Howard Dean Gets Religion

Well, hallelujah! Praise the Lord. Howard Dean has found G-d. Glory be.

The former Vermont governor and Democratic frontrunner says that he'll be talking a lot more about religion and faith in his presidential campaign as he now tries to woo Southerners. According to the Washington Post, "Dean said frequent trips to Bible Belt states such as South Carolina, where evangelical Christianity flourishes...are prompting him to more candidly discuss his faith." Now there's a man of conviction for you, bringing G-d out of the closet in order to attract voters.

But it does make you wonder which is nuttier, to suddenly become religious in order to get votes, or to be stupid enough to admit it? "Faith is important in a lot of places, but it is really important in the South--I think I did not understand fully how comfortably religion fits in with daily life...The people there are pretty openly religious, and it plays an ingrained role in people's daily lives," he said.

What? He just discovered that faith is important in the South? What did he think "Bible Belt" meant? A clothing store where old pieces of scripture are turned into an accessory that holds up men's pants?

It gets better. "Dean was reared an Episcopalian, but left the church 25 years ago in a dispute with a local Vermont church over efforts to build a bike path." Certainly a profound reason to chuck one's faith. Jews died for the law of Moses, Christians were eaten by Roman lions over their faith in Jesus. Dean dropped his Church for the Tour de France.

If I sound cynical, it's intentional. To be sure, any man or woman prepared to speak openly about religion should be applauded. In this age of rampant materialism, where women covet $800 shoes and men worship sports heroes, a politician who is prepared to mention G-d--however belatedly--deserves applause. So why am I so tough on Dean?

Two reasons.

First, there are areas of life, like telling a woman you love her, that are convincing only when they are sincere. Religious faith is one such area. You can't just start talking about G-d artificially. It will appear canned and capricious and people will see you for the faker you are.

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