We're People of Faith, Too

For the past half century, the American Jewish community has supported the view that America benefits and religion benefits when the separation between church and state in this country is virtually absolute. Over the past decade, commitment to this strict view of separation has begun to erode. What do I and other liberal religious Jews have to say to our fellow Americans on the Religious Right who are challenging traditional principles of separation?

First, let's be clear on what we are not saying. We are not saying that religion should be hidden from view. We have only respect for those elected officials who profess a deep religious belief, and we are appalled when media voices pour scorn on religious people.

But we are saying that no matter how profoundly religion influences you, when you make a

argument, you must ground your statements in reason and a language of morality that is accessible to everyone-to people of different religions or no religion at all. In our diverse democracy, Americans need a common political discourse not dominated by exclusivist theology. They do not want to hear that unless you attend my church, accept my God, and study my sacred text, you cannot be a moral person.

We are particularly offended by the suggestion that the opposite of the Religious Right is the voice of atheism. We are appalled when "people of faith" is used in such a way that it excludes us, as well as most Jews, Catholics, and Muslims. What could be more bigoted than to claim that you have a monopoly on God and that anyone who disagrees with you is not a person of faith?

So we ask our neighbors on the Religious Right to take note: We are religious Jews committed to God and God's covenant with the Jewish people. And yes, we are generally liberal in our politics. But our liberalism flows directly from our religious commitments.

You often feel misunderstood. Well, we worry that you do not understand us, or for that matter, what it means for anyone to be a liberal religious believer.

And what it means is this: that we bring a measure of humility to our religious belief. We study religious texts day and night, but we have no direct lines to heaven and we aren't always sure that we know God's will.

It means believing that religion involves concern for the poor and the needy, and giving a fair shake to all. When people talk about God and yet ignore justice, it just feels downright wrong to us. When they cloak themselves in religion and forget mercy, it strikes us as blasphemy.

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