Here's a typical example, from a Time Mag. blog, Huckabee Stirs the Mormon Issue. For the record, I like Huckabee, probably more than any of the other candidates. And one reason I like him is plain ol' affinity--I perceive that more than any other candidate, he shares my worldview. And while I'd say that he more "mature" in the faith than me in a variety of ways, I don't think he is "right" on every issue of public policy. A single interpretation of the Christian Scriptures (or even "spiritual truth," generally) can have many different applications.
All that being said, I want to defend Huckabee on accusations that he is being mealy-mouthed or "stirring it up" in his answers about Christianity and Mormonism. Take this quote for example:
CBSNews.com: ‘Do you believe that Mormonism is a legitimate form of Christianity?’This might be difficult for non-Christians to understand, which is understandable :), but Evangelicals don't use the term "Christian"--especially in the context of the above Huckabee quote, to mean "moral" or "not Jewish" or "not Muslim" or "American" or "like me." Huckabee gives the Biblical definition of "being a Christian." Given the difficult-to-discern-about-others nature of "belief" and given the imprecision with which many people use religious terms, it is difficult to know where someone stands in relation to the Biblical definition of "being a Christian," but if the shoe fits, where it.
Gov. Huckabee: ‘You know, Mormonism is a faith that people adhere
to. And I think people ought to respect anybody’s faith. I am not all
that familiar with the intricate details. I have enough trouble keeping
up with my own faith. So, I do not spend lots of time trying to
evaluate somebody else’s.’
CBSNews.com: ‘But do you think they’re real Christians?’
Gov. Huckabee: ‘Once again, I am not going to try to judge. That is
for them to determine whether they accept Jesus Christ as the only
revelation of God on Earth. And, if they do, then that is how a person
is a Christian, not by the label they wear, but by the position they
take on the role and the personhood of Christ.’
"Stirring it up" would have been giving a categorical statement that "no Mormons" or "all Mormons" believe such and such. But providing one's understanding of the Biblical definition of "being a Christian"--coupled with declining to judge an entire group of people, is what I call "tact." Anyone with half a brain can appreciate how valuable that is in a religiously diverse, tolerant society. Gee, sorry if Huckabee's answers don't provide the saucy soundbite you folks in the MSM (and some folks supporting other candidates) are looking for.
4 comments:
That is for them to determine whether they accept Jesus Christ as the only revelation of God on Earth.
Question, oh theological one, what is he referring to by "only revelation"? In that Jesus was the only begotten son, or was that a "knock" against Mormons who belief in latter-day prophets or saints?
Also, do you guys view Rastafarians as Christians? After all, it is a sect that believes in Christianity, only though that Christ already came back in the form of an Ethiopian leader.
I think he said what he means. And I guess I should reiterate that (or be clearer about) these assertions aren't exceptional for believers; they're not really "knocks" unless someone believes that everything and nothing is "true."
I have to admit I don't know much about Rastafarians, except that I balk at their beliefs on grooming.
Ned, good article on Huckabee and his answer. I think it is a shame that the MSM is trying to "get" all the candidates based on their faith. I thought Romney's speech had a lot of good points in it, and it is disturbing that others are trying to pit the candidates against each other based on religious beliefs.
Thanks Craig. Yes, their disingenuous curiosity is annoying.
It seems only fair for Democrats face some hard questions about what they believe and about what others believe.
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