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THE GOOD AND BAD ABOUT A MORMON POLITICIAN

Although Christopher Hitchens is a self proclaimed, committed atheist, I respect his intellectual and political acumen. He nails the essence of Mormonism in the paragraph below. Yes, they possess a bizarre history; yes, mainline Christians view the religion as a cult; indeed Mormons propagate an exclusivist salvific message; true, they sport weird underwear. But, they stand with conservative evangelicals in the social arena. I can vote for Mitt Romney as a Mormon because his Mormon social values parallel mine. I do not, however, like his waffling from a big government governor to a now eternally repentant conservative Presidential candidate.

To give some examples. The founder of the church, one Joseph Smith, was a fraud and conjurer well known to the authorities of upstate New York. He claimed to have been shown some gold plates on which a new revelation was inscribed in no known language. He then qualified as the sole translator of this language. (The entire story is related in Fawn Brodie’s biography, No Man Knows My History.* It seems that we can add, to sausages and laws, churches as a phenomenon that is not pleasant to watch at the manufacturing stage. Edmund Wilson wrote that it was powerfully shocking to see Brodie as she exposed a religion that was a whole-cloth fabrication.) On his later forays into the chartless wilderness, there to play the role of Moses to his followers (who were permitted and even encouraged in plural marriage, so as to go forth and mass-produce little Mormons), Smith also announced that he wanted to be known as the Prophet Muhammad of North America, with the fearsome slogan: “Either al-Koran or the Sword.” He levied war against his fellow citizens, and against the federal government. 

AMERICA GROWING INCREASINGLY SECULAR?

Whether Americans agree or not, enlightenment philosophy and evangelical Christianity formed the nucleus of our nation. To believe otherwise skews the facts. Evangelical pollster George Barna's latest State of the Church data suggests a declining trend in evangelical influence. Barna opines:

Overall, the picture is not pretty though it falls somewhat short of disaster. If existing tendencies continue, then we will likely see an increase in the numbers of people who do not accept a conventional definition of God’s character and those who reject the accuracy of the principles taught in the scriptures. Adult Sunday school could easily go the way of the all-but-forgotten midweek service. The percentage of unchurched people will probably continue to climb as the percentage of adults attending church services remains on the downward slope.

What do you make of this picture?

The study inferentially reveals a contradiction between orthodoxy and Christian faith. Again, from Barna:

Among the religious beliefs that have remained relatively constant over the past 20 years were the percentage of adults who describe themselves as Christian (84%); those who say their religious faith is very important in their life today (56%); those who have made a “personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important in my life today” (65%); the proportion who agree that Satan is not a living entity but merely a symbol of evil (56%); those who strongly believe that they have a personal responsibility to share their religious beliefs with others who believe differently (25%).

Barna's tell tale alarm, rejecting God's character as defined in the Bible and accuracy of Biblical principles, causes one to ask why this trend. Why would someone continue to believe in the personal aspect of their faith and eclipse traditional precepts with heretical notions? Perhaps our moral bent toward self expression and cafeteria style religious opportunities turned us into pantheistic parishioners impotent when thinking about transforming our culture into God's image. And, God help America if church people's impotence changes them from the salt of the earth to the milk-toasts of society.     

FARTING FAITH HEALER

I swear God anoints even the farts of our highly esteemed television evangelists.

 

RAISE HIM UP

I never paid much attention to country star Randy Travis until a few years back. During a minister's retreat in New Mexico we were told we would get a surprise visit. After listening to an hour of lectures we left the room for a while.  When we returned to our long dull meetings we were greeted by Randy Travis. He gave a free concert. I learned that day CD's fail to do justice to Travis' booming, compelling voice. He certainly mesmerized this old nominal country music fan. Easter day seems fitting to post my favorite, Raise Him Up. The song provides both spiritual and social implications to the resurrection of Christ. (originally posted in April 09)

Randy Travis
Tags: Randy Travis, MTV Hive

CONSIDER RICK SANTORUM

Evangelical Christians passionately ponder a politician's personal morals when casting their votes. Although our founders inherently considered public virtue of the essence, they understood that private conscience eventually shouts from the roof tops. Evangelicals know this and their vote reflects the same. That's why conservative evangelicals often seem perplexed when making difficult national leadership decisions. Mitt Romney's Mormonism, Newt Gingrich's and Donald Trump's womanizing cast a tumultuous shadow on astute voters. 

Enter evangelical and former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum. Mr. Santorum apparently wants to make a go of it as a presidential candidate in 2012. I personally like his style. He boldly stands up for common sensical wisdom impelled values. He is also a master communicator. 

Recently Santorum sat down for an interview with the premier evangelical publication, Christianity Today. When asked about how much a voter should consider a candidate's faith when casting a vote, Santorum offered this primary rule:

Voters should consider the candidate's moral framework and what they believe about right and wrong. Obviously your faith has a role in that, in constructing your moral view and your worldview, your ethical code. As far as theological tenets goes, those don't necessarily affect the public discourse. It's important to understand and know the tenets and teaching of the faith with respect to how people live their lives. That's why, for example, if someone were a Muslim [who] believes that women should live by Shari'ah law, that's helpful in knowing how they would approach their job and what they would like to see the laws of this land look like.

I like that. It offers wise counsel for those who know we are not electing a Sunday School teacher. We are electing a Caesar. Remember Jesus' words: Render unto Caesar what is his and unto God what belongs to God.

On the controversial subject of radical Islam Santorum speaks to our privately apprehensive attitude. 

Voters should consider the candidate's moral framework and what they believe about right and wrong. Obviously your faith has a role in that, in constructing your moral view and your worldview, your ethical code. As far as theological tenets goes, those don't necessarily affect the public discourse. It's important to understand and know the tenets and teaching of the faith with respect to how people live their lives. That's why, for example, if someone were a Muslim [who] believes that women should live by Shari'ah law, that's helpful in knowing how they would approach their job and what they would like to see the laws of this land look like.

Indeed Santorum vicariously vocalizes that which the PC crowd has bullied us away from.

On a candidate's personal marriage failures Santorum opines:

Voters will examine the facts and circumstances around those circumstances, the life that the person has lived and make an evaluation as to whether this is an issue that's going to impact their vote. I suspect on some level it will. 

Yes, evangelicals may have found a wise politician, complete with sound character and a bold temperament in Rick Santorum. For more on this compelling candidate go here.

1970 PROPHETS

When a fairly well known rock group called the Kinks sang their now signarture piece entitled Lola little did they realize the prescient nature of the million seller.

Girls will be boys and boys will be girls,

Its a mixed up mold up shook up world said Lola

I don't quite understand the song. But, then again I'm not supposed to. And, I do not understand today's world. Neither does a friend of mine who mailed this piece to me a while back.

I think I know why we live in an upside down world. We are immoral, plain and simple. We no longer anchor ourselves to a set of shared values. The only thing we value is the self. David Wells, professor of Historical and Systematic theology at Gordon-Conwell Seminary, possesses a keen sense of society's character. His prophetic assessments shame us and leave us reeling. That's good because we need to hear the painful truth of what Wells confronts us with.

In his new book The Courage To Be Protestant Wells leaves no theological stone unturned. He speaks like an adult to the American church whose adolescent behavior fares no better than our secular society's inability to grow up. If one wants to grasp the truth concerning our culture's mixed up, mode, up shook up world then one can read Well's masterpiece commentary as a sort of final authority on the matter.

ELECTION REFLECTIONS FROM AN EVANGELICAL

Everywhere we turn we witness polling data suggesting Obama's rapid decline in popularity. In fact, he down right scares a few of us. Pundits today tend to blame Obama for every little illness that befalls our nation. We wring our hands in desperation encouraging the wise American people to vote liberals out of office next election. So, we all discerning, all knowing, infallible Christian citizens will eagerly embrace the challenge and turn the country around at midterm. 

Oh, if it were only that elementary. Simply cast a vote and be done with it. Problem is-we still must look at ourselves in the proverbial mirror. I published my perceptions of our governing problems two years ago in a blog post. I continue to believe Obama and liberals merely reflect the American character. Here is what I said about the matter two years ago:    

I cast my first vote in 1976 for Gerald Ford. That year I incessantly prayed, meditated, and seriously considered my responsibility. As a newly born Christian I greatly admired Jimmy Carter for his bold, public profession of Christian faith.  I could not, however, embrace his social policies i.e. abortion. During the 70's Communism and the cold war stalked our political conscience. Add to the mix double digit inflation, skyrocketing interest rates, and fatigued New Deal idolatry, the nation sought relief, spelling it R-E-A-G-A-N.   

Ronald Reagan embodied all that was good, decent, and positive. His impeccable character ebulliently encouraged people of faith to offer their noblest efforts in the cause for patriotism seemingly relinquished to more radical utopian demagogues during the turbulent 60's. Simply put, he made us all, including evangelicals, feel good about our heritage. The evangelist Billy Graham, a friend to presidents beginning with Truman, once exclaimed that Ronald Reagan saved this country. When we looked at him we instinctively knew we beheld the countenance of greatness. And Reagan was a mature adult, evidenced by his refusal to remove his coat upon entering the Oval Office. Evangelicals believed God and James Madison smiled on them during the Reagan revolution. People acted kinder, gentler, and more gracious toward one another, epitomizing the mature spirit engulfing the White House.

Fast forward to 2008. A historical election put the first black man in the Oval Office. We all celebrate this epoch event together as Americans. The guilt of a now ancient slave trade, initially anesthetize by an apocalyptic civil war, has indeed fallen onto the altar of spiritual ablution. Hat's off to the enigmatic Barack Obama who slew the giant with his charisma and superlative organizational skills.  Evangelicals will continue to pray for their president no matter what size, shape, color, or party. 

Obama's election, however, in the minds of many, introduces a new revolution contradistinct to Reaganism.One pundit labeled it a nonviolent revolution:

An emotional moment on ABC News, as Georgie Congressman and Civil Rights leader John Lewis told Charlie Gibson that today's election was "a nonviolent revolution" and an "unbelievable, and unreal transformation of American politics."
Asked about his emotions if there's an Obama victory, Lewis continued.
"Well, I tell you, I cried a little today when I cast my vote, and I've been crying for the past few days. I don't know if I have any tears left.... I think I'm going to shed some more tears before the night is over."

I call this revolution the age of immaturity. We may define immaturity by using a common image projected before us when thinking of the word. That image is one of an adolescent teenager impelled by narcissistic testosterone, intellectually handicapped with attention deficit disorder, and raging against the machine (adults). The scenario gets played out often through celebrity worship, the left's infatuation with images instead of facts, the total breakdown of manners, and fit throwers who relentlessly shout down those whose ideology opposes their naive world view. 

I believe Washington provides the proverbial mirror through which our culture beholds an image of itself. Not only do we get who we deserve, we must sometimes reluctantly accept the political consequences of our collective character. The Old Testament of the Bible offers some help at this point. After the Hebrew people conquered the promised land they envied other nations that had Kings. The Hebrews erroneously deduced that a King might give them a leg up on their enemies. Their desire exemplified their unfaithfulness toward God. Nevertheless, God granted their wish. They received a King much like them; selfish and "small in his own eyes." (I Samuel 15:17) When King Saul entered the picture, the prophet and judge Samuel, introduced him this way.

See, here is the King whom you have chosen, for whom you asked; see, the Lord has set a king over you. (I Samuel 12:13 NRSV)

The Bible explains that the Hebrews asked for this King and God granted them the desires of their collective hearts. Immature people fawn over images and utopianism. Evangelicals must seek renewal of the American character. That is our ardent hope, our incessant prayer, and our ultimate salvation. 

FRANKLIN GRAHAM IV-V

Franklin Graham, who accused Obama's administration of increasing hostility toward Christians got a little help from the Gallup organization. Yesterday I published a piece from Gallup that indirectly, yet vigorously substantiates Graham's claim. The poll calls attention to the secular make up of Obama supporters. This seems unalarming on its face. But, the poll offers a philosophical window into the character of Obama's administration. Voters often subconsciously flock to those with whom they feel most comfortable. Clearly secularists feel comfortable with Obama's governing compass.  

Today, former Speaker Newt Gingrich further indirectly substantiates Graham's claims. And, what makes Franklin Graham's accusation even more plausible is the fact that he never comments on politicians and their character. So, he clearly senses something serious about the secular nature of this matter that may produce a historical shift in Washington's relationship with Christians and Christianity in general. Listen to Gingrich below as he utters continued disturbing analysis of the Obama administration. 

GALLUP SUGGESTS OBAMA SUPPORTERS PREDOMINATELY NON CHRISTIAN

According to the latest Gallup poll Obama's current supporters fall predominately in the non Christian category. Rush Limbaugh quizzically suggests he knows not what this means. It may further substantiate Franklin Graham's statement that Obama's administration seems hostile toward evangelical Christians. (watch video below) Graham never infers President Obama himself is stoking the fires of hostility. He does, however, challenge Obama to look into the matter. All of this coming off the heels of the Army's rescinding their invitation to Graham to speak a the Pentagon National Prayer breakfast because of remarks he made about Islam religion.

And, we must remember Obama's history. He cut his teeth on Socialist liberation theology like that espoused by the Reverend Wright. He associated with Socialist radicals such as the Weather Underground. Lately we discover his Supreme Court nominee wrote her undergraduate thesis at Princeton on Socialism in New York. In that publication she strongly sympathizes with radical Socialists who seek to infiltrate our culture. Socialist movements are predicated on an atheistic philosophy. They view Christianity, particularly evangelical Christianity, as a threat to society's well being.  It seems only natural that elements hostile to evangelicals exists in the Obama administration. 

FRANKLIN GRAHAM III

Franklin Graham recently once again spoke his mind concerning the latest cowardly move by the Obama administration. He placed the blame for his uninvite to the Pentagon on Obama's administrative officials. And he makes perfectly good sense in doing so. What is it about this current dark political climate that keeps our power institutions from seeing the truth about Islam. Do they bury their head in the sand thinking, "out of sight out of mind?" How can they repeatedly witness scenes like this week's NY near terrorist tragedy and not admit, "America, we have a problem." Why do evangelicals constantly raise the secular media's dander while a traditionally violent philosophy continues to plant itself in our own soil? Is it pure unadulterated cowardice? After all Christians make easy targets while peace loving Muslims merely threaten to chop off anyone's head who dare look at them wrong. Last time I heard someone criticizing evangelicals it came from cynical Methodist. Our folks love to tell me how they joined my church just to keep the Baptist off their back. Indeed Southern Baptist carry an infamous reputation for their zeal. When they visit prospective members they often back the helpless inquirer in a corner, and proceed to quote scriptchaw at him until he sees the flames of hell searing his butt and driving him to his ever repentant knees. We in the United Methodist call this violent evangelism. Yet, this nefarious method pales in comparison to the Muslim method. They replace the sword of the spirit(Bible) with a different type of motivator. We call it a machete. 

Perhaps that's why we love to make sport of evangelicals. They cause us feel like the old playground bully who loved making the rounds, kicking the crap out of ten pound weaklings. Somehow bullyism offers us a false sense of power. "Look at me," the bully proudly boasts. "I just kicked little pussy boy Johnny in the nuts." That'll teach him to mess with me." But, even so much as hint to a Muslim that you plan to draw a picture of his precious Muhammad and pow!-right in the neck. Next thing you know old Mujibar is proudly using your head for his weekly Friday night bowling. 

Yes, go ahead make fun of Evangelicals. You will not feel any pain, and your girlfriend ought to love you for it. She will prudently touch your guns (thats biceps for all you New Yorkers out there) and declare, "My My Dwayne. What big musckles you have." But beware of Mujibar Brutus. Ain't no amount of spinach can save you from him.

Listen below as Franklin Graham passionately explains his concerns to the American people.