Texas Faith is a weekly discussion that poses questions about religion, politics and culture to a panel of Texas religious leaders.

This week's question is: "From Faith Caucus meetings to panel discussions on morality to debates about an Obama administration and religion, the Democratic convention is spotlighting an enormous amount of explicit religious content. What does this mean? Is this appropriate?"

Here are excerpts from some of this week's answers:

• Lynn Godsey, pastor, Temple of Power Ministries, Ennis: "Many Democratic officeholders who have ignored voters who feel strongly about their faith, and also public policy, have experienced the 'agony of defeat.' Our nation is still 'one nation under God,' and I pray that it will remain so. For years, the Democratic Party has had some serious discussions on how it's going to confront social issues and ignored abortion, homosexuality and other 'faith' issues. It does not surprise me that they are devoting much time during their upcoming convention to these issues and other religious themes. They are desperate."

• Joe Clifford, pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Dallas: "Republicans have included explicit religious content in their conventions for years. Democrats are now trying the same thing. Both exploit religion to serve political purposes. This is inappropriate. However, religion certainly has a place in the public square. To relegate religion to the private sphere by defining morality solely on an individual level is in and of itself a political statement."

To read more responses and to post your own comments, go to dallasnews.com/texasfaith.

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