WASHINGTON — An essay exploring the history of religion in presidential campaigns and calling for a courteous discussion of religion from candidates is the winner of the 2012 Religious Liberty Essay Scholarship Contest, sponsored by the Religious Liberty Council of the Baptist Joint Committee.
This year’s essay topic asked students to examine the role religion should play during a presidential campaign. More than 735 high school juniors and seniors from 47 states, as well as students from Canada, Puerto Rico and Guam, submitted entries.
The grand prize winner is Scott Benjamin Remer from Beachwood, Ohio. Remer will receive a $1,000 scholarship and a trip to Washington, D.C., in conjunction with the Baptist Joint Committee board meeting in October. His essay, titled “Deities and Dialogue: The Proper Role of Religion in Presidential Elections,” argued for a cautious and courteous discussion of religion from the candidates, using examples from history to illustrate conflicts that can arise in the political process. Remer pointed out that the Constitution created what Baptist preacher Isaac Backus called a clear-cut distinction between the “civil” and the “ecclesiastical.” Using examples from present-day campaigns and the campaigns of 1800, 1928 and 1960, Remer wrote, “Since religion is such a deeply personal and profoundly important part of people’s lives, vilipending others’ faiths is extremely hurtful and divisive.” Remer concluded, “An inclusive, respectful dialogue about religion can elevate our national civic discourse and create more well-informed voters,” and wrote that “as long as candidates refrain from using their religion as a means of obtaining votes or belittling their opponents or potential constituents, initiating a candid conversation with clear limits can enlighten our politics.”
Michael Aitchison of Iowa City, Iowa, earned the second place prize of a $500 scholarship. In his essay, Aitchison suggested the campaign could be treated as a “job interview.” He concluded, “Religion has proved itself to be a valid political discussion point when used properly, and as such it should not be ignored, but neither can it be allowed to dominate the election.”
The third place winner is Katelyn Harrop of McMinnville, Oregon, who will receive a $100 scholarship. In her essay, Harrop wrote, “In politics, especially competitive and brutal presidential campaigns, the key is to allow religion to fuel the moral reasoning behind political actions without presenting them in a way that excludes or degrades those of other or no religious preference.”
The Religious Liberty Essay Scholarship Contest was established in 2006 to engage high school juniors and seniors in church-state issues. A panel of judges issued scores based on the content of each essay and the author’s writing skills.
From the July/August 2012 Report from the Capital. Click here for the next article.
