Democratic Party Ninth District Nelson Thomas

Politics and religion are issues that are often considered off limits for civil discussion. However, discussion is a good thing. These two areas are both separated in the United States and inseparable. Our founders created in our constitution a separation between the legal authority and the church. This was done to protect the state from unscrupulous religious leaders with a private agenda, and to protect the church from the pettiness and division of politics. History has a long list of abuses when these two entities have joined forces.

There is a difference between believing in and supporting a separation between church and state, and in an effort to keep God out of everything in our country. The first is to protect both entities and the second is impossible. Anyone that believes they can keep God out of anything either has no belief in God or believes in much less powerful God than the one I believe in as reported in my Bible. There are people who deny Him, but He is still there. believe He even uses those without belief to achieve His purposes.

I am a Christian and a member of a southern Baptist Church. No one is more 'saved' than I am - not priest, preacher, pauper, politician, or president. We are all saved by grace that no one can boast. I believe our religious leaders have a responsibility to fight for issues in a non partisan and biblical way. Though their calling should be higher than politics and they must be careful to protect that by not politicizing their pulpit. Some preachers have become politicians and have often brought great insight and integrity in their service to the country. However, I do not believe partisan politicians make good pastors. Pastors must reach souls on both sides of the political aisle.

I am also a Democrat. While it may surprise some people, have found that God is not Republican. I was surprised to learn that He is not a Democrat either. In fact, I have it on good authority that he is not even U.S. citizen. Jesus stayed out of the political arena when He walked the earth, and I can understand why.

We all want to feel that God is on our side. In WWII the Nazi SS Troopers had engraved on their belt buckles "God is on our Side". Their actions proved otherwise. The ends do not justify the means. Our means must also be honorable.

Our country was not founded by religious zealots, nor was founded by atheists and irreligious men. It was founded by men who knew history and had lived through real persecution. They wanted a country that was not controlled by or in collusion with organized religion. They created a nation that had freedom of religion, not a country with freedom from religion.

Let's have a vigorous political discussion. However, let begin on truthful grounds. There are Christian Democrats and there are Christian Republicans. There are also non Christians on both sides. Let's talk about our real differences. Such as whom we support with our actions and our policies.

Nelson Thomas was raised in Fannin and Union County. He now lives in Blairsville and has been married to Shelley for 29 years. They have 3 children. He has been a real estate broker since the 1970's and is the current Chair of Democratic Party of Union County.