Posted on 03/09/2007 3:18:34 AM PST by WalterSkinner
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To whom are you referring?
I find it timely that Dr. Dobson discussed this very issue on his radio show ... today. Check it out here: http://listen.family.org/daily/A000000402.cfm
Be a bit slower at condemning high-profile Christians. They may surprise you at how relevant they can be.
Agreed. A better or best role model is one who never makes the mistake.
"Agreed. A better or best role model is one who never makes the mistake."
No such person exists. Granted, not everyone makes the mistake of adultery but "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." What is important is admitting it and repenting.
Again, agreed (with one very notable exception). I am beginning to think that to even run for POTUS, one must be a complete narcissist, which sin seems to lead to other sins, like adultery.
I guess I just don't trust these politicians. Newt's "confession" seems to me to be very calculated. He only does it now that he is running for POTUS (I know he has not announced, but he is running), he recognizes that he needs the Christian Right, he knows that one of the major detracting factors for the Christian Right is his personal life, so he goes on the air with Dobson (a figure trusted by the Christian Right), and offers the "confession" in an effort to court the Christian Right.
Doesn't it seem a bit contrived?
re: He only does it now that he is running for POTUS
Isn't it possible he asked God for forgiveness long ago and at this point is simply discussing it with a pastor?
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but all sins are the same to God aren't they? Didn't Jesus make it a point of saying that if a person failed in the smallest detail of the law he had failed all of it?"
That was my point.
Oops! How right you are! I replied to the wrong post. Boy is my face red.
I second your post!
Thanks!
For one I am a bit tired of fielding the candidate who might please the media and wishy washy center.
I really hope the GOP fields a "true conservative" and no more "Compassionate Conservatives."
Conservatism by definition is compassionate.
It's entirely possible that he asked for forgiveness earlier. That still does not eliminate the possibility of the contrived nature of a broadcast discussion of one's sins designed to court the Christian Right.
If you wish to believe in the sincerity of Newt's discussion of personal sins in a public forum, and that that discussion was not done for political gain, I will not stand in your way. I am skeptical.
However, the foregoing does nothing to change my mind that he is one of the better political thinkers in the GOP. I like Newt and just wish he didn't come with such personal baggage.
Not at you but to all whom the shoe may fit.
Points well taken.
He's my man, too. I'll vote for the GOP candidate and although I would like to see it be Newt, there are several that I consider more than qualified for the job.
Regardless of the outcome, this is the kind of discussion and airing the situation needs and will benefit from in a big way.
Let it all hang out, and then we will go along with the one who comes out on top!
"In 2000, for example, James Dobson issued a personal press release specifically to "clarify his lack of support for Senator McCain." "The Senator is being touted by the media as a man of principle, yet he was involved with other women while married to his first wife," Dobson said. He also cautioned that McCain's character was "reminiscent" of Bill Clinton's--possibly the ultimate insult in conservative circles."
Steve Benen, High Infidelity
High Infidelity
As Dobson frames the issue, infidelity is not about saints and sinners, it's about character. A candidate's personal life is perhaps the very best measure of his or her character. This is not about casting stones, glass houses and hypocrisy of those questioning a candidate's fitness, as they have not placed their character at issue by proclaiming they should be the next leader of the free world. It is solely related to character of the candidate.
Sadly, as brilliant as Newt is, he has twice broken marriages with his infidelity. Dictating divorce terms with the first wife while she was in the hospital recuperating from uterine cancer related surgery also reflects poorly on his character. The character issue causes me concern with Newt. This is truly a lesson that we should have learned from the Clinton administration.
You make some very valid points. I am content to let the process run its course and see how everything shakes out. If the Newt's the man then it will become clear as time goes on. It's a LONG time until the convention and the election. It would not surprise me at all to see someone we're not even talking about now in contention.
Ain't politics wonderful?
Agreed. It is a long, long time. Choices may become clearer (not necessarily better) as time passes. It's always interesting.
ssssshhhh--there's a huge amount of perfect people in FR - no one wants a flawed person in public office /s
FLOTUS...great role models for our children.
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Have you gone through the Old and New Testament with your kids? How God uses perfectly cracked vessels to do His will?
sadly, the influence of the holder of the office of POTUS is far more reaching than just those parents that spend quality time with their children. there are many opportunities to teach our children good lessons and the difference between right and wrong, but i do not think that this would be one that i would want to take on. i think if the american people voted either guiliani or gingrich into office, it would seem to many children that that would serve as an endorsement of the way they have conducted their personal lives. one can forgive, without condoning the bad behavior.
We all get to vote on our conscience - that's part of the deal of voting in the USA. I think you're being short sighted - condoning is voting for someone still actively involved and/or not the slightest bit repentant - (Rudy)
Newt on the other hand seems to get it. I think what is at stake with our country's future makes people who care about Christianity in their platform really care, not just lip service. Until I see differently, that's what I'm going on -
I'd be delighted to support a Newt or Thompson candidacy.
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