As a Christian, there is no other part of the New Right ideology that concerns me more than its self-serving misuse of religious faith.

The quote by Mark Hatfield expresses his concern about the New Right ideology and its self-serving misuse of religious faith. As a committed Christian, Hatfield is troubled not by the faith itself but by how certain political movements manipulate religious beliefs for their own agenda. This misuse distorts the true meaning of faith, turning it into a tool for political power rather than a genuine spiritual practice.

Hatfield’s words highlight the tension between religion and politics, especially when faith is exploited to justify policies or actions that may not align with its core teachings. His concern is that such misuse can undermine the integrity of religion and alienate believers who see their faith being co-opted for purposes they do not support. This critique calls for a more honest and humble approach to faith in the public sphere.

The origin of this quote lies in Hatfield’s career as a politician and a devout Christian who often spoke out about the ethical dimensions of political life. Known for his principled stands, Hatfield was wary of how political ideologies could twist religious convictions to serve narrow interests. His statement reflects a broader dialogue about the role of faith in politics and the need to protect it from exploitation.

In summary, this quote serves as a warning against the manipulation of religious faith for political gain. Hatfield urges respect for the true values of faith and cautions against allowing ideology to corrupt spiritual beliefs.