Samuel Rodriguez
President, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference

Samuel Rodriguez

Rodriguez is founding pastor of Third Day Worship Centers and President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference.

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Torture, Hypocrisy and Faith

The American faith narrative repudiates torture under all circumstances and without exception. To acquiesce our moral underpinning in the name of security renders in the hands of our enemies the very victory they yearn. Our nation's faith community stands committed to a value system authenticated via mores and standards which stand without reproach, unconditionally and in all circumstances.

As a member of the steering committee of Evangelicals for Human Rights, I am troubled by evangelicals who embrace a Pro-Life platform yet refuse to address life issues outside the womb such as torture and cruel punishment. Some argue that water boarding and other techniques applied to non Americans does not violate the aforementioned commitment. Our values do not carry an American centric disclaimer. Application of our ethos must transcend boundaries and cultures.

The great biblical Golden rule and popularly embraced dictate tells us to do unto others what we would want done unto us. Such simplicity should guide us in our domestic, foreign and justice policies. Is torture ever justified? Are there any moral absolutes? Our some of our values beyond compromise?

Let the oracles of righteousness and justice articulate a message that protects our nation from terrorism. Not just physical but spiritual, moral and intellectual.

By Samuel Rodriguez  |  November 11, 2007; 3:39 PM ET Save & Share:  Send E-mail   Facebook   Twitter   Digg   Yahoo Buzz   Del.icio.us   StumbleUpon   Technorati  
Previous: Theists, Atheists Fighting Torture Together? | Next: Torturing the Very Idea of America

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My knowledge is rather shaky about "faith narratives"; I am sure, however that NO nation's history "repudiates torture under all circumstances and without exception." Any nation that has gone into warfare crossed the line sometime, for some reason or justification. That is the nature of war since human wars began. And that was why it was necessary to come up with a Geneva Accord and the like, rather like an after-thought, nonetheless, in a moment of fleeting sanity, seen as direly needful by human beings.

Now, about "faith narratives," well, the nature of faith being what it is, its narrative tend to be arcane. I mean, they're told or written by their human adherents (like history being written by the victors, what do you expect to find from them?). In this sense, the ssertion should be emended to read thus: "No faith narrative repudiates torture under all circumstances and without exception."

That is the truth, factual, historical-- which we should admit and use as basis of our discussion, unless we are only engaged in a silly game of pulling each other's leg. If so, then I'm out of here.
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Posted by: A. Marangle | November 13, 2007 6:35 AM
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It is interesting that we often criticize other countries while ignoring our own crimes! All we need is one more administration like this one and we will be able to witness public executions.
Maybe they will hold them in ‘Arenas’ with our hired mercenaries (WE already have a DOMESTIC contract with Black Water.They were used in the aftermath of Katrina.) doing the job like the ‘Gladiators’.
Of course, we would have to admit to torture, as the ’subjects’ condition would be a dead giveaway!!
(Pun intended)
The way to correct most of this is to join ‘The World Court’. This will never happen because shortly after joining, a lot of our government officials would probably be facing war crimes charges. It would be fun to start a movement to join the 'World Court' and listen to the lame excuses for not joining!

Posted by: Robert Egan | November 12, 2007 1:09 PM
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That "On Faith," "Torture," and most especially "Debate" could find themselves together in the same sentence positively boggles the mind.

Posted by: Mike D. | November 12, 2007 11:49 AM
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That "On Faith," "Torture," and most especially "Debate" could find themselves together in the same sentence positively boggles the mind.

Posted by: Mike D. | November 12, 2007 11:47 AM
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That we have even sunk to the level of debating torture shows how far Bush, his enablers, and the craven Democrats have pulled us down. Disgraceful!
I speak as a veteran.

Posted by: H R Coursen | November 12, 2007 10:25 AM
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As a member of the steering committee of Evangelicals for Human Rights, you are troubled?

Why would that be?

You folks vigorously defend the thugs in the White House.

If torture will get you into heaven, you folks are a shoo-in.

But, if Jesus is not very happy with a people who torture others..................


(especially entire countries of innocent children and their mothers),......

well, there is a great big Karmic check that is going to be presented for payment

Or, to use the vernacular - Hell to pay.


Does Jesus torture?
Why does Jesus torture?
How does Jesus torture?
Does Jesus torture to the point of death?

See my point?

If you are only troubled, please do not claim the mantle of Christianity. Claiming to be Christian will only make you (and the rest of you right wing, "good christain", thugs) a liar - 1 John 2:4.

True, Moses may not be clear with respect to the meaning and scope of the ninth commandment.

Jesus is.


Posted by: uh oh ! Now you're gonna get it! | November 11, 2007 7:29 PM
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My feelings exactly. Once a human is born into the world the Christian Right has an uncanny ability to shift the focus to the horrors instigated by the enemies that their leaders designate for them. They cry out that no one has the right to "play God" with life, yet have no problem with lethal injections for a human who has sinned or a government that denies federal aid to the poor,unwanted and socially disadvantaged for whom they fought so valiantly while in the womb or thousands who are killed in wars of choice.
My advice to those fetuses. Stay where you are as long as you can because after you are born you are less of a human and fair game to be erradicated if the Christian right sees fit.

Posted by: BDRollens | November 11, 2007 7:06 PM
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My feelings exactly. Once a human is born into the world the Christian Right has an uncanny ability to shift the focus to the horrors instigated by the enemies that their leaders designate for them. They cry out that no one has the right to "play God" with life, yet have no problem with lethal injections for a human who has sinned or a government that denies federal aid to the poor,unwanted and socially disadvantaged for whom they fought so valiantly while in the womb or thousands who are killed in wars of choice.
My advice to those fetuses. Stay where you are as long as you can because after you are born you are less of a human and fair game to be erradicated if the Christian right sees fit.

Posted by: BDRollens | November 11, 2007 7:05 PM
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Frankly, I have a hard time taking anyone who claims there is any religious or humanistic justification for torture seriously.

Posted by: Viejita del oeste | November 10, 2007 11:29 PM
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