Again--the operative construct is that the distinction Ms. Harris draws is between those in elective office who are guided by and acknowledge a higher power than themselves--as did the Founders, and those who obviously believe that the self is the ultimate power.
Bigotry has nothing to do with it. So for example Jews, Orthodox Greeks, Russian Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Baptist, Episcopalian, all fit the definition of Christian. Or Judeo-Christian if you want to be exact. Atheists do not fit the description. So only an atheist should find Ms Harris' statement offensive or bigoted.
Sorry, I don't buy it. I can't see how Jews fit the definition of "Christian." And she didn't say "Judeo-Christian," she said "Christian."
If she was simply talking of those who are guided by a higher power, she could have used other words, such as "people of faith." (Of course that could includ Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, etc.)
Do you think ANYONE would read that into her statement. That statement was dumber than anything to come out of a politician's mouth since the Dean Scream.
And I know there are many atheists who are good people who are more than qualified to lead. Moreso than many right wing fundies who think we should not follow the Constitution of the United States which explicitly prohibits selection of elected officials in Article IV.
If the Founding Fathers had wanted a Christian Nation, they would not have drafted Article IV or the 1st Amendment.
This was a stupid, stupid move by Harris. She has just ensured her marginalization to the extreme Right where she will stay forever.
I doubt you will find many jews who believe they are Christians and most would find the statement offensive and Harris bigoted.
Jews fit the definition of Christian?? News to me. Ask any devout Jew if Christ is their savior and they'll tell you NO. They're still waiting for the "messiah". Jews, by definition, are NOT Christian. Christianity was started by a Jew but anyone who kept the Jewish faith "as is" did not follow him. Calling a Jew is a Christian is like saying Baptists are Muslims.
Note that Katherine Harris did not say we have to elect people with "Judeo-Christian values". She said specify that ONLY Christians should be elected and others need not apply. If she "meant" to say "Judeo-Christian values", then she should come out and clarify her remarks to include non-Christians.
FYI, I still wouldn't agree with it, since I see nothing wrong with electing Buddhists, Sikhs, Shintos, etc., who share my views on the issues.