Like many (I’ll even say most) conservative evangelicals today, I’ve had to take some hard considerations on who I’ll be supporting for the 2008 Presidential race. As a one-time avid Mike Huckabee supporter, I’ve had nothing but good news come out of the campaign trial. For all intents and purposes, it would seem that I had picked the right horse. I mean seriously, how much better can you get than a former Baptist minister? And let me make this clear from the get-go, to this day, “I Like Mike”. However…
The more that I read from Dr. Ron Paul, the more interviews I see (minus the one where he seems to allude to Huckabee being a fascist for releasing a Christmas ad…and then Paul releasing the same kind of ad!), and the more I study the proper relationship between a principled Christian and an increasing pragmatic-humanistic culture; the more I like Ron Paul.
As I’ve alluded to on this blog, I am in the midst of reading Abraham Kuyper’s “Lectures on Calvinism” where he discusses the roots of America’s sense of liberty and freedom as sprouting directing from Reformation theology. Kuyper then elucidates why he believes that such liberty and freedom can only be continued in such a Calvinistic worldview that properly delineates the relationship of God to man, man to man, and man to the world. Okay, now fast-forward a few years, and you have Francis Schaeffer who comes along and picks up Kuyper’s “worldview” analysis, and further tunes it in his own work entitled, ”A Christian Manifesto” (which I just finished reading this morning). In this book, Schaeffer outlines the Christian response to the shift that has occured in our culture towards a predominately humanistic, materialistically based worldview. Building upon Kuyper’s model (that it was indeed a sound Reformation theology that implanted a worldview that produced the ideals of the American Revolution (i.e. a free society)), Schaeffer reminds us that only a return back to such a God-centered worldview will allow us to retain our current freedom. Schaeffer notes that “if the United States is to move back towards the original Reformation basis, this would mean severely limiting the scope of Federal State authority. ” (pg. 115)
Which of course brings me to Ron Paul. When I read the following quote by Schaeffer last night, I could almost hear the words of Ron Paul echoing in the back ground. Schaeffer wrote:
“When the men of our State Department, especially after WW II, went all over the world trying to implant our form-freedom balance in government downward on cultures whose [humanistic] philosophy and religion would never have produced it, it has, in almost every case, ended in some form of totalitarianism or authoritarianism.
The humanists push for “freedom,” but having no Christian consensus to contain it, that “freedom” leads to chaos or to slavery under the state (or under an elite).” -pg 29, “A Christian Manifesto“
It seems to me, more than any other candidate on the ballot, that Ron Paul may understand this fact. I could be wrong…it’s happened often before, and will happen undoubtedly in the future, but I do hope that those Christian politicos out there will think twice before writing him off…
Have a blessed celebration of the birth of Christ, y’all.
‘BH
112 Comments
December 24, 2007 at 3:51 pm
BH,
Great entry on Ron Paul. I haven’t seen much out there connecting Paul’s views on liberty and freedom to theologians and ultimately to the scriptures.
It seems to be somewhat of a lost idea of that a free society comes from reformation theology derived from the scriptures. In my conversations, talk of a “free society” often will bring a furrowed brow and a quick reminder that we are only free in Christ. This is true of course but the importance of a free society is dismissed with the comment.
For instance, the idea of a limited federal government seems like a good idea to most Christians but not something that is actually derived from a Christian worldview.
Great post!
Bryan F.
December 24, 2007 at 6:58 pm
I think that Ron Paul has a pretty good philosophical understanding of government, but I’m skeptical about his ability to be an executive and lead a country and to make those changes in an effective way. He’s been in the legislature for years, and while he votes his conscience, he hasn’t changed anything. The president of the United States is a powerful man; I’m trying to vote for someone who can handle the responsibility - who gives me an idea he’s thought about how to implement his worldview.
Plus I am a little worried that Ron Paul would withdraw from Iraq immediately. That seems like national suicide to me, and I’m not voting for it.
But yes, I agree that our country is messed up, has left its original theology and philosophy of government, has overstepped the consitution, and would be a lot better off with a smaller federal government. To me, the best plan for cutting the government back slowly would be to stop funding and regulating social programs (including medicare, welfare, research grants, and education).
Do you think Huckabee will do that?
To God be all glory,
Lisa of Longbourn
December 24, 2007 at 8:00 pm
It’s funny that you posted this, because I’m also a big fan of Kuyper and Schaeffer, and have learned a lot about world-views from their writings. I’m a big fan of the idea of “sphere sovereignty.” I also like Huckabee, but I am also attracted to Ron Paul’s stance on smaller government. Decisions, decisions.
December 24, 2007 at 11:35 pm
Lisa said this: “… Plus I am a little worried that Ron Paul would withdraw from Iraq immediately. That seems like national suicide to me, and I’m not voting for it.”
I said this: So here is your choice. Vote in another war mongering president who will keep sending over more young men and women who will be cannon fodder for your false sense of security. Why your at it, how about giving up more of your civil rights…you know those boogy men are so bad. If we don’t keep spending billions of dollars that we keep printing, what will we do? who will protect us? If we elect Ron Paul, we might have to start thinking, working, and solving our own problems….so much work.
So, vote for the Huckster, the 911 zero, or any of the other plastic flip flopper stand ins.
maybe you should do a bit more research before you pull that lever. If you really care? No, I mean if you really care.
December 25, 2007 at 1:37 am
Great choice… Ron Paul is the savior of our nation… he is the only true anti-war, limited govt’, sound money candidate that we have… welcome to the revolution…. there is nothing like it….
December 25, 2007 at 1:47 am
Sorry, but Ron Paul had his advert out maybe 2 weeks BEFORE Huckabee! And he wasn’t commenting on the commercial anyway, he was simply told something about a white cross hovering on the background and said it reminded him of something.
Though personally, i do believe that if Huckabee wins the race, he will become the world’s next Hitler in short order. He simply IS a fascist.
December 25, 2007 at 1:49 am
Merry Christmas to all of you. As a Christian and former theological student (two years to Huck’s one), I believe that Ron Paul is the only honest person in this race. I am a teacher with advanced degrees in history and political science, and I deeply believe that without a Ron Paul Presidency, this country is getting ready to go very, very wrong and quite quickly.
Please, if you are undecided look at the issues at http://www.ronpaul2008.com
Merry Christmas, and may God bless and keep us all.
December 25, 2007 at 1:50 am
I think its important to do everything we can to avoid the “one world government” that the Council on Foreign Relations is trying to create.
quote:
The goals of the Council on Foreign Relations are best described by its very own members.
Bill Clinton’s Georgetown mentor and CFR member Carroll Quigley says in his book Tragedy & Hope: “The Council on Foreign Relations is the American branch of a society which originated in England… (and) …believes national boundaries should be obliterated and One World rule established.”
Mr. Quigley is only different from Bill Clinton, George Bush and the rest of them in the fact that he thinks they shouldn’t try to hide this any more.
These groups brag and laugh about how America’s two-party system allows for both groups to be controlled at the highest level but still operate like bitter rivals.
As Quigley says, this gives the voters the chance to “throw the rascals out at any election without leading to any profound of extreme shifts in policy.”.
Controlling Washington elite allowed private central banks to ” dominate the political system… …and economy of world as a whole” and implement a new system of “feudalist fashion” through “secret agreements”. Although he believes the CFR’s intentions should be more public, Quigley understands the average person doesn’t understand feudalism or serfdom and will never read his book.
Huckabees choice for foreign relations advisor will be none other than Richad Haas, director of the C.F.R.
December 25, 2007 at 1:51 am
“”When the men of our State Department, especially after WW II, went all over the world trying to implant our form-freedom balance in government downward on cultures whose [humanistic] philosophy and religion would never have produced it, it has, in almost every case, ended in some form of totalitarianism or authoritarianism.”"
…now, I don’t want to connect the dots for you, but when did terrorism start to become a big issue for westerners?
You’ve got two dots. The quote above, and the rise of terrorism as a tactic. Connect them.
December 25, 2007 at 1:54 am
I think Paul’s message fits in with that of Christ and his disciples after him (Augustine, Thomas Aquinas), in that we bring about change by proving to be a good example, and never by force.
To all my Christian brothers, as a devout Catholic I wish you all a blessed Christmas, and a happy New Year!
December 25, 2007 at 1:54 am
Looks like this blog has been hit by conspiracy theorists and the crazed fringe of Ron Paul supporters…please ignore them.
December 25, 2007 at 1:55 am
Allow me to be one of the first to say “welcome” to the Ron Paul r3VOLution.
There’s a reason we spell it the way we do — we want to emphasize the LOVE in revolution. We love our country, and we wish to see a return to the intent of the Founding Fathers. In this day and age, many tend to forget what the United States was founded on. We would like to see a return to those days, where we have a government that isn’t feared by the people, but instead exists of and for the people.
In this revolution of ours, we have all kinds: Christians, Jews, Muslims, atheists; whites, blacks (Ron Paul has the most African American support out of all the Republicans), hispanics; all age demographics, as young as in their late teens to their 80s. Don’t let the media fool you — we’re not just a small group of kids on the internet.
I myself am an enlisted military person, serving active duty in the United States Air Force. Almost have the people I work with support Ron Paul. Ron Paul gets more donations from military members and retirees than any other candidate, period.
I want to personally (as personal as the internet can get) and warmly welcome you on this Christmas Eve night to what can be one of the greatest things to happen to this country since 1776.
I leave you with the words of Samuel Adams:
“If ever a time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin.”
December 25, 2007 at 1:55 am
7 Reasons Ron Paul is the best choice for evangelicals as opposted to Huckabee:
- Mike Huckabee will continue the US led “peace plan” path for Israel that has only resulted in further division of the Holy Land. Many Christians feel this angers God and if continued, our nation may cease to be blessed by Him. Ron Paul will stop this destructive liberal policy.
- Mike Huckabee only plans to play a never ending chess game of nominating judges that might challenge abortion on demand. Ron Paul has consistently introduced to Congress the Sanctity of Life Act which, if passed, would’ve ended abortion on demand as we know it. Furthermore, Huckabee will continue to allow federal courts to decide law on issues such as religious displays, prayer in schools, abortion and same-sex marriage. Paul’s We the People Act of 2006 would forbid federal courts from reviewing these issues. Federal judicial tyranny against religious freedom would be crushed.
- Mike Huckabee is for US continual involvement in the UN. Ron Paul realizes that precursors to one world government are something Christians should vehemently oppose. As such, Ron Paul is the only candidate that would end our membership with the UN and other similar global organizations.
- Mike Huckabee believes marriage is an institution of the government. Ron Paul understands that marriage is a religious institution that transcends man’s governments. Ron Paul would fight to bring it back to its roots as a religious institution.
- Mike Huckabee supports the Federal Reserve, the private bank responsible for the destruction of our dollar. Thanks to the Fed, our dollar is now worth around 4 cents. What was the one time Jesus got violent? When He was confronting the money changers for manipulating His people’s currency. Ron Paul is the only candidate who wants to confront the money changers as Jesus did. The Federal Reserve’s days are numbered when Ron Paul steps into office.
- Mike Huckabee supports government funding of church’s ministerial work. As the federal government continues to provide more funding for churches, they surrender their Christian sovereignty to the State. The eventual result is manipulated official state churches similar to what we see in Communist China. Ron Paul would end this underhanded assault against the free Church by stopping such programs.
- Mike Huckabee wants to continue to allow the humanist influenced Dept of Education to have full control over our children’s public education. Ron Paul would abolish the Dept of Education. In addition, Ron Paul believes parents should be rewarded substantial tax credits if they choose home or private schooling.
December 25, 2007 at 1:56 am
I think Huckabee will do well on the TV evangelist circuit, raising money and pandering to the faithful. For the White House, I want someone who understands liberty and faithfully defends the Constitution. Ron Paul is such a man.Thank you for your insights. I’ve read some of Kuyper’s stuff. My wife studied at L’Abri. We will both vote for Ron Paul. It is a no-brainer.
December 25, 2007 at 1:57 am
Pastor Chuck Baldwin also chooses Paul over Huckabee (see http://www.newswithviews.com/baldwin/baldwin411.htm and http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/c2007/cbarchive_20071218.html)
An excellent explanation of his comment on soft fascism related to Huckabee’s ad can be found in the second half of the 4th part of his Meet The Press interview here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCSY438wpCk
Paul is the most principled and honest candidate in the pack, with a complete message of limited government that brings up things no other candidates are talking about anymore. (do we really still need 64,000 troops in Germany? Whatever happened to the Republican platform of abolishing the intrusive and mostly useless Department of Education?) If we don’t cut rampant government spending soon, our economy is looking for trouble. Paul is the man for the job.
December 25, 2007 at 1:57 am
Welcome aboard the freedom train! In response to your statement “(minus the one where he seems to allude to Huckabee being a fascist for releasing a Christmas ad…and then Paul releasing the same kind of ad!)” there is a video made after Dr. Paul’s interview on the Meet The Press last Sunday. In the video, Ron Paul explains that he had not seen Mike Huckabee’s ad at the time he was asked about it–so his response was based on the overview of the ad given to him by the reporter asking him about it!
Also, see RPV’s comment above.
Also, I like hymns very much as well. Some of my favorite hymnals include the “Old School Hymnal” published by Old School Hymnal Co., Inc.; the Primitive Baptist Hymnal; and also I’d like to get a copy of Gadsby’s Hymnal.
December 25, 2007 at 2:01 am
There is no “crazed fringe of Ron Paul supporters” … anyone that can use YouTube can go see the supporters for themselves… they are all people… young and old… left and right… We are the image of America itself.
Ron Paul also said later that he had not seen the commercial with Huckabee before the interview and was only told there was a cross and Huckabee talking about being a Christian again… which Ron Paul responded that it sounded like he was trying to say that he was the only true Christian running… like he tried to imply Romney was some how not really Christian.
December 25, 2007 at 2:01 am
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of Ron Paul. As far as leadership goes, standing up everyday and voting your conscience despite popular opinion (as Ron Paul has done every day in Congress, including voting against the Patriot Act in the weeks after 9/11) shows real leadership.
Being a doctor who has delivered over 4,000 babies as the only OB/GYN in his area of Texas for many years shows tons of leadership.
Ron Paul is catching on, and he is the only man for the job.
December 25, 2007 at 2:06 am
Rod Parsley appears to agree with Ron Paul:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3051024550497129264&q=ohio+world+church+irs&total=1&start=0&num=100&so=0&type=search&plindex=0
December 25, 2007 at 2:09 am
Looks like this blog has been hit by “crazed conspiracy theorists”? Well, it’s pretty easy to call names, and calling someone crazy is the traditional response when faced with an argument that you cannot disprove or refute. Unfortunately for you, calling names only works for so long, and it’s wearing pretty thin with the sheer amount of information on the internet which points to the fact that the simple, comfortable version of reality that we learn in grade school is the delusion. Do I think there is some “vast conspiracy” out there? I really don’t know, do I think that conspiracies exist? Of course they do! Do I think that the CFR has goals that aren’t necessarily wise or benevolent? Yeah, they probably do. By the way, Ron Paul has a very simple agenda: Promote peace, obey the constitution, and stop the fraudulent monetary practices — that’s the “peace, freedom, prosperity” message. If you want to call Ron Paul supporters crazy for supporting that message, go ahead! You are only exposing yourself as a war monger who opposes the constitution and supports fraud. Be my guest, and merry christmas!
December 25, 2007 at 2:09 am
Couldnt there be healing go on when you go to a Ron Paul gathering and see skin heads standing with blacks supporting the same cause? Just like how some American white soldiers learned to respect America black soldiers during WWII?
December 25, 2007 at 2:09 am
Congressman Ron Paul has received the endorsement of Michael Anthony Peroutka, staunch conservative Christian and former Constitution Party candidate for President:
http://www.theamericanview.com/index.php?id=926&PHPSESSID=53aa310f44b2e20c1436aacfe6bacf4a
Congressman Ron Paul is the only candidate for President who recognizes the God ordained role of civil government.
Christ’s death and resurrection secured the promise of our liberty. It is not ours to turn over to a fascist state:
http://www.theamericanview.com/index.php?id=963&PHPSESSID=53aa310f44b2e20c1436aacfe6bacf4a
December 25, 2007 at 2:11 am
Hello and MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL…. Just wanted to say that Dr. Paul is wonderful therapy to the world of Politics… one only has to listen to him to see that he is sincere in what he hopes to accomplish.
Our government is way overblown… its trying to run our lives… Keep the government out of religeon and vice-versa…
Mike Huckabee is downright SCARY… he doesnt act the way he talks. He covers up for his son.
By the way - RON PAUL DID NOT PUT ANY CROSSES IN HIS HAPPY HOLIDAYS ad… he kept it very politically correct.
Mr. Huckabee DID PUT THAT CROSS IN HIS AD or else endorsed it… it was so obvious that everyone I knows laughs their head off about it…
December 25, 2007 at 2:13 am
As a fellow Christian I to feel that Ron Paul is the best candidate for the job. His peaceful foreign policy is what separates him from the rest of the candidates.
December 25, 2007 at 2:15 am
Thank you for your thoughtful considerations. I would urge you to ignore some of my fellow Ron Paul supporter’s comments that you deem to be offensive or divisive.
Though Ron’s quote from Sinclair Lewis might have been a little tactless, he meant no harm and had no intention of insinuating that Huckabee was a fascist. But it seems as if you and I both agree to a certain extent that government and a degree of corporatism has penetrated our way of life.
Though Ron doesn’t like to allude to his religion, I can tell you from reading many of his writings and listening to his speeches, he is a very devout Christian. In fact, his passionate devotion to the Constitution has much to do with his religious convictions. Much of the principles of the Constitution derive from the bible, including the notion of natural rights. Pastor Chuck Baldwin (who is endorsing Dr. Paul) has stated that even the three separate branches of government are taken from the book of Issiah.
Again, thank you so much for taking the time to do your research and deciding on principles and ideas rather than soundbites and media distortions. I’m glad that such devotion to ethics in our candidates still exists.
December 25, 2007 at 2:15 am
Oh yes, have a very merry Christmas!
December 25, 2007 at 2:15 am
im a born again bible-believing christian, saved by grace, who attends lighthouse baptist church in san diego. although huckabee is a “baptist”, i know it isn’t the title or religion that determines a persons salvation, but the acceptance of Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. while there might be some qualities and beliefs that are admired especially from a former pastor who is running for president, as far as politics go, its still ron paul FTW!!!
December 25, 2007 at 2:17 am
Thank you guys for considering Ron Paul. It seems that the other candidates wants to use religion only when it is convenient to them but whe it comes to the war in Iraq only Ron Paul cites St. Augustine’s Just War theory of Christianity.
December 25, 2007 at 2:21 am
Last night I got to talking with my Baptist Minister brother-in-law. His first question was on foreign policy. I stated RP was the only Republican candidate that would pull out of Iraq and the middle east.
His answer, ‘GOOD, our messing with other countries is what is causing terrorism.’
wow, he didn’t even know who Ron Paul was.
I must tell you that my sister spent time in Africa this summer and my Brother-in-law was in Central America just before Thanksgiving.
They both have done a few mission trips over the years. They have seen first hand how the word views America.
I am pretty sure I got him on the Ron Paul bandwagon. They are going to do some research first.
December 25, 2007 at 2:23 am
Welcome aboard!
It is interesting that the Nazi beltbuckles said “God is on our side” on them. Hitler came to power appealing to christians and they welcomed him. This is how facism usually starts. The people always welcome it not realizing what it will turn into.
I’m also convinced Mike Huckabee as president would be worse than Hitler and his presidency would result in more deaths than Hitler.
He wants Arrmagedon.
December 25, 2007 at 2:29 am
Anybody who uses their religion to get votes is a fake. A person’s religious affiliation is their personnel business, and I’m sure Jesus would object being used in a political realm, especially these days. People have to take responsibility for their government’s action, and not become passive as the politicians run amuck. Lets get down to the real issues, discover how it went wrong, and correct these issues instead of just offering solutions to the problems. These solutions never seem to help; furthermore, they tend to perpetuate the original problem. Then they offer more solutions without investigating why the problem occurred in the first place. Wow, health care has really gotten expensive of the last decade, instead of finding why this happened, they just offer a solution e.g. universal health care. That’s not the way to correct these problems.
December 25, 2007 at 2:41 am
I personally think it is very noble when in the course of human events we find a better man to lead us and then making a conversion to him. Ron Paul has brought hope to so many and his message is liberty for all. With sound solutions to the problems he is the only candidate answering the questions with logic and humanity. A prophet to me , a hero to me a man with such priciples to have the mainstream media discount this great honorable man almost brings one to tears. How would the mainstream media treat Jesus had he come back here at this time? I am thinking like they treat Ron Paul.
God bless all and especially people that want change for the better of all by supporting Ron Paul.
December 25, 2007 at 2:49 am
Thank you for your support.
Ron Paul is a Christian just like Mike Huckabee, he has been married to the same woman (and his only wife) for 50 years, and has a great, close-knit family that you can see in his Christmas video. The thing is: Ron Paul won’t campaign on his religion. He fully supports your freedom to practice your religion as you choose, and he exudes family values in his personal life, but he follows the rule of Matthew 6:5-6, and doesn’t use the outward expression of his beliefs for political gain.
Ultimately this often hurts him amongst Christian voters, as he doesn’t appear as strongly Christian as other candidates might. If you dig a little deeper, however, you will see a man you can respect, and one who can lead this country by example.
December 25, 2007 at 2:52 am
Welcome to the R[evol]ution!
And Marry Christmas!
December 25, 2007 at 2:52 am
Welcome to the Revolution
Merry Christmas
December 25, 2007 at 2:56 am
Jesus was the “Prince of Peace”
Paul is our undisputed Pro-Peace candidate.
December 25, 2007 at 2:57 am
Sorry, I meant to say “Jesus IS the Prince of Peace”, not WAS. That sounded bad.
December 25, 2007 at 3:03 am
I don’t know Mike Huckabee and can’t endorse all of the most extreme comments against him on this page (though neither can I gainsay them), but I will say that I’ve been a fan of Ron Paul’s for many years and am 100% for him, for the reasons given so far here and for many more as well. As others have said, welcome to the r3VOLution!
I read a lot of Schaeffer’s work years ago and always enjoyed his diligent attempts to explore the utter foundations of whatever issues he examined. We would do well to emulate that, IMO, in all our debates. The common perception of herds of shallow, easily-(mis)led Christians would not be in place if more of us took his approach.
To my fellow Paulunteers: please take it easy on the name-calling. It isn’t going to win anyone over. Just explain why you support Ron Paul and let people do their own homework from there. Think about whatever first got you to examine RP. I’ll bet it _wasn’t_ someone calling another candidate a bad name.
RP 08 FTW
December 25, 2007 at 3:03 am
Thank you for your consideration of Ron Paul.
The real issue to me — is Abortion. Huccabee kept all of the programs in place Clinton had put in to increase abortion in his state. Huccabee didn’t care about actually DOING anything to stop or lessen abortions in his state.
Paul on the other hand. Introduced a bill to define Life begining at conception. He also authored a bill that would take the Supreme Courts jurisdiction away from the issue and thereby nullify Roe Vs Wade and therefore allow states to make their own policies again about how they prosecute abortions. Constitutionally Congress has that check on the courts power. He’s an OB/GYN by trade. You know his commitment to the pro-life cause, and you know he’ll do everything with-in his power — with-in the confines of the Constitution to limit it.
If anybody thinks Huccabee will stop the flow of federal monies going to Planned Parenthood — think again. Huccabee’s reputation in Politics, and the religious organizations he’s been in has been to preserve the statis quo. He’ll be just like Bush. A lot of pandering — meanwhile Planned Parenthood’s biggest donar is the Federal government.
Dr Congressman Ron Paul Won’t be afraid to use the power of the veto to veto bills that have ANY unconstitutional spending in them. His record speaks for itself.
The other issue is Homeschooling. Huccabee likes to pretend he’s for homeschoolers — and the HSLDA even sold out their members and endorsed him. But the reality is that he actually increased legal restrictions on Home Schooling while he was governer — as the behest of the teachers union lobbies.
In fact Huccabee was recently endorsed by the NEA. That should be proof right their he doesn’t care about homeschooling. In fact the NEA is one of the most powerfull and liberal unions in the country. Huccabee would be beholden to them — at the expense of our educational freedoms.
Huccabee never met a tax he didn’t like — as the recent glub for growth ads show. Go to http://www.taxhikemike.org
Ron Paul on the other hand wants to work to actively abolish the IRS and cut government spending to the point where you don’t need to replace it with anything.
Huccabee is more like Bill Clinton then anybody else.
Ron Paul the only conservative or Christian choice.
Tracy
December 25, 2007 at 3:11 am
Indeed.. Welcome to the R3VOLution!
December 25, 2007 at 3:11 am
By their “Fruits” you will know them, so let’s take inventory: (1) Love- summed up in the way RP supporters spell r3VOLution since this is the way we believe true revolution is brought about, (2) Joy - go to ANY Ron Paul rally and feel the excitement for yourself, (3) Peace - the only anti-war candidate on either side of the campaign, (4) Patience - 20 years of consistency in working to change the system, (5) Kindness - Look at ANY YouTube video of Ron with the public, (6) Goodness - refer to #5, (7) Faithfulness - service in Congress and marriage of 50 years, (8) Self-Control - being able to put UP with Congress for 20 years…lol!
So go ahead and call us “fruits” as we take it as a compliment, given the above frame of reference
December 25, 2007 at 3:18 am
Thankyou for coming to the R3VOLution!
We support your ideas and thankyou for supporting ours!
December 25, 2007 at 3:18 am
I am also a Christian. I am voting for Dr. Ron Paul. According to the Lord, “Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9
There is only one man of peace running for the Republican nomination, and he is Dr. Ron Paul.
December 25, 2007 at 3:26 am
Merry Christmas, and welcome to the Revolution.
If you’ve switched over to Ron Paul’s camp you are obviously well informed so I wouldn’t make a big deal of this but Paul’s Christmas ad came out before Huck’s. If you want more information on Paul’s response, I suggest watching the final portion of his recent Meet The Press interview.
Great to have you on board.
December 25, 2007 at 3:28 am
I love the fact that you are considering Paul.
I hope you will join us!
God bless you. Merry Christmas.
December 25, 2007 at 3:30 am
I believe that as Christians we are becoming closer and closer to replacing God with the government.
We have given over the church’s duty of charity to the government in the form of welfare.
We are now looking to government to deliver us from evil by the unconstitutional wars.
We have interfered with Gods ability to deal with sinners in his own way by trying to legislate morality instead of being an example. Jesus never forced people to live a certain way. He led by example God has never forced anyone to believe and has given everyone free will to come to repentance from the heart not from state laws imposed upon them.
Mystery Babylon the political system ridden by the apostate church is very much a reality. Christians should read Gods word and understand these things. The main theme of end time prophecy is about lies and deception
2 Thessalonians 2:11 KJV
11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie,
ephesians 6:12 KJV
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Just some thoughts to ponder for those supporting a man who comes to us as a minister of God rather than a humble man of God who reaches out to everyone Saints and sinners alike.
December 25, 2007 at 3:31 am
Merry Christmas to you; we remember His Love, His birth, and our daily personal renewal to live His teachings. Thank you for considering Ron Paul.
Real Ron Paul supporters respect other candidates, and their views; real Ron Paul supporters do not find fault; we are too busy saying positive and uplifting things. I am sorry if any Ron Paul supporters have crossed a line of decency; the good part of the internet is that we can express our views; the bad part is that there are so many who cannot write in a respectful and fair manner. Like Lincoln said, ‘Good people do not always agree.’
I am supporting Ron Paul because I see where almost daily new laws are being passed taking away our personal freedoms. As a Christian, I am concerned that these same people will seek to take away my Bible and my Book of Mormon. At the end of the day, there is nothing more important than my relationship with Jesus as The Christ. From His Love and Grace, flows the blessings of my son, my wife; my family and friends. Satan seeks through greed to destroy our rights to worship, by destroying the Constitution. My prayer is that as God raised up our Founding Fathers to write the Constitution, He will in our day, raise up noble souls to defend her; welcome to the cause.
December 25, 2007 at 3:44 am
brotherhank , here are a few links that may help seal the deal, and/or convince other Christian readers:
A nice handy “manifesto” on behalf of Christians for Ron Paul: http://christiansforronpaul.com/
Similar to above, in blog form: http://christians4paul.wordpress.com/
A Christian outlines Paul’s credentials, then scolds Christians who will likely shun him anyway (prove him wrong!): http://lewrockwell.com/vance/vance109.html
Some open letters to various Christian groups:
Catholics: http://lewrockwell.com/woods/woods83.html
Protestants: http://lewrockwell.com/vance/vance127.html
Orthodox Christians: http://lewrockwell.com/orig8/carlton1.html
Two different writers on behalf of Mormons:
One: http://lewrockwell.com/orig8/higgins1.html
Two: http://lewrockwell.com/orig8/reeve1.html
And, just for the sake of completeness, in case you have some non-Christian friends who need convincing:
Jewish:
Part 1: http://lewrockwell.com/block/block88.html
Part 2: http://lewrockwell.com/block/block89.html
Muslims: http://lewrockwell.com/orig8/ali1.html
And even Pagans: http://lewrockwell.com/orig8/quick1.html
And a few non-religious open letters:
To home schoolers (both critical of Huckabee):
One: http://lewrockwell.com/fisk/fisk32.html
Two: http://lewrockwell.com/orig8/whitinger1.html
And a generic letter to Republicans (why Paul is the only real one running): http://lewrockwell.com/orig8/ter-grigoryan1.html
Hope these are helpful!
December 25, 2007 at 3:49 am
lisaoflongbourn Writes: “The president of the United States is a powerful man; I’m trying to vote for someone who can handle the responsibility - who gives me an idea he’s thought about how to implement his worldview.”
Dr. Paul has written and proposed many bills over a 30 year period to implement all the things he espouses so trust me he has thought about it researched it and seen what works more then most.
The reason he hasn’t changed anything is because we have a gang of crooks in the congress who care more about their pension and special interest perks then following the constitution! However the Ron Paul revolution is going to change that too! Just as soon as we get Dr. Paul elected will go to work in throwing the rest of the bum sout. So come on in the waters fine and we can use the help in restoring the republic of freedom and liberty!
December 25, 2007 at 3:50 am
To me, Ron Paul is an anti-antichrist of sorts. That is more than enough reason for me to vote for him. He is the only candidate that seriously opposes NAFTA, the NAU, UN etc. which are all one world government programs.
December 25, 2007 at 3:56 am
As you can see, your healtfelt endorsement was found by a Ron Paul supporter and linked to on ronpaulforums. We are an enthusiastic bunch to say the least. lol Please don’t be overwhelmed by the variety of responses to your post. We are a diverse group, with diverse backgrounds, beliefs and manners. But with one thing in common - we love freedom and are very worried that our government does not represent the people anymore. This is why we support Ron Paul. His actions show us that he truly cares about our constitution and the rule of law. He truly is an honest and honourable man. In a time when money, power and materialism rules, Ron Paul reminds us of the wisdom our founding Fathers came to in making America great. Now more than ever, we need to find truth in our actions. Welcome to the Revolution.
December 25, 2007 at 4:04 am
God Bless, and go Ron Paul!
December 25, 2007 at 4:20 am
Remember what the Bible tells us about praying on a streetcorner vs. a closet? That’s the difference between Huckabee and Paul. One flaunts his Christianity like a piece of gaudy jewelery, one bears his Christianity with a degree of humility befitting a Christian.
December 25, 2007 at 5:27 am
To lisaoflongbourn:
“I think that Ron Paul has a pretty good philosophical understanding of government, but I’m skeptical about his ability to be an executive and lead a country and to make those changes in an effective way…
To me, the best plan for cutting the government back slowly would be to stop funding and regulating social programs (including medicare, welfare, research grants, and education).
Do you think Huckabee will do that?”
Ummmm.. no, but if you looked up Ron Paul, you’d see he already said he would do EVERYONE of those.
And I’d like to request that you should reconsider your position on the war. Ron Paul raised more funding from Military Personell, than any-other-candidate. (hint: even our troops think the war is wrong) If we continue borrowing 600Billion dollars Every YEAR from the Chinese to support this war, it won’t be long before our children are working in sweat shops to make them clothing.
December 25, 2007 at 6:03 am
I am so pleased to read your thoughtful piece. I hope more people will observe that while many mainstream candidates flaunt their “Christianity” for political ends, Ron Paul’s Christianity is evident from the life he has lead, not the speeches he makes. And take comfort that whatever faith you follow, you will be allowed to do so freely under President Paul. I can’t say the same with equal confidence for any of the other candidates.
Many blessings to you and your family this holiday season.
December 25, 2007 at 8:12 am
[...] I Think I’m Supporting Ron Paul (too)…thanks to Francis Schaeffer [...]
December 25, 2007 at 12:36 pm
I like Mike Huckabee, but I like some of Ron Paul’s ideas too. Between them we could have a nearly ideal candidate.
I do wish Gov. Huckabee were more economically conservative and understood the limitations of government better. However, since he had to govern a state with a lopsided Democratic, he may have had to govern the best he could in difficult circumstances. I think if he were president, he would be more economically conservative than his opponents portray him.
Ron Paul’s weakness seems to be that he thinks if we leave the Muslims alone, they will leave us alone. I think that’s based on a fairly shallow understanding of Islam, which according to the Koran cannot leave other religions alone. But if Ron Paul were president, I dount that he would get his foreign policy platform implemented.
Incidentally, Gov. Huckabee co-wrote a book with George Grant, who was influenced by Francis Schaeffer.
December 25, 2007 at 1:42 pm
As one who would unapologetically call myself an evangelical Christian, I fully support Ron Paul and believe Mike Huckabee will continue to take us down the road toward big government and an instrusive state. Armed with the Bible and specifically the book of Revelation, it is surprising and disheartening to see so many believers march towards the one world government and give away their freedoms.
I became a Christian when I was 19 and since I was born again of the Spirit I have continually seen Christians at the fore front of big government. Good luck to you as you sort out your political beliefs. I think you’ll find Ron Paul is solid on a multitude of issues.
December 25, 2007 at 3:40 pm
Jeramiah 10:23
“It does not belong to mankind to direct his own step… Therefore, no man will be able to save this old system of things. It was never meant for man to rule man. That belongs to God and all will be proven in the Great Tribulation.”
We are a Christian nation. Our freedom and liberty does not come from other men - i.e. the consent of the governed - but instead from God. This means that our government is only allowed to protect our liberty, and anytime it attempts anything else it is violating our Rights. The Federal Government has expanded its Jurisdiction and the Jurisdiction of its branches. This expansion has not been held in check by the States or the People. Through this centralization, the rule of law has been violated and as such so has our freedom, which is a gift by the divinity of God upon which our law is based.
The moral degradation of our society is not caused by technology or information; it is caused by the expansion of Federal Power into all aspects of our lives. Blacks, whites, women, and men have been pitted against each other by Affirmative Action. Old and young have been pitted against each other by Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid. The rich have been pitted against the poor with Currency and Tax laws. The hate that is created by class warfare is expanded and reinforced by these classes vying for the mantel of Federal Power - vying for the club of government oppression for which the Constitution was erected to shield individuals. Without the protection of the Constitution, we are exposed to the violence of pure, unadulterated democracy - where we are assumed to receive our rights from this majority, where we are assumed to receive our Rights from the consent of the governed instead of from the divinity of God.
The Federal Government has become a king over all the children of pride. We are forced to fund abortion, Health organization monopolies, and welfare to governments like Saddam’s through Federal decree. Every increase in government power multiplies the offense.
My study into the basis of our economic system turned into horror at the violations of Liberty that are perpetrated by our government. But it wasn’t until I looked at how to counter these pro-government, pro-humanist arguments that I understood the basis of moral authority for our system of governance. The hypocrisy of our system of governance becomes apparent and sickening when one realizes that modern governors have slowly built a golden calf through public school, welfare subsidies, and war propaganda and now are the most vile of sinners (idolaters) erecting a false God (the State) to be worshipped by pledge and coercion.
There is a reason that the system of government has been attacking religion since the founding of this nation. Christians may have only one master. God interfers with the power of the State, but we must remember that our just reward is not of this world, and we must render up to Cesear what is Cesear’s. Paul will only make it easier for us to be true Christians.
December 25, 2007 at 5:55 pm
You need to consider the following video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIeW0DY64bE
It is self-evident that homosexuality is a sin. Even Romans chapter 1 says this. As a one who has been a very active Ron Paul supportor I just found this video last week and can no longer support him.
December 25, 2007 at 5:56 pm
I am also a fellow Christian, actually also a Christian educator, and I found your change in support for Ron Paul to be a smart decision. Two points I’d like to make:
1. The original founders of our country were escaping the religion of the state (England) so even if a truly evangelical Christian were in the white house - unless the tentacles of the federal government were gone, we would be in no better shape.
2. The comment about fascism although off-color was meant to ensue that fascism can arise cloaked in a flag and a cross. This basically means anyone can use nationalism or religion to advance their worldview. Think of Hitler using Christian Germans to blame the Jews for Christ’s death (although completely inaccurate). The comment RP made was not directed at Huckabee, but was made to point out that we should not trust a cross or a flag for a great leader.
December 25, 2007 at 5:59 pm
Ron Paul makes me cry. When I think of where America is heading and how he is the only one to stand up for what is right. If I ever met him I would be very afraid of approaching him because I would burst into tears.
December 25, 2007 at 6:04 pm
Welcome to the R3volution! Merry Christmas!
December 25, 2007 at 6:19 pm
Ron Paul was so right in his Sinclair Lewis quotation. Not referring to Huck, but remember, even Satan comes as an angel of light. Are we so foolish to think that bad stuff will come to us advertised as bad stuff!! I have been wishing Francis Schaeffer was here to speak to evangelicals! He wouldn’t have fallen for the War in Iraq, torture in Cuba, the Patriot Act.
December 25, 2007 at 6:22 pm
Ron Paul is the only candidate who can lead our country back to it’s roots, the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Those who support the war’s, I would ask your canddate one question, why are our troops guarding the oil in iraq and the gas pipeline in Afghanistan if these war’s are against terrorism as they say it is?
December 25, 2007 at 6:34 pm
Bless you for considering Ron Paul. I believe his congressional website Texas Straight Talk (click on Index) gives an idea where he stands on issues.
Read then you decide for yourself.
http://www.house.gov/paul/
I do not believe in attacking other candidates. I apology for those who have here.
I do not believe you will hear much from Ron Paul regarding religion. He believes our founding fathers left Europe where they learned mixing religion and politics was a danger. He believes in a separation of church and state. Ron Paul has a brother who is a minister who believes the same and does not post a Ron Paul sign in his yard. I left a church when the minister stood before the congregation and asked us to vote for a certain candidate for president.
God’s Love To All
Lynn
December 25, 2007 at 6:34 pm
We who are Christian supporters of Ron Paul welcome you. Merry Christmas.
December 25, 2007 at 6:55 pm
Here is Ron Paul’s statement of faith.
http://www.covenantnews.com/ronpaul070721.htm
As a Christian I personally think it’s the single most important text to read if you are considering voting for Ron Paul. His comments on Augustine’s “just war” doctrine were really important to me.
December 25, 2007 at 7:08 pm
Hello sir,
I’m a student of reformed theology myself, and I agree with your comments that America first acquired its sense of liberty and freedom from such a worldview that is Christ centered.
Kyper was a brilliant man as was Schaeffer. I think more and more as Christians discover that no government has the right to claim the mantle of(Kingdom of God). In other words, when America is peopled with the sort of Christians that wouldn’t have the stars and stripes in their churches…we can regain our freedom. Christ is the source of liberty. Welcome aboard the freedom train, and have a merry Christmas!
December 25, 2007 at 7:40 pm
god bless and welcome to the revolution all. we can change the world for the better.
December 25, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Wow. This is a lot of comments. Anyway, I was addressed again several times, so I figured I’d post again.
1. I think it is ok for a candidate to be open about their religion, and to inform the voters how religion will affect their leadership. Both Paul and Huckabee have done that. Rep. Paul opted for the separation of church and state line which is a bunch of nonsense that most writers and signers of the constitution would never have supported. Huckabee has said that his faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior will guide his decisions. I want to vote for a man who unashamedly will let the Holy Spirit guide him in leading a huge nation.
2. Ron Paul has been in government for 20 years without changing anything. He has introduced bills that will somewhat weakly patch symptoms. The Sanctity of Human Life bill still leaves matters of life in the hands of judges. Someone who believes in the constitution will understand that a president is not a dictator. He cannot control the legislature or the court. We the people can take responsibility for those offices, though.
3. I have a well-considered position on the war in Iraq. While I wish that the congress had declared peace after World War II so we can declare war again when attacked and threatened by our enemies, I still believe that we should be at war with terrorists. The history of Islam, the statements made by Islamic Terrorists, and the state of weaponry and manpower in Iraq and Afghanistan makes a preventitive strike necessary. Now in Iraq and Afghanistan we must stay and finish the war we started lest we embolden our enemies and let them rebuild sufficiently to attack us on our own soil - or to attack our allies.
4. Francis Schaeffer was brilliant. St. Augustine is a classic teacher. The Constitution was a revolutionary document delineating the realm of government. But they are not God. They have not the authority of the Bible. Nor did all of them foresee the world events and technology that are the reality today.
5. Ron Paul has promised not only to stop funding things, but to do lots of other things besides. This is too instant, and I repeat that I do not want to vote for it.
6. From an objective standpoint, the statistic that Ron Paul raised more money from the military than any other candidate would indicate to me that the military vote is generally divided between the multiple republican (and some democrat) candidates. Unfortunately our education system has trained citizens to function in a disconnect between their actions/reality and their philosophy. That way they can vote democrat or whatever else whether it makes sense or not.
7. My understanding was that Brother Hank was being appreciative of the positions of both Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee, not that he had changed his mind or joined a revolution. Speaking of which, spelling a word differently is a cute slogan idea, but doesn’t really mean anything.
8. My question about whether Huckabee would cut spending was specific. I want to know if he has said he will. And I was asking the writer of the blog, not the forum-referred Ron Paul supporters. For clarification.
Look, I’m not saying Ron Paul is a bad person or a bad candidate. I just have doubts about his executive ability and his international policies and his intense zeal for dramatic reform. And I’m not saying that Huckabee is perfect, or even the best possible candidate. I am going to thank Brother Hank for his thoughful tie-in of Francis Schaeffer and the real-world political situation. Good luck fielding all these comments. Way to improve blog traffic! I hope all these people read the poem about Dust, too. ( http://lawngospel.wordpress.com/2007/12/20/dust-poetry ) Good stuff.
To God be all glory,
Lisa of Longbourn
December 25, 2007 at 7:48 pm
I just finished a university course where we examined the shift from Catholicism to Protestantism in 15th and 16th century England and how the ideals of liberty came directly out of this same ideological conflict. John Milton’s prose works, as well as Paradise Lost, reflect the ideal that one must have liberty to find the path to God in order to truly be free. Of course at that time, the debate was over whether a leader is given any special divine power to rule, or whether all men are equally touched by God. I think that this is still a very important issue for Christians when considering politics.
As a Ron Paul supporter, I was reminded of this same concept of liberty when I read someone who referred to us (his supporters) as Constitutional “purists”. It reminded me of the Puritan movement which sparked the political dialogue on liberty over 350 years ago. I think that small government is essential to this liberty, and I hope that you will consider making yourself a permanent member of the Ron Paul camp.
God Bless and Merry Christmas!
December 25, 2007 at 7:48 pm
hello,
weird, my initials are bh too. my dad was a baptist preacher in iowa. i am for ron paul. for me it is about personal liberty and fiscal responsibility. merry christmas.
rp08 ftw
December 25, 2007 at 7:53 pm
Got rid of my tv and started reading. Stumbled on to Dr. Paul. Man I feel like I felt when I was born again. Was blind but now I see. The more I study the more The good doc makes sense. I have been waiting for this for a long time. The cool part is there are so many of us who now know the truth that win or lose the revolution will still grow!
The dialouge that I have been having with athiests and prochoicers on dailypaul.com has been eye opening and helped me understand where they are coming from. I am glad to have them as allies and friends in our universal quest for real freedom!
Pastor Paul
December 25, 2007 at 7:58 pm
Dr. Dobson should come out for Ron Paul if he makes a good study of each person running.
December 25, 2007 at 8:24 pm
I have always loved the work of Francis Schaeffer. He is just a great christian thinker. I will have to re-read the “Christian Maefesto”. I think you are spot-on regarding Ron Paul.
December 25, 2007 at 8:36 pm
Truly, Dr. Paul’s definition of the proper role of government is most in line with how I see Christian principles. I find the Acton Institute a nice site to further my understanding of liberty and religion. As for Mr. Huckabee, I see him no different than the rest - a big government proponent. Although he talks about reducing government, his record in Arkansas shows otherwise. His response to a question in one of the debates was even more telling. When asked how religion would guide his presidency, he indicated that he would use it to help others and gave as an example the need for kids to have art and music in school. No where in our constitution does it give authority to our federal government to “help” others and especially not to fund art and music in schools. Finally, as for our foriegn policy, I don’t understand how anyone cannot see that our policy of intervention around the world has bread terrorism against us. If you hit you neighbor in the nose enough times, sooner or later he’s gonna hit you back. Terrorism will not end immediately if we withdrawl from Iraq, but it will be reduced. More importantly, we will have the resources to make our borders secure so that no enemy can come here to harm us.
December 25, 2007 at 8:42 pm
I cried.. I know sad that cried reading your blog.. but I have so many Christian friends and people I respect who say Huckabee is the way… and I prayed so hard… and I feel like my prayers are really starting to be answered. How can so many of us be pro-life and pro-war.. it needs to stop all of Gods children are inherently valuable. It’s not about honor/pride it’s about life.
December 25, 2007 at 8:43 pm
To Rick on the issue of Homosexuality and Ron Paul. To the best of my knowledge Ron Paul states that everyone who is an American should be able to share in the same rights as anyone else. That is the ideal of America, is it not. While I do not believe that anyone is entitled to special rights based upon some government or social classification, I do believe that everyone, every Citizen in America deserves, by Providential Grant, as delineated in the Constitution, the exact same rights. The problem is that we have been classified, groups, minoritized all used to divide the American People and therefore to further deny all Americans, including Christians and every other faith, race, sex, and anything else…of their rights.
Besides, if you are looking to implement a Theocracy then perhaps it would be wise to see what Theocracy has done to other parts of the world…say those nations where the law is interpreted through the Koran. I mean if we are to truly say that we believe in America and the Constitution then should we not abide by the principles that all men are created equal and thus are entitled to the same rights no matter who or what they are, what they look like or even how they act, as long as they don’t infringe upon the rights of others.
Frankly, I don’t want a Theocracy in this country because someone, some faith will not only be left out, but could also be eventually criminalized…like Christianity is in many Muslim countries. Besides, can you legislate morality and enforce our religious believes on anyone through the law…it never works, the tried that during the Spanish Inquisition. The best weapon against sin is not the law, but the love and compassion you show and the life you lead through example. While we may hate the sin, many times that hate translates into a very non-Christian attitude toward the sinner. I believe that under our Constitution everyone, even homosexuals, are entitled to the same rights as anyone else, not because they are homosexuals, but because they are Americans. Besides…I am not equipped to judge them, only One has that capacity…so why should I become Judge when it comes to anyones rights? I can’t, neither can you or anyone else on this planet.
December 25, 2007 at 8:58 pm
Does the relationship of Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul to christianity really matter?
You’re not going to cast your vote for a christian leader next year, you are going to cast a vote for the leader of the united states, and unless you do not believe in the separation of church and state it the faith of this person should be completely irrelevant to you, as long as their actions do not interfere with everyone’s right to religious freedom.
That’s why your statement “how much better can you get than a former Baptist minister?” is highly irritating to me.
You can’t judge whether a person is fit to become president based on his profession, faith, or speeches.
The only way to judge whether a person is fit to be president, is by his political actions, and weather those actions reflect your own political views. This is the reason why you can’t possibly support both of them for president.
Their political philosophy is completely different from one another. To say, that you “Like Mike”, but also “support Ron Paul” is like saying that you are a lumberjack but also a tree. I would encourage you to find out whether you’re a tree or a lumberjack. Youtube.com or Google.com might be a good point to start.
Merry Christmas.
December 25, 2007 at 9:36 pm
I love this kind of exchange of ideas, I have great respect for the right to choose what to believe concerning God and humanity’s relationship to God. The main point, when it comes to elect the Pesident of the USA, I believe, is how much can we trust him, or her, to follow the Constitution that governs our Nation. The religious believes of the President are a private matter, and the sincerity of those believes are only known to God. If we continue electing demagogues and “more of the same” politicians we will destroy our country. Ron Paul is not perfect, he is just an honest person, with a strong will and an absolute dedication to following the Constitution. He deserves the support of freedom loving Americans.
December 25, 2007 at 9:53 pm
Megan-
The issue is not pro-life v. pro-war. Holding to a “just war theory” (crafted most succinctly by theologians such as Augustine) which is what Ron Paul espouses, and being Pro-Life is perfectly consistent. A “just war”, at its very foundations, is waged in defense of human life, making it very clearly - pro-life in its aim.
I can’t wait to respond to more comments when I get the chance!
‘BH
December 25, 2007 at 9:57 pm
Martha Glover,
I would encourage you to read more of Francis Schaeffer’s “A Christian Manifesto” to see why in fact it does matter what a politician’s profession of faith is. That is the whole point of this blog post. A non-Christian humanistic worldview is incompatible with what we have come to know as religious freedom, and personal liberty. Both Schaeffer and I would argue that unless you have a worldview centered on Reformation theology, then your political philosophy would be insufficient to sustain freedom or liberty.
‘BH
December 25, 2007 at 10:10 pm
EJ-
What is important to remember, and the primary reason that I have chosen to support Dr. Paul, is that the Constitution was not crafted in a vacuum. Nor was it crafted in the humanistic secularism that we have today. It was crafted in a worldview that was almost universially Christian in its scope (at least at the public level), and was birthed quite directly from pre-Revolutionary War revivals grounded in Reformation theology. A politician who does not believe, as the Declaration of Independence claims, that it was “the Creator” who “endowed” us with “certain inalienable rights” - is one who holds a worldview that is quite evidently at odds with the conteporaries who drafted the Constitution - therefore, I believe, is incapable of adequately protecting, much less interpreting, the Constitution. That is where Ron Paul’s Christianity is of utmost importance…
‘BH
December 25, 2007 at 10:15 pm
For those of you espousing a fear that I am pushing for a THEOCRACY in this country, I would like to turn your attention to a short post that a friend of mine published explaining what I am actually talking about, which is a THEONOMY. In the post, he lines out the most important Five Points of Political Christianity. I think it should clear up a lot of the confusion…
‘BH
December 25, 2007 at 11:11 pm
I support Ron Paul completely, and here’s why…
I am a Christian and, like most, I recognize that America was formed on Christian principles and that, for many years, the Bible was the standard of living. I also realize that the majority of the nation is no longer governed by the Bible. So, what base does that leave us? The Constitution. That’s t he only thing we have standing between us and a nine-man oligarchy ((the Supreme Court)). Ron Paul is a staunch Constitutionalist.
December 26, 2007 at 1:35 am
Unfortunately for most of you, Christianity or Religion has never done well with Government.
Morals are important. Religion is not. God said thou shalt not kill. That is enough. Secular governments recognize that as well.
If Ron Paul wants to pull out of Iraq now, that is commendable, and although I haven’t read much about him, a close and trusted friend accused him of racism.
I don’t know. Whoever gets in, his or her actions from the date of inauguration will determine the fate of America, and it is often different than what they say before being elected.
Like it is said, trust no man.
December 26, 2007 at 11:09 pm
[...] I Think I’m Supporting Ron Paul (too)…thanks to Francis Schaeffer [...]
December 26, 2007 at 11:52 pm
My main concern with Ron Paul…his ideas of keeping America Isolated from the world. If I understand his position correctly, it’s borderline stupid.
December 27, 2007 at 4:14 am
catechismatic95,
You do not understand his position correctly.
Non-interventionism: Staying out of the internal affairs of other countries, esp. military invasions.
Isolationism: Non-intervention in the internal affairs of other countries, coupled with keeping out foreign trade (i.e. use of tariffs).
Paul is a non-interventionist. You will hear many in the media throw around the word “isolationist” in an attempt to confuse the issue, and for too many it works. Don’t let it work on you. Indeed, the Founding Fathers were non-interventionist (Jefferson said “commerce with all nations; alliance with none”). Even our current president ran in 2000 on a humble foreign policy, being very critical of the Clinton/Gore policies of nation building and interventionism in the 1990s. Back then, Bush knew that we cannot maintain the empire of bases we had spread across the world.
You can’t have your cake and eat it too, like so many mainstream politicians want today. We simply cannot maintain a global empire that spans 700 bases in almost 130 countries at the cost of almost $1 trillion yearly and yet take care of the things we need to take care of at home. We simply do not have the money and we will go bankrupt. Social Security, for example, is almost completely dried up, since Congress has decided to use it as an ATM.
No, the only way you can hope to maintain such an empire is through debasement of the currency — print the money to come up with shortfall. This causes the inflation that drives cost of living up. If you like to save money or if you are on a fixed income (like retirees), this is the worst thing that can happen to you. Cost of living rises at a rate of 10% while those living on fixed incomes experience a 2-3% cost of living increase — not nearly enough to compensate!
The world can’t be looked at as a series of separate issues, where you have foreign policy here, and separate from that you have economic policy, and separate from that you have fiscal policy, and etc. No, it is entirely intertwined, and there is no way around that very serious fact of life.
We simply cannot afford what we have. If we continue to live above our means, we will be forced to live below our means, and only one candidate is taking this issue on in any serious manner — Ron Paul.
December 27, 2007 at 4:25 am
I came to much the same conclusion you did. I have to believe that were christ compelled to be a statesman, he would do his utmost to help the afflicted personally, but I think he would force nothing of his views onto others. That said I think acting as the beacon on a hill makes his argument that much stronger.
December 27, 2007 at 4:32 am
i am the son: “a close and trusted friend accused him of racism.”
This is more media bias. Even the New York Times has backed off the statements because they are baseless attacks with absolutely no reality in truth. How, praytell, does Ron Paul have the most African American support out of all the GOP candidates if he’s a racist? No, he believes that all persons are created equally and endowed by their Creator with inalienable rights.
Here’s a link to the NYT article, complete with retraction and blog responses, along with a copy-and-paste of one of my favorite responses, which is an excellent point-for-point repudiation of the article. Please educate your friend, as well:
http://themedium.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/12/24/the-ron-paul-vid-lash/
This futile little hit piece is nothing more than a thinly masked reprint of Thomas Lifson’s not so clever article at American Thinker.
He should file for plagiarism.
Here are the facts.
1.) You are quoting Lifson, who is quoting an article by Charles Johnson of Little Green Footballs, which cited a post by Bill White, a Commander of the American National Socialist Worker’s Party and a white supremacist.
White claimed that Ron Paul had been at some dinners that were originally organized by Pat Buchanan, where several members of white supremacist groups attended.
2.) The only provocative part of the post was the tone. White claims that he is exposing Ron Paul’s “extensive involvement in white nationalism”.
White also states that he is upset that Ron Paul denies any affiliation with white supremacist groups. He says that Ron Paul is a white supremacist of the “Stormfront-type”.
3.) Finally, White claims that the Ron Paul Campaign is being ridiculous by calling “white racialism” a small ideology.
Given Thomas Lifson’s excitement over the “extensive involvement” issue, one might expect to see more damning facts.
Instead, Lifson claimed that Charles Johnson had assembled all the links to the corroborating evidence.
I went to Little Green Footballs to find out this supposed dirt on Paul.
The first sentence of Johnson’s page reads “Take this one with a grain of salt, please”.
I will be charitable and assume Lifson missed that statement.
Johnson’s “corroborating evidence” included an expenditure at the Thai restaurant and two links to websites.
One of the websites claimed that Paul gave a speech to the Robert Taft club, a club organized by Pat Buchanan and dedicated to oversight of the Republican Party to ensure adherence to libertarian-conservative values.
The website called the Robert Taft club an “extremist group” because it is headed by a man with “racist connections”, whatever that means.
The other website was the white supremacist forum where Bill White made his claim. The forum was rather interesting.
Amazingly, none of the comments from other white supremacists supported White nor did they allude to any similar knowledge of Paul’s “extensive” ties.
Almost all of them chastised White for being generally obnoxious. Many claimed that they had seen White in various forums and consider him to be chronically attention-hungry.
Perhaps the most interesting point came from a comment which insisted self-respecting white supremacists don’t go to Thai restaurants.
I never would have guessed that white supremacy could be so nuanced. (I did not link the forum, because it can be a little shocking in other respects).
This is what it all the corroborating evidence boils down to:
1) White claims that he has been in the same room as Paul , at dinners organized by Pat Buchanan.
2) Those were likely Robert Taft Club meetings.
3) Paul paid for his own dinner.
4) White, an observed attention-mongerer, wants this to be significant without citing anything significant.
But here is another wrench in Lifson’s gears:
Don Black, the leader of Stormfront (the group Ron Paul is supposedly a member of), has recently admitted that while he endorses Paul’s campaign, he has never met Paul and he regrets that Paul does not share his white supremacist views.
So which white