He has a theological degree. Here’s how Rep. Landsman sees faith in Congress

He has a theological degree. Here's how Rep. Landsman sees faith in Congress “I use my faith to connect to people,” the Ohio Democrat says. What about Speaker Mike Johnson? “He uses his faith to separate folks.” Religion and politics have been intertwined since the beginning of time. Faith often plays a significant role in the lives of politicians, shaping their values and guiding their decisions. For Representative Jessica Landsman, a Democrat from Ohio, her faith is not just a personal matter; it's a way to connect with people and understand their experiences. Landsman, who holds a theological degree, believes that faith is a powerful tool to bridge the gap between legislators and the people they represent. It allows her to empathize with others and see issues from different perspectives. For Landsman, faith is about building relationships based on understanding and compassion. The Ohio Democrat's approach stands in stark contrast to Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana. Johnson, who also has a theological background, often uses his faith to draw lines in the sand. He sees politics as a battleground of competing ideologies, with winners and losers. While Landsman seeks common ground, Johnson often seeks to divide. This fundamental difference in the use of faith in politics is emblematic of the broader divide between Democrats and Republicans. Landsman believes that her faith should bring people together, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds. She strives to create a Congress that is more inclusive and empathetic, where lawmakers can find common ground and work towards solutions that benefit all Americans. Landsman's journey to Congress was shaped by her religious beliefs. She grew up in a conservative Christian household and attended a religious university, where she studied theology. This background gave her a strong foundation in her faith and a deep understanding of its teachings. But it also challenged her to question traditional beliefs and seek a more inclusive understanding of religious principles. As a young woman, Landsman began to question the role of religion in society and its impact on marginalized communities. She observed how some religious leaders used their faith to exclude and oppress others, perpetuating inequality and discrimination. This realization sparked a desire in her to use her theological education to challenge the status quo and advocate for social justice. Landsman's faith journey led her to embrace a more progressive interpretation of Christianity. She believes that Jesus' teachings emphasize love, compassion, and justice for all, especially the most vulnerable. Through her theological studies, Landsman learned about liberation theology, a movement that seeks to make the poor and marginalized central to the Christian faith. This understanding of her faith compelled her to work towards social and economic equity. In Congress, Landsman seeks to embody these principles in her legislative work. She advocates for policies that address income inequality, affordable housing, healthcare access, and environmental justice. Her faith informs her commitment to these issues, as she sees them as fundamental to creating a more just and equitable society. Landsman has faced criticism for her progressive stance on social issues, with some conservatives arguing that her faith is at odds with her political beliefs. But Landsman sees no contradiction. She believes that her faith calls her to fight for justice and inclusion, even if it means challenging established norms and conservative interpretations of Christianity. For her, faith and politics are not separate entities, but rather intertwined aspects of her identity and purpose. Despite the differences in how faith is used in politics, Landsman remains hopeful. She believes that common ground can be found even among diverse religious beliefs. She has participated in interfaith dialogues, engaging with members of other faith traditions to find areas of agreement and common values. Landsman emphasizes the importance of listening and understanding, even when there are disagreements. In an increasingly polarized political landscape, Landsman's approach is refreshing. She reminds us that faith does not have to be a divisive force; it can be a bridge that connects individuals and communities. By using her faith to foster understanding and empathy, Landsman is working towards a more inclusive and compassionate Congress. Ultimately, the use of faith in politics is subjective and personal. Each legislator brings their own beliefs and values to the table. Landsman's approach, rooted in empathy and inclusivity, challenges us to reimagine the role of faith in public life. By recognizing the potential of faith to unite rather than divide, we can create a more equitable and compassionate political discourse.