Recently Dr. James Dobson was asked about the possible presidential candidacy of Fred Thompson. The only thing Dr. Dobson could think of to say was, “I don’t think he is a Christian”. (link) This shocker of a statement was made to an interviewer from none other than U.S. News and World Report. A Main Stream Media biggie. Dr. Dobson must’ve known what a stir it would cause. Well Thompson’s spokesperson quickly shot back with a confirmation that he, Thompson indeed was a Christian. To which a Dobson/Focus on the Family spokesperson replied back (very self-righteously), “Thompson hasn't clearly communicated his religious faith, and many evangelical Christians might find this a barrier to supporting him.”

George W. Bush has proclaimed his faith publicly. Jimmy Carter, likewise. Even Bill and Hillary Clinton attended Bible studies. And Rosie O’Donnell has announced that she attends weekly Bible Studies! So would she meet with Dr. Dobson’s approval? And what about the “former” reverend Ted Haggard? He certainly was a big proclaim’er of the Lord. Hope he still is. Dr. Dobson’s org had this “lengthy” comment regarding Haggard (link). A better comment would have been to quote John 8:7 (“he who is without sin cast the first stone”) and told the press to mind their own business and that Haggard, being a Christian will work out his problems along with the Lords help. That’s what Christians do when they fall. They get back up and learn from their mistakes. Nuff said. And then tell the press don’t let the door hit you on your way out.

Apart from those in our own Congregation and our own family members we Christians are not required to continually dribble on and on about our relationship with the Lord. The fact is that it is better that we do not because it is a huge “turn off” for those unbelievers that we are trying to reach. So many Christians these days feel that they have to assume a “role” of what a Christian should act, talk and dress like. The Rosy Glow, Bible tucked neatly under the arm. The lips pursed in this self righteous smirk. Or even worse, the “pained” look of the stoic. Always complaining of their ailments. Continually spouting Bible verses that they really do not understand. “Don’t drink, don’t chew, don’t go with the girls that do!” Most have a half dozen sins that they do not commit and are, therefore, convinced that they are righteous and beyond reproach. Not even knowing that there are several categories of sin with long lists of individual sins such as mental attitude sins (hate/envy/bitterness), sins of the tongue (like gossip, etc) and then there are the “overt sins” that most folks regularly talk about. These are the folks who read their Bibles on the job and try to make their boss feel guilty when he asks them to stop and do their jobs. Were I in his shoes I’d fire ‘em on the spot.

I can tell you that some of the most trustworthy, solid righteous individual’s that I have known in my life were also some with, how can I say this; language problems maybe? Yes a curse word now and then and probably with a plug of tobacco in their cheek. And they’d have a beer every so often. Unashamedly. But in business their handshake was better than any legal document that a battery of lawyers could draw up. You could absolutely depend on them to stand up on their part of any bargain that they made with you. And they never lied. They spoke the truth even when you didn’t necessarily want to hear it. Nor would they ever speak ill of you behind your back. To your face, yes if need be! But never behind your back. And if you got this person cornered on rare occasions , he’d hang his head, as if praying, very humbly and proclaim the name of Christ; as if he was undeserving. As we all are. But this persons witness was his honorable life. We’ve all known these folks be they Ladies or Gentlemen. I believe a lot of righteous “acting” Christians could learn from these types of Christians. It is necessary to get below the surface. I believe that most Christians would certainly give Fred Thompson the same considerations. I mean, most Christians have watched while those in the government that have proclaimed their Christianity and have made a real mess of things. Like Carter and President Bush. Not that it isn’t important to elect a Christian. It definitely is. But one with “real” leadership capabilities.  And confidence in his/her realationship with the Lord.

I hope Dr. Dobson is not being judgmental in this situation. It almost seems as if he might be insisting that any GOP candidate must go through him for his approval and blessing. This almost reminds me a little of what Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are involved in. Something akin to blackmail in a milder form. I find too many religious leaders these days want to get in between an individual Christian and the Lord. This way they can have some control or power over them. Sometimes its overt and sometimes its more subtle.  Sometimes with a collection plate in their hands.  Also, there are some fantastic Pastors out there who understand their place. Seek and ye shall find.

I’d like to pose some questions to the Christian Moral/Spiritual Leaders of our time. Aren’t Christians supposed to be the “salt of the earth” (the preservative of our nation)? And it does seem obvious that our nation is rapidly declining both spiritually and morally. An accelerated downward spiral; under your watch! So before anyone tries to remove the “splinter from Fred Thompson’s eye shouldn’t they first remove the log from their own eye?” It is key that we Christians remember “if we exalt ourselves we will be humbled, if we humble ourselves we will be exalted”.

It is also wise and courageous for Thompson to stand his ground. He need not crawl or grovel before any Christian religious leader. Only before the Lord.  Thats what sets Christianity apart from other religions.             DD