The Clashing of Swords: Christianity, Race, Politics

About the Book

My own belief system was radically altered in respect to the religious conservatives. The Republican Party was no longer a party known for its Christian values that I came to trust years ago. The exposure of their true selves relative to their general political philosophy mixed with religion was very shocking to say the least. The use of disparaging racial remarks against Barack Obama was their modus operandi diffused with fear under the compulsion of a religious spirit construed to be self-righteousness. The election season of 2008 brought the sword of racism clashing down in our sacred institutions. How do you consume an elephant in one day? I have seen racism all dressed up in religious clothes that were for sale. Its leaders imposed their interpretation of spiritual principles on many, walking on the runways of our minds, making every effort to garner converts on how they viewed Christianity during this election. While contemplating carefully their insensitivity and self-serving behavior, the opposite teaching of the Golden Rule, in my gut reaction, I reviewed all their ploys of looking sincere. I thought about what type of actions were before me. In general, I came away with an awareness of why racism and class power are the prevailing style of the Republicans’ political philosophy. Sarah Palin became the mannequin in the window of politics. Sarah Palin professed to be a very conservative Christian adhering to their values, but at the same time, her political rhetoric was like a whiplash of intolerance for other people unlike her. The sword of polarization was the weapon used by her. The Republicans found their new hero in Sarah Palin while Christian leaders crowned her the next Esther.

About the Author

Cheryll A. Bellamy graduated from Cleveland State John Marshall Law School. She is an attorney, an ordained minister, and a former pastor. She is also the founder of Hannah’s Heart: A Place for Every Women, which is an international healing ministry. She has traveled extensively, ministering the Gospel to thirteen nations including Hungary, Italy, Israel, and Africa. She has written several training manuals and is the author of the book A Home without a Father, which has been translated into Hungarian and Italian. Cheryll is married to Dr. Robert Bellamy. They have four children and live in Chardon, Ohio.