Group Discussion Questions
Faith And The City Forum: Interfaith Dialogue on Public Issues

Topic: Faith and Politics
Recorded: March 3, 2003
First Aired: March 4 at 7:30 AM and March 5 at 7:30 PM

Faith And The City Forum is one of several initiatives by Faith And The City, a nonprofit organization that works to encourage a sense of community throughout the 20-county metro Atlanta region by amplifying the voices of the many religious traditions represented in the region.

Panelists:
Ms. Deborah Lauter
Southeast Regional Director, Anti-Defamation League

Mr. Sam Zamarrippa
Georgia State Senator

Mr. Yusef Muwwakkil
Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam

Dr. Jim Watkins
Director, Faith And The City
Columbia Theological Seminary


The following questions are offered to encourage discussion of "Faith and Politics."

1. Is there a difference between separation of church and state versus separation of faith and politics?

2. Faith and politics may be defined as people of faith being informed by their faith when they develop opinions and take action on matters of politics -- such as voting, lobbying, picketing, or otherwise exercising free speech. Do you accept that definition and the implicit relationship it suggests between faith and politics? Stated another way, should one's faith inform one's politics?

3. How can faith mix with politics in a society with many faiths represented?

4. Are faith and politics -- as some suggest -- essential to the democratic process in this country?

5. How about federal funding for faith-based social service initiatives? Is this a good idea or not? Why? Explain your position.

There is a quick and easy way to express your view on any public issue to our elected and appointed leaders: You can find email addresses for hundreds of leaders from the local to the national level by visiting the "contacts" section of our website at http://www.faithandthecity.org. Why not email your views to your representatives in city, county, state, or federal government? You can do it now by clicking here.