Across our state and nation, issues surrounding religion, particularly those involving the Islamic faith, have increasingly been turned into political flashpoints.
Yet several days ago, I was shocked to hear Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen say on “Alabama Politics This Week” that he would not visit a Jewish synagogue, grouping them alongside mosques as places he would refuse to enter. Allen cited his Christian faith and America’s Christian heritage as his reasoning for this stance.
As a Christian, and as president of the Alabama Christian Coalition, I cannot stay silent. This is not what Christianity teaches.
Jesus Christ was born into the Jewish faith. He taught in synagogues. He engaged with people where they were. The Apostle Paul followed that example and regularly entered synagogues to preach, teach, and share the Gospel.
Just as importantly, Jesus commanded His followers to go into the world and share the good news. The Great Commission is a call to engage others. It is not a call to withdraw from them. Christians are not instructed to hide their faith. We are called to live it boldly and share it with others wherever we go.
To suggest that a Christian should refuse to even step inside a synagogue is not biblical. It rejects the roots of our faith and ignores the mission we have been given.
It also reflects something deeper that should concern every Alabamian.
When political leaders draw hard lines between “us” and “them” based on religion, we are no longer debating policy. We are dividing people. This kind of thinking feeds suspicion and separation. It weakens our communities and undermines the very freedoms we claim to defend.
Religious liberty is not a selective principle. It does not apply only to those who believe exactly as we do. It is a foundational American value that protects all of us or protects none of us.
That includes our Jewish neighbors. It also includes every person of faith and even those with no faith at all.
Our leaders must understand that representing the people of Alabama means representing all of them, including people of other faiths. Leadership requires strength, but it also requires wisdom, humility, and a willingness to engage with those who are different from us.
Faith should never be used as a weapon. It should be a bridge.
At a time when division is already too common, we should be seeking ways to bring people together, not pushing them further apart. The Gospel calls us to love, engage, and stand firm in the truth that Jesus is Lord, without abandoning compassion.
Anything less is not just bad politics. It is bad theology.
Dr. Randy Brinson, is a gastroenterologist in Alabama and former health care advisor for Gov. Fob James of Alabama.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
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