Faith and Politics

I watched an interview this morning of a man I have admired for many years. He was talking about his newly released book, which I won’t mention just yet. I believe it would be a very good read and I will probably write about it later, after I have read the material. But I don’t want to discuss it or name it until I have read it. The author had a great many good things to say in the television interview. His book is important and timely. But he also caused me to pause and reflect on something that has been bothering me for some time.

The interview left me to ponder the pertinent question of America’s next revival.  Certainly America needs a widespread revival to be restored to our original greatness. Obviously we need a citizenry that cares deeply about the principles and moral issues that are causing such dramatic change within our nation.

There are many that try to encourage others to become involved in politics, to vote, to speak out; to pay attention! I am one of those people that believe strongly, that in order for our nation to survive, citizens must become involved.

I also believe there is little hope for our nation unless we see a dramatic call to repentance and a soul searching effort of individuals back to the things of God. We need to be first and foremost on our knees before God.

I also agree with the author that I listened to this morning, that there is a deep yearning within people – especially at this time - to learn more about God.

Clearly there is a spiritual hunger in our nation that almost seems unprecedented. If there wasn’t, why - as the author stated - would Biblically based movies captivate the attention of so many? We see movies such as Noah and the Son of God in theatres now that are both expected to be box office hits. Why would churches boast not only record breaking number of members, but the newly organized mega church also be breaking membership numbers? Why would there be such dramatic efforts by atheists to ensure their belief, that there is no God, be readily espoused and heard. Obviously, it is because the atheists feel threatened. They can only feel threatened if they too, see a national and wide spread thirst for a God - almost any god, it sometimes seems.

There appears to be a great number of Christians who love to state that politics, or even a new President simply won’t work! And those that believe that statement are probably correct. But neither will an “awakening” or revival based on inaccurate beliefs or doctrine bring any effective change to our world!

If the true Gospel is not being preached, what good is any of it?  If it is a false gospel being presented, there will be no change in people lives.  If we continue to accept trashy television, legalization of drugs, gay marriage, the slighting of Israel, a loathsome degree of apathy on just about every issue one could mention, there will be no change in the fabric of our society. As we accept these things, which God clearly opposes in His Word, the blanket of God’s protective covering is slowly and incrementally pulled back.

Why when there seems to be unprecedented interest in the things of God, does our nation have a lower moral standard that is also unprecedented.  It’s because a watered down, wishy-washy “gospel” does NOT work, no matter how full our churches are.

Until we return to a Gospel that teaches repentance and a need for a change in our lives and the way we live, we will see no effective change for good in our society. We can watch all the movies about the Bible and religion that are ever made, we can pack the churches with 3 and 4 services a day, but it is all for nothing if there is no change of heart and people are comfortable living in their sin.

So, I believe it is safe to say a call back to the things of God (devoid of repentance) will be equally as ineffective as those that love to say:  "Politics, or a great national leader, or making more laws are not the answer." None of it will work if we don’t see a desire for morality in our lives – if we don’t see repentance and a change in the way we live. We know this because there is no other time in the history of our nation that our mores have been so low! Yet there is no other time in our nation’s history that our churches have been so filled.

That being said, an apathetic electorate isn’t going to cut it either. Certainly if we had a change in the hearts of individuals, we could envision a more moral society; things would surely be better.  But only if we have citizens determined to follow what rules and laws are governing our nation and what kind of changes are being attempted. We will see a brighter future only if we have citizens determined to watch and be active in what is taking place in our government. We won’t see a more moral society, if we don’t see citizens seeking to change the political hypocrisy that is besetting our land. We will not effect change with our heads in the sand.

People often wonder, especially Christians, why we should follow politics and be involved.  Oh, they understand civic duty as it is explained in Roman’s 1. They will (many, but not all) vote when it is time. They will do jury duty as called and conform to all aspects of the law. That’s good! We should! But if we believe that this nation is a gift from God - that we have somehow been set apart to share His Gospel and been historically blessed because we are a Christian nation founded on Biblical principals, - then shouldn’t we take care of our nation? We love to talk about being good stewards of our churches and our families and our earth and with all the things that God has entrusted us. Shouldn’t that include our nation? It is one of the most important gifts God has ever bestowed, yet rarely do we hear us speak of being a good steward of this nation. 

One cannot simply say “Oh well, God knows.” And expect Him to find favor with that. We can’t simply say, “I will pray about that.” That simply won’t work! God requires action.

We see a wonderful example in Exodus 14, after Moses had prayed to God but before he led the Israeli’s across the Red Sea when the Egyptians were chasing them. Moses prayed fervently. Finally God said to Moses. “Why are you crying out to me? Raise your hand and part that water!” That’s a paraphrase of Exodus 14:15 -16, but check out the passage for your self. God requires action!

“OH! Politics!” we often hear. “That’s for the carnally minded!  But I pray! I trust God!”

Well good for you! We need people that do! We NEED prayer warriors! But while you do that, just remember there is another warrior also using his gifts fighting for your freedoms that allow you to continue doing the things that you are gifted in and want to do. But maybe at some point you should think about being a good steward of our nation, too.

End of soap box! I am not attacking those that are not political. Maybe that isn't their calling. I simply don't want to see those that are political attacked for what they do. These people believe just as strongly that they are also doing God's will with their political statements and actions. There is a need for both. And just as it is imperative for those that are political to pray and seek God, it is also imperative that those that believe they need only pray to understand that sometimes they will need to become involved and take necessary action.

The truth is, we are not going to be saved by a great awakening if the one true God and all His ways aren’t preached. Neither, will we be protected and safe, if we fail to become politically involved – even with a great revival. We need both – a heartfelt revival and a desire to be good stewards of our great land.

In my opinion, it ain’t looking too good. Sometimes it seems we have little of either.

But there is always hope! We serve a God of hope and righteousness! Hope is the heart of our God. We can succeed and be great again, if we would simply do the very things that brought this nation to her greatness in the first place.

I’m pretty sure that is what that book I mentioned earlier is going to tell us….the one that was mentioned in the television interview.

But we also know what the Good Book tells us. It tells us to be alert and to watch. It tells us there is a way for redemption. It tells us Redemption died on a cross – for us! And there-in is our hope for eternal life. We are told an incredible Kingdom awaits us! We await a Bridegroom who loves us! Incredible!

But, in my opinion, we simply need to make life a little better down here, until He comes back for His bride and until His Kingdom is ushered in and politics won’t matter anymore.

Until then...sorry, but politics matter.

"America is like a healthy body and its resistance is threefold: its patriotism, its morality and its spiritual life. If we can undermine these three areas, America will collapse from within..."
possibly attributed to Stalin, c. 1947

 

We Make Law!

Representative Trey Gowdy could not be more right! This is awesome!  Please listen!

Not My GOP

Heads Up!

Heads up, Republican! You are about to lose your party. That shouldn’t come as any surprise; it has been in the process of change for some time now.

But yesterday, Rand Paul made the statement that if the Republican Party is ever going to win again it is going to have to radically change its platform. Sound familiar. I think we heard Senator Obama tell us something like that regarding our nation… “I am going to fundamentally transform, America.”

Well before you get your feathers in a tail spin about what seems to be my criticism of one of conservative voters favorite politicians, please give me a chance to explain. I am afraid this is just more divisive stuff from the Paul’s - it happened with Rand's dad, Ron - and the Democrats love it.

For starters, Rand Paul is NOT one of the most conservative members of Congress. And he is NOT what we would call a traditional Republican. He, like his father, is first and foremost a libertarian. Now, I do believe Rand shows more common sense than his dad, but the apple really doesn’t fall far from the tree, as the old saying goes. Now don’t get angry at me for that statement. Ron Paul has said over and over that he is only a Republican because that is the only way he can win in his district.  So Paul said it first, not me. I am only repeating it. Paul by his own admission is a Libertarian and in 2008 after loosing in the primaries he endorsed the Constitutional candidate Chuck Baldwin, and in 2012 after finally stepping out of the race, he endorsed the more liberal, Libertarian Party candidate Gary Johnson. Furthermore, after each of these GOP Primaries, Ron Paul encouraged his supporters to do likewise, rather than support the Republican winner of the primaries!

Ron Paul has little good to say about the Republican Party, but that really shouldn't surprise us. He doesn't have anything good to say about America, either. You don't believe me? Listen!  I mean really listen. Google any video of his you can and listen. There is only one person that derides America more than President Obama. And that is Ron Paul. Rand, though a bit more conservative than his father shows signs he leans the same libertarian way as his father and that is why I am concerned by his recent statement that the GOP needs to change. And thus, the reason for this post!

Libertarian vs. Republican

For those who are confused by the differences in Libertarians, and Republicans let me try to explain. Now, Libertarian is often a 3^rd or 4^th party candidate on our voting ballots, but it isn’t only a political party; it is also an ideology. One can be a "libertarian" and run on the Republican ticket much like Ron Paul has done for most of his political career, and also like his son, Rand has done.

The political discourse on libertarian vs. conservative can get extremely deep. I don't believe it can be learned in any one essay. I am sure there will be critics regarding the simplicity I have attempted here. However, I want to include a quote from an article I found at The Public Discourse.com. Regarding the topics I want to cover in this post, it is the best stated and most succinct summary I have found. Once you have read this definition, I will attempt to show examples regarding how this will play out.

Libertarians are good at explaining why the market works and why government fails, and they have made important policy initiatives in areas such as school choice. On the other hand, they actively oppose laws prohibiting obscenity, protecting unborn children, promoting marriage, limiting immigration, and securing American citizens against terrorists. These positions flow from core principles that have more in common with modern liberalism than with the American founding, and which threaten to erode our constitutional order even further.  ~ Nathan Schlueter

Nolan Chart

Libertarians, though we will often hear them claim to be more conservative than the "RINO Republicans" (a name they love to throw around), actually sit in the middle between Democrats and Republicans - especially regarding moral issues. (Please see Nolan Chart.)

 

When we think about it then, we have to admit, that it is they (the libertarians) that are the true RINOs i.e. Republican In Name Only, not the other way around. These libertarians, of late, are seeking to change our traditional Republican platform. And they are, in my opinion, destroying the GOP!

They are also, I believe, the reason we have lost the Presidency to Obama for two general elections in a row. They have created a divide in our party. A chasm so deep and wide, I, like Rand, wonder if the Republicans will ever win again! But my reason for believing this is for a completely different reason than his. I am greatly concerned about the division in the party. Rand doesn't seem to realize there is a division; he only seeks to change the traditional GOP.

Rand Paul believes we need to lighten up on the moral issues in order to win any further elections. He believes marijuana should be legalized – “It should be left to the states”, is how he garners support for this. However, in the case of deregulation of illegal drugs, leaving it to the states is a dangerous outcome, as we have already seen in Colorado and Washington State. And it is only going to get worse.

Paul also believes felons should have their voting rights reinstated. Aside from the importance of teaching that crime shouldn’t pay, does he remember that these felons most likely vote with a "get all you can from the government", Democratic vote.

Furthermore, he - like his dad - is a bit of an isolationist in his foreign policy, though he refutes that term. Rand has been on the wrong side of this war, claiming like his dad, that we have no place in a foreign land!  Obviously he doesn’t understand our enemy!  Just last month Senator Paul initiated legislation in agreement with President Obama to prevent the United States from ever returning to Iraq. Coincidentally, Colonel Allen West, an expert on the War on Terror, wrote an excellent article explaining  exactly why it just might be necessary to return to Iraq. Again, Allen West understands the enemy, Rand Paul obviously does not. His is a libertarian view, not a conservative, Republican view.

Neither is he our most staunch supporter of Israel. Though he claims to be pro-Israel, he wrote legislation a few years ago to withdraw support from Israel . It drew so much public outcry he had to withdraw his bipartisan bill. What he fails to see, or neglects to mention, is that America can successfully withdraw monies from our enemies, or other questionable nations, without withdrawing monetary support of Israel. That seems to be a simple enough solution to me; I wonder why he fails to mention it. Obviously he recently figured out his error in regard to Israel, as we saw him pose in front of an Israeli flag once he decided to let it be known he is running for President. That doesn't mean he will change what he believes in regard to his support of Israel. He has only found it expedient to show support of Israel as that is traditionally an important issue to Christians who vote in high numbers in the general elections. But these are Libertarian positions he is espousing in regard to staying out of foreign lands and withdrawing support of Israel.

In fact, nothing I have mentioned thus far, are traditional Republican positions! He is trying to change our party into something less conservative than it has always been, by actually claiming to hold the more conservative position. This is a tactic the Democrats use too, they always lean more toward the center during election years, as they know our nation is still a center/right nation. They only espouse these conservative values as needed, and as I said, it doesn't mean they will do it. As sometimes a charlatan will use the Bible to gain credence, politicians also love to use our Constitution. It doesn't mean they are the sole authority on it as they claim.

One more thing that may come as a surprise to some, but we really need to know. Libertarians are NOT our most pro-life politicians, although Rand Paul maintains that he is a pro-life candidate. I really hope he is and I believe his voting record shows that. But please, just be aware that the libertarians now gaining unprecedented support, are not truly the more conservative faction. They may like to claim it, but I am afraid it just isn't so.

While Ron Paul had some good, conservative economic ideas, so does his son. And I believe they both have American interests in mind with those policies. But economics isn't the answer to everything if you believe the Bible. We receive God's blessing and favor by moral supremacy and Biblical standards. This is why our Founders based our nation on a Judeo/Christian belief system. It has served us well for 200 years, but "the times they are a-changin' ". We need to pay attention and stay alert.

A Dangerous Foreign Policy

Of utmost importance to me is our nation's foreign policy. It is important for the obvious reasons - our nation's security is of course paramount. But more subtly than that and more importantly to me is how our nation treats Israel. It is my firm belief that we have been so blessed as a nation, because of our thus far undying, unwavering support of Israel. That also is changing.

Also of importance is the way we care and protect other nation's from harm. The world shut their eyes once to an atrocity upon the Jewish people. That must NEVER happen AGAIN.

Unfortunately, both the Paul’s believe much the same as President Obama that any action in a foreign land is an act of an Imperialistic America, seeking after a selfish goal, rather than an America that is there to protect and defend freedom; or care for the damaged and broken. I don't care how far one looks back, America's aid in foreign lands has always been based on a Christian humanitarian action. Believing America to be an Imperialistic nation is a dangerous belief system and it was once considered anti-American!  Obviously, Obama views us through an anti-colonial - Imperialistic - lens. Many don't want to admit it, but the Paul's both view America through the same lens.  Again, please just take the time to listen. Don't take my word for it.

Ron Paul actually said that he thought it was ok for Iran to seek nuclear weapons. Clearly, he doesn’t understand our enemy! Iran is not the Soviet Union, which he used as a reference. Iran believes in suicide bombers; and death in their religion is a desired end as well as their battle cry! Do you see why Iran having a nuclear weapon as opposed to the old Soviet Union is a whole other ball game? Iran wouldn’t hesitate to use the nuclear bomb! They have vowed to drive Israel into the sea. We had better take them seriously.

The old Soviet Union held to no religion at all, as opposed to one that is required to kill the infidel. The old Soviet Union was held at bay by a strong President (Ronald Reagan) who believed in "peace through strength". The Paul's both said they would cut our defense budget, as has President Obama. Therein lays the foolishness of Ron Paul's lackadaisical statement regarding Iran and nuclear weapons.
 

Now I believe Rand is somewhat less radical than his dad regarding this. But, I am afraid his lack of support in fighting this enemy would end in the same way as both Ron Paul and Obama’s. The enemy wins! We have seen this in Iraq after Obama turned the tides on a war that had been won in 2008, and now we are about to see it again in Afghanistan. This is a tragedy! When Obama took office, we had the war in Iraq won and Iraqis were on their way to freedom!!

For those of you against these wars, ask yourself are you war weary? We all are! Are you against this war mostly because you have a son and daughter there that you would prefer be home? Well then ask your son or daughter their opinion. I would almost guarantee that they understand and support that war in a completely different way than you. What we need is a Commander-In-Chief that will untie the hands of our soldiers and let them win. Pulling our troops out, ensures failure.

We are in desperate need of a Commander-in-Chief that understands our enemy not one who renames it, or even worse replaces it. This war on terror isn't an "overseas contigency" and our first and foremost enemy is not our own government. Though there is nothing wrong with keeping our government in check. That is our job as American citizens. But we have an enemy that is infiltrating our land, and many are ignoring it while instead busy living in fear of their government. To learn more about our enemy, please read Erick Stakelback's books: The Terrorists Next Door and The Brotherhood.

I can't help but believe, it is ones responsibility to keep oneself aware, informed and active.
Admittedly, this administration is something with which we should be concerned. None of this should be ignored.

I suppose Rand Paul could be commended for his filibuster regarding the use of drones on American soil. At least someone is finally trying to do something, I have told myself. However, I can't help but think there was a bit of grandstanding going on with that filibuster. The filibuster also has to do with the way in which we view this war on terror. In my opinion (as well as many others) strong precedent has been set with law in place that states when one leaves America to join the enemy, they lose all rights to civil laws and protection. This happened in both World War I and World War II. Rand Paul's filibuster was mute in that regard. This is why I am a firm believer, unlike Paul, that enemy combatants should not be tried in civilian courts, but rather left to a military tribunal, or under military authority. It is so important we understand this difference as Americans. It is sad to see how many people do not understand that treason is an act of war. Charles Krauthammer in his book Things That Matter explains eloquently.

Answer: Once you take up arms against the United States, you become an enemy combatant, thereby forfeiting the privileges of citizenship and the protections of the Constitution, including due process. You retain only the protection of the laws of war - no more and no less than those of your foreign comrades-in-arms. (Indeed, David French, senior counsel at the American Center for Law and Justice, suggests stripping such traitors of their citizenship, thereby formalizing their extra-constitutional status.)

Lincoln steadfastly refused to recognize the Confederacy as a separate nation. The soldiers that his Union army confronted at Antietam were American Citizens (in rebellion) - killed without due process. Nor did the American storming German bunkers at Normandy inquire before firing whether there were any German Americans among them - to be excused for gentler treatment while the other Germans were mowed down.

Please watch the video in the link above to see a powerful statement by Newt Gingrich during the Presidential debates in 2012 regarding the way a US citizen should be treated when joining the enemy. He could not be more right! Like him or not, he has been around long enough to know and understand the truth.

I also have to question if there isn't some grandstanding going on with Paul's lawsuit regarding the invasion of privacy by the NSA. While again, this lawsuit may be somewhat noteworthy, any constructive action from this lawsuit actually remains to be seen. Obama should, in fact, be impeached. I see this lawsuit as nothing more than a frivolous use of tax payer money. Let's get to the real solution! Obama could have been impeached a number of times over. Why do we see no effort here from anyone in Congress? It is our job as citizens to press our politicians into right action.

Nothing much came out of the filibuster except more exposure for Rand. One has to wonder if this lawsuit isn’t more of the same attention seeking action as we see the Senator gear up for his run for President in 2016.

In Conclusion

Why do I continue harping on Rand's dad, Ron Paul? Because two elections ago, I believe he almost single handedly changed the American two party system into something so dangerous that I am not sure we will ever find the relief. The divide in our party continues. Paul just won’t go away, and now we find him and his efforts reincarnated in his son. Rand too, wants to change the Republican Party into a libertarian way of life. The effects I am afraid, will be a decline in mores, a weakened defense, and a stronger enemy. In that regard, there would be no difference than what we have seen with Obama. As I said earlier, it ain’t just about the economy!

The Democrats believe this divide will cause the Republicans to never win again. It is something on which they are counting. That happens to be the one thing I agree with them, if Republicans don't take the time to get it figured out and finally unite.

Where Rand Paul sits on the Nolan Chart.
Not the worst positioning, but definitely not as conservative
as he would have us believe.



Above all else, we need to understand that there are those among us that hope to change our Republican Party into a more libertarian platform. They are doing this by claiming to be more of what the majority of most Americans truly want - an America that holds to its conservative roots, upholding at all costs the Constitution that we love. The only thing is, libertarians themselves are also actively reinterpreting the Constitution. We need to be aware and not follow aimlessly trusting anyone who happens to use the correct talking points or phraseology.  We live in a time where we need to dig deeper for ourselves. We have to be prepared to admit, there are those among us, (whether intentionally or not, whether well-meaning or not) are seeking a change in American exceptionalism at the high cost of division of conservatives to achieve their agenda.

 

Resources and Influences:

• American Center for Law and Justice
• Charles Krauthammer - Things That Matter
• Chris Kyle - American Sniper
• Colonel Allen West
• Erick Stakelback - Terrorist Next Door; The Brotherhood
• Newt Gingrich
• On the Issues
• Red State
• The Public Discourse.com.
• The Holy Bible