For myself, I’m keeping the New Years resolutions to a minimum –- organize my files better, finish a book this year, and exercise more regularly. But since tonight will be the Iowa caucuses, I have some suggested resolutions for the presidential candidates. How about these, candidates:

• Resolve to promote civil law based on civil reasons; not based on theology. This means that if you want to believe that the earth is 6,000 years old, believe away; but don’t pretend that this “lesson” is appropriate for a public school science class. It also means that your theology regarding whether stem cells have a soul and which adults should be permitted to civilly marry will affect your own life only – not mine.
• Resolve to talk about issues, values, and qualifications -– instead of your beliefs. Proclaiming your love for Jesus doesn’t tell me anything about the reasons why I vote for someone. Plus, far too many voters then conclude that a Christian theology is necessary to share their values. This is not true.
• Resolve to include minority beliefs in your representations. Don’t tell us that all Americans believe in a god, or that only Americans who do matter to you.
• Resolve to stop running for pastor-in-chief. You are running for president -– not a theological leader. We are not a theocracy … yet.

Well, candidates … any takers?