What would Jesus do if elected to Congress? Would He suggest bombing Mecca in response to another terrorist attack on American soil? Would He be active in efforts to “rehabilitate” people who “suffer from ‘same-sex attractions'”? Build a “prayer wall” around the United States? Propose solving the Iraq problem by exporting Christianity? Would He decry Newt Gingrich for being too liberal?
According to disciples who have been elected to Congress, the answer is “Amen, Jesus would do all these things.”
While there are hints that Christianity is becoming less of an imperative for obtaining public office these days—last November’s election brought two Buddhists, a Muslim, and more Jews to Congress than ever before—Jesus still has a considerable posse on the Hill.
10. Rep. Robin Hayes (R-NC)
The affable representative from North Carolina doesn’t have a problem with using some firepower when the need arises. Hayes won the “Congressional Top Gun” honor last year for his ability to shoot clay pigeons. And when his campaign volunteers had to go into some sketchy neighborhoods during the 2002 election, he offered them escorts from the National Rifle Association to better ensure their safety.
But when it comes to the massive violence and death in Iraq, Hayes pulled out the biggest gun of all—Jesus. At a town-hall meeting last year, Hayes advised attendants that “Stability in Iraq ultimately depends on spreading the message of Jesus Christ, the message of peace on earth, good will towards men. Everything depends on everyone learning about the birth of the Savior.”
Hayes did not suggest that this message be spread through Iraq by loudspeakers affixed to the roofs of stock cars driven by the Dukes of Hazzard, but such an add-on probably wouldn’t have made his proposal any less practical than it already was. During the frenzy of press coverage that followed these comments, Hayes explained that he was talking more in terms of spreading the principles of Christianity than the faith itself.