By Cal Thomas
Syndicated Columnist/FOX News Political Contributor

I have opposed government involvement in “faith-based” programs from the beginning. Christians used to speak of “praying-in” the money. Since when does God need the help of government in accomplishing His will? Besides, when government becomes involved, faith is often diminished (we have already seen challenges to some programs that are forced to separate the life-changing message of spiritual transformation in order to take Caesar’s money).

If Barack Obama is elected, look for more liberal faith-based communities to get money from the government because they have been more supportive of him.

This is the great danger when government involves itself in such things. Faith becomes just another political football with government doling out “alms” to whoever is more favorably disposed to the administration and party in power. Organizations that have not been as supportive can be punished by having their grants rescinded. It’s a lose-lose situation. The government loses, because the very power that has changed lives is not allowed to be preached. And the church loses because it has denied that power in favor of government money.

When Christians, especially, cozy up to government, they inevitably move away from God and His way of accomplishing His purposes.