I mean no disrespect, but there are more and more reports that God has been meddling in Missouri politics. Now, to be sure I am not one to tell God how to spend his time. I'm a strong supporter of God; I've even befriended him on Facebook. Maybe it's just a matter of his not having time to read up on things, but when it comes to Missouri politics I am a little worried that God may be in over his head.
It starts with the Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate seat held by Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill, whose position favoring such issues as health care, Social Security, and public education have apparently put her on political hit lists that no self-respecting Christian would want to be on.
There were three major candidates in the Republican primary this week and it would be difficult to find anything of significance separating them on issues. Mostly their focus was persuading GOP voters that they were more conservative than their opponents, or than any other human being on the face of the earth for that matter.
They did use different strategies, however. One candidate likened herself to Sarah Palin and brought Sarah to town for an endorsement. Didn't work. Another relatively unknown businessman put $7.5 million of his own money in the race. Didn't work.
The third candidate is a six-term member of Congress who is considered one of the most unflinching conservatives in the House. He kept a low profile and to his credit chose not to run attack ads. He didn't reveal the secret of his success until he was declared the winner of the primary, and then he immediately disclosed how he did it and who helped him do it:
I want to give thanks to God our Creator who has blessed this campaign, heard your prayers, and answered them with victory. Through the months, we have seen frequent instances of His blessing and are reminded that with Him all things are possible. (Kansas City Star, August 8, 2012, page 1)That one worked.
This announcement by U.S. Rep. Todd Akin demands analysis, if only to avoid scorn. One is tempted, indeed required, to ask the obvious questions. Is God registered as a political lobbyist in the state of Missouri? If so, do we know for sure whether he is a Republican who drinks tea? And further, in view of his "creator" role mentioned in Akin's statement can we even assume that God is a U.S. citizen? Wouldn't the folks in Mozambique expect that God is one of their's as well? And what about birthing documents? One analyst opined that they may have been lost in the Flood. Yes, THAT flood.
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| Greek Orthodox Archbishop Michael visits President Harry Truman at the White House, January 20, 1950 |
You see, here in Missouri these days candidates who believe in things like caring for the poor and healing the sick tend to get accused of horrible sins like killing puppies and supporting Medicare. And whether God knows it or not, if he hooks his wagon to Akin's star he is going to be expected to shed that wimpy "no attack ads" position and start turning out those commercials.
Now it is true that God has a pretty good résumé. The vetting process will be burdensome but ultimately revealing. Here's what I think will come of it all. Once these folks who claim God as their campaign manager get a good look at God's record they are going to discover that it isn't quite the fit they were expecting.
And as for God, I am confident that a few days with the Akin campaign will make it clear that there are other disasters more worthy of God's time and energy than Missouri politics.
Like Darfur.
So OK! enough of this "in the closet blog writing" WHEN the Hell are you going to submit your brilliant wit, insight, and Occam's Razor clean prose to the A.P. and somehow (certianly free of God's manipulation and Devine endorsement ) secure a daily national column? --- Danny A. Belrose (fan & friend)
ReplyDeleteI agree! If God is truly your friend, Grant, you will soon have a phone call from the AP or the New York Times.
ReplyDeleteSurely you can do better then their columnists.
I was hoping someone besides myself would have read these comments by Rep. Akin and take issue with them. Thank you, Grant. I do have to consider another point, though. If God has truly blessed him, would he be far more humble in God's presence than he seems to be now? I wonder if he stands on the corner and shouts to whomever is within earshot that he is glad he isnt like "those sinners, " whomever "they" might be. The guy has a lot of learning to go through to be a God-fearing man. Bob Bergin
ReplyDeleteIts interesting that you put the God in the Missouri politics. It turns out that Claire M. was also helping Mr. Akin. According to the Rachel Maddow crew, Ms. Claire was posting ads that helped Mr. Akin since he was by far the most radical of the radical right. I wonder constantly why God and Jesus have been coopted by the most unkind of our brethren and sisterin. Thank you for your insights. I certainly enjoy your views.
ReplyDeleteI don't really understand how we have reached such a ridiculous point in politics. It seems that the true winner is the incumbent senator. Maybe God was on her side the whole time.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that any Christian would be pleased that someone running for office looks to God for guidance and direction. I'm really amazed by your response and astounded with Danny Belrose's comment considering his status in our church. I'm very disappointed with you fellas.
ReplyDeleteThere is a difference between looking to God for guidance and assuming that God is actively campaigning for Akin. If God were to dabble in politics, which I don't believe God makes a habit of doing, I suspect that God would pull for candidates who care for the least of these not those who throw them under the bus to better their own bottom line.
DeleteAmazing! His quote doesn't say that God is actively campaigning for Akin. Those are words out of your mouth. You need to take a deep breath and relax. He simply said God blessed the campaign, heard his prayers, and answered them with victory. I didn't vote for the man but it is simply refreshing that someone is turning to God in all forums of his/her life. You should be elated. That is what I'm praying for, too. I want God in the forefront of our lives, and yes, even in politics. Haven't you read about our founding fathers? The first thing they did when they were inaugurated (George Washington and the first Congress), was to walk down the street to St. Paul's Chapel and pray for our nation. That was their first order of business. I'm really surprised that you, who lead our church for a period of time, are so political that you get offended over a comment such as this. Gee, Grant, you surprise me.
DeleteI couldn't agree more with the anonymous poster from Saturday August 11. I find it extremely disheartening that the former leader of my denomination is so close minded to the possibility that God loves and supports ALL of his children. Todd Akins is apparently a faithful person. He gave credit to God for his success. Politics aside, he has every right to say, thank and give credit to whom ever he pleases. That is the biggest problem with the left. They preach about being open and accepting of every person and ever culture, unless that culture or opinion is from the right. I love that God is an active part in Mr. Akin's life. I love that we live in a country where people can feel and believe what ever they want. What I don't love is when people use those freedoms to try to oppress or tear down others. I have not fully understood the reasoning behind your early resignation from the church, but with the little bit I've read on this site, I'm relieved.
ReplyDeleteWell Grant, I must say I am in agrement with this wit and insight into MO. politics where God may or may not be concerned. I must also say that the best observation of election politics was coined several years ago: "We all want the "best" one to win in any election, however, unfortunately, they never seem to run!"
ReplyDelete"Will Rogers"