Though I hate to contribute to anyone reading this article, I feel I must if I am to fairly write about it. You can read it in its entirety at Christianity Today. I will also post Franklin Graham's response.
Yep. Do you see why Franklin Graham felt the need to respond? His dad founded Christianity Today, after all. And they blatantly invoked his name to lend credence to their argument, even though CT has not been under the guidance of the Grahams for some time now. You can read Franklin's comments here and since it is an extremely important statement, I am also going to include it in the body of this blog post. From Franklin Graham:
My Response to Christianity Today:
Christianity Today released an editorial stating that President Trump should be removed from office—and they invoked my father’s name (I suppose to try to bring legitimacy to their statements), so I feel it is important for me to respond. Yes, my father Billy Graham founded Christianity Today; but no, he would not agree with their opinion piece. In fact, he would be very disappointed. I have not previously shared who my father voted for in t...he past election, but because of this article, I feel it is necessary to share it now. My father knew Donald Trump, he believed in Donald Trump, and he voted for Donald Trump. He believed that Donald J. Trump was the man for this hour in history for our nation.
For Christianity Today to side with the Democrat Party in a totally partisan attack on the President of the United States is unfathomable. Christianity Today failed to acknowledge that not one single Republican voted with the Democrats to impeach the President. I know a number of Republicans in Congress, and many of them are strong Christians. If the President were guilty of what the Democrats claimed, these Republicans would have joined with the Democrats to impeach him. But the Democrats were not even unanimous—two voted against impeachment and one voted present. This impeachment was politically motivated, 100% partisan. Why would Christianity Today choose to take the side of the Democrat left whose only goal is to discredit and smear the name of a sitting president? They want readers to believe the Democrat leadership rather than believe the President of the United States.
Look at all the President has accomplished in a very short time. The economy of our nation is the strongest it has been in 50 years, ISIS & the caliphate have been defeated, and the President has renegotiated trade deals to benefit all Americans. The list of accomplishments is long, but for me as a Christian, the fact that he is the most pro-life president in modern history is extremely important—and Christianity Today wants us to ignore that, to say it doesn’t count? The President has been a staunch defender of religious freedom at home and around the world—and Christianity Today wants us to ignore that? Also the President has appointed conservative judges in record number—and Christianity today wants us to ignore that? Christianity Today feels he should be removed from office because of false accusations that the President emphatically denies.
Christianity Today said it’s time to call a spade a spade. The spade is this—Christianity Today has been used by the left for their political agenda. It’s obvious that Christianity Today has moved to the left and is representing the elitist liberal wing of evangelicalism.
Is President Trump guilty of sin? Of course he is, as were all past presidents and as each one of us are, including myself. Therefore, let’s pray for the President as he continues to lead the affairs of our nation.
Franklin Graham succinctly says it all and I really don't need to add anything to what he has written. But for myself, I want to. I feel it is important to say what we believe to back up and support others with whom we agree. There is strength in numbers, and encouragement is a salve at wearisome times.
The article by Mark Galli starts out trying to appear unbiased, with some elements of truth in order to pull the Christian reader in to gain some trust. That is a well-known tactic: a little schmoozing to suck in the reader. And in some cases, used to try to gain support, someone will use the common practice expressed in this old adage: Every lie must be cloaked with an element of truth. (paraphrase)
The points in the article quickly fall downhill after that. They use a number of methods in an attempt to shame and discredit any Christian who might still support President Trump.
Allow me to demonstrate.
They use shaming: The author of the article states: "That he should be removed, we believe, is not a matter of partisan loyalties but loyalty to the Creator of the Ten Commandments." Oh really? Some Christians consider abortion, murder - the 6th Commandment! What about bearing false witness? Sound familiar? How about those Commandments?
Manipulating: Galli continues: "To the many evangelicals who continue to support Mr. Trump in spite of his blackened moral record, we might say this: Remember who you are and whom you serve. Consider how your justification of Mr. Trump influences your witness to your Lord and Savior." The truth is, conservatives have been asking this question quietly to ourselves about the Democrats since 1974 when abortion was legalized. We have become more distraught at the acceptance of gay marriage; social programs that left so many from ever being able to pull themselves back up from despair; and attempts to remove God from our society - schools, courtyards, government business; even voting Him out of the Democrat platform in 2012. "Gay Pride"- now there is two in one. And with "progressive Christianity", we have been concerned about the trend toward a "social gospel" as opposed to the true Gospel for some time now. So one from that group best not lecture us about how our influence represents Jesus.
They use shaming: The author of the article states: "That he should be removed, we believe, is not a matter of partisan loyalties but loyalty to the Creator of the Ten Commandments." Oh really? Some Christians consider abortion, murder - the 6th Commandment! What about bearing false witness? Sound familiar? How about those Commandments?
Manipulating: Galli continues: "To the many evangelicals who continue to support Mr. Trump in spite of his blackened moral record, we might say this: Remember who you are and whom you serve. Consider how your justification of Mr. Trump influences your witness to your Lord and Savior." The truth is, conservatives have been asking this question quietly to ourselves about the Democrats since 1974 when abortion was legalized. We have become more distraught at the acceptance of gay marriage; social programs that left so many from ever being able to pull themselves back up from despair; and attempts to remove God from our society - schools, courtyards, government business; even voting Him out of the Democrat platform in 2012. "Gay Pride"- now there is two in one. And with "progressive Christianity", we have been concerned about the trend toward a "social gospel" as opposed to the true Gospel for some time now. So one from that group best not lecture us about how our influence represents Jesus.
Discrediting: "Trump’s evangelical supporters have pointed to his Supreme Court nominees, his defense of religious liberty, and his stewardship of the economy, among other things, as achievements that justify their support of the president." What? There is something wrong with us for wanting these things??? What should we have done? Voted for one of the most anti-life, (with questionable character) politicians in our nation's history? One who was continuing in a path of socialism and "fundamentally transforming" America? I hardly think so!! And I kinda hate to say this....kinda don't; but Galli is basically calling us prostitutes if we support President Trump for the reasons he lists. Like it is some kind of pay off for us. Shame on him!!!
More Discrediting of my fellow Christians: "The reason many are not shocked about this is that this president has dumbed down the idea of morality in his administration." Dumbed down morality? The President? That started long before this President ever considered running for office. Have we forgotten the winking we endured at President Clinton's behavior? Yes, I know Galli thinks he addressed that. He did so unsuccessfully. Christianity Today was a different magazine back then, than it is today. He is using the past to gain acceptance for what he says today.
Further, have you watched television lately? Most shows are unwatchable, or should be to a Christian or even anyone else. Ever heard of the "Swearing Pastor"? Now that was dumbing down of morality. Don't put our decline in morals on this President. That responsibility (or lack of it) belongs to the progressive church CT is promoting.
And fear-mongering: "Consider what an unbelieving world will say if you continue to brush off Mr. Trump’s immoral words and behavior in the cause of political expediency. If we don’t reverse course now, will anyone take anything we say about justice and righteousness with any seriousness for decades to come?" The author fails to understand his opinion does not equate with help or evangelizing an unbelieving world! As well, the alternative to Trump, as a person and policy, was far from righteous! We best not forget that.
And then the author, Mark Galli, tries to prove Christianity Today has always stood for justice. He uses some quotes regarding CT's stance in 1998 in regard to the impeachment of Bill Clinton. The author doesn't seem to understand, there were actual charges against Bill Clinton, including perjury. Eleven US coded articles in all. Nothing was proven about Trump which is why the Democrats settled on "Obstruction of Congress" (no such thing - the 3 branches are to balance each other out) and "Abuse of Power"; neither of which there is a civil code. Lets face it CT; you are NOT the same magazine you were in 1998, so I wouldn't go there if I were you!
Then there is this:
"We have reserved judgment on Mr. Trump for years now. Some have criticized us for our reserve." Not true; I have watched the progressive decline of CT for a while now. Their opinions have been obvious. I have written about it in the past.
Finally they say:
"...we are playing with a stacked deck of gross immorality and ethical incompetence..." Perhaps it is this line that makes me most angry. "Gross immorality"??? What do they think abortion on demand is? And in some states now, allowed right up to the very moment of birth? What about the other party's acceptance of transgenderism, men in women's bathrooms and 58 genders? Do they excuse gay marriage and gay adoption - with out the need for a mom and a dad as the Bible instructs? This is the choice we had. So Galli best not be pointing any fingers at those who voted for Donald J Trump.
But aside from all that, this President has done more than even I ever thought he would or could. He has done more for religious freedom and specifically Christianity than any other President in my life time. Are we to ignore all the great strides that this President has made for religious freedom? The President actually included his concern for Christians around the globe in his speech to the United Nations! What President has ever done that?? Christ back in Christmas; prayer in the White House. Mark Galli thinks we should be ashamed of ourselves for that and should have picked Hillary Clinton??? Nope! Never! Should we ignore that this President has made us safer again and reinstated peace through strength? Actually building up our military once again, instead of stripping it down to its lowest place ever, as Obama did. I am thankful for that! That has saved lives!! That's his job and he has done it well!
I thank and praise God for this President's support of Israel and the reconciliation he has brought to our two great nations. God instructs us to bless Israel. Trump has listened to our voices regarding that. He has listened on so many levels! Appointing conservative judges that will uphold our Constitution rather than shredding it. Putting America first so that we might be a strong nation that can continue to aid the world and be a beacon of light. Tearing down America as Obama did, helps no one. It is when we are strong that we can bring help to others.
Oh, and of course NOW all the liberal sites want to talk about our Christian faith! They are silent, if not bashing it, any other time.
Yes, I am angry now. And that's just ok. It is time to turn a few tables. Christians will not be manipulated by this misguided magazine which has deserted so many elements of Christian truth and instead chosen to beat up on conservative Christians. 81 % of Christians voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and that number is only going to grow. Christianity Today would be wise to pay attention to that.
I know I shouldn't stay angry. Most of all, this is just plain sad. Because Christianity Today has refused to give any grace at all to this man. They do not know his heart. The Bible tells us none of us know the hearts of others; only God knows. It has been reported President Trump has accepted Jesus. I have no reason to believe otherwise. I believe his actions reveal he has. If one watches closely, it is all there to see. But even if he hadn't, God can still use him! And He has!
The Bible also says we will know them by their fruit. And this man has produced some amazing fruit for our Christian faith, the good of America and in fact, the whole world. When America is strong, the Gospel of Jesus Christ goes forward. That is why we were founded in the first place. I will be one who stands with President Trump protecting that foundation - turning over tables if necessary. And as Franklin Graham stated above all and beyond all, we need to pray for this man.
Onward!
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