"Religious activists who have aligned with the Wall Street Occupation should model mature Christian discernment, not echo angry resentments that dream of a secular utopia." -- Mark Tooley, IRD President

Contact: Jeff Walton, Institute on Religion and Democracy, 202-682-4131, 202-413-5639 cell, jwalton@TheIRD.org

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2011 /Standard Newswire/ -- Religious Left voices have praised the far-left Wall Street occupiers whose demands range from cancellation of all debt, open borders, government control of health care, and free college education, among other expansions of Big Government.

Sojourners chief Jim Wallis has lavished praise during a visit to the occupiers, pacifist activist Shane Claiborne has compared them to St. Francis of Assisi, Massachusetts clergy joined them wearing saintly white robes, and officials of United Methodist Women flocked to the occupiers with their own similar placards urging class warfare.

IRD President Mark Tooley responded:

"The many college age Wall Street occupiers concerned about college debt and real world responsibilities can be possibly excused for youthful naiveté. But middle-aged church activists, some of whom may be trying to relive their street activism of 40 years ago, should show more discernment and wisdom.

"Covetous battle cries for class resentment and even greater coercive wealth redistribution through an ever expanding Big Government do not resemble traditional Christianity.

"Unlike the Religious Left voices who have hailed and even romanticized the Wall Street Occupation, wise religious leaders should call their flocks to the common good. They would know that in a fallen world, no government or system of laws can seize property or massively redistribute income without creating even greater injustice.

"The Scriptures call for believers to put away childish things. Religious activists who have aligned with the Wall Street Occupation should model mature Christian discernment, not echo angry resentments that dream of a secular utopia."