Do All the Good You Can

Hillary Rodham Clinton’s Methodist faith has played a substantial role in her life, and religious factors have been very important in her work as Arkansas’s first lady, the nation’s first lady, a US senator, secretary of state, and a two-time presidential candidate. She has done more than any other US politician to publicize the problems and promote the rights of women and children around the world. Through all these activities, Clinton has blazed a trail for other women to follow. While numerous factors have shaped Clinton’s personality, sense of calling, and political agenda, her faith has contributed significantly. Although her religious views have been frequently denounced by the leaders of the religious right, they are shared by millions of mainline Protestants, including United Methodists. Clinton’s faith is more deeply rooted and fervent than many supporters, opponents, pundits, and biographers have recognized. Throughout her life, Clinton has been driven by a dictum often attributed to John Wesley, the founder of Methodism: “Do all the good you can.” Throughout her life, Clinton’s faith has helped her cope with challenges and difficulties that might have otherwise devastated her or at least prevented her from continuing to serve in the political arena. Few Americans have been as mocked for their moral convictions or have had the sincerity of their faith questioned as much as Clinton.