Republicans morphed by religious extremists

The Republican Party, as evidenced by its platform at the national convention, appears to have been taken over by mean-spirited and intolerant people who have the nerve to call themselves Christians but seem to have ignored the teachings of the New Testament and are content to have their brains stuck in Leviticus.

These born-again religious extremists who have morphed a once-respectable political party into a faith-based entity would likely be happier working for the regime in Iran than in an all-inclusive melting-pot America founded by immigrants seeking freedom from hatred, religious and social intolerance, bigotry and xenophobia. Showing little humility or compassion for others who are deemed “different,” they promote themselves as God's mouthpiece on earth. What kind of God do the Republicans of the religious right believe in? Certainly not the God who encouraged us to private prayer, not to judge lest we be judged, and to love thy neighbor.

Floyd Sandford

Professor Emeritus of Biology

Coe College

Cedar Rapids