Whilst I agree with the essence of his article, it couldn't have come from a more scurrilous politician. It is utter hypocrisy for Tony Abbott to whine about his mistreatment in the press, or anywhere else after his use of the legal system to have a political opponent imprisoned.

I’d rather vote for <puke> the Greens.

Steve Madden,

Perhaps as important was the context of that interview. A couple of days after Minister Abbott met with George Pell the Cardinal came out and critcised Mark Lathams schools policy that would have cut funding for a number of Private Schools. One could assume that the Minister and Cardinal Pell discussed this issue, making Tony Jones question very fair and legitimate.

This issue is one which ties me up in knots.

On the one hand, I am uncomfortable with "aggressive secularism". I can't see the point in religion myself, I think god's a load of hogwash and the bible was really mostly a groundbreaking legal code for ancient times. But I respect the right of Christian people, and Islamic and Hindu (etc) people for that matter, to believe in their Gods and worship them as they see fit. And as a secular person I find myself uncomfortable when I am unwittingly associated with popular mocking of religious people.

On the other hand, I am equally uncomfortable to think that decisions on issues like RU486, euthenasia, abortion, stem cell research etc are being taken by a Minister who appears willing to treat his beliefs not as personal philosophy, but as public policy. As a non-Christian, I don't see why the law should be bound up by Christian philosophies on the value of life. From that perspective I think it appropriate that the media draw attention to the religious values of leaders.

There seems little doubt to me that Abbott brings his religion to his job, and that health law is at least partly regulated by Abbott's religious views. I don't like that. And it doesn't matter that these were widespread values a generation ago. We're not "a generation ago", we're in the present.

Anth

So Tony Abbott thinks Piers Akerman is an effective conservative voice. Piers Akerman is a hack who has never yet written a balanced column. He is a large blot on journalism in this country. I think it was Mike Carlton who once likened reading Akerman to "wading through dog poo". Could not agree more.

It fascinates me how politicians can claim to be religious. I know that 'ordinary' people who claim religion do the wrong thing, but politicians like abbott?. This man claims to be a believer but he constantly lies (read his denials re meeting pell- for one) or backs lies told by others of his party. Not only that but this politician who has been termed as "howard's rottweiler" on command from his master cowardly attacks the opposition members. In these attacks insinuations and lies are used, foul innuendos and language (being a liberal he is not normally pulled up by the "impartial?" speaker) when in full flight. Then he looks to his master for his approval instead of looking to his maker. This same man was a star player in the destruction of Pauline and Cheryl by chicanery, lies and deceit.
Politicians and Christianity ~ I just dunno. regards, numbat

I have no problem with Tony Abbott holding profound religious beliefs. However I do have a problem, and so should he, when those beliefs influence his decisions as Health Minister. As Health Minister he should be obliged to act in the interests of all Australians, not just those who share his beliefs. If he is unable to reconcile those conflicts he should resign as Minister.

It is stupid to blame the media when he brings this conflict of interest on his own head.