"Why Politicians Shouldn't Be Theologians" By Daniel Randle From His Christ and Culture Blog (http://danielrandle.blogspot.com)
Why Politicians Shouldn't Be Theologians
Dr. Mark Osterloh, "a Tucson physician and unsuccessful 2002 Democratic gubernatorial candidate," is leading the charge for a bill (likely now to be decided on by Arizona voters in the November elections) which would, in essence, guarantee one lucky voter per election of a $1 million dollar prize just for casting a ballot. Yes, that is right. In order to bolster voter turnout, Osterloh is proposing the adoption of a "voter lottery" whereby one random voter who casts a ballot each election is selected to receive a $1 million dollar prize. It's an incentive that Osterloh says not only makes sense, but is Biblical. From the Arizona Daily Star on May 19th:
"People don't always do what they should do," he said.
Anyway, he said, it's little different from religion, which he also said is based on incentives.
"What does God say? Do what you're supposed to do and I will reward you with eternal life in heaven," Osterloh said. "The only thing that we're saying is do what you're supposed to do and vote and we'll reward you with $1 million."
And from the Daily Star again on June 30th:
Osterloh said the concept of rewards is not so odd. He said it actually comes from the Bible — that if you do the right thing, you get into heaven.
"If incentives are good enough for God, they're good enough for Arizona," he said.
So, there you have it. Good reason why politicians shouldn't be theologians -- because they apparently don't understand the Bible. Osterloh's works-based scenario, besides being unethical, is just a cheap way of garnering support from religious conservatives. Unfortunately, it will probably work, since most Christians don't understand theology either.
Dr. Mark Osterloh, "a Tucson physician and unsuccessful 2002 Democratic gubernatorial candidate," is leading the charge for a bill (likely now to be decided on by Arizona voters in the November elections) which would, in essence, guarantee one lucky voter per election of a $1 million dollar prize just for casting a ballot. Yes, that is right. In order to bolster voter turnout, Osterloh is proposing the adoption of a "voter lottery" whereby one random voter who casts a ballot each election is selected to receive a $1 million dollar prize. It's an incentive that Osterloh says not only makes sense, but is Biblical. From the Arizona Daily Star on May 19th:
"People don't always do what they should do," he said.
Anyway, he said, it's little different from religion, which he also said is based on incentives.
"What does God say? Do what you're supposed to do and I will reward you with eternal life in heaven," Osterloh said. "The only thing that we're saying is do what you're supposed to do and vote and we'll reward you with $1 million."
And from the Daily Star again on June 30th:
Osterloh said the concept of rewards is not so odd. He said it actually comes from the Bible — that if you do the right thing, you get into heaven.
"If incentives are good enough for God, they're good enough for Arizona," he said.
So, there you have it. Good reason why politicians shouldn't be theologians -- because they apparently don't understand the Bible. Osterloh's works-based scenario, besides being unethical, is just a cheap way of garnering support from religious conservatives. Unfortunately, it will probably work, since most Christians don't understand theology either.
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