Governor Mitt Romney recently affirmed our shared heritage of public virtue as Americans. From the founding of our nation, each generation has willingly tempered and subordinated individual liberty to the greater common good. This reflects our nation’s religious and moral foundation, which George Washington referred to as “pillars of human happiness”, “indispensable supports” and the “firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.” We would expect nothing less of a nation whose motto is “IN GOD WE TRUST”. And yet, as the early primary elections are fast approaching, we witness outrageous attacks on Romney’s religious faith and not so subtle suggestions from opponents like Mike Huckabee that voters should choose him instead for religious reasons. (The comments of Lawrence O’Donnell of the CNBC broadcast “McLaughlin Group” stand out as a new low in political commentary in this country).
In a recent “CNN/YouTube” debate, Huckabee was asked about the death penalty, “What would Jesus do?” He good naturedly deflected the question by saying, “Jesus was too smart to ever run for public office.” But now, on the eve of the Iowa Caucus and to enhance his prospects, Huckabee calculatingly fuels questions whether followers of Jesus can accept Romney as a political candidate. (National columnist, Charles Krauthammer, has called Huckabee’s tactics “egregious subtlety” and “playing the religion card”).
What drives Huckabee’s challenge of Romney’s faith? Polls and pure political pandering. Certainly, not the Christian Bible he claims to live by and somehow better embody in this campaign. “By their fruits, ye shall know them,” said Jesus. (Matthew 12:33) Are not the fruits of Romney’s faith impressively evident in his character and personal life, which so many of today’s politicians in Clinton-like fashion now seek to characterize as irrelevant and unnecessary qualifications for the Presidency? The official response from the Romney campaign is that “Governor Romney will not debate candidates on their faith or question their faith. For those who want to know how Governor Romney’s faith informs his values, they can look at how he lives his life and how he has raised his family.”
It all reminds me of a simpler time and debate when Ronald Reagan faced the scrutiny of Christian conservatives and Southern evangelicals in his run for the Republican nomination. When asked what he had to say to those who suggested that he was not a Christian, he answered, “I choose to turn the other cheek.” Romney has displayed that same quality. As Huckabee and others seek to sway voters and promote their political agenda by holding Romney up to their interpretation of the Bible, do not overlook Christ’s reply to his disciples when they complained that a man was performing miracles who “followeth not with us.” “And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.” (Luke 9:50: Mark 9:40). Is this not the “symphony of faith” Governor Romney spoke of so powerfully in his address to the nation? Musicians know that you don’t have to play the exact same note to be in perfect harmony. Despite the negative slant that much of the media continue to “spin”, I believe the majority of voters know that too.
Posted by: LaVar Christensen