Hostility in government

In the decade since I left the Senate, American politics has been characterized by two phenomena: the increased activism of the Christian right, especially in the Republican Party, and the collapse of bipartisan collegiality. I do not think it is a stretch to suggest a relationship between the two. To assert

• that I am on God's side and you are not,
• that I know God's will and you do not,
• and that I will use the power of government to advance my understanding of God's kingdom

is certain to produce hostility.

- Rev John C Danforth, former Senator from Missouri, in Onward, Moderate Christian Soldiers for the New York Times

I added the bullet points for emphasis. The article as a whole is worth reading ... but this piece in particular struck me as key.