Last week, I was asked how I can be a both a Democrat and a Christian. While the question was not asked in a derogatory manner, I realized certain stereotypes exist about being a Democrat in the Bible Belt. Some Democrats are seen as non-religious, pro-abortion, lax on the right to bear arms and the like, but that is untrue. As with every party, there are a multitude of people who hold varying opinions and values. Unfortunately, because political parties make official stances on issues, a select few become the face of the party, and their views get associated with the party as a whole. This ends up 
creating stereotypes of the 
whole party.

I have attended church throughout my entire life and grew up attending Baptist churches and services. Today, I am a member of the Christian sorority on campus, and yes, I am a proud Democrat. So, being asked how I could be both religious and a Democrat took me completely aback. I do not believe that I am the one to involve my religion and its practices into the lives of others, who may not follow or practice the same religion as me. I work to spread Christianity and the love of Jesus. I cannot and will not apologize for people in my party who are non-religious – they have every right to be – because they live in a country where they can make that decision.

I could not ever see myself forcing my faith onto someone. I would hope others would not do the same to me. Whatever decisions a person makes is up to them. I can share the gospel and the message, but they are the ones who will ultimately make the decision, and they are the ones who are going to have to live with their decision.

We may live in the Bible Belt, but it is time to wake up from the veil we all try to hide behind. It amazes me that church members have so much to say about others and are so invested in what others are doing, that they fail to look at what is going on in their own lives. This reminds me of the verse from Matthew 7:3: “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? First, take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” We need to start practicing what we preach. Southern churches can be some of the most judgmental places. Gossip runs rampant, you are judged by what you wear to church and even by how much you give to the church.

Of course, there are intersections where cultural and social issues conflict with the teachings of Christianity, but I have the right to have my own opinions just as everyone else has that same right as well. If I believe same-sex couples should have the right to get married, then that is my opinion, and I should not be criticized for believing that and being a Christian.

So yes, you can be a Christian and be pro-choice. Yes, you can be Democrat and advocate for pro-life initiatives. You can be Democrat and hold tight to your guns. Yes, you can be Democrat and vote for Republicans and vice-versa. And yes, you can be a Democratic Christian and have morals and 
values. It does not make you any less of a Democrat, or any less of a Republican, if you do not strictly adhere to stereotypes that have become a part of today’s 
political system.

Vel Lewis is a junior majoring in political science and public relations. Her column runs biweekly.