Huckabee makes no apologies for Christmas ad in sermon | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "'You can find Santa at every mall. You can find discounts in every store,' Huckabee said while speaking at the Cornerstone Church in San Antonio. 'But if you mention the name of Jesus, as I found out recently, it upsets the whole world. Forgive me, but I thought that was the point of the whole day.'"
December 24, 2007
Huckabee is disingenuous
Again.
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8 comments:
This conservative Christian says no to fiscally liberal Huckabee.
Connie
Ok. Does that mean that a conservative Christian can't support a fiscal liberal? Or can a Christian also be a liberal?
Did Gov. Huckabee have a crucifix in his hands while giving this speech?
After all, it is THE PROP for Martyrs....
Streak, IMO, yes to both your questions. I am fairly conservative on some issues and am comfortable with spending on social programs that work and do what they say they will do. I guess I am a pragmatic in that regard.
I will also admit I am growing more unsatisfied with some conservative religious principles.
I think Connie's response annoyed me because it reveals the way that conservative theology has merged with conservative political theory. If someone opposes liberal fiscal policy, while a legitimate stance, it has no real connection to a conservative view on the Bible. I suspect that Connie is a conservative evangelical who might have a literal or innerant view of the Bible, and uses that view to justify opposing same-sex unions, abortion, and such social issues. But where in the Bible does it say that raising taxes to fund schools and highways and to assist people damaged by a hurricane is wrong?
So, had Connie said, "as a conservative, I find Huckabee's stance on taxes too liberal" I would disagree with her stance on taxation, but would see her point. But saying that as a "conservative Christian" she opposes "liberal fiscal policy" is mixing things that are actually mixed.
And there, in my opinion, is the crux of the problem with the conservative evangelical movement. It is intensely greedy and acquisitive, but doesn't want to admit that. It has turned a radical figure of Jesus into the patron saint of SUVs and gated communities. It has turned the idea of Christ upside down.
Streak: I think I'm to the point that if a candidate spends any time asserting their religious affilitation, whining about being persecuted, or including any subtle religious symbolism in their political ads, they are off the list for me.
You're going to shoot me. I'm at the in-laws, have not brought any work, and the kids are playing with their cousins. I have plenty of time to use your blog as a pleasant distraction. I guess I need to start using mine again.
That said, I recently read this interview with Bill Moyers. The entire interview is great but I think his comments on faith and politics are some of my favorites ever and are a great answer to this Huckabee stuff (in my opinion). If you'll forgive the pasting, I'll include just that part below- Later-BB
(Christian Century) So much is being written and said about the alliance between the religious right and the Republican Party. What role do you think religion should have in the public arena?
(Moyers) Whose religion? Christian? Muslim? Jew? Sikh? Buddhist? Catholic? Protestant? Shi'ite? Sunni? Orthodox? Conservative? Mormon? Amish? Wicca? For that matter, which Baptist? Bill Clinton or Pat Robertson? Newt Gingrich or Al Gore? And who is going to decide? The religion of one seems madness to another. Elaine Pagels said to me in an interview that she doesn't know a single religion that affirms the other's choice.
If religion is the voice of the deepest human experience—and I believe it is—humanity contains multitudes, each speaking in a different tongue. Naturally, believers will bring their faith into the public square, translating their unique personal experience into political convictions and moral arguments. But politics is about settling differences while religion is about maintaining them. Let's realize what a treasure we have in a secular democracy that guarantees your freedom to believe as you choose and mine to vote as I wish.
(Christian Century) Some people on the left think the Democratic Party needs to be more explicitly religious. What do you think about that counterstrategy?
If you have to talk about God to win elections, that doesn't speak well of God or elections. We are desperate today for cool thinking and clear analysis. What kind of country is it that wants its politicians to play tricks with faith?
Nope. Post away. I should make you a guest blogger!
But I agree with Moyer's take. Religion and politics often have the opposite goals--old strange bedfellows argument. One posits purity and one compromise.
I think we would be better off if both recognized those differences.
Streak- you've probably already seen this, Foreign policy gaffes plague Huckabee - CNN.com, but figured I'd point it out to you. We've had 7 years of international ignrance. We don't need any more.- BB
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