A Letter to the Republican Party

In the aftermath of the 2008 Presidential Election, through which Senator Obama was elected President, there is some discussion surrounding whether the Republican Party must become increasingly liberal in its ideology and political platform, in order to maintain compatibility with the electorate, and thereby position itself to achieve victory in future national elections.

In consideration of this strategic question, it must be observed that there are three pillars inherent in the Republican Party and its traditional voters; to wit: fiscal conservatives; national security conservatives; and religious conservatives, often referred to as social conservatives and/or values voters. Shifting the Republican platform essentially means transitioning away from morally upright positions on issues including abortion, embryonic stem cell research, homosexual marriage, and other pro-family issues of principal concern to religious conservatives.

As a Christian, and in political vernacular, often referred to by political commentators as an Evangelical, it is imperative that the Republican Party understand political support from a Christian perspective. First, it must be observed that Christians are those who have been born again through faith, that is, belief in and reliance upon Jesus Christ, the Son of God, for salvation in accordance with the Biblical commandment to believe in His name. Secondly, Christians are followers of Jesus Christ; and in this respect there is no higher priority than obeying His commandments. In this respect, it must be realized that Christians view all matters in life, including family, culture, and political matters from a Biblical perspective. The Scripture is the only prism employed to guide and direct attitudes among Christians; and there is no option to compromise on Biblical precept or principle, regardless of the repercussions. Christians obey God, and leave the consequences to Him.

Christians view themselves as Christians first; and secondly, as Americans; who love God, and country, in this respective order. Christians are not wedded to any political party, but rather abide by the timeless principles of God, as conveyed in the Bible, and strive to correctly apply these principles in all aspects of daily living, including in political affairs. It is Biblical precept and principle which guide political views and positions on issues. Please understand that this is not a matter for debate or negotiation, but rather a representation of truth and fact in the life of a Christian. Christians will not compromise on principle, because they cannot. Doing otherwise is sin. Hence, and there is no disrespect intended in the forthcoming comment, Christians will not under any circumstances abandon their positions on abortion, marriage, and other life issues. To suggest or believe otherwise is politically naïve and erroneous. Christians will not commit personal or collective sin for the sake of political gain or expediency. Hence, should the Republican Party pursue a course of diminishing or vitiating its pro-family platform, it will effectively abandon the Christian community in America, one of the three pillars of their national constituency, and their tens of millions of votes. Additionally, it should be recognized that Christians are not myopic, and hold strong, patriotic views on other important national issues. Christians support a muscular defense and security policy; the post 9/11 pre-emptive and offensive war policy to protect the nation; fiscal responsibility and low taxes; border security; protection of gun rights; and school choice.

From a political perspective, it is noteworthy to mention that according to polling by the Christian Coalition, only 50% of Christians are registered to vote, and only 50% of those registered voted in the national election. This is a tragedy, and an irresponsible act on the part of the Christian community. Bluntly stated, from a Biblical perspective, it is sin. Christians have responsibilities as citizens of this nation; and the failure to vote, and thereby, participate in the political process is inconsistent with the “good stewardship” Scriptural principle. Nonetheless, this circumstance presents a tremendous opportunity, for the Christian community, and the Republican Party; that being, to focus attention, resources, and effort toward registering millions of Christians to vote, and to motivate them to exercise their God-given civic duty. Republican Party leaders, and strategists, together with leaders of the Christian community, would be well-served to converge on the goal of dramatically increasing voter registration among believers. It is in the interest of Christians, who love this nation, and the Republican Party, which seeks restoration to national political leadership, to do so. Accordingly, there is no need for the Republican Party to abandon its traditional platform, or Christians, in its quest for political success.

The Blessings of God Upon a Nation – Will They Endure?

America is the most blessed nation in the history of mankind. It has accumulated more economic wealth; affords its citizens greater opportunity; and has achieved a higher standard of living for its people, than any other nation in the world. In addition, it has amassed more military capacity than any other nation, known today as the world’s only remaining superpower. The principal question is, will these abundant blessings continue?

For a complete assessment of this important question, view the video address at the Sheet Anchor main website www.sheetanchor.org under “Anchor Video Lectures.”  The message is entitled, “The Blessings of God Upon a Nation – Will They Endure? Part I.”

A House Divided Will Not Stand

In the aftermath of the Iowa Republican Presidential Caucus, there are some important lessons to be learned by the Republican establishment and conservative voters. First, it must be recognized that among the three blocks of Republican voters, specifically, fiscal conservatives; national security conservatives; and religious/social conservatives, no dimension of the conservative constituency can be taken for granted. Religious conservatives affirmed by their high voter turnout, and overwhelming support of Governor Huckabee, that their support for any Republican candidate in a general election is paramount. The nation is divided along party lines, and any Republican Presidential nominee cannot win a general election without the strong support of each block of the Republican constituency, voting in large numbers.

At this point in time, it is reasonable to conclude that religious/social conservatives, that is, evangelical Christians, as they are generally referred to in media parlance, will not be taken for granted; but quite the contrary, they will rather exercise their collective political power in support of their political viewpoints, which principally include, protection of the unborn; marriage solely defined as between one man and one woman; upholding the rule of law; and moral and ethical behavior among public officials and others in positions of power and influence. Most importantly, it must be recognized that these individuals will not compromise on faith-based convictions for any reason.

Evangelical Christians supported Governor Huckabee in the Iowa Caucus as a consequence of his identification with their interests and values, and wrongly or rightly, one can certainly make the case that Governor Huckabee directly appealed to this constituency on the basis of his religious commonality with them. Given his success in attracting these voters, and generating a large turnout among them, any Republican primary candidate is well-advised to understand and respond to their interests and values, and to never ignore or take this particular block of the Republican constituency for granted. They can and will have an impact on the success of Republican candidates.

Notwithstanding the foregoing assessment, there are other lessons in the wake of the Iowa Caucus to heed. Governor Huckabee, despite his tremendous victory is not at this time a formidable Republican candidate for President in the impending November 2008 Presidential election. This is due to his record as Governor of Arkansas, where he raised state taxes and spending to very high levels. In addition, during the course of recent weeks he has demonstrated a lack of prowess on matters of national security and foreign policy, particularly important issues given the state of war existent between the United States and Islamic terrorists. Accordingly, Governor Huckabee generates little confidence among either fiscal conservatives, or national security conservatives. Further, as religious/social conservatives increase their knowledge about his weaknesses in these areas, their support for him is likely to wane, given the strong commitment of evangelical Christians to sound fiscal policy, meaning low taxes and controlled federal spending; and to the security and defense of the United States and our way of life. Governor Huckabee, in view of the aforementioned policy characteristics, and the corresponding conflicts with two core constituencies, is not a strong national candidate as the Republican nominee. Most fortunately for Republican voters, there are other candidates seeking the nomination. All of these candidates, with one exception, present problems in attracting one of more blocks of the Republican constituency. More specifically, Governor Romney, while appealing to fiscal and national security conservatives, alienates religious/social conservatives in sufficient numbers to be problematic in generating their strong support during a general election for president. Mayor Giuliani is personally opposed to the interests and values of religious/social conservatives, and thus cannot engender their support. Senator McCain damaged his relationship with fiscal and national security conservatives, with his votes against the Bush tax cut legislation; his support for the compromise immigration bill; and his opposition to aggressive interrogation techniques which may be used on captured high value terrorists. Congressman Hunter sows fear among fiscal conservatives given his desire to renegotiate international trade agreements. He also lacks sufficient national name recognition and funding required for raising his national profile. Congressman Paul alienates national security conservatives, in view of his opposition to the war in Iraq, and his desire to pursue a fortress America defense policy. The remaining candidate is Senator Thompson.

Senator Thompson alienates none of the Republican Party’s three block constituencies. He has pleased fiscal conservatives with his proposed voluntary flat tax system consisting of two rates, one at 10% with no deductions; and the other a 25% maximum rate with current deductions maintained. His proposal also lowers the corporate tax rate to ensure US Corporations are operating at the same tax rates as foreign-based competitors. He pleases national security conservatives with his proposal to increase the size of the US military, and his commitment to aggressively defend the nation during a war for its survival. Moreover, Senator Thompson, as was recently stated during an interview on the Mark Levin radio program, upon being directly asked, among other matters concerning values, if he was a Christian, answered with a forthright, “yes.” Thus, he can certainly appeal to religious/social conservatives, given his personal profession of faith, and his strong pro-life voting record as a US Senator. The central complaint against Senator Thompson, specifically, that he lacks the “fire in the belly,” in pursuing the presidency, has now been vitiated by his intense 50-city bus tour campaign in Iowa over approximately two to three weeks, and his very credible third place finish in the Iowa Caucus.

In view of the foregoing assessment, Republicans must have unity to achieve victory in the general election against the Democratic nominee. Alienation of any of the three blocks of Republican voters, almost assures failure in the November 2008 general election. As President Abraham Lincoln astutely observed from the Scripture, “A house divided against itself will not stand;” and a divided Republican constituency cannot achieve a general election victory in 2008. In order to assure victory, the Republican Party must unify behind a candidate whom all of the principal constituencies can, and will support; and that candidate is Senator Thompson, who by virtue of his consistent and conservative policy positions, and personal characteristics, is best positioned to engender the support of, and thus appeal to, all of the Republican Party’s three blocks of voters, fiscal conservatives; national security conservatives; and religious/social conservatives. If Republican voters desire to pursue the best opportunity for victory in November, they must now begin to coalesce around Senator Thompson, the most broadly appealing candidate, who because of his capacity to manifest a large Republican voter turnout, can indeed win in the general election.

Shall Christians Vote?

Should Christians vote? The Scripture states that God has established the governing authorities (Rom 13:1). Thus, whether those authorities are wicked men such as Pharaoh and Saul; and history indicates that most of them are; or whether they are men of God, such as Joseph and David; God is the one who places them in positional authority.

Christians are commanded to submit themselves to the governing authorities, and hence to obey the laws of the land. We are further commanded to be good stewards over all that God has placed in our lives. This undoubtedly extends to good citizenship. Jesus set the example of good citizenship, as reflected in Matthew 17:24-27 where He, acting to preempt any cause for offense, paid the customary tax due to the government. The Scripture states that Christians are to “Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.” (Romans 13:7)

God has blessed this nation with, as President Abraham Lincoln stated, “government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” In effect, God has given us the blessing of “self-government.” If Jesus paid taxes, heeding the customs of the land, shall Christians not heed a lesser custom in this land, that being, to joyfully and wisely exercise the privilege and right to vote?

If in the wisdom of God, He has chosen to install government in this nation by means of a democratic process, are not the citizens, including Christians the implements of the will of God? Are we not fellow workers with God? Shall we, as commanded, pray for the governing authorities and yet not participate in the customary process through which they are installed? Shall Christians today not admonish governmental leaders in the manner of John the Baptist toward Herod? (Matthew 14:4) Shall sinful leaders not be subjected to admonishment by the expression of principled support or disdain through the vote? Shall Christians not be stewards of the nation which God has chosen according to His wisdom as the present home of the Gospel? Shall we insult the Spirit of grace by failing to shine light in every vestige of society – including the institutions of government which God has providentially stationed in our hands? Shall we be less responsible citizens than those who do not know God? As Paul says, “May it never be!”

There are those who may rightly assert that we are in this world, but not of it; and therefore we should disavow ourselves from interaction with the lost. Yet, this is the antithesis of the teaching of the Apostle. He explicitly explains our position and the nature of our interaction with the lost, stating in 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 “I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world.”

Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners. He came to seek and save those who are lost. Shall we do less today? Shall we separate ourselves from those in need of the great physician? Are we not ambassadors for Christ, charged with the great commission? Indeed God has given us the ministry of reconciliation, and we are admonished to take heed to the ministry that we have received in the Lord that we may fulfill it. Accordingly, we cannot separate ourselves from the lost in this world, nor this nation. As the venerate 19th century revivalist Charles G. Finney warned:

“God cannot sustain this free and blessed country, which we love and pray for, unless the Church will take right ground. Politics are a part of a religion in such a country as this, and Christians must do their duty to the country as a part of their duty to God. It seems sometimes as if the foundations of the nation are becoming rotten, and Christians seem to act as if they think God does not see what they do in politics. But I tell you He does see it, and He will bless or curse this nation, according to the course they take.”

Some may question whether Finney’s conclusion is grounded upon truth. Indeed the Scripture most certainly affirms his assertion. Recall that the Scripture states that “God does not hear sinners. But if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He hears him.” (John 9:31) Hence, Christians, by their authority as the purchased possession of the living God, through the shed blood and death of Christ, are the only people on earth who have the right to intercede on behalf of the nation, and to petition Almighty God for His mercy and grace. In fact, we are invited and admonished to come boldly to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Shall we not approach His throne as in the manner of Abraham, asking God to withhold judgment upon the nation for the sake of the righteous dwelling therein? (Genesis 18:22-32) And if we shall intercede with prayer and petition, shall we not be participants, and moreover, the very implements of the grace that He desires to bestow according to His will? Recall that faith without works is dead. Therefore we must act in accordance with our petitions, as brother Finney counsels.

Interestingly enough, several years ago, in June 2004, then Mayor of Maywood, IL, Ralph Conner, called upon Christians to act on behalf of the nation stating:

“We in our troubled country need a higher degree of morality than Government can provide. We need more morality than the politicians can provide. When the 10 Commandments are removed from the courthouse; when prayer is taken out of schools; politicians are gelded. What page one should be warning us is, that the Christian imperative is now entirely up to you church people; your leaders; your members; our hands are tied. You have to do what we cannot do; or else our country will be no match for terrorists.”

The Mayor’s bold and distressed plea, recognizing the futility of reliance upon politicians and government to address the internal and external threats facing the nation, absent profound intervention by the body of Christ, incisively reflects the perspective which should be resonating within the Christian community.

In a practical sense, voting for public office candidates may seemingly pose a challenge for Christians. Notwithstanding, any challenge is negated by the application of relevant Biblical principles. First, Christians must not judge by appearances. All judgments must be based upon facts and honest assessment. Accordingly, Christians must remain neutral in relation to political parties. This is not to be construed as asserting that Christians cannot belong to a political party. It is merely a recognition that political parties and platforms are not sources of authority for the Christian. The final authority on all matters in life is the word of God; and no philosophy or doctrine can be permitted to supersede the commandments and Biblical principles. Second, we cannot support immoral attitudes, behavior, or policy positions. Thus, only honest men and women, not the deceitful, nor adulterers, nor alcohol or substance abusers can be endorsed. Third, we must support those who will rule in accordance with God’s precepts. This is not to be interpreted as meaning that those who seek or serve in public office must be Christians, as God has established no such mandate. Yet, petitions should be made on their behalf, that perhaps God will grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth. In respect to those public officials who steadfastly refuse to heed God’s precepts in the discharge of their official duties, petition God for their removal. His mercy, while enduring, is not indefinite.

So, shall we vote? In short, Christians have a moral obligation, by word and deed, to engage in good citizenship, which extends to expressing the truth and principles of God through voting, and active participation in the nation’s electoral and governing process.