Thank you for contacting me with regard to my tweeting of my daily devotions and political rhetoric. I appreciate the opportunity to comment.
Every morning I tweet the verse from my daily devotions. I think it's important for my constituents to know what I'm thinking and how my faith guides my life as their representative.
In regard to my devotion from January 8, I personally believe as the Bible says that the wages of all sin is death yet no sin is unforgivable for those who put their faith in Christ as their savior.
Despite no supporting evidence, some continue to float theories and opinions that certain politicians, heated rhetoric or even guns are to blame for the shooting in Arizona. The only person responsible for this tragedy is the young man who pulled the trigger.
I hope I've addressed your concerns. Again, thank you for contacting me.
Sincerely,
JOHN SHIMKUS
Member of Congress
It was nice to receive a response since his office knows I'm not likely to write anything flattering.
It would be interesting to have more insight into how the Congressman's faith guides his life as my representative. But for me, this response doesn't clear up how he represents constituents who don't "put faith in Christ as their savior," especially since the verse comes from a chapter of the Bible that's often used to justify bigotry against gays and lesbians.
I made no suggestion that Shimkus is partly to blame for the shooting but his defensive response regarding that is revealing. I've never seen a public statement in which he expresses concern for how violent, inflammatory rhetoric creates an environment of hate. The posts haven't been removed so he must not agree that quoting a verse which says unbelievers are worthy of death is inappropriate on a day when the first Jewish member of Congress from her state was attacked.
I have to wonder what the public reaction would be if a Muslim elected official had posted something similar. Twitter and Facebook aren't the best places for theological discussion. I understand that Shimkus isn't literally wishing death on anyone. But, would any amount of explanation be accepted or understood if a Muslim member of Congress wrote that those who reject Allah are "worthy of death?"
If that wouldn't be tolerated from a Muslim then it's also unacceptable from a Christian who's elected to represent people of all faiths. And yes, there's a Bible verse about that.