, which is the principal function of the politician, is not as easy as it looks,” he says. “It’s a hard job.” Still, he criticizes some aspects of politics. Hamilton believes, for example, that Congress’s ethical process has collapsed.
He also asserts that the legislative branch is no longer a co-equal branch of government. Although Congress formally holds the power to declare war, Hamilton asserts that “presidents and presidents alone now make the decision” about sending American troops into battle. He also believes that Congress has lost its role in the budget process. Why has Congress lost these roles? “Congress has been too timid,” he says bluntly, pointing out that Congress members swear to uphold the Constitution—not the president, constituents, or top campaign contributors. “Surely [this] means the separation of powers,” Hamilton says.
About Lee H. Hamilton
Lee H. Hamilton is president and director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Hamilton served 34 years as the U.S. representative for the 9th district of Indiana.