"How can you tell when a political ideology has become the equivalent of a religion?" ― Andrew Sullivan Topic(s): Religion More From Andrew Sullivan "Al Gore’s problem, in my view, is that he never liked politics. He’s actually deeply uncomfortable in it but felt he had to do it because of his father. He’s much more comfortable in a private sector role and has, in fact, been much more successful in a private sector role, and I admire him for that." "The good news about me is that my friends and social network is entirely independent of politics." "When I first started talking about gay marriage, most people in the gay community looked at me as if I was insane or possibly a fascist reactionary." More In Religion "I don’t feel the need for religion. But I went on a yoga retreat last year and I do believe slightly in the karma thing and just being good and true unto yourself. And I slightly believe that you can attract good and bad to you."― Imelda Staunton "Compassion is not a popular virtue. Very often when I talk to religious people, and mention how important it is that compassion is the key, that it’s the sine-qua-non of religion, people look kind of balked, and stubborn sometimes, as much to say, what’s the point of having religion if you can’t disapprove of other people?"― Karen Armstrong "I’d like to see marriage count again among African-Americans and not just in the society in general."― Leah Ward Sears