Panel discusses religion’s role in political season

Professor of philosophy and religion Donald Matthews said if Barack Obama does lose this election, it comes down to one reason: racism.

“It means the U.S. is not ready for a president of a different race,” Matthews said.

The department of philosophy and religion, and Scholars Exploring Cultures, Religious Experiences and Traditions sponsored “Religion and the Election,” a panel discussion Tuesday night in Moore Hall Room 105.

Ashley Taylor, president of S.E.C.R.E.T. and a Midland sophomore, said the discussion was a success.

“It went really well,” she said.

The lecture consisted of five panelists. Roger Hatch, David Smith and Matthews, who are all professors of philosophy and religion, talked about issues ranging from the role religions plays in the election to the role racism plays in voters’ decisions.

He said Tuesday night how Obama has become a symbol in America.

“Barack Obama has become a heroic figure in the black community,” Matthews said.

Associate professor of biology Charles Novitski was also a part of the panel to discuss the environmental impact this election could have. He commented on how voters should be concerned about the global climate change and every aspect of the election.

“We are destroying our planet,” he said.

Audience members asked a number of questions after each panelists discussed their views on the election and its connection to religion.

Alumnus C. William Westerfield, a member of the Episcopal church, explained churches’ role in the election.

He discussed how churches cannot intervene in political campaigns and how they cannot comment or contribute to politics.

The Internal Revenue Service prohibits all organizations who are under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code to display their political stance in a presidential campaign. However, organizations can intervene on issues, such as abortion and gay marriage. Churches also cannot donate to campaigns, but individuals who are religious are able to do so.

“It’s a long-standing tradition,” Westerfield said.

Pete Kuzdal, a Sterling Heights sophomore, said the information about the tax status of churches opened his eyes.

“I learned a lot about the tax exemptions in churches,” he said.

He thought the lecture went really well.

“Overall, it gave everybody a good understanding of how race and religion affects the election,” he said.

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