Huckabee's Christian Platform May Plateau

National Review Online: GOP Hopeful Can't Assume Evangelicals Like His Mix Of Religion, Politics

(National Review Online)  This column was written by José Enrique Idler.

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In the run-up to the Republican nomination, a common notion is that Governor Mike Huckabee is the candidate of choice for evangelicals. According to this storyline, the Baptist preacher turned politician is a man of faith who is connecting with evangelical voters because of his Christian platform and, based on this religious link, could thus win the nomination. The main problem with this story is that it ignores how many evangelicals will actually be turned off by the very brand that seems to be boosting Huckabee.

Although it’s true that Huckabee commands a significant lead among a specific segment of evangelicals, it’s hard to categorize evangelicals nationwide as a monolithic voting bloc. While many are drawn to the self-identified “Christian leader,” others will see his Christian rhetoric as a volatile and dangerous excursion that blurs the line between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world.

After taking a decades-long time-out from politics and worldly affairs, evangelicals came back with a vengeance in the 1970s and 1980s through groups such as the Moral Majority. The self-imposed ostracism, due in part to the humiliation suffered at the Scopes Monkey trial in 1925, was officially over when a number of evangelical groups coalesced to flex their muscle in the public square and become political activists.

Many evangelicals, however, have continued to be guided not so much by the “bunker mentality” that sees the world as a sinking ship, but rather by what has been the traditional paradigm of Christ and politics. In a long-standing tradition that can be traced all the way back to Augustine, the City of God - with its spiritual mission and ends - should not be confused with the kingdoms of this world.

Although Christians are called to serve in the world, including politics, they are not sanctioned to use the political sword of the magistrate for spiritual purposes. Since Christ and politics are separate, the Christian calling is not to become a politically religious activist, but rather to serve in the public square in a God-honoring way without imposing explicit Christian principles on others.

The American version of the Presbyterian Westminster Confession of Faith puts the point this way:

“It is the duty of civil magistrates [including Christian ones] to protect the person and good name of all their people, in such an effectual manner as that no person be suffered, either upon pretence of religion or of infidelity, to offer any indignity, violence, abuse, or injury to any other person whatsoever…”

The political leader, although Christian he or she may be, is not a “Christian” leader as such, but a leader for all peoples.

The Southern Baptist Convention’s Faith and Message makes a similar case. The statement of doctrines holds that “church and state should be separate” and “…no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others.” Furthermore, “the church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work,” particularly since “the gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends.”

In a pluralistic society like ours such a view is not only commendable, but necessary. The fact is that in addition to a common public religion - with general injunctions like “In God We Trust” - Americans are informed by a variety of private faiths and creeds. Thus it’s necessary that, unless placed in a situation that asks for personal beliefs, a public leader be capable of refraining from specific doctrinally laden statements of belief and governing on the grounds of common narratives and principles.

Evangelicals come in different shapes and stripes. For those guided by the traditional separation of faith and politics, Huckabee’s Christian rhetoric will come across as a politically shallow and also spiritually dangerous move. Blurring the lines between faith and the political sphere means that Christianity and religious imagery are demoted to become simply one more instrument for political gains. This will smack many evangelicals not of authenticity, but rather misguided opportunism.

[longibby]

Before everyone forgets, lets talk about the most negative campaign run so far.
Huckabee and Mc Cain talk about negative campaigns and the damage they cause, but what is more negative than to attack another candidate for his religion, to
falsely try and convince the public that someone is not a Christian, simple because he is of the Mormon faith, not an accepted part of Evangelical
interpretation of Christ.? How would a Muslim feel if he was told he was not a Muslim or a Catholic feel if he were told he was not Christian. Nothing is more
destructive. It worked in Iowa. Hopefully the American public will see the
hypocracy, bigotry and arrogance behind the most negative campaign of all, attacking someone for there Religious beliefs.

Lon Gibby

[longibby]

Before everyone forgets, lets talk about the most negative campaign run so far.
Huckabee and Mc Cain talk about negative campaigns and the damage they cause, but what is more negative than to attack another candidate for his religion, to
falsely try and convince the public that someone is not a Christian, simple because he is of the Mormon faith, not an accepted part of Evangelical
interpretation of Christ.? How would a Muslim feel if he was told he was not a Muslim or a Catholic feel if he were told he was not Christian. Nothing is more
destructive. It worked in Iowa. Hopefully the American public will see the
hypocracy, bigotry and arrogance behind the most negative campaign of all, attacking someone for there Religious beliefs.

Lon Gibby

[ih2005]

Huck''s effort, FORTIFIED BY FAIRTAX SUPPORTERS. http://snipr.com/nextrung

Mitt''s effort: CHA-CHING - HE FIGURES (as do many of the MSM) HE CAN SIMPLY BUY THE IOWA CAUCUS.
http://snipr.com/romneyoffshore - avoids U.S. taxes using offshore "blocking" corp.''s for his clients, and amasses a huge personal fortune (that he plans to BUY THE IOWA CAUCUS with). Yeah, I really believe that Mitt''s gonna work for "tax reform" (tongue firmly in cheek).

[michaellitz2]

What a lot of people don''t seem to realize but are about to learn is this: Mike Huckabee has that rare Reaganesque authenticity and likability that causes even many of those who don''t agree with him to like him and to TRUST him. THIS is why He is going to win not only Iowa but also the republican nomination and the Presidency.

[geschwarz]

Idler hit the nail on the head.

Huckabee represents one special interest group that is well represented in Iowa and some other southern states, and that''s it.

Nobody has ever become or ever will be president of the United States because of his religion. The very thought of it brings back memories of why the American Colonists fought Catholic England for independence. Whether you believe it or not, Huckabee''s "I''m a Christian" campaign is clearly and absolutely anti-American.

[tibu987]

"I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires."
Susan B. Anthony

Me too.

[giantrobot2]

A new poll just released in Iowa now shows Mike Huckabee at 70%! This guy is skyrocketing faster than the speed of light can travel in 1 inch. Iowa voters love this guy. Mike Huckabee is turning into a National celebrity rockstar.

Plus:
Fred Thompson is indicating now that he will drop out of the race and support Mike Huckabee most likely.

Dr. James Dobson doesnt support John McCain so Fred Thompson will be asked to endorse Mike Huckabee for president.

Fred Thompson voters might as well vote for Mike Huckabee tomorrow in Iowa since Fred will drop out anyways. Iowa voters will have more leverage in the presidential poll and policy later if they can show they voted for Mike Huckabee.

Mike Huckabee is up 2 to 1 over Romney now in Iowa, so might as well vote for Mike Huckabee now and jump on the bus while it is there in Iowa.

[pjacobsuk]

PLATEAU? When the average wage or struggling Joe and Jane finds out how their lives will change for the better by having Huckabee as President, then more Huck support will follow. Huckabee''s just getting started - and it''s not just with the evangelicals. Go Huck!