Faith-based initiatives

Recently I pointed out Relevant's brief interview with Barack Obama and I'd like to expound on one of the issues they discussed. From what I gather, Obama believes his faith-based initiatives will see more success in Congress than Bush's because it is not just based on his supporters (mainly Christians). I think he will see more success because of this. But there is a hitch: People will inevitably complain that their tax dollars are going to support causes they don't agree with. Obama's team's solution is to monitor faith-based groups, saying that when they are using government funding, no proselytizing is allowed. Now, I don't think any religious group would feel happy about this.

With faith-based initiatives, the government is saying: "We see the good you are doing and want to support that." That is fabulous! But in the same breath, it turns around and says, "As long as you keep your faith to yourself." Therein lies the problem. First, there is no real way to monitor this and second, what kind of quandry does that put religious groups in? Keep your mouth shut and you get money? How terrible. I just don't see this working.

On the other hand, I think Obama reaching out to more faith-based groups is very good and people who complain that their tax dollars are going to support Muslims, Hindus, Universalists...whatever need a reality check. Are we that self-centered to say "no, those people can't have tsunami relief, the starving can't have food, the dying can't have medicine" simply because we don't agree spiritually with all the groups offering this aide? Just something to think about.