I read today that Alabama Governor Bob Riley (R) beat his challenger in a primary election yesterday. The challenger was the real issue in this race. Who was the challenger you ask? Judge Roy Moore of Ten Commandments fame, the man who has been previously mentioned critically on this site. Was there doubt in anyone’s mind that Judge Moore was really up to political ends in his "noble" defense of the decalogue? First we had a book by the judge, then this run for political office. When will Christians wise up to this crass use of God’s truth for personal political goals? As long as the Christian Right fails to take sin seriously, both personally and coporately, leaders will never have an adequate view of how to use power humbly and properly. Power can still corrupt, even good guys.

Thankfully Judge Moore acknowledged that "God’s will" was done in the primary yesterday. That may have been the most accurate bit of theologizing the judge has done recently. I hope he stops his campaign for God, goes on with his personal life, and stays out of politics. I commend the voters of my former state for turning him down. It proves that not all political conservatives are as dumb as some people think. Gov. Riley has cleaned up political corruption in the state of Alabama, thus Judge Moore’s using the law of God as a means to an end has a particularly strange twist to it in this case. Question: Who really honored the Ten Commandments in Alabama? Symbolism is important for sure but God is particularly pleased when we seek justice and mercy, not mere symbolism alone.

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Comments

  1. David L. Bahnsen June 8, 2006 at 8:22 am

    John, there is one thing in the paragraph below I want to make a comment about …
    << As long as the Christian Right fails to take sin seriously, both personally and coporately, leaders will never have an adequate view of how to use power humbly and properly. Power can still corrupt, even good guys. >>
    I am 100000% on board with you, at least in intention and philosophy, about valid criticisms of the Christian Right, and even more so, valid criticisms of Judge Moore.
    However, this line seems to clearly implicate and incorporate the “Christian Right” with the various issues of Judge Moore that bother you (all things, by the way, that bother me), especially this issue/topic/event. I really believe that is somewhat unfair (though I get the reasoning behind it), as the “Christian Right” did not support Judge Moore in his ludicrous attempt to run for President, and they most certainly have not been outspoken about anything he has said or done since. I am not a Falwell or Robertson guy (as you know), other than to the extent that they are fellow catholic brothers … But I do think that [in Newbigin thinking], our “cultural language” needs to be careful at this moment, knowing that it can be used in a way different than we intended. Criticism of something as obvious as this [Moore’s bizarre moves] ought not indict all those who are part of the “Christian Right”. Do you think I am being too defensive of my own “right wing” beliefs, or do you agree?

  2. John Armstrong June 8, 2006 at 8:53 am

    David, I actually agree with you. I painted with a broad brush, something I often do intentionally or unintentionally. You have correctly understood my major premise and helped me see my error in the process.

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