aGo set the world on fire. Let your faith move you. What would Jesus do?

Being at SLU means that we are badgered by the Jesuit’s search for the value of finding God in all things. Believers are encouraged to involve their faith in all aspects of their lives. And this is all good from the social and religious stance. And this works well for the guy in the office, or the woman running the board meeting, or the college student serving at the local Chili’s.

But how do these religious beliefs affect our sample American, if he or she is running for public office? What if he is running for the nation’s second highest seat?

Joe Lieberman certainly believes that his faith is relevant to his running for the office of Vice President.

It seems as though every time he opens his mouth, he is invoking the power of God to assist him, Al Gore, the nation, the people, the elderly woman in the second row, prescription medications, social security, Hillary and even Buddy the first dog. Is this good or bad?

Many people have enjoyed the return to morals as a sign that the Clinton-era of loose lovin’ might be coming to an end. Others, don’t think it’s so great.

A Jewish organization, named The Anti-Defamation League, issued a letter to Mr. Lieberman, asking him to tone down his display of faith.

The organization holds a strong stance that advocates the strictest of walls between church and state. So what are we to think about all this? It’s important to look at the issue.

As Christians, we should initially jump up and down at the thought of involving something as pure as God into government, an institution that many of us believe is racked with sin and debauchery.

And if this is the intent of the VP candidate, then more power to him. I applaud his involving the morals that many of us take for granted in a business where most feel they must abandon such rigid guidelines for the sake of surviving in the harsh world of D.C.

But, of course, we will never know for sure what Joe is thinking, for most of us will never have a heart-to-heart with the guy. So here are my dos and don’ts for Mr. Lieberman.

First the don’ts. To start out, Joe, don’t use God to make you and Al the Anti-Clinton.

The race was messed up a long time ago when G.W. Bush started on this kick where he declared that he had a monopoly on integrity.

How many times have we had to hear, “Let me return integrity to the Oval Office,” in that southern drawl.

The fact is, the people decided long ago that they didn’t give two shakes about Clinton and his sexual affairs. Yes, they thought he was dirty, wrong and horribly cruel to his wife by doing it. Yes, they really lost a lot of respect for him. But they really didn’t care about how it supposedly effected his term as president. And this isn’t partisan babble.

Talk to any pollster, any analyst, Left or Right, and all will agree, Clinton’s job performance rating rose higher every time Kenneth Starr made an announcement, or leaked some smut.

Neither I, nor the American people ever condoned the actions, but they really didn’t care enough to hate the president. Starr never got the point, and now neither has Bush. Even the assumption here is ludicrous. Bush is the only person to have integrity?

Is he trying to say that the White House was some kind of Playboy mansion?

Just because Al worked for the guy doesn’t mean that Al makes the same sins. If you watch, or especially listen to Al Gore, I assure you, there is no way that you can picture him “the ladies man.” This guy is no sex idol. So don’t use the “God’s on our side” approach to combat Bush’s “gift of integrity.”

Also, don’t use God to kiss our hind ends. Yes, many Americans, and even more voters, believe and worship some kind of God.

And if you do too, that’s great. Chances are, that will effect our image of you. We will feel a bond with you.

But don’t go overboard dancing around like you’re the teacher’s pet. This will not impress the American voters. If you have conviction, and a strong feel for being obedient, then please let us know, that way we know who you are. But please don’t fake it. Everybody hates fakers. (Please no politician jokes)

Finally, Joe, don’t let God run the show. The voters can say that God helps them in every step of their lives, but you can’t. You are dealing with many different kinds of believers, with many different relationships with their Lord.

If they get the impression that you will be running to a religious leader every time a bill hits your desk, or an act of aggression happens, they will turn on you faster than you can say Papal Control.

The American people don’t mind you taking your morals into account, but many, especially Protestants, still remember 1960 when the nation was almost too scared to vote for JFK, for fear he would turn the nation over to the Vatican. They want you to be in control.

Now the dos. Joe, the most important thing of all, is not to over-do the whole act. At this point, America is impressed one way or another by your faith. It is well known that you still adhere to the tradition of Judaism that calls for the strictest interpretation of the Jewish law. That is very admirable and adds a lot of credibility to your calls for God’s blessing. But if you really push it too hard, the novelty will be over, and suddenly you’ll appear cheesy.

But most importantly, separate your faith from the inner workings of national policy. The Anti-Defamation League had a point. We are still a nation of mixed peoples, and diverse faiths. To insinuate that the nation will be voting for a Judeo-Christian deity, not only is politically stupid, but probably borderline unconstitutional. The nation should be run based on what is right, and your morality will and should come into play.

But the people need you to separate what is right from what your religion dictates. If you speak of your faith as an aspect of who you are, great. Please, give us something to stand on.

But be sure to allow the voters a distinction between who you are, and how the nation will be run from now on. If not, may God bless you in your time of consolation, and may the Lord bless this new nation under a new Bush.