As pained as I was to critique Dr. Wayne Grudem’s endorsement of Trump, I find myself even more conflicted to address the recent Charisma online article by Dr. Jim Garlow. Dr. Garlow is the Senior Pastor of Skyline Wesleyan Church in San Diego, California. He is the recent author of the book, “Well-Versed”, a great resource of biblical insight applied to the tough issues and topics of today. You may read his endorsement and reasons at the following link Here .
Dr. Garlow is no stranger to cultural engagement and political activity. To his credit he has rallied pastors to preach biblically inspired messages on “political” topics to challenge the Johnson Amendment to the IRS Code 501 (c) 3 and has used his influence to impact political candidates and public policy. He is a cultural warrior. Personally, his ministry impacted me in some profound ways over 30 years ago at a pastors retreat in northern Ohio. To say I respect the man is an understatement. His series of messages at that retreat were used by God to redirect my ministry in a life-changing way. I may be any one of a number of things, but ungrateful is not one of them. That is why to challenge his perspective is a weighty thing for me. However, when highly respected and notable pastors and academicians use their influence for a direction that may be detrimental to the greater purposes, precepts and processes of God, then a response is in order. At the very least, Christian people should be able to hear what the differences may be and come to their own conclusions since obedience to God hangs in the balance. This election has provided the opportunity to have the conversation as to how Christians should vote according to their biblical values. How do we empower political candidates with our vote and retain our biblical and spiritual credibility? Is there a voting template which God has unveiled in His Word which would honor Him and provide the ground of obedience which He might move through to reach this nation? These are not small considerations.
Dr. Garlow’s endorsement contained some 18 points as to why Trump is the one for evangelical Christians. While I could respond on each of the 18 points and contend with many of the premises upon which they are built, I have decided to take the broader approach and simply condense my concerns in FOUR categories which in some fashion address the eighteen.
1. The Suspension of Biblical Precepts
As I have read a number of endorsement articles from various Christian leaders I am always struck by the feature that almost invariably the reasoning defaults to a pragmatic approach as to why Trump is better than Hillary rather than offering a biblical precept as to why Trump is qualified to be a civic ruler. To his credit, Dr. Garlow is clear that Trump is no choir boy and his verbal antics are indefensible, but that, along with other features of Trump’s character, never seem to reach a level of disqualifying concern. Which leads one to the ask, “How bad must a candidate be in order to violate our biblically trained conscience?” Is there a line which a Christian simply cannot cross? Would these national leaders care to explain to us where a GOP candidate would be unacceptable no matter how bad the other candidate might be?
This is important. We hear these platitudes that “one sin is no worse than another”, “we all have sinned”, “Jesus isn’t on the ballot”, and “if you expect perfection you’ll never vote”. It’s time for Trump supporters to step up and state clearly where some lines of concern should be if Trump is not near any of them. If making your money by exploiting the poor through casino operations and destroying the family by building strip clubs isn’t the line, then please tell us where the line should be? If it’s permissible to use a novice Christian as President of the United States but not as a deacon in your church, then please explain to us how mature our candidates should be. These national leaders need to make that case based on biblical qualifications and not situational election races. Otherwise, the pendulum of character defects continues to move towards the egregious end. We got these two candidates because we have continually accepted the notion through the years that the lesser of two evils would be acceptable. It has come home in 2016 to expose our lack of commitment to biblical fidelity when it comes to how we should vote.
2. An Eschatology of Panic
Dr. Garlow is convinced that America is at 11:59 pm on the destruction clock. I would certainly agree that America is in incredibly bad shape. It is, perhaps, the worst it has ever been; of course, we hear that every four years. Therein lies the problem. Our votes for unacceptable candidates are being solicited on the basis of panic, fear, and defensiveness. We are told that if the “other” reprehensible candidate is elected the “sky will fall” and Christians will be thrown to the lions. Therefore, you MUST vote for the lessor reprehensible candidate lest you participate in the destruction of western civilization.
Now I will say that Dr. Garlow didn’t go as far as my embellishment (although I saw another pastor on Hannity tonight who went even farther than my example). However, the vibe is still present. We are told that this election is the gargantuan election. We are told that this election will determine the fate of all you hold dear. And what then happens is, we panic and slip into fear and play defense on Election Day with our votes thinking we are helping the situation when in fact we are perpetuating America’s dysfunction. At what point do we as the Church say, “Enough”, and dare to obey a biblical precept which in all likelihood would birth a new paradigm? If a day is as a thousand years to the Lord, then perhaps we have more time than we think. It is time to fear God more than we fear a political candidate. It is time to cast off our anxieties and faithfully obey God believing that obedience is the window for miracles, not pragmatism.
3. The Forfeiture of our Moral Authority
For respected, evangelical leaders to endorse Trump is to forfeit any future discussion about the moral fitness of candidates. We have lost our moral authority this year. I have already stated that I respect Dr. Garlow and we are friends, but I am quite sure that a generation is watching these endorsements and scratching their heads. Our ranks (rightly) pummeled Bill Clinton on his sexual escapades while we give Donald Trump a pass. We are losing our prophetic edge by doing this. We are losing our voice for real and lasting change by acting as lobbyists rather than prophets.
Dr, Garlow rightly points out that the GOP Platform is perhaps the most conservative and best in years. It appears to have some moral substance to it. He suggests that as we vote we consider this as a priority in our reasoning to vote Trump. I would point out that at the convention we had pagan prayers offered, a radical homosexual venerate his sin to a standing ovation, and not a word from our candidate about his pro-life position. Yet, he gets the endorsement despite missing the perfect opportunity to demonstrate his new found fidelity to Christianity and our concerns. We are losing our credibility as a movement when our leaders do not see these kinds of moral and spiritual disconnects.
4. Elevating Subjective Hope while Devaluing Objective Fruit
I chose not to list 18 responses to Dr. Garlow’s 18 reasons because I felt that the vast majority of the reasons could be summed up under this heading. He has elevated (as well as innumerable others) the subjective hope that Donald Trump will advocate for our causes while devaluing the fruit of a life which contradicts many of those hopes. Let’s be honest, every Trump supporter is “hoping” he does what he has promised or inferred. Dr. Garlow even paints it in the genuinely touching story of his wife’s cancer battle when the hope of the “unknown” treatments were more persuasive than the reality of the “known” treatments. Gratefully, it provided his wife with longevity which was not only a blessing, but a statistical miracle. I too am glad for that outcome in that deeply personal situation. But I am not convinced that cancer treatment on an individual is analogous to a nation selecting its leadership. Donald Trump has a track record in life which simply cannot be overlooked. His ability to exercise restraint or self-control with regards to his senses. His ability to keep his word with regards to his marital relationships. His reactionary tendencies demonstrated daily on his Twitter account. His ability to forgive and not be vindictive. These are just a few genuine concerns based on the fruit of his life that the hope in his promises do not automatically dismiss. And beyond that, does the Scripture ask us to know a man by his promises or by his fruit?
I agree with Dr. Garlow as he concludes his article that we must indeed honor Jesus Christ in all we do. I am fully convinced that the goals he holds dear would probably mirror to the exact number the goals that I have for this nation as well. The hardest part of this election season is the reality that our disagreement over Trump is among people who hold many if not all of the same goals. But those goals will never be reached by perpetuating the same game plan evangelicals have played for over 30 years. It is time to shake off fear and panic and trust the Lord through obedience to passages like Exodus 18:21, Deuteronomy 17:14-19, and Romans 13:4,6. If we honor God by obeying His Word, He will honor us by restoring our nation.
Frank Griffith
August 13, 2016 at 3:20 pmWow, I am grateful for your response. You have written what most Christians are thinking. Thanks Brother.
Marianne
August 15, 2016 at 12:50 amYes, thank you Mr. Baird.
Carol Cowan
August 15, 2016 at 7:11 amSo are you suggesting that voting for someone who is under multiple FBI investigations and has a trail of 50 plus suspicious murders in her wake is the better choice? Is that your idea of a great moral compass? I read Dr. Garlow’s article as trying to convey that both candidates are flawed, as are all humans. He seemed to me to express the opinion that conservative values would be better served under a Trump presidency. I’m tired of hearing that he is unfit to lead our country. What did Barack Obama bring to the table? Please list all the qualities he exemplified. He did read the teleprompters well, I’ll give him that, but he had no previous experience for the job. The popularity of Donald Trump is not that we want him to be our spiritual leader. We want to get our country back on track! Nothing Donald Trump has said has ‘offended’ me. Shame on you for starting your article with the complement of how Dr. Garlow ‘changed you life’ just to go on and rip him apart. I had no idea a pastor would do that. We do look to our pastors for their opinions. How dare you! God Bless America and God Bless Donald Trump.
Brad Bates
August 15, 2016 at 6:02 pmFlawed?
Question…would use the word “flaw” to describe the sin in your life? Are they flaws? Or are they sins? And is a person simply “flawed” because they sin…or are they sinners because they sin?
Yet…this is what you’re saying to describe Trump, and yes…even Hillary.
Using the term “flawed” to describe Hillary or Trump in this election is sugar coating reality. Reality? They are both “ungodly” and “biblically disqualified”. They are sinners, in need of salvation. They are not flawed….they are doomed w/o Christ.
I guess this is just another example of the false “love” responses from the church trying not to sound too mean when describing evil.
Dan Harris
August 15, 2016 at 6:34 pmSo you no better answer than to pick apart the term “flawed.” You know, I get it. There us no candidate that would wholly satisfy Christians. That’s understandable. But since you are so quick to quote Scripture, read Daniel and Genesis 41. I’ll leave you to grasp the significance of these events. Isn’t amazing though, how we will use Scripture to justify our positions and beliefs?
Kevin Baird
August 15, 2016 at 9:22 pmThe key to the #nolesseroftwoevil movement is not to determine the acceptable level of a human being flawed, but rather the acceptable level of disobedience a Christian can perform in endorsing such candidates before it too is a problem.
Yes, God uses flawed people.
That does not mean we empower them to exercise that dysfunction.
Sharon Edwards
August 16, 2016 at 7:00 pmCarol, So you hate Hillary. Lying about her does not make you a Christian. Hillary has not murdered anyone. AND the fact that the GOP can not let go of something that all Secretary of States have done. President Obama has done many good things for this country. Too bad your hatred of black people keeps you from finding out the good things he has done. He could have accomplished lots more if the stinking GOP congress had not blocked everything he wanted to do to help Americans. I hope you get over your hate and find Christ. You are certainly not a Christian.
Eddie Songer
August 16, 2016 at 10:07 pmSharon Edwards is being so judgmental. Be careful as you will be judged with the same standards as you judge others. Hate Hillary? Just because people do not agree with her does not make them haters. The same goes for Obama. Many Americans disagree strongly with his ideas and what he is doing to our country. That does not not mean they hate him. Hate can be a good thing when it is justified. For example, it is good to hate evil. Many of the ideas the leftists in our government today are bent towards evil. It is the ideas that many of us hate, not the person. Can you name one good thing Obama has done for America? As far as the “stinking GOP congress” that is blocking him, what about his first two years Obama had in office when the democrats had a veto proof majority in congress? What good did any of them do then to deal with the many major problems in our country? Then when the republicans were voted in to have the majority in the House of Representatives and passed dozens of bills to help deal with our myriad of problems, the democrats in the senate, AKA: Harry Reed, just sat on the bills and would not allow them to come up for a vote. Then the compliant liberal press spread the word that the congress was doing nothing to help deal with our nation’s problems. That sounded nice, but was not true. Seems like both parties can play this game and work against the other. Then to judge whether or not someone is a true believer or not based on an Internet post, that is simply over the top. You, my lady, seem to be the one filled with hate. Just sayin’
Peter Prange
October 26, 2016 at 11:37 pmSharon, You do not say if you are a Christian. Since Christians are to take the words of Christians in the kindest possible manner (well explained by Dr. Martin Luther in the catechisms way back in 1529)) and you have assumed that Carol is full of hate (‘your hatred of black people’) can we assume you are not a Christian? It would follow your logic. As a Christian, if I criticize President Obama, it is because I disagree with his policies, not because he is black. My first choice this year was Dr. Ben Carson, Are my black Christian friends who criticize Obama to be considered hateful racists, too?
DANNY PHILLIPS
November 13, 2018 at 8:45 pmWe have the right to judge Eddie clearly lacks the Biblcial truth to know this . Jesus in Matthew 7 only mention one thing not to judge . The Bible over an over says to judge .In fact EDDIE SONGER HAS JUDGE HIMSELF BY CLAIMING NOT TO JUDGE.Paul judged the Galatians as fools . Eddie should read a biblical article on judging http://www.av1611.org/crock/judbynum.html
Carole Russell
December 19, 2016 at 1:45 pmThank you Carol Cowan for your insightful comment. I couldnt agree more. We know very well, the ‘negative points’ of Donald Trump but we also know that about his opponent Hillery Clinton. To oppose Donald Trump is to vote for Hillery. How in the world, and I cannot understand, someone call themselves a Christian and vote or promote someone who believes in murdering babies in the womb up to 9th month…………..because it is the law….etc. Anyway the election is over and hopefully Trump will get the electoral votes needed. And he…Donald Trump, is not our King, Jesus Christ is. Donald Trump is not our Saviour, Jesus Christ is. I dont know what Trump will do but you would do well to support and pray for him and Mike Pence. I dont know how I came across this but it so angered me that I needed to reply. We can all, myself included, can fall prey to religeous bigotry with our hands full of rocks to hurl and I DO NOT condone what Donald Trump has done but Hillery Clinton as the obvious ‘other’ candidate is ludicrous to even consider. Again thank you Carol Cowan for you insightful reply. This article was appalling to me.
Ted R. Lee
August 16, 2016 at 3:13 amCarol Cowan, thank you for your outstanding response to the pompous article of Dr. Baird . I could not agree with you more . If Hillary is elected ( God Forbid) I will blame people like Dr. Baird for the total destruction of our nation !
Brad Bates
August 16, 2016 at 2:26 pmTed, can you please point to the “pompous” remarks made in the article above?
I assure you, people like Dr. Baird are not the ones to blame for the destruction of this nation. He is merely calling the nation to repentance and toward righteous behavior. The ones who have rejected His word and the ones who have remained silent are the ones who will hold the blame for the direction this nation has gone.
Matthew Swaim
August 17, 2016 at 12:22 amShame on you Carol. Do you honestly think you can turn your back on Christ and still ask Him to bless you? This country needs a leader with a high moral standard. Now more than ever. We must humble ourselves toward God! Has Trump done that? Isn’t that a prerequisite for being Christian?
Claude
August 17, 2016 at 7:20 pmHow dare him? Hm. How about: how dare you?!!
You knowingly lie in your characterization of what Dr. Baird said. He didn’t “rip him apart.”
He disagreed with him and, contrary to what your leader DJT says, we are both free to have differing opinions, and, still, to express them. You sycophants truly do scare me. And, again, how are we to call for God to bless an unrepentant self serving hedonist? Pray that he would come to saving knowledge of God? Yes!!
Pray that God blesses him in his continued self service? No.
Janet Kelly-DeYoung
August 17, 2016 at 9:58 pmThank you for expressing my question! With Trump, at least we have a chance at SCOTUS not being so liberal we lose all semblance of conservative values.
Rosalyn Tademy
August 18, 2016 at 1:07 amCarol thank you for your insightful, Frank and clarity and for sure hearing the spirit of God. Baird’s comments are void of true clarity; it’s very obvious and lacking understanding of where we stand.
Travis
August 18, 2016 at 6:16 pmDid you really say that President Obama “had no previous experience”? Wow. And running casinos and strip clubs qualifies Trump to lead our country? Very desperate people in this country to overlook very poor qualities just in the hopes they get what they want. It’s about what is good for everyone now just far right wing nut jobs!
Bob Costin
September 21, 2016 at 5:27 pmWRITE ON, Carol Cowan!
Yvonne Fuller
October 8, 2016 at 11:51 pmI respectfully disagree with you. Barack Obama is a man of great integrity. He is always calm, thoughtful, and sincere in his actions. He is a Christian and a good family man with only one marriage and raising 2 beautiful daughters. You cannot deny that his behavior has always been to the highest standard. I found Dr. Baird’s article very interesting. He is not ripping Dr. Garlow apart but presenting a different opinion which is one of the beauties of our country. People can speak their minds based upon their beliefs and that is one of the great freedoms of our democracy. And, Dr. Baird stated his reaction to Dr. Garlow’s endorsement with logic and respect. There is no need to attack him.
Samuel Abanobi
November 6, 2016 at 8:32 pmShalom Dear, “Oh, say, can you see?”
T. Max
August 19, 2016 at 12:21 amMan, “christians” are scarring the heck out of me! How do they come off calling themselves christian??? If Christ were here today, he would be appalled – do you realize Jesus was the first Socialist?. There is so much blatant hypocrisy among what are referred to as “evangelicals”! Shame on them! Dr. Baird is 100% correct in his letter, even though I don’t agree with a lot of his teachings, to point out that which is Unchristian about Mr. Trump. You cannot elect the leader of the free world based on unfounded fear and lies. Trump is out to help one person only, and that person is Donald Trump. He doesn’t give a rats you know what for what christians have to say or think as long as they get him elected. The closest Trump comes to feeling Godliness is when he looks in the mirror each day and smirks at himself. It is beyond me how a group of intelligent (?) people cannot see this person for the evil that he is. I do not hate Trump the person, he was put here on earth just like every one of us for God’s purpose. I just despise everything he stands for! I pray for him, honestly, I do.
BTW, in case you are wondering why I use the small c when referring to those calling themselves “christians” in this post – it is because I do not consider the majority of them to be true followers of Christ! In essence – if they actually followed Jesus’ life and teachings, there would be love and peace in their hearts, not fear and hate. The loving spirit of Jesus would be leading them to do what He asked of us – to love those less fortunate, to help those in peril, to minister to the sick and needy. Do you truly believe Mr. Trump is a follower of Christ’s teachings?
You may think I am not very Christian myself for what I’ve just written, but I am sick, tired and angry of evangelicals using the term christian to spread hate, bigotry, and fear. Even Jesus became angry when he came upon the money changers in the temple.
Lisa m Sisel
October 19, 2016 at 5:45 amCan you explain what you are referring to when you say Jesus was a socialist?
Ina Ayliffe
October 4, 2016 at 9:41 pmPlease, no more long dissertations from Pastors. Don’t discuss Donald Trump. On my page . He makes me nauseous .
Ted Trampe
October 27, 2016 at 11:39 pmHe’s written what most Christians are thinking? Where did you get your information? But forget about that. If nothing else, look at the election this way. If Hillary gets in, she will bring anywhere from one to three liberals onto the Supreme Court, with the key one being the replacement for Antonin Scalia. You think there has been discrimination against Christians under the Obama tyranny? You ain’t seen nothin’ yet!
Daniel E Shannon
August 14, 2016 at 1:58 amIt would serve y’all well to stick to what you might know. I don’t know your background but connecting your faith and your beliefs to a candidate is likely best left private or amongst close friends.
Confusing your positions in the church as elders or whatever w credibility in a political forum or special, gifted insight into connecting Scripture and God’s will w a specific candidate….let’s say – it isn’t working.
You border on abusing your position whatever you believe it to be.
On a secular plane, which is really what your article is, (secular opinion w an attempt to find support in Scripture), I have always found it useful to discuss the direction I favor at a minimum.
You might, if you don’t already, start following the teachers at Westminster; follow their example.
Brad Bates
August 14, 2016 at 11:08 pmWhat you are engaging in is the age old Greek dualist mindset. Where the sacred and the secular are separated into 2 separate spheres. This is simply not a biblical model at all. Jesus never taught us this. Jesus is Lord of All. He is King of Kings. His own prayer (the Lords Prayer) demonstrates quickly his views of this – “Our Father who is in heaven – hallowed be Your name. Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Ernest Hesterly
October 14, 2016 at 10:37 amBrad, are you certain that Jesus NEVER said the sacred and the secular should be separated? “Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s, and unto God that which is God’s.” He also wasn’t a Socialist, as many claim. You, as an individual, are supposed to aid the widows, the orphans, the destitute. He never said, “Give money to the government so they can take care of the widows and orphans.” It is a personal sacrifice, not a communal sacrifice, taken from your paycheck so you don’t miss it as much. If you had to write a monthly check for your taxes, you would rabidly pursue tax reform. But because you never receive it, you don’t miss it as much. But I digress. Jesus most certainly separated the sacred and the secular.
CBB
August 14, 2016 at 2:47 amThank you. You’re spot-on.
william wilson
August 14, 2016 at 2:57 amwhat is hillary’s fruit lye on top of lye scandal on top of scandal all to enrich herself. believing a woman has the right to a abortion right up to birth. embracing the gay lifestyle including marriage. Can you name one reason why a christian should vote for her.
Mary Clark
August 14, 2016 at 11:11 amWilliam Wilson, I agree with you. It seems that people are blind to all the things that Hillary has done and is still doing. I can’t understand how so many people can support any one who is in favor of killing unborn babies. I seems that people act as though she hasn’t done something that should ban her from running for president, such as all the things the FBI say is a danger to our country.
Nanay Coleman
August 14, 2016 at 5:40 pmAre you all so niaeve that you think abortions will stop if there is a law against them? I do not support abortion, but we can’t elect the POTUS on one or two points. Look at the big picture. Hillary isn’t perfect, but Trump is one of the worst human beings I’ve ever seen. Married 3 times, divorced 2, impregnated #3 while still married to #2. Degrades, mocks, and disrespects the disabled, handicapped, minorities, women, crying babies, educated, intelligent, etc. Only Trump and his immediate family gets his respect. And I really have a problem with the First Lady being a porn and lesbian film star with nude pics floating around for the world to see. Just one more point, I grew up in a Christian home and never heard a profane or curse word come out of my parent’s mouths. I don’t want to hear it from my president on National TV!
Ray Reid
August 15, 2016 at 3:38 amNanay, I truly wish we had better candidates to pick from. This is clearly a case of “the lesser of 2 evils”. I might even agree with you that, on a personal level, Trump is worse than Hillary. But – this not a popularity contest. This is not a competition to determine which candidate is the better PERSON. We are not electing a spiritual leader. We are not electing a pastor. We are electing an individual who, along with Congress and the Judicial System, will dictate how you and I live our lives!!! Trump may himself be repulsive, but, he has shown no desire to shove his immorality down our throats. Hillary and the Democrats have displayed a willingness to do just that. (BTW – I am a Democrat!)
Doug Craig
August 15, 2016 at 5:36 pmYour comment resonates with my thoughts. That in particular is the imposition of law in my daily life which occurs yearly here in California with a new set of a hundred or more laws to digest and obey. California is the Mecca of progressive socialism. Anyone contrary has no voice except for the few legislative Republicans from non coastal areas. This is, I am afraid, the same status Hillary brings to the office of the POTUS. She will dictate a world of hurt to freedom loving people. Admittedly, Trump bloviates at times. He is portrayed as offensive. Anyone with a brain can see the mainstream media bias against him. That in combination with Clinton’s past has me favoring Mr. Trump over her. Once you have faced the sting of her radical constituent’s power in California, you would strongly consider a vote against her regardless of his bloviating.
Ted Malone
August 15, 2016 at 3:14 pmThis might be the right time for a majority of voters to seriously consider voting for a candidate who is not connected with either of the 2 main parties. Neither of them are doing a good job of leading our nation. Both parties and invested in self-interest and trying to maintain a plush lifestyle for the insiders. And most who enter politics as an “independent” within either of the main parties quickly become insiders who conform to the party line. There are at least 3 other candidates to consider.
charlotte
August 18, 2016 at 7:39 pmThink I may just do what you have suggested.
Ben Drollinger
August 14, 2016 at 7:46 pmSo true.
Boy when Jesus spoke of the blind leading the blind he was spot on.
Grover Lewers
August 14, 2016 at 10:25 pmWho ya voting for pastor?
Kevin Baird
August 15, 2016 at 1:03 amCastle or Hoefling
Glenn Evans
August 15, 2016 at 12:41 pmYou should consider NcMullin.
Stan Kayser
August 16, 2016 at 4:33 amAre any of these candidates any better or are they just not the focus of negative media? It has been shown that the media, particularly CNN has fabricated much of the negativity against Trump. It is kind of like Photoshopping a picture to make someone look better or worse, only it is done with video. If these candidates had that powerful an adversary would they look any better than Trump?
Sharon Edwards
August 16, 2016 at 7:02 pmWilliam, Hillary has not lied. Trump has lied and you don’t care one little bit. All the so called scandals are made up by the wicked far right. I as a Christian will vote for Hillary because she is the most qualified candidate running and Trump would be a disaster for this country.
ADCook
August 17, 2016 at 1:53 pmSharon, are you serious??? Hillary hasn’t lied??? Did you forget about her email server? Did you forget about when she was under sniper fire?? The list is ENDLESS!!!
Let’s face it…neither one of these candidates are much better than the other until you break down what they actually stand for!
As for the so called scandals being made up by the wicked far right…most of the media is pro-Hillary. Please, pull your head out of the hole you’ve buried it in and wake up!!! Sheesh!!!
As a Christian (as you claim to be) you should seriously do some homework on the two candidates and realize that you might be a little off.
Yes, I believe that everyone has a right to their opinions but you REALLY shouldn’t smear someone else with twisted facts!!!
Peggy Kelly
August 18, 2016 at 4:41 amYou know, it is amazing how “some” people view these candidates. How can you choose the “right” one for the job? This is a political arena and supposedly there is a separation of church vs. government. What we do know about each of these candidates is ,that apparently, their moral standing is not good. So, do we judge them as Christians or as Americans? In Jesus’ time, he would forgive all sins. But, this is not the same as when Jesus walked the earth. Do you want a career politician with likely ties to the very people who are trying to divide this great nation. Someone with a personal agenda that benefits only herself? No regard for the regular “Joe” as she wants to control our bodies, our children, our freedoms, incite racial divide? This is what the Democrats have been doing for decades. It’s all about government control of our lives. If we are to have any chance to keep our freedoms, we must look at the alternative. Yes, Trump has many faults. But do they outweigh the screaming faults of Hillary? 30 years she has masterminded, schemed and bought and sold this country down the pike. Read “Hillary’s America” and see for yourself her moral and ethical values. Or, better yet, go see the movie! If she places BLM above our police, illegal immigrants over our vets and the backing of ISIS over America, then I am voting for Trump. Yes, I know he is not as experienced as she is. But, then was George Washington the most experienced to lead in his day? Most of our founding fathers and soon to follow presidents during the early days of our nation were not experienced. They were mostly military men and men of prominence and wealth in those days. Well, Trump is a man of prominence. Period. We should take into account that as a man of prominence (and wealth), he is most likely not to be seduced by total unmitigated greed for the power that Hillary so sadly desires.
This election will decide our fate for many years to come. I, for one, do not want to see America fall to government dictated agendas for my children’s and grandchildren’s sake. History has already shown what “Dictators” have done to our world. Let’s not repeat history again. WAKE UP AMERICA! VOTE FOR TRUMP…
Herbert H Thomas
August 14, 2016 at 2:58 amA lot of words but no substantive points made. Very poor response.
Daniel K
August 14, 2016 at 6:51 amDr Garlow gave a non substantive report. This article at least calls the church to look at the fruit of a candidate rather than accept the lesser moral degradadant.
Regina
August 14, 2016 at 4:25 pmThe lesser moral degradent? And Hillary is the less moral decedent ?
Ray Reid
August 15, 2016 at 3:42 amDaniel, if we will be selecting a pastor or elder, I agree. But, we are not evaluating the Christian maturity of either candidate. While their walk with Christ is a factor to me, the real question is: how will they allow us to LEAD OUR OWN LIVES. I am most concerned about our FREEDOMS. Hillary and many liberals are clearly out to tear down what is left of our moral fabric. Trump is no “choir boy”, but, he shows no evidence of making life worse for us.
Brad Bates
August 15, 2016 at 3:42 pmRay, the Apostle Paul would disagree with you. The word in Romans 13:4 used to describe civil government leaders is “servants” or “ministers” and in the Greek…daikonos…the same word used in 1 Timothy 3 to describe deacons/servants/. But if those standards are just too much for you to apply to a civil leader then you could always look to Exodus 18:21.
Desiree Maes
August 14, 2016 at 4:42 amThis is really really good. Thank you so much.
Ginger Dillon
August 14, 2016 at 5:39 amI didn’t find much “meat” in your topic either. It seems U only talked about Trump.
What about miss Hillary? I’m glad there is a judgement day.
Brad Bates
August 14, 2016 at 11:10 pmPerhaps because Christians aren’t fawning over and tripping over themselves to vote for Hillary like they are for Trump. I think not voting for Hillary is a given. But given how evangelicals are treating Trump, perhaps we shouldn’t give them that much of a benefit of the doubt.
Donna
August 14, 2016 at 6:59 amI do not trust Hillary or the liberal Democratic party. She has been a failed politician and she is a proven liar. Allowing abortions just for convenience is really morally wrong. She has values that I, as a Christian cannot back.
james wilson
August 14, 2016 at 8:44 amYou say we should have a conversation as to how we should vote as Christians. It seems ridiculous to say you “stand on biblical precepts” to not vote for Trump. You have a chance to keep Hillary out of office, but what kind of biblical principles do you have that will allow you to put her in office – because a vote for anyone but Trump ( or not voting) is a vote for Hillary. A Christian should vote. There is a choice of two. You seem to realize how bad Hillary and the democratic platform are. Yet you are helping to elect her by this kind of article. We are not voting whether Trump is Christian enough. What if neither candidate was a Christian. Yes it comes down to sounding like the hated “lesser of two evils”, but SO WHAT! My Christian principles say do not vote for the one you know is evil. That means you must vote for the other, even if he is not up to your high standards. I am sorry, but if you do not vote for Trump you voted for Hillary.
Ginny Smith
August 14, 2016 at 1:40 pmWell said, James Wilson!!!!
Lana D. Bullard
August 14, 2016 at 6:45 pmI do not have enough space or time to explain why Hillary is the wrong choice to vote for this election!!! Remember we are voting a for our best choice as president not the best choice as pastor. “THINK” about it! We need the BEST MAN for THIS JOB!
Sharon Edwards
August 16, 2016 at 7:04 pmlana, It is the best person for the job and that is Hillary.
Mariah Case
August 17, 2016 at 1:07 amNot if you care about your individual rights. Two ex: right to bear arms and freedom of speech. Her and her ‘powers’ aka media persuasion and money influence would essentially dessimate those two. Obama made half-hearted attempts already.
I’m against abortion. But let’s be real. If it becomes illegal, it won’t stop, it will simply resort back to the back alley abortions and then both will die. If they are Christians, then that is between them and God, not me and them.
Hillary is a POS to the highest extent. She lies with every breath she takes and she cares nothing for others. ‘what difference does it make’….remember that?
Unfortunately, it’s a fact that a vote for anyone other than Trump guarantees Hillary in. Along with that unfortunate is that Trump has a poddy mouth, and no filter to think before he speaks.
Personally? I don’t think he was ever a candidate. I think he’s a pawn to guarantee Hillary. NO ONE in their right mind would alienate every single ‘group’ in the world and expect to win. I’m just sick. We are doomed. Maybe not the coming yet….but we are on a downhill slide no matter who gets in.
Lisa m Sisel
October 19, 2016 at 6:06 amCan you explain what you are referring to when you say Jesus was a socialist?
Dyanna Roper
August 15, 2016 at 12:15 amI do not understand why Christian pastors, bloggers and laypeople think it is ok to tell people “don’t vote for Trump” just because he doesn’t pass your narrow focus but yet don’t want Mrs. Clinton to be elected either. The focus has to be on the one who will preserve our constitution. We cannot consider someone who has blatantly lied about national security breaches. Someone who didn’t protect our ambassador after repeated calls for additional security then laughed it off as a video caused revolt. Then says what does it matter now. Then calls the relatives of these people liars when they expose the truth. How dare you dictate that because Mr. Trump isn’t up to your standards Christians should stay away from him. You are being used of the enemy to confuse your Christian brothers and sisters. I will never abandon my country by voting for a liar and swindler Hillary Clinton. How ever flawed you see Donald Trump, I see him as this countries final hope to remain a Christian nation.
debra nickell
August 15, 2016 at 2:20 amJames Wilson I wish I could click like on your post! You hit it right on!
Jerry Johnson
August 14, 2016 at 9:16 amWhat a blatantly dishonest article. I would like to hear the authors response to each category and defend it against Clinton, as he is so obviously doing, in greater detail. “How bad must a candidate be in order to violate our biblically trained conscience?” Is there a line which a Christian simply cannot cross?” Dr. Baird can you seriously defend that state is a Clinton vs. Trump head to head comparison?
My parakeet and I thank you for your article.
Kelley Kiser
August 14, 2016 at 10:13 amThank you for your very candid article! I totally agree, when is enough a enough? I sit back and watch Trump on a day to day basis put people down,lie(too!), never apologizes for his blunders and at times insights violence. It is beyond my understanding why this is “ok” and acceptable. Everyone seems to just overlook it and continues to phrase him and this scares me more than Hillary’s deceitful lies. I won’t be shamed or guilted into not voting for a 3rd party candidate, who I believe, is a decent person as a whole. I am putting my faith in God’s hands and hope he sees fit to deliver us from two evils!
P.S. I love the way most people, as the prior comment states, assumes you are voting for Clinton! I get it all the time! I don’t recall you endorsing anyone in your article except God!
Tim Jewett
August 14, 2016 at 7:22 pmA vote for a third party is equivalent to an abstention in this election.
Brad Bates
August 14, 2016 at 11:13 pmNot really. That’s simply an age old fear based party line tactic to keep people voting for their guy. It’s factually and logically incorrect though. I mean based on your argument, I guess I should actually vote for Hillary because that really means I wanted to vote for Trump. It’s Opposite Day every day in your fantasy land.
Sharon Edwards
August 17, 2016 at 12:08 amTim is right. Voting third party is the same as ignoring the election or staying home. It is a wasted vote.
Sharon Edwards
August 16, 2016 at 7:07 pmIt is interesting to me that it has been proven that Trump lies 94% of the time. Hillary can not even hold a candle to the number of lies by Trump. Republicans think it is okay if a republican lies. I wish all the people who Trump has cheated over the years would come forth. Trump cares about no one but himself.
alicia Garcia
September 30, 2016 at 12:59 amProven by whom? CNN
Janet Brosius
August 17, 2016 at 10:54 pmKelley Kizer, I hope you also research policies in your search for a decent person, because voting for someone who is “decent” may make you feel righteous but we all have to live with the policies after that vote is over.
Michael Bordon
August 14, 2016 at 10:55 amI agree with your response. Well said.
elizabeth cherry
August 16, 2016 at 6:02 pmNo matter how you want to look at it, the reality is that there is only one possible outcome on this election, Trump or Clinton. Some of the districts may have a narrow margin in voting numbers. Voting for third party can influence those numbers and we will be left with still one of the two. It is my hope that people will compare the an two and vote for one of them. For my part I will be voting for the GOP platform. Mr Trump would not be my first choice but he is the conservative choice and will have my vote. I know Clinton’s history, also have seen some videos that give me concerns about her health.
Steve Summerfield
August 14, 2016 at 11:38 amThis is a pathetic attempt to keep your name in the spotlight. Coward comes to mind. Throwing stones at hope is your answer? We see what we got when the media put their darling of hope and change into office. Why not cast your stones towards today’s reality and extoll Trump’s challenge and promise to end as much of it as possible. I know second place isn’t the best place Dr. Bard, but you lose with this hit piece.
Kevin Baird
August 15, 2016 at 1:06 amReally? Coward?
LOL….
Dr. Garlow is a public figure who is using his influence to direct people to a certain conclusion. I have challenged that in what I feel was a good-spirited way.
It matters not who is in first, second or last place. It is a response that people can meditate on and choose their own direction.
Doug Stewart
August 15, 2016 at 7:39 amSo, you would have thrown King David under the bus, because he was considerably less than perfect, yet the Bible says he was a man after God’s own heart.
How do we determine if a man is being put in place to be used of God ?
If we believe men were put in place to be used to bring judgement on God’s people who failed, why can’t we believe that God puts men in place that ultimately will bring honor and glory to God ?
Brad Bates
August 15, 2016 at 3:44 pmDoug, that’s a false comparison. David’s sins that we know him for came AFTER he became king, and he was repentant for them (thus making him a man after God’s own heart…not the fact that he sinned…but his response to his sin).
The only people making the claim of “perfect candidate” are people like you who disagree with Dr. Kevin Baird.
How do we determine if a man is being put into place by God? Well…I’d say it’s probably not our place to determine that. Only God’s…it is our place to be obedient to Him and follow His template for selecting leaders, and let Him in His sovereignty make the final call.
Claude
August 17, 2016 at 7:24 pmI’m NOT a HRC supporter at all, but would you be willing to give the same…”hopeful pass” to her?
If not, you’re disingenuous.
alicia Garcia
September 30, 2016 at 2:02 amYou write this article as if there is third candidate, who is religiously acceptable and righteous. There isn’t. We have two major candidates to choose from. Our choice boils down to; who will uphold the constitution- the laws of our land. Who’s beliefs of what their party represents is closest to biblical principles? (Did you hear the DNC opening “prayer”?). Who is the best choice to lead our country in the correct direction. There is not a candidate that meets your prerequisites Mr. Baird. We have essentially two to choose from. For those of you that get all your information from the left wing mainstream media, I challenge you to do your own research. Make an informed, educated choice. Our country is in a sad state with the potential Of imploding. If you have ever taken a basic economics class you know that the liberals quest to make the rich pay for the poor can not sustain itself I live in California which is as liberal as you can get. Our democratic leaders have removed God from every aspect of our lives. And look at the world of hurt California is in.
Phillip Shields
October 28, 2016 at 9:10 pmI know that Trump has said he is pro life I also know Clinton is pro choice which means she is good with the
continued practice of murder of unborn gifts from God. That is a line I can not cross. I may be wrong but when I stand before God he will know where my heart was in all this mess.
Jamie Charles
August 14, 2016 at 12:50 pmHaving read both articles I am now sitting here, scratching my head. Dr. Baird aptly stated his position that, as Christians, we must “honor Jesus Christ in all we do.” He has clearly made his point that Dr. Garlow’s point concerning voting for the most God-honoring platform may not be the Christian’s best choice this election season. But he has not offered any God-honoring alternative. If I follow Dr. Baird’s reasoning, as a committed believer I am left with only two choices, a vote for Hillary or Johnson or to not vote at all. Neither of those choices seem any more God-honoring to me than putting my vote behind the platform that most honors scriptural principles. I read another article written by yet another pastor comparing Trump to Winston Churchill. The comparison seemed valid. And I don’t agree with other points being made by Dr. Baird and other respected Christian leaders that made a point of comparison between qualifications for church leadership vs country leadership. Those are two very different lists. If Trump were candidating for the position of elder or pastor of a church, no question he’s not the right man for those positions. But I think the more salient point was made by Dr. Garlow when he pointed out the fact that Trump, as a businessman, has surrounded himself with respected advisors to help him make well-informed decisions. Who surrounds Hillary??…………
C Lynn
August 14, 2016 at 9:46 pmWe can still vote as a write-in. We are not limited to the two party system. We are always free to vote for whomever we chose, thanks to this country’s wonderful setup. Will a write-in candidate be elected? Only by a huge miracle. But, it is the option that allows us to still vote while still honoring the Lord if we chose that.
Brad Bates
August 14, 2016 at 11:14 pmPerhaps read his other articles where he has???
John Arvidson
August 14, 2016 at 12:54 pmMr. Trump isn’t perfect by anymeans, but he is the “Lesser of Two Evils” so to speak………….Give him a chance. Obama got one and didn’t do the job, what do we have to lose now, Killary will only continue Obama’s ways and take us deeper in to “Hell”!!
Gail Wallace
August 14, 2016 at 1:19 pmSo appreciate your rebuttal to an article that was lacking in facts and overlooked the moral issues involved in voting for Trump. Baffled that people think Trump is pro life. He is whatever he thinks people want him to be. Clinton will be a good president, period.
Dana Albers
August 14, 2016 at 7:16 pmhow can you say a person who thinks it is acceptable to massacre babies will be a good president? What is your definition of ‘good’?Trump is awful, but Clinton is utterly corrupt. Dr Baird makes no voting recommendation, and with his Trump criticisms, cannot imagine him embracing Clinton, knowing her track record.
Mariah Case
August 17, 2016 at 1:15 amGood president? Choke, cough, gag.
CJ O'John
August 14, 2016 at 1:31 pmI am not voting for Trump because he is a Christian. Donald Trump has said he will protect Christians and their right to practice their religion. We have not heard this from Clinton. On the contrary, she has promised to appoint more liberal justices to the Supreme Court, whom we have seen will take away more and more rights of Christians. America is becoming more and more hostile to Christians and my vote this year is mainly based on the preservation of our Constitutional rights.
Ed Wingfield
August 14, 2016 at 1:33 pmSo what is the objective of your commentary? Do you have a suggestion for this election, or is your purpose to simply desparaged Dr Garlows practical approach to this election for Christians? I think you have missed the entire point of the article…Your idealistic response has missed the all important question that Dr Garlow has answered. What do we do now, given the current circumstances.
Brad Bates
August 14, 2016 at 11:17 pmI didn’t realize that being biblically comprehensive in both thought and application was now considered by Christians as an “idealistic” approach (in the mocking sense that you gave it).
Cheryl Hipwell
August 14, 2016 at 2:30 pmHow can anyone with half a brain vote for Clinton who is for abortions up to 9 months? I consider that murder.
Brad Bates
August 14, 2016 at 11:18 pmWho said vote for Clinton? That certainly wasn’t presented in this article.
Sharon Edwards
August 16, 2016 at 7:09 pmCheryl, Where did you read that Hillary is for abortion up to 9 months? That person lied, but you did not care. You ate it up hook line and sinker. I have lots of brains and I am voting for Hillary because Trump would destroy this country one little piece at a time.
Shelley Hunt
October 29, 2016 at 5:51 amThere is no such things as a 9 month abortion. Stop believing everything Trumps says. Late-term abortions are only done if the baby will not live to be born as has already died. Children are not “ripped” out of the womb. Labor is induced and the mother has to bear labor knowing she is giving birth to a dead child. Stop spreading lies. You have been told the truth, if you continue to say the Clinton is for 9 month abortions you will be willingly lying. If you do not believe me (since I am contradicting you, you will most likely think I made this up) then google a medical site about abortions. NOT a religious site—they tend to blow things up or flat out lie. How do I know this? Because my Christian, dear, sweet and loving niece, who was so happy, waiting for the birth of her child, had to have a late-term abortion when her son died inside her. What she went though was horrific. Stop spreading this lie. Late-term abortions happen to good people, good Christian people, and they suffer horribly without having people spreading these lies about them..
Nancy Wilkinson Sigmon
August 14, 2016 at 2:30 pmMinisters should stay out of politics just as politicians should stay out of religion/biblical matters!
Brad Bates
August 14, 2016 at 11:19 pmActually, that’s not biblical at all. I guess David, and Solomon, and Nehemiah, and Daniel, and Esther, and Paul, and Jesus (to name a few) should’ve all stayed out of politics too huh?
Ray Reid
August 15, 2016 at 4:58 amWRONG NANCY, WRONG! Any citizen in this country has the right and RESPONSIBILITY to be active and vocal in the political arena. They pay taxes don”t they? They have to obey the same laws we do, don’t they? They have the same freedoms and rights you and I have. What is in your koolaid?
Brad Bates
August 15, 2016 at 3:46 pmRay, I actually agree with you here. I would take it a step further, though…the public arena is in the mess largely due to Pastors who took Nancy’s poor advice and stayed out of politics.
Sharon Edwards
August 17, 2016 at 12:10 amRay, they have a right as a public citizen, but not as a pastor. Any pastor who brings politics into church would send me away from that church. When I go to church, I want to hear about the Bible and about God. I don’t want to hear politics.
Henrietta McCroskey
August 14, 2016 at 4:15 pmI am not aware of a Trump Platform, so how can it be discussed ?
Gina Jones
August 15, 2016 at 1:43 amSpot on. I agree. Trump hasn’t presented a platform at all. He just shoots off at the mouth but doesn’t actually say anything substantive on the given topics. Even if you believe that the Republican platform is more biblically based, I urge you all to look closely at the actual candidates. Trump may say he supports/stands for that biblically based platform but his actions say the opposite. I fully believe “actions speek louder than words”.
Stan Kayser
August 16, 2016 at 5:46 amYou say “actions speak louder than words” but what actions are you looking at? The ones portrayed by CNN? You know the left wing media is anti Trump and will portray him in as bad a light as possible. If you listen to people who know him or work for him you will get a very different view of his actions.
Brad Bates
August 16, 2016 at 3:12 pmStan, the life of Trump has been mainstream news for decades…long before he even considered running for president. This isn’t rocket science.
Sharon Edwards
August 16, 2016 at 7:10 pmTrump has no platform and just like his taxes, you will never know what he is going to do one minute ahead of time.
LM
August 14, 2016 at 5:35 pmIf people are true Christians, then they should do as Jesus did, and remain neutral in the earth’s political system. Jesus taught his disciples to be “no part of the world” and made it clear that they should not take sides in political issues. (John 17:14-16, John 18:36, Mark 12:13-17). We, as Christians, should only be fighting for God’s kingdom, not man’s. These issues regarding the earth’s politics are all from Satan’s world. True Christians really need to remind themselves that only God’s Kingdom matters and if we remain neutral, then divisions among humans would not exist. We could all live together in peace and harmony if not for that. Political debates divide a congregation. Something that Satan loves doing. If he can cause our Brothers and Sisters to disagree politically, then he causes divisions and this breaks up the congregation. Certainly NOT what peace-loving Jesus wanted from his followers! Stay true to the Bible’s teachings friends and do not get involved in this earth’s politics, just support God’s Kingdom!! Let love prevail not division!
Brad Bates
August 14, 2016 at 11:22 pmJesus was anything but neutral in the political climate of his day. You forget that the people who were responsible for his arrest were not the Romans but the Jewish leaders of his day who acted both as political and religious leaders.
Brad Bates
August 14, 2016 at 11:22 pmHad been neutral in the political system of his day, I doubt he would’ve been killed.
Ray Reid
August 15, 2016 at 5:10 amLM – Do you pay taxes? Do you drive on public roads? Have you ever been called to serve on a jury? Ever served in the military? Did you attend public schools? Guess what – you are “part of the world”. The Biblical precept is to live in this world, to participate in this world, and yet honor God’s values, not the world’s values.
BTW – be careful quoting Jesus’ words out of context. Some of our Lord’s words are NOT to be taken literally. Example: Luke 14:26 Do you hate your father and mother?
What you advocate is often an excuse to be apathetic to our mission here on earth. I urge you to read and meditate on John 17:13-19.
Mary Marsh
August 14, 2016 at 5:44 pmDr. Baird, I feel your article to be very irresponsible. You’ve left readers with no viable alternative which leads me to believe you’re implying a “no-vote”, “third-party vote” or a “write-in vote” would be the “right” or “Christian” thing to do as opposed to a vote for Donald Trump. Sir, any of those options or scenarios leads to a vote for Hillary Clinton who is, admittedly, not only a democrat but a progressive. She is a communist. She is the epitome of all things evil.
As a Christian, I do believe in prayer and dependence on God. I do look to Him for guidance, especially during these difficult and confusing times. What I do not do is allow evil to prevail if there is anything I can do to help prevent that from happening. We, as Christians, are supposed to fight for our beliefs and our rights. We are not supposed to submit to these atrocities and do nothing to help ourselves. Yes, we do pray and yes, prayer IS the best defense but we also have to stand up for ourselves and fight in the name of Jesus Christ!
Donald Trump is not the man you believe him to be. I’m not alone when I say I trust him, I believe he has a good heart and his heart is in the right place. He will do what’s right for this country and he will protect our Constitution and Bill of Rights. He will protect our Christian rights and values. Is Donald Trump perfect? Of course not! Are any of us perfect? He has many, highly respected spiritual advisers counseling him daily. If he hasn’t begun already, I believe he will evolve to become the spiritual leader the American people need.
We only have two choices: Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump. Dr. Baird, I ask you, honestly, does your conscience really allow you to simply throw away your vote because Donald Trump, in your opinion, isn’t the best candidate for the job… knowing that your tossed-out vote will be counted as a vote for Hillary Clinton? I ask this question of everyone who is reading this post right now… if you are undecided, please, in the name of God, pray very hard about this. With an open mind and open heart, ask God for His guidance… and Listen to Him.
Brad Bates
August 14, 2016 at 11:25 pmDo you require handholding in everything? I think it’s sad that a Christian can’t take simple biblical precept and apply it in their life and then blame the pastors for not holding their hand in the voting booth. At some point it’s time to get off the religious milk machine and eat some meat on your own. Right?
Mary Marsh
August 16, 2016 at 4:40 amBrad Bates, is this reply directed at me? If so, you have completely missed the mark; your statements are senseless. I don’t need any “handholding” as you put it and, quite frankly, never have. You presume way too much. I find you to be quite judgmental which is, if I’m not mistaken, God’s job and not yours. I also find it interesting that you feel the need to comment, argue, berate, belittle and judge nearly every post on this article. Reading through your various responses, I’m astounded at your arrogance and blatant disrespect for others opinions that do not resonate with your own. How dare you presume to know what God deems to be a judgment or a blessing? “If anything, should Trump get the office of President, it will represent the judgment of God…not HIs blessing.” You don’t know that. No one does. That statement is merely your opinion, not fact. God, many times, uses the most unlikely people to bless us. You’ll find examples of it in the scriptures and possibly in your own life if you have the capacity to see past the end of your nose. A word of advice: a little humility goes a long way.
Brad Bates
August 16, 2016 at 3:18 pmMary, you are mistaken unfortunately. It is God’s job to condemn…it is our job to judge rightly. My statement was directed to you and was based off of your statement, “Dr. Baird, I feel your article to be very irresponsible. You’ve left readers with no viable alternative which leads me to believe you’re implying a “no-vote”, “third-party vote” or a “write-in vote” would be the “right” or “Christian” thing to do as opposed to a vote for Donald Trump. ”
So my statement was asking if you need handholding to apply the precepts presented not only in this article, but in others as well. Because as a pastor, their job isn’t to tell you exactly how to do everything…they present the biblical precept…and you apply it in your life. At some point Christians need to learn how to be chew the meat and not just rely on the pastor to digest and regurgitate for you.
I find it interesting that people accuse those who disagree with them as lacking humilty, or being belittling or judgmental. I have merely presented biblical truth and facts. I’m not sure if you’re reading the other statements on here…(including your own “Dr. Baird I feel your article to be very irresponsible”…how very judgmental of you to say), but there are some downright ugly or false comments/arguments on this thread. I’ve merely challenged them.
Mary Marsh
August 16, 2016 at 11:58 pmAgain, you miss the mark. But unlike you, I have more important things to do with my time than argue with someone who only hears what he wants to hear, not what’s actually being said. It’s like trying to explain something to a liberal / progressive… not unlike bashing your head against a wall. I’m walking away from this conversation not because you intimidate me nor because I’m at a loss for words… you’re simply not worth my time. Please do not respond to me again. I have no interest in anything you have to say.
Nancy Harrison
August 16, 2016 at 10:47 amI think the bottom line is that there are people who trust Trump and people who don’t trust him at all. I happen to not trust him in the least based on his history and fruit of his life. I’m not sure there is a way to effective debate whether Trump should be trusted or not.
Shelley Hunt
October 29, 2016 at 5:55 amPlease educate yourself on what a “communist” is. Clinton is not one.
David R. Schultz
August 14, 2016 at 6:07 pmMr. Garlow’s endorsement of Trump assumes facts not in evidence. While Hillary Clinton is not a perfect individual, Garlow assumes much or all of the negative things said about her is true. If that’s the case, why isn’t she in jail? Why has she even been indicted? Why did Trey Gowdy & Co. spend $7 million on a Beghazi investigation and then issue a report that said, basically, we hate her guts but we can’t do anything to her?
I am an evangelical Christian and the thought of a loose cannon like Donald “Why can’t we use our nuclear weapons?” Trump scares me to death. Give me someone that has actually been in the arena, not the individual who has rarely done any for anyone other than himself.
Ray Reid
August 15, 2016 at 5:25 amYou want facts? You wanted demonstrated performance? Hillary has been in the arena for 16 years, and she has demonstrated that she cannot be trusted and that her values are divergent from the bulk of conservative America, not just Christians in America. Are you aware that the National Black Church Initiative (34,000 Black and Hispanic churches, >15M members) separated from the PCA over its embrace of Gay Marriage. Black pastors are encouraging their congregants to stop voting blindly for Democrats. If the Black and Hispanic Christians in America can see the disconnect between their Christain values and the liberals, why can’t you?
You want to believe some $7M report? I believe the military personnel that were there and testified that they were told to stand down. Hillary clearly lied. She claimed the Benghazi attacks were in response to a video, when there are emails that prove she knew that claim to be false.
Keep in mind – if Trump goes extreme on us, the Republicans have demonstrated a willingness to criticize and stop Trump. If Hillary goes extreme, the Democrats have demonstrated that they will only rubber stamp any decision she makes. (BTW – I am a Democrat!)
Brad Bates
August 15, 2016 at 3:48 pmRay, I think you show entirely too much faith in the corrupt Republicans to actually do anything….and definitely too much faith in Mr. Trump to actually be anything other than what he has been for the last 5 decades or more. I prefer to be faithful to God and His template, and trust and hope in His promises, rather than put my trust and faith in a failed 2 party system and a corrupt fraud for a presidential candidate.
Mary Harmon
August 15, 2016 at 8:17 amThank you Mr. Schultz for bringing some clarity to the discussion. In the pastors’ essays and in the comments I see a lack of willingness to truly examine candidates both in the light of Biblical principles and with regard to the candidates’ understanding of our constitution and how our government is designed to work for the benefit of all. Trump’s remarks reveal a shocking lack of any grasp of the U.S. constitution or of the roles of a president, congress, the supreme court, to name only a few instances. With regard to nuclear weapons, he sees no reason that North Korea and others should not have such weapons. I too am an evangelical Christian who is opposed to abortion, however we cannot focus only on one or two issues while we follow someone whose ideas promise to plunge the world into chaos far beyond what we can imagine. Further, when Trump was asked if he had ever asked God’s forgiveness, he replied that he had never seen any need to do so. His life, attitudes and public statements show no evidence of any fruits of the spirit by which Christians are to be known.
Stan Kayser
August 16, 2016 at 6:00 amI recall hearing this same kind of argument re: nuclear weapons when Ronald Reagan was running for president. He turned out to be a very good president. Don’t let the opposing media cloud your judgement through fear.
Sharon Edwards
August 16, 2016 at 7:13 pmStan, Reagan destroyed the middle class. If you like this country to have the rich and the poor, then Reagan was a good President. Reagan was one of the worst Presidents we have ever had. He did nothing for the middle of America, it was all for the rich.
Eric Preston
August 14, 2016 at 6:23 pmI agree with many of the others who commented. As a Christian, who do you suggest we vote for? I’ve said it over and over, “is this the best we can do America? Really?”! I guess in 2016 the answer is yes, these are our candidates. So now what? We, as biblical Christians, stick our heads in the sand and vote for noone?! With all due respect we don’t have that luxury. When you get down to it we either vote Trump whose stated position is more closely aligned with ours or we lose our voice altogether. God bless America
Brad Bates
August 14, 2016 at 11:26 pmI believe we lose our voice when we vocally endorse a candidate who objectifies practically the complete opposite of what it means to be a Christian.
Ray Reid
August 15, 2016 at 5:36 amBased on this post, I have to conclude that you are either mentally or morally deficient! (Either you do not know what you are writing, or you are lying.)
(1) To vote for candidate A is NOT an endorsement of their entire platform or them as a person. There are many Democrats who preferred Bernie over Hillary, but, given the options they will vote for Hillary. Not because they ENDORSE her, but, because she is the better choice. (Note that some Democrats will vote for Trump. They are fully aware of her potential for tyranny and immorality.)
(2) We do not lose our voice directly by the way we vote. We lose our voice when we do NOT vote or when we vote into office people who will ignore us and even advocate silencing us!
If you vote for Hillary, you will be voting for a group that seeks to marginalize us even further.
It is one thing to endure persecution, it is another to actively seek it for “appearances sake”!
Brad Bates
August 15, 2016 at 3:54 pmRay, I appreciate the fact that you begin your argument by attacking my intelligence. Clearly demonstrates, from the start, that your argument probably lacks much in the way of providing an actual critique of my statements…so you needed to bolster it with epithets.
1) Your vote is an endorsement sir. To think otherwise is ignorance of the highest caliber regarding what you are doing as a voter. You are very literally endorsing the person you want to be president, which is then sent to the electoral college to consider the endorsements of the people and then vote accordingly. When you endorse a candidate that violate every value you hold dear…you are saying your values don’t actually matter…or that your values really aren’t all that valuable to you as you are willing to put into place someone who violates them at every turn.
2) To some degree I agree…we don’t entirely lose our voice as a direct result of our voting…it’s when we take to the public airwaves and start pronouncing our support for a certain candidate in light of our supposed values as “Christians” that our voice then becomes null and void.
No one here is seeking persecution (as a husband and father of 4 children…I assure you, that’s the last thing I want), but you are foolish to think that God has not already brought His judgment here. If anything, should Trump get the office of President, it will represent the judgment of God…not HIs blessing.
Sharon Edwards
August 16, 2016 at 7:14 pmEric, Trump has no stated agenda. If you are a true Christian, you will vote for Hillary.
Lisa m Sisel
October 19, 2016 at 6:53 amSharon, HRC has a stated agenda that aligns with Christian values? Please share.
Gail Capshaw
August 14, 2016 at 7:04 pmKevin Baird… Where is the honestly in your RESPONSE TO DR. JIM GARLOW’S ENDORSEMENT OF DONALD TRUMP? From the title of your article, you mislead your “followers” by stating that Dr. Garlow endorsed Donald Trump. Dr. Garlow said in his introduction: “I am not demanding that anyone else share my view.” How as a professed Christian, can you be so deceitful? Dr. Garlow provided his credentials for his political position by stating “By way of background, I have followed every national convention—Republican and Democrat—from the time I was age 9, and have attended most of the GOP Conventions from 1984 to the present. I have watched the news virtually every day from the age of 8.” Where are your credentials, Mr. Baird?
Clearly, Dr. Garlow DID NOT endorse Trump, rather he compared and contrasted Trump and Clinton and left the reader to decide for himself or herself. He concluded: “I make no excuse for wrongdoing or wrongful, hurtful words from either candidate” and he prayed Christians would “carefully navigate this challenging election season, with great concern that above all, we honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in every arena of our lives, including the voting booth.”
True Christianity respects individual choice, not coercion from a one-sided perspective. Where is your evaluation of Hillary Clinton’s three decade history of proven lying, deceit, and “suspicious death’s” in your RESPONSE? You state: “We have lost our moral authority this year.” Misleading your followers with false accusations and innuendos suggests that you may have lost your own “moral authority.” I encourage all your readers to read Dr. Jim Garlow’s article entitled: “If You’re On Fence About Your Vote, This Pastor Clarifies How Very Future of America Is At Stake”. I submitted the link below. If it is deleted, then Google the title of Dr. Garlow’s talk.
Kevin Baird
August 15, 2016 at 1:09 amWhile Dr. Garlow did not officially endorse Trump, the article was certainly meant to lead one to that conclusion.
You, and others, can choose whom you wish. I am merely pointing out that Trump is not qualified according to Scripture. There are 3rd party candidates who I believe are indeed qualified…but you can do your own Bible study.
ADCook
August 17, 2016 at 2:04 pmMy problem with your article is that you ONLY trashed Trump but lead us all to believe that Hillary is the most qualified candidate without saying a word about HER!!!
No disrespect to you but I think that was a pretty crummy way to do things!!! You absolutely did nothing to compare the two or to tell us why Hillary would be a better president. I honestly don’t understand why you felt the need to go out of your way to write such a bias response. So disappointed.
Dorothy Vardsveen
August 14, 2016 at 7:17 pmA very weak and poor response in my opinion .
Jonathan S. Boegl / Sr. Pastor w International House of Prayer in Kansas City
August 14, 2016 at 7:54 pmExtremely well-reasoned argument. Thank you. I especially appreciate the peaceable spirit behind your rejoinder AND your call for the Church to transcend the national polemics with a clarion witness to Jesus Christ. His blessings to you, brother Baird. JSB
Ben Drollinger
August 14, 2016 at 7:59 pmWhat a joke.
Anyone who truly cares about our country will vote for Donald Trump in this election.
The fact that you call yourself “pastor” only means you will incur a stricter judgement. You should repent immediately.
Brad Bates
August 14, 2016 at 11:29 pmAnd who must a pastors loyalty first be paid to? His country or his God? The fact that so many Christians put country over God is the real disgrace.
Sharon Edwards
August 16, 2016 at 7:15 pmBen, Anyone who cares about our country will vote for Hillary. The 90’s were great years under the Clintons.
Randy Andrews, MSW, ACSW
August 14, 2016 at 8:02 pmWe Christians are a wordy lot. Original premise was Trump OR Clinton. This response is so typical of Church leaders. The Christian political voice was abdicated long ago. Now we have right-wing groups who happen to have a lot of Christian members. The Church was told “You cannot have a political opinion or you will lose your tax exempt status. ” We have two choices. And we must choose-as Russel Crowe said I Master and Comander-the lesser of two weevils.
Denise Rogers
August 14, 2016 at 8:05 pmNo matter what anyone says a no vote, write in vote or a third party candidate vote EQUALS A VOTE FOR HILLARY CLINTON!!!! End of story!! If you take away 3 or 4 million votes and give them to a third party or a write in vote then that could tip the election to go to Hillary. We know that NONE of the 3rd party candidates are going to win. It’s either going to be Trump or Hillary in the end. There is NO WAY that my conscience will allow me to be a part of Hillary getting in. I lived through the Clinton Administration and they are corrupt to the core in ways that Donald Trump would never dream of being I believe that his VP Mike Pence is a man of faith and has fought for Christian values. God didn’t always use the No. 1 head man in charge. Just look at Joseph and how God brought him into the Kings house to influence the king to save the country from a 7 year famine. Or look at others like Esther that influenced the King to save her people or David that calmed the soul of Saul. Maybe even Moses that was the son of Pharaoh and he approached Pharaoh because he had influence. But even Moses had someone that spoke for him, his brother Aaron. There are many more examples of this all through the Bible and I feel that God can use Mike Pence as an influence for the good for Trump. Just tell me who Hillary has surrounding her other than Liberal people that seek to finish off our society and turn it into a place that none of us would want to live. If nothing else we need the justices on the Supreme Court to be Conservative or our country will be doomed for at least another generation. How can you not see that???? It was the Supreme Court that gave us Abortion on demand and Gay Marriage. That was with the court being evenly divided. Just imagine if the court is 7 to 3 with the Liberals in charge. ANY DECISION that they made would be considered a mandate and would be virtually impossible to overturn EVER!!!! I pray that God will show you what is really happening. If we hadn’t already had these past 8 years with all of the destructive policies then it might not be quite as bad but another 8 years will be a nightmare. I really can’t understand your endorsement of Hillary Clinton.
Marian Martin
August 14, 2016 at 8:35 pmI’m also scratching my head. Trump wants to protect the religious freedoms of Christians. Hilary promotes Islamic terrorists who want to crop off the heads of Christians!!!! Trump may be a sinner , as are ALL of us. All I see are mounting tensions in this country, that only a man like TRUMP will address.
Evangelicals, need to change with the times. Gay rights are here to stay. They are also, the children of GOD.
Our Christian way of life is completely being threatened by the corrupt global initiative. If you want to start hiding under rocks again, then a vote for Clinton or a 3rd party, will surely get you there.
Trump, is the man God has chosen to lead our Christian nation to victory. PLEASE embrace him!!!
Sharon Edwards
August 17, 2016 at 12:14 amif you think the Clintons are corrupt, you have seen nothing! Trump is the most corrupt person to ever run for President. He has destroyed so many people and businesses. As President he would destroy this country.
C Lynn
August 14, 2016 at 9:51 pmI think the question for believers is coming down to which is our moral duty in honoring the Lord?
1. Prevent some evils (namely abortion, globalization, etc)? OR
2. Vote for the person who is fit for office?
I don’t believe “fit for office” is defined by the Bible’s biblical qualifications for eldership or, in our secular world, is even a Christian. However, I believe fit for office is one who demonstrates character, and character is defined by God and described in many places in His word. Important in any leader is self control, honesty, and a servant heart. Even the secular books on business leadership emphasize these types of attributes. Trump is not a man of character however. Anger, foolishness, pride, lack of self control, and more are all gravely spoken about and against by the Lord.
Pastor Barry D. Van Wagner
August 14, 2016 at 10:40 pmMy 4 responses:
1. We are not electing a pastor.
2. The ostrich with its head in the sand does not see danger and asks, “Why panic?”
3. Do you refuse to shop at businesses that employ homosexuals? Hire a contractor that employs adulterers? Go to a mechanic that curses? Buy anything at a rummage sale from a gambler? How does their sin affect their work?
4. You dismiss hope that a candidate will do well because the candidate is flawed. Even if Trump gave flawed results, Hillary would give fatal results and third party votes help Hillary get elected, same as misguided “no” votes. You are the one offering subjective “hope.”
Brad Bates
August 14, 2016 at 11:36 pm1) Apostle Paul would disagree with you. (Romans 13:4)
2) Dangers come in many forms. Sometimes from within. And a sometimes from outside. This article is addressing the danger from within and if you actually read other articles on this site, you would see that the dangers from outside are not being ignored.
3) We aren’t electing shop owners to president. If you wouldn’t trust Trump with your daughter, yet you would with the keys to a nation, your priorities are skewed.
4) Trump is more than flawed. He’s down right corrupt. Flawed would be “Occasionally responds angrily” not “Takes to Twitter and public outlets to mock and embarrass anyone who dares criticize them.” You are demonstrating that your standard in this election isn’t the bible (which is sad as a pastor or a Christian at any level for that matter) but rather that your fear of Hillary is the standard.
Either God is the God of the universe capable of anything. Or he’s as small as many Christians a making him out to be in this election.
Gina Jones
August 15, 2016 at 1:51 amThank you Brad Bates for all your responses. Very well said.
Ray Reid
August 15, 2016 at 6:07 amBrad, again, you are wrong or a liar. Romans 13:4 speaks to accepting the authority of any elected leader. Hillary or Trump. Christian, Jewish, or Pagan. So, that verse offers no support to your position. Just what are you trying to say with that comment? Remember, God is not the author of confusion. You should not be so yourself.
You and Dr. Baird are correct in that the Christian community has failed to serve our Lord as it should. In fact, we have been failing since before our nation was born. Part of the drive for American Independence was the issue of slavery. England had turned against slavery and the colonists did not like that. (Northern and Southern colonies.) Our “founding fathers” were hypocrites. While Jefferson wrote his words “all men are created equal”, he was a slave owner. And while the South continued it abuse of the slaves, the entire country engaged in genocide of the natives of this land. There is much that we should be ashamed about. We have failed God terribly. If you carefully read what the Muslim imams say about America, they are far more right than we want to admit. We are a decadent and immoral nation. I am reminded of the “scandal” of the Abu Ghraib photos: (1) the CD that contained the embarrassing photos also contained over 1000 photos of our military personnel engaged in immoral behavior amongst themselves. Where was the outrage over THOSE photos? The liberals said nothing because those photos were more of a reflection of THEIR values than those of the conservatives. (2) And, why were we so upset over the photo of the guard with a leash around the neck of a prisoner? That would have won 3rd place in a costume contest in New Orleans or Key West!!! Again, our nation is really no longer anything close to a Christian nation. At least our founding fathers, with all their flaws, at least alluded to Godly character. Now, with the liberals in charge, we laugh at Godly values. Hillary flat out rejects God’s values and seeks to silence those who do.
BUT – that is not the decision we face at this moment. We will be fighting for Godly righteousness for generations to come. We did not get here in 4 years and it will take much more than 4 years to get back to where we need to be. (If we ever get there.) What we face now is a decision that will affect how much you and I might be able to turn our nation more towards God. If you honestly believe that Hillary will be more tolerant or sympathetic or supportive of our efforts than Trump, I have to ask, “What is in your koolaid”?
Brad Bates
August 15, 2016 at 4:06 pmRay, once again you demonstrate that your argument must not be all that good if you must start it with epithets. I do wish people would learn how to discuss these things w/o the name calling and mud slinging. But I digress…
You are correct in saying that Romans 13:4 was talking about our response to civil government. That was not my point, had you actually read it…because had you actually read it, my point was that Paul would disagree on the whole “we’re not electing a pastor” comment which is so typical of those who don’t like hearing that God has a template for selecting leaders, and a standard…and Hillary Clinton isn’t that standard. The fact is, the word there in verse 4 is “servant” or “minister” and in the Greek is “Daikonos” which is the very same word used in 1 Timothy 3 for “deacon”….so…perhaps not a pastor…but very much a deacon/servant. And 1 Timothy 3 has a clear mandate for what those people should look like. But, if Romans 13:4 is too much for you, Jethro gave Moses a shortened version in Exodus 18:21 that neither of the front runners can meet either. My point is…the Bible has a standard for civil government leaders…and we Christians would do well to actually use it rather than our fear, pragmatism, or lesser of 2 evils nonsense.
I do not disagree with you that we as a people have many national and personal sins. But, our past sins do not nullify our current sins in the voting booth as Christians. It seems as though you are trying to use these past sins as a justification of the current sins of supporting ungodly and biblically disqualified candidates.
I would content that we are under judgment, and that Trump is not the savior many of you think he is…but the harbinger of the coming judgment.
I do agree that we did not get here in 4 years…but I would argue…we need to take the first step at some point…and this year is as good as any. I mean, after all, people like you have made the argument that we will always need to fight for righteousness for generations as an excuse not to actually start that fight for righteousness for…well…generations.
Our decision as a people this year isn’t between Trump and Hillary despite what you folks may believe. Our decision this year is obedience or disobedience toward God.
Bill Montgomery
August 15, 2016 at 1:24 amKevin I appreciate you as a Pastor and enjoyed hearing you bring the Word at Evangel Cathedral, but it appears you’ve appointed yourself to respond to every well know Pastor who puts forth reasons why we should vote for Trump.
We get it! You are not going to vote for Trump, Hillary or Johnson. But the myth being set forth that a third party canidate is an option is just that, a myth!
And before your associate Pastor, Mr. Bates starts beating the drum “not so, not so” Lincoln was a third party canidate and won. True Lincoln won, but “none” of the third party candidates currently running for president are on the ballot in all 50 states. Johnson is on the ballot in enough states to statically get enough electoral votes to win, but he does not standup under the biblical precepts you have set forth either.
This leaves all the other third party candidates who are not on the ballots in all 50 states, nor are they on enough to statically win enough electoral votes to become president.
So while you and your compatriots continue to beat the drum for a third party canidate even though you know very well there is no chance for the ones you’ve suggested we look at to win, not because they are a third party canidate, but because again they are not on the ballot in every state and as a result it is impossible for them to win. Unless you are telling us that you think Johnson lines up with God’s Word and we need to consider voting for him. I personally don’t think you are.
But by continuing to beat this third party drum, it is deceiving the people for this election cycle. This year a third party vote is truly a vote for HRC.
Respectfully submitted.
Kevin Baird
August 15, 2016 at 2:07 amThanks Bill for your kindness and compliment…
While in the natural, a third party candidate like Castle or Hoefling have little chance, that is not the point.
When will Christians quite empowering a convoluted system that does not care about our values and return to obeying the precepts in Scripture which outline how leaders are selected and then trust God for the results?
I will say again…I do not “want” Hillary…but I do not fear Hillary.
I fear God.
I uphold His Word.
I fearlessly obey it despite the circumstances or the perceived results.
Miracles happen through obedience and not pragmatism.
Nothing will change until we determine that we will obey God no matter the political cost.
I appreciate you stopping by and sharing.
I am going to continue to beat this drum…it’s the only beat that can save this nation.
Kevin Baird
August 15, 2016 at 2:10 amAddition from below…
High profile ministers do not get a pass on their advocating because of their position. They put an opinion in the public sphere and I am responding because I believe they are influencing people in a wrong direction.
People can make up their own mind as to who may be right.
Clifton McCarley
August 15, 2016 at 1:51 amIf you truly believe in what you wrote, you would have been silent. God should deal with The Dr. and not you by your words. You have wronged a Christian brother by bringing your disagreement to cyber space. If you disagree with a brother take it to him in person. If his words are not the message God wanted then God would deal with it just as you say God will deal with the election. Trust in God and if you disagree let it be in private between you two so as not to make the Gospel look directionless.
Kevin Baird
August 15, 2016 at 2:03 amClifton,
Dr. Garlow is a high profile, articulate pastor who was able to present his opinion to Charisma and cyber space as well. He gets to access untold millions of Christians who are not “his” sheep to pastor. He influences my congregation and he never asked my permission. Why is he allowed a pass on his opinion publicly, but any good-spirited response is considered slander.
High profile pastors are a blessing and I identified Pastor Garlow as such. His purpose was to influence Christian voters. I think he is right 99% of the time, but on this point I think he is wrong and it is appropriate to say so. It needs no private confrontation. We speak to each other as brothers through numerous means. He has used a thread by which to express his opinion that I was wrong. I am not offended by that.
Your purpose is simply to silence a voice of dissent. I don’t buy into any form of tyranny.
Steve Louthan
August 15, 2016 at 2:18 amThis us awful in so many ways. You condemn Trump yet not once spoke of Hillary.
At least Dr. Garlow reviwed both sides.
Seems to be the wolf in the sheeps skin has blinded you as well.
Brad Bates
August 15, 2016 at 4:09 pmHow do you come to that conclusion?
Perhaps he didn’t address Clinton because as Christians it SHOULD be a given that supporting and/or voting for such vile corruption as Hillary is something we shouldn’t be doing. Then again, I thought the same about Trump, but I see I was very wrong in my assumption that the Church would apply the same to him.
Ray Reid
August 15, 2016 at 9:40 pmBrad,
Have you ever served on a jury? As a juror, you have two options: convict or acquit. Guilty … or not guilty.
Suppose you are serving on a jury, and the defendant is charged with the murder of Jane Doe. If the defendant is an evil person, responsible for the murders of many people (Adolf Hitler, Osama bin Laden, or .. you fill in the blank), would you convict the defendant even if there was insufficient evidence to support the charge in THIS case?
If you decided to vote for acquittal, are you saying that the defendant is NOT a murderer? Are you endorsing the defendant’s actions in the other cases? Of course not. Then quit claiming that a vote for Trump or Clinton is an “endorsement” of them as a person. Quit claiming that a vote = an endorsement of the candidate or their entire platform.
Brad Bates
August 15, 2016 at 10:27 pmRay, your analogy fails to accurately capture what’s going on. A defendant in a murder trial isn’t being elected into a position of authority/power/control/leadership. They are being judged as either guilty of a crime…or not.
Fact is, with Trump there is AMPLE evidence demonstrating his being unfit for the role he is aspiring to. And in the case of politics, a vote IS an endorsement. And in this election, there have been SEVERAL evangelical leaders who have openly, vocally, and proudly, endorsed Trump. But those casting a vote for Trump are no less guilty of endorsing the man. A vote signifies “This is the man/woman I want to represent me.” You are saying that this person reflects your values…otherwise why vote for a person?
I’m sorry, you can’t have it both ways, sir. You can’t endorse a person then say you’re not endorsing the person because it’s inconvenient for your argument. It is astounding to me that suddenly conservatives are doing exactly what democrats do by tossing aside their values to vote for someone because “party platform” or because “other party guy might win.”
Allan Webster
August 15, 2016 at 4:01 amI agree with Steve Louthan. Hillary stated that she will carry on what President Obama has been doing but will add more Liberal an Socialistic agendas to it. Obama has been the worst President ever [from a Christian perspective] and we definately do not need more of the same. We do not now or have we in a long time if ever, had a Biblical purist run for President. You can try to defend your stance if you want but to do so would mean Christians would have to stay home and not vote to remain pure. I would rather vote for the candidate that has the most potential to follow the Biblical principles and the Constitution than to vote for one that is pure evil as I see it. I will not stay home and wait for a Godly person to come one day. People that decide to stay home and not vote will only help Hillary, as will people that vote for a 3rd party candidate [ also not Biblically pure] or a write in with no hope to be elected. Trump was not the candidate that I supported in the primary but I plan to vote for him in the general election. I know that no matter who is elected that God is in control of all. He may allow Hillary to be elected if He believes our nation has gone past being saved as an institution. I do believe that people have the responsibility to stand by God’s word as a guideline for their personal lives and the direction of a nation so I will pray for our leaders and vote for the best person running for President. Maybe next election we will have a Biblical purist run for President but I will not hold my breath until that happens.
Sharon Edwards
August 17, 2016 at 12:18 amAllan, The worst President ever is DUBYA! Don’t you remember the mess he got us into. Of course you don’t. You are a stinking repuke. President Obama is one of the best Presidents we have ever had.
Ray Reid
August 15, 2016 at 4:36 amDr. Baird, your words are true, but bring absolutely no clarity to the question at hand. Did your article help anyone understand better the dilemma we face? When Jesus responded to Satan’s temptations, Jesus quoted RELEVANT scripture. Many of the things you wrote are actually IRRELEVANT to this dilemma. Remember – a dilemma is when no choices are attractive or acceptable. And biblically-minded Christians clearly do not have an attractive choice. (Actually, we have not had an attractive choice in many years.) I will go so far as to say that your article may simply be irresponsible or reckless. I cannot help but assume that some will use your article to simply justify not voting next November. We are in this situation now because too many conservative Christians refused to vote for a Mormon. Let me remind you – God has used prostitutes (Rahab), boy-warriors (David), all sorts of people to further his agenda. Noah was a drunk. Jacob a liar and schemer. Samson a womanizer. David was an adulterer and murderer. The question before us is not which candidate is more Christ-like, but who is the better person to allow EACH OF US THE FREEDOM TO BE MORE CHRIST-LIKE. Who will be the better leader and allow America to be the country it is supposed to be – a nation of freedom, where people are free to exercise their beliefs. Do you not realize that if Hillary and the Liberals continue their crusade against Christianity, you may soon lose the right to exercise the very activity you are advocating? As it is now, are you allowed to refuse to marry a homosexual couple? A baker is required to participate in a gay wedding reception, in clear violation of their values. What were you thinking when you wrote this article? Let me remind you that when Jesus was asked to identify the greatest commandment, He did not simply quote Deut 6:4-5. He ADDED the words “and with all your mind”. Perhaps your heart was in the right place, but where was your mind?
Kevin Baird
August 15, 2016 at 11:42 amYou need to read this blog site articles…
More than enough Scripture to lead you to my conclusions for direction.
Ray Reid
August 15, 2016 at 4:46 amDr. Baird, in your response to Clifton McCarley, you wrote: “I don’t buy into any form of tyranny.” Do you really believe that? If so, then, based on the available evidence, Trump is our only viable choice. Perhaps he is a liar and will be just as bad as Hillary and the Liberals. But, the past 20 years have made it absolutely clear, the liberals want to shut down the conservative voice. (The latest – they want to prosecute those who publicly express dissent regarding climate change. Even the ACLU disagrees with that!) The liberals/socialists in Europe, Asia, South America, Canada, and the USA have already demonstrated their penchant for being tyrants. Why would you even suggest that Hillary is a viable option?
Kevin Baird
August 15, 2016 at 11:45 amSigh….
I am not going to get into who is the less distasteful candidate.
Hillary is not an option for me either.
Castle or Hoefling are two viable candidates.
This is about obeying God…
This is about obeying His Word with regard to candidate empowerment.
This is about fearing God more than Hillary.
You will not move the hand of God by practicing pragmatism…
His hand moves when you practice obedience.
Ray Reid
August 15, 2016 at 7:58 pmIf the decision you face is: “Which candidate should I endorse, campaign for, donate my time and money (actually GOD’s time and money)?”, then, I agree with your reasoning and principles. I seriously did not want Trump to be the GOP candidate. But … he is. Unless some unforeseen event happens, either Trump or Clinton will be our next president. And according to Biblical precepts, we will have to respect his or her authority. In a democracy/republic, we get the leadership we deserve. You can rationalize your argument all you want. You can deceive yourself by misapplying Biblical precepts. (Remember … sometimes your child/ox/sheep falls into a pit/well on the Sabbath.) If you do so, you abdicate your responsibility to make the BEST decision you can make in November 2016, A vote for Castle or Hoefling will have no God-honoring impact. Telling others that Castle or Hoefling is the best/better candidate may be honoring to God, but a vote for either at this time is a waste. You will be no different than the servant who buried his master’s money. A waste! No benefit! It is one thing to give your food to a hungry person. It is another to throw your food away simply to claim you “sacrificed”. If you want to dedicate your life for the next 4 years to improve the chances of Castle or Hoefling being a viable candidate in 2020, you have my blessing. I might even join you. But in November, you will not be obeying scripture if you vote for Castle or Hoefling.
Brad Bates
August 15, 2016 at 10:31 pmRespecting the authority of the one whom God chooses to put into office is ENTIRELY different from endorsing and empowering them because you are trying to force God’s hand to help you combat your fear of the other party.
Can you show me the biblical precept where a vote for someone like Trump over someone like Hillary is a biblically good and moral choice? Grudem failed to provide one. Falwell has failed to provide one. Garlow has failed to provide one. I’m still waiting for Christian Trump supporters to provide an actual sound biblical defense for their actions. I haven’t seen one yet.
Roxanne Solis
August 15, 2016 at 1:00 pmSir, with all due respect, you did not mention one negative thing about Hillary and her objectives. This, in itself, would make me question your motive. Dr. Jim Garlow did state a number of concerns regarding Mr Trump. He laid out, in simple terms, an analogy that everyone should be able to understand. Known, or unknown. We know what an administration with Hillary Clinton as our Commander in Chief would be, as we have lived it for the last eight declining years. True, our “unknown” with Mr. Trump, is more than a little scary, but as Dr. Garlow pointed out, he has lived a personal testament of the “unknown ” and I, quite frankly, agree in this case. The “unknown,” far outweighs the corrupt and scandalous “known.”
Brad Bates
August 15, 2016 at 5:09 pmActually, the argument is poorly made from a “known” and “unknown” perspective by Pastor Garlow…and Pastor Baird was more than fair and gracious in his presentation to not disqualify Pastor Garlow as a respected voice in the world. Something many have been incapable of doing in their responses to this blog.
The fact is, it’s not the right argument (known vs. unknown). The argument, for Christians, is “obedience” vs “disobedience”.
Pastor Baird not talking about Hillary in this particular article isn’t being short sighted (I think we are all very aware of her shortcomings and vile behavior) or expressing some kind of nefarious motive (Pastor Baird was VERY clear on what his motive was…if you can’t see that…then you are reading more into this than what was actually provided).
It comes from an assumed place that Christians, whom this article is directed to, by and large, are not voting for Hillary anyways. But then again, I would’ve assumed Christians had a better head about them with Trump…but I’m being proven wrong daily.
Scott Link
August 15, 2016 at 2:11 pmDr. Baird, thank you. Your 1st point was the best summation of those issues I’ve read during this election season.I’ve spent the last few weeks searching for any biblical example where choosing the lesser evil ended up… well, not evil. I’ve looked for passages where a pragmatic approach to decisions where the choices violate our conscience turned out to be God’s will. I’m still looking. But I’ve found many that show the opposite, that show choosing to follow your conscience based on your understanding of the Bible and God’s will is always the right choice. If I truly believe that God is sovereign, then I know He will take care of things. I must do as I believe I am supposed to, what I believe scripture teaches. And trust God.
Scott Shirai
August 15, 2016 at 10:40 pmChurches are tax-exempt institutions and, as such, can jeopardize their status by getting involved in politics.
Brad Bates
August 16, 2016 at 3:23 pmThe First Amendment protects a church’s and pastor’s right to speak on whatever they wish. The assumption that some things are religious and others are not is simply not biblical. It is not the IRS’s job to become the content manager and “theologian” of a pastor’s sermon to determine what is a religious issue and what is a political issue. The Johnson Amendment is unconstitutional and has been used by the left to silence the church. For centuries the church in America spoke to and engaged in politics. It’s only been since the Johnson Amendment that suddenly this lie is being bought as truth.
And as far as I know…no church has lost their tax exempt status for talking about politics. In fact, I know for a fact that Dr. Baird himself (as have thousands of other pastors) have intentionally spoken on politics from the pulpit, recorded the sermon, and sent it directly to the IRS and challenged them to take them to court. In the 5 or 6 years that Dr. Baird has done it…he has not once been called to court…or lost our churches 501c3 status.
Penny Griffiths
August 16, 2016 at 3:14 amAs someone who’s read through both articles and each comment posted after this blog post, I’m yet again stunned by the Christian community. We end up fighting so much amongst ourselves over what’s the most sound doctrine, and who/what is holy or pleasing in God’s sight…it’s disgusting. Here, now, in this generation of self-absorbed, self-serving people, we dare to pretend to know the mind of the One who created us? Most often, we don’t even know our own mind, let alone could we fathom even the tiniest thought of the One Who thought us in to existence. He THOUGHT. The world BECAME. Yet we employ our minds with in-fighting, name calling, and any other bad character trait we can come up with. Satan…yes, he IS real!…must sit back on his cloven heels, jovial as he can be! Words spread across a page-mean something. However, they mean far less than any of us who type them understand. We’re killing each other, my friends. For vile reasons, out of hearts filled with hate. God created all lives. We are all precious in His sight. Ephesians 6:12(KJV) states: ” For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” This passage goes on to remind us how important the Armor of God is in the REAL war we’re fighting-the spiritual war which at times, in these days, seems all but lost. The war isn’t for the presidency of the United States of America. It’s for the hearts and minds of every living, breathing, sentient being. It’s for the heart of your adult child, your marriage, your own hearts and minds…AND mine. We’re all so distracted by debating the qualifications of any candidate, that we forget the bigger picture. We’re living in the End Times. Anyone cognizant of scripture knows this. Regardless of how we cast our vote in November, the outcome is not going to surprise the Creator. He is coming back. SOON. So, let’s stop bickering, get back to loving our own, and try with every breath He sees fit to lend us, to lead more people to His kingdom!
Brad Bates
August 16, 2016 at 3:29 pmPenny, how does the Bible define love?
The fact is, the arguing in this thread has not been based on scripture at all. The only one who has presented a biblically based argument has been Dr. Baird. Nearly everyone else (not everyone, mind you) has responded with man-based, fear based standards and arguments and have not presented any kind of Biblical response.
I agree, there is a lot of in-fighting going on. And it is sad the division that has been created in the church in this election. But, I don’t think it was by accident. God is in the business and process of revealing hearts. And much is being revealed about people’s hearts and their true affections for Him. You cannot say you love God and ignore his commandments. Jesus himself stated this (John 14:5, 23).
But we cannot fully know the mind of God except that which has been revealed in His word. And there has been much revealed in His word regarding the selection of leaders. That is the entire point of this article and others like it. That there is a biblical template, and it is being ignored.
Jon Holmlund
August 16, 2016 at 3:34 amI thought Jim Garlow made as good a case as can be made for voting for Trump, and Kevin Baird’s response is equally effective, and most of the comments are perceptive. I think we err if we argue that there is a “moral” or “biblical” choice between Mr. Trump and Mrs. Clinton. Both are unacceptable. But the argument for Trump is really at best a prudential argument, that Clinton’s negatives are frankly dispositive (and I have at least one friend, a Christian leader, back in the DC area who privately speaks of her in starkly negative and personal terms, based on experience), or that “there’s a chance” that Trump would not be so awful after all. But as Robert George has pointed out, “the Trumps are Democrats and progressives masquerading as Republicans and conservatives.” And the strongest arguments against voting for Trump, even if one, like me, cannot and will not vote for Clinton, are NOT his personal sins (I can cast no stones) nor his outrageous comments, but his underlying threat to conservatism and constitutional order. For he takes on the stance of an authoritarian strongman at a time when the American public seems to want a “political savior” rather than a stronger constitutional order. Trump is about Trump, folks–about the brand–and I believe even a cursory review of his public record demonstrates that he can allow nothing he touches to be bigger than he. Witness the US Football League in the 1980’s. I think that the same thing is happening to the GOP now. And, at almost every turn, he comes to politically and socially conservative stances late, if at all. I for one don’t buy it.
These, not personal vices, were the main arguments in the “Against Trump” issue of National Review back in February. If one argues that a President Trump would “learn in office,” I respond, look at his campaign since the convention, and recall the similar arguments regarding Barack Obama in the summer of 2008. If one argues, as I generally have in my adult life, that one votes not just for the candidate but for his friends (Garlow’s point #5, by all means follow the link and read it), that is a firmer argument, but there is little evidence that he truly listens to them. I want to be sympathetic to the “Republicans have a better platform” argument (Garlow’s point #1), but one votes for a candidate, not a platform, and historically platforms are places to placate party activists with whom the candidate disagrees. And I also want to be sympathetic to the “Supreme Court” argument, perhaps the strongest argument in his favor, but I don’t trust him to follow through. Core behaviors don’t change. It’s just my judgment as a voter.
On other points, I believe Pastor Garlow is just naïve and mistaken. A President Trump would greatly increase government spending and debt, not reduce it. He has pledged not to touch entitlements, and has hinted at default on the national debt. He will expand the reach of the executive branch, not reduce it. Perhaps he would reduce regulations on the margins. I agree that Hillary is mired in cronyism and she appears to be corrupt to the core. Is Trump really less so? That bar looks low. For each of us to decide, I guess.
I am particularly disturbed by the broad “roll the dice” argument (see Garlow’s point #3, his “Analogy #2,” which, though touching, seems to me, a cancer doctor, entirely fallacious) that says “Trump will shake things up” is a sufficient reason to support him for president. I think that the Congress is already pretty well marginalized, and restoration of the balance of powers cannot just be left to the executive, but really has to be done by the people through their representatives. I accept the challenge one might offer that in saying this I am making the “Supreme Court” argument for Trump, but again, I don’t trust the follow-through.
I note that nothing I am writing is “biblical” in any way. In noting that, may I say that I find it ironic that Dr. Baird’s post is from “The Bonhoeffer Institute?” In his book America’s God, Mark Noll argues that at the time of the Revolution, with the failure of the Reformed Puritan political model, American Christians essentially fused their understanding of Scripture to American republicanism (small “r”) in ways that deeply concerned theologically conservative Reformed Christians on the European continent and elsewhere. And Noll writes that Bonhoeffer, when he visited America in the 1930’s, rejected our popular conception of religious freedom, seeing it as something we the popularly-sovereign people essentially conferred on ourselves in the founding documents we wrote. Rather, Bonhoeffer thought, religious freedom was found when the Word of God asserts itself sovereignly under the most difficult circumstances. I’m paraphrasing here but I think getting it right. I think the criticism is too harsh, but I wonder if it isn’t a caution for us.
I do agree that, in our constitutional order, complete political non-participation is a poor choice for Christians. But it does not follow that “not to vote for Trump is to vote for Hillary.” If I am confronted with two unacceptable choices, refusing to choose either does not mean that I will either to prevail. Rather, it means I am confronted with a conflict that I can resolve only by seeking another choice. And, I counter that the REAL vote for Hillary was cast in the GOP primary–for Trump.
I would urge my fellow Christians who would vote for Trump not to rush to anoint him as a fellow Christian. He may be, but I am not willing so to conclude on the testimony of people like Dr. Dobson or Rev. Jeffers.
But come November, I may not cast a vote for President, or I may write one in, or I may vote for Evan McMullin if he can get on the ballot in California, where I now live and must choose between two Democrats for U.S. Senate. I will not vote for either Clinton or Trump. If I can afford it, I may contribute to efforts for the Republicans to hold the Senate and keep strong hold of the House, because that seems to me to be the best way to try to slow the slide that, even if one does not “panic,” seems clearly upon us. And I may at some point change my voter registration from Republican to independent.
Finally, whatever breath, time, and electrons we are all spending on arguments, at this writing it looks like Mrs. Clinton will be the next President of the United States, in no small part because Mr. Trump is running a frankly incompetent campaign for which his main response seems to be to cast blame. I am thinking that the near future will not be to my preference, for sure, and that I should listen to voices like Franklin Graham’s when he says that we must not place hope in Democrats or Republicans, but in the Gospel alone. It sounds like a platitude but may not be so much of one.
Johan Pettersen
August 16, 2016 at 4:42 amConsidering the 2012 election where Christians took the “high ground” and didn’t vote for Mitt Romney because of his Mormon faith thus giving Barack Obama another four years, how did that work out for us. As a bible believing, spirit filled Christian, I feel compelled to vote for less evil (Donald Trump) vs the greatest evil in politics in my life time (Hillary Clinton). How many more million murdered babies will it take before we (Christians) will humble ourselves, turn from our wicked ways and pray so that the Lord will heal our land?
II Chronicles 7:14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land
Brad Bates
August 16, 2016 at 3:51 pmSerious question:
In the last 43 years since Roe V Wade we have had 5 Republican presidents and 3 Democrat presidents. In these last 43 years, how many of the 5 Republican presidents (who held the office for the greatest amount of time in those 43 years of the 8 presidents we have had) actually did anything at a federal level to end abortion?
Janet Brosius
August 17, 2016 at 12:07 amBrad Bates, the reason no presidents have done anything on a federal level to end abortion is because it is not within their Constitutional power to do so outside of selecting SC Justices who lean in a pro-life direction. Presidents are part of the executive branch, not the legislative or judicial. Get enough pro-life Justices appointed, however, and the rule may change. The next President is the only one who will likely have an opportunity to appoint enough replacement justices to change it.
Sharon Edwards
August 16, 2016 at 7:21 pmJohan, Donald Trump is the greatest evil. He has destroyed millions of Americans with his crooked business practices. Hillary is the only one who cares about Americans.
Shelley Hunt
October 29, 2016 at 6:05 amThank you, Sharon! I am a liberal, and I am not a communist (I hate to disappoint you all). Look at Putin, whom Trumps admires so much. HE’S the communist. Obama has been a good president—if you stopped listening to those Republicans who are lying about statistics, etc, maybe you might see that.
Patrick Norris
August 16, 2016 at 11:10 amYou’re another in a long line of Christian idiots. For the record, I gave my life to Christ September 17, 1985, and Dr. Garlow was right. GO TRUMP!
Brad Bates
August 16, 2016 at 3:54 pmHow very Christian of you to start your statement off with name calling. It certainly puts your response into perspective, though.
Bonnie Perry
August 16, 2016 at 8:46 pmSo, tell me…whom does one vote for? What’s the answer? I believe strongly that I must exercise the right I have to vote, fought for by men and women, some unto death. And I must share, that I am concerned that my vote will even count. I’m feeling that there is such corruption in our government…
I am tired of Christians tearing each other’s opinions apart over this election. There is no good candidate. We are here because we as Christians have neglected our calling by God. We have stuck our heads in the sand and let evil run rampant, unchecked! We are lukewarm!
So here we are…now what? God calls us to love God and to love our neighbors. Start there. To love like God calls us to do we need to know Him intimately, personally! Then walk with Him in obedience.
Next, He tells us to go into the world and make disciples… followers of Christ. This is how our world changes. One person at a time. Living the fruit of the Spirit as we abide with Him.
We can not change this world, we can only effect it by living for Christ. He is the One who changes hearts. He changes hearts!
Where to begin with this election… I am going to ask God to revive my heart. Pray for our leaders. As God to direct me in my vote, then vote! Trusting God with all my heart, leaning not on my own understanding, but in all my ways acknowledge Him…He will make my path straight!
Get our eyes off this world and put them back on Jesus – press into God! He has this…for His glory!
And please, quit tearing each other apart for an opinion! Love one another! Just my opinion…
Till the whole world knows…
Janet Brosius
August 16, 2016 at 11:46 pmThere is nothing evil about Donald Trump that is not common to all of us, or are there some perfect people here who have never sinned who are throwing these stones? People are being deceived because they are listening to a corrupt media and sad sack politicians who have become nothing more than an extension of the Clinton campaign. Instead of listening to Trump (the full speeches ) they are merely listening to the media telling them what they should think about Trump. The media could make you or I look like dirt also. The media simply repeats the same talking points put out by the DNC and we know what they are because we have the leaked emails instructing them the words to use. They repeat the same phrases about Trump every chance they get, not because they are true, but because they are effective in brain washing. Repeat things enough and it becomes true in people’s minds. Sharon Edwards, Trump has not destroyed millions of Americans with his crooked business practices. Show me these millions of people. This is propaganda. He has created tens of thousands of jobs and his employees have deep respect for him. No one called him bigoted or racist until he ran for president. He has never smoked, used alcohol or drugs. Through 2 divorces he raised children who are incredibly successful, hard working well spoken, and who call him their best friend and mentor. His children work together with him and his children get along so well they all take vacations together. None of them smoke, drink or do drugs either. How many in the church can boast the same with all their children? There is no one who can dispute he is an incredible father. If you do not know these things, you have been listening to the wrong people. Did he commit adultery in his younger days? Yes. How many in the church have? How many even after they were saved? How many were pastors? He has had a successful and happy marriage with Melania for 10 years. Good for him. He is now doing things right. Yes he has had business failures. Statistically, 80% of businesses fail. With a record of being involved in nearly 500, he actually has an incredible record of successful businesses. Even after his 4 business bankruptcies, he managed such a swift financial turnaround he was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. He has a reputation of completing projects on time and below budget. Instead of spending time trying to do God’s job of judging Trump’s heart, please spend some time looking at Trump’s policies. Progressives do not appreciate Christians. They want to define some Christian beliefs hate speech to muzzle them. They want to force them to partake in things which do not reflect their faith. All they need is one more progressive SC Justice to tip the scales which would allow your right to speak your faith to be limited. Have you paid attention to Russia where they are now forbidden from speaking faith outside church walls? Do you really think that is what God wants here? Trump has already given us a list of Supreme Court Justices and not a single person has found one who will not unquestionably uphold your right to religious freedom and free speech. Is that what God would want, or not? And you folks are not paying attention to Dr Garlow’s #7. Oh my gosh, do you know what he is talking about? The UN’s plan for a global one world government which Obama signed us up for when few were looking? You can read an extremely shellacked version of it on the UN site under Agenda 2030. Sounds like Utopia until you realize it involves us giving up all property, and our Constitutional rights while this very corrupt UN global government tells us what is good for us including where were we can live, what we can consume, what work we can perform, and what we can say or not say. This is George Soro’s Open Society, and the elder President Bush’s New World Order. Trump is hated because he refuses to bow to these globalist gods. Check it out. All the very vocal Republicans against Trump are globalists. Romney Ryan, Bush, Bill Krystol, Senator Flake….all those we call RINOs because there are globalists on both sides of the aisle. Trump vowed he would not listen to the false song of globalism on his very first day of running for President. Agenda 2030 was thus named because they intend to have it established by year 2030. With the globalist’s huge push for open borders and massive Muslim immigration around the world despite ISIS dangers, it looks to me like Sharia Law will play a part in this one world government. Please get online and listen to Trumps’s speech on foreign policy , his address to evangelical leaders in Florida, and his economical policy speech and the like. Make your own conclusions and do not allow a corrupt media to tell you what you should think. Judge for yourself if he is trustworthy. Please research globalism and the dire spiritual ramifications as advised by Dr Garlow. Literally for Heaven’s sake and your own, please do so. And btw, if you think being a faithful, soft talking Christian automatically makes for a good leader please research President Carter’s effectiveness. If you think brash, and sometimes insulting makes you ineligible for great leadership, please research Churchill. He was known to walk around naked and was the one who said, “My dear you are ugly, but tomorrow I shall be sober and you will still be ugly”,
Shelley Hunt
October 29, 2016 at 6:07 amI know I’m a woman, but even if I were a man I would not grope women. I would not be facing a civil trial about the rape of a 13 year old girl. We have not all done what Trump has done.
Janet Brosius
August 17, 2016 at 12:27 amI am sorry, I am not done yet. Why are people not praying for Trump? He is our nominee. Why are people judging instead of praying God will work in his heart, give him wisdom, and the ability to lead in a righteous way according to God’s own will? God created heaven and earth. Are people thinking God is not big enough to change hearts and work through broken pots? I am just baffled at Christians’ reactions this election. Totally baffled. What happened to praying and believing in God’s power?
Kevin Baird
August 17, 2016 at 3:57 pmGlad you stopped by Janet…
I too am baffled…What ever happened to obeying God’s Word and the precepts for selecting and endorsing leaders?
I believe God (most often) moves when His people obey.
Janet Brosius
August 18, 2016 at 12:58 amDr. Baird. I am going to assume that remark was not a backhanded negative judgment on my dedication to God’s Word even though I read it with an edge. Please read this with no edge in my voice.
My selection and my endorsement for leader was Dr. Carson. He didn’t win. Do you judge him fitting the precepts for a leader? I ask that because he has endorsed Trump based on his policies and Supreme Court picks. Do you think God will condemn us for voting for Trump based on those things?
Doesn’t God judge hearts? Frankly I am feeling very confident that when Dr Carson and I cast our votes for Trump, God will see it is not a vote for Trump’s human frailties. It is a vote for continued Constitutional freedom of religion and speech. It is a vote for, very likely. enough conservative constitutional pro-life SC justices to effectuate a change in abortion rights. It is a vote against the evil of the UN’s Agenda 2030. These are good, good things, Dr. Baird. Good things. I very honestly believe I have God’s blessing in this. I am now sitting comfortable under His wing, confident that as I and others lift up Trump, God will be faithful to work in him and through him, all to His glory.
Matthew Swaim
August 17, 2016 at 12:33 amThank you Dr. Baird! Many are called but few are chosen! I pray that more Christians will see the fruit of standing strong on the solid rock of Christ and soon refuse to compromise their core beliefs and principles forevermore. Jesus is our only hope! Without Him there is no salvation!
Kyle Loree
August 17, 2016 at 4:24 pmYou neglected to discuss his argument that not voting is not an option. I don’t support a lot of what Trump does either, but Hillary would definitely be a very destructive president, while Trump is less likely to be destructive. The point you made that we must consider the moral standards of the leaders we elect is irrelevant now because both candidates’ moral standards are negligible at best. And a third party candidate would NEVER be elected, and if they were, they’d carry no authority. Consider the FACTS, vote objectively.
Steve Smithson
August 17, 2016 at 5:42 pmAt some point we need some good evangelical theologians to do some hard work on the idolatry of American pragmatism. It’s everywhere and totally pollutes our churches — and we don’t even see it for the most part.
Penny Kimberling
August 18, 2016 at 12:26 amMr. Trump has stated he is against abortion….however the fencing siting that this article points out is a problem. We must choose one or the other, and to vote for an independent is simply a throw away vote. Much like the old joke about a man out on his roof during a massive flood. A small boat comes by and the man says no thanks God is going to save me,… a larger boat, no thanks God is going to save me, finally a helicopter comes to rescue the man and the same response, No thanks God is going to save me… but the man drowns. Upon enter the kingdom of God he inquired about this situation. Asking God why did I drown, God replied…son I sent you a small boat, and a bigger boat, finally a helicopter what more did you want? God has given us a choice in this election. Is there a perfect choice no, never has been. But we did have some better choices years ago, but lack luster voters, weak Christians didn’t vote. That is the churches fault. Churches trying to be politically correct, not preaching the word as God intended and watering it down…. God is still in the business to save…but neither can this sin plagued USA be so demanding that it must be done a certain way that we end up drowning as well. We reap what we sow, we’ve sat back and allowed laws to be passed that are anti-God, the church is weak and won’t even preach hell and damnation for homosexuals, same sex marriages, transgender laws….it is what it is because we the church are also WE THE PEOPLE. We got to get on our knees and pray, repent, seek God to forgive this land, go to church, learn to pray, teach our children so the generations to come will make better Godly choices. Make a Godly choice now, of the two candidates we have been given.
Ken O'Connell
August 18, 2016 at 1:05 pmMany of our “Good Christian” Brothers and Sisters continue to denigrate Trump, refusing to realize or acknowledge the fact that by not voting, or voting for some third party candidate that has absolutely no chance to win, they are actually casting a vote for Hillary…And don’t even attempt to argue this point…
I’ve been holding off on writing this, because I didn’t want to get into a potentially negative argument with my Christian Family.
Unfortunately, their well-meant ignorance needs to be answered by a Christian who Loves Jesus, got saved late in life at age 30 and remembers what life was like in the “un-cloistered Church world” instead of the world of our cozy little existence, where all our time is spent with fellow Believers who mostly share the same ideals.
Recently, it has been said that although America might house the world’s largest Christian population, research shows that our country, which was founded upon biblical principles more than two centuries ago, is actually in the midst of transitioning into a “post-Christian” nation from coast to coast.
What does it mean to say we are in post-Christian times?
Open your eyes and look around…
It means that we have left the historical period in which our Christian religion and its Biblical principles were at the core of the moral fiber and behavior of the majority of Americans. It doesn’t mean that Christianity has disappeared, but it does mean that Christianity as the ideal and the prevalent cultural force is no longer dominant.
Because of this, how can we expect this America to elect our “Perfect Candidate”…
”The Politician/Pastor” who will lead us with the Wisdom of Solomon and sinless grace, according to all our Biblical principles…
The sad truth is, we cannot expect anything even close to this…the rest of our country would never stand for it.
Maybe all of these discussions are for naught…maybe this whole affair is part of God’s “End-Times” scenario, where the good ole US doesn’t seem to play a big part, according to the Book of Revelation…
But I’ll leave that possibility to my very learned Theologian Brothers and Sisters to argue…
So my ultimate point is, while I am not a huge fan of Trump, I KNOW what the Clintons stand for and will most definitely implement should she become President…
So by all means, stand on your “High-Horses” and Biblical Ideals of what you think our next President must be, and watch our beloved country disappear into oblivion…
Archie Yates
September 1, 2016 at 10:42 pmDr. Baird,
It seems you wield a powerful sword with a faithful audience. While Trump is not perfect and neither is Clinton; although I haven’t read much of your thinking, I would look forward to your same treatment of the Disciples. As my pastor reminded us just last week, Jesus didn’t draft from the first round picks. Each was significantly flawed, just like us. Yet, he chose them to complete a mission which affects you and I today.
Stan Zahorsky
September 2, 2016 at 4:12 amI did not know that Jim Garlow had written a public endorsement of Donald Trump; hence, I read your response with great interest, particularly since we were in college togeather. After reading your response, I read the Garlow endorsement from the perspective of a person who foremost seeks to have a synergistic relationship with God, recognizing that my role is to follow. I thought Jim’s article was well written, and I could easily follow his thinking and understood the course of action that he he was following (i.e. vote for Trump). Your response was also well-stated, but it seemed that your answer was to “trust the Lord through obedience” as illustrated in some Bible verses. Not to minimize such and being someone who always strives to “trust the Lord through obedience,” I could not discern whether you were proposing whether we voters should abstain from voting, vote for Hillary, or vote for a third party. It seemed like the only option not available was voting for Trump.
It seems to me that the question unanswered by your response is the central question that each of us who sincerely seek to “trust the Lord through obedience” faces every moment of every day. For example, I want to serve God and be his servant. Do I, metaphorically speaking, stand in one spot and say to God, “I am trusting you to bring the people that you want me to help?” In some cases the answer may be “Yes,” but in other situations we may need to act, using the knowledge and experience we have acquired through a lifetime of service. Bringing it back to a personnel level, I have always wanted to minister. On the one hand I could have limited my actions to waiting in obedience and not acting in hopes that his sovereignty will give me the skills and knowledge to minister, or on the other hand I could have made the decision to get an education as I trusted God was directing. In my case the education that I got was as law degree which allows me to serve God through both evangelism and service to the poor, widows, and orphans as Jesus commanded. I see the same dilemma in this election. I can take an action or I can stand in one spot. I understand Jim’s advice, but I can not ascertain, from your response, the direction that you believe we as voters may need to pursue to “trust the Lord through obedience,” particularly in light of the fact that I think I am already following your prescription. Without such clarity, I do not find your response particularly helpful for those of us of who have learned that our “trust of the Lord through obedience” is not infallible.
Tom Ferris
September 30, 2016 at 2:41 amI assume most or all of the people responding to this article are Christians. And they are ripping each other to shreds because of Donald Trump – who is a completely phony Chritian and immoral on every level. The hypocrisy is deep and Christians are losing credibility by the day because of their allegiance to an obviously ungodly man.
From an outsider’s perspective, I found Dr. Baird’s article to be a thousand times more balanced, informed and credible than Dr. Garlow’s, which panders to the most narrow-minded contingent of the Chritian Community.
Tom Ferris
October 8, 2016 at 1:28 pmWith the recent revelations about Trump’s statements about coming on to a married woman, grabbing her *ussy, *uck her, etc. which she will allow because he is a star – I wonder if any of the so called Christians will change their minds. The answer is “no”. They will justify their position with ridiculous statements like “we are not electing a pastor” or “that was 10 years ago and he has seen the light”. Start thinking for yourselves before you follow each other off a cliff.
Ned Beadel
October 1, 2016 at 12:14 amIf Hillary is elected we’ll go to a single payer health care system. Our taxes will go up to the level of Europeans. Entitlements will grow even more – the government will become BIGGER and BIGGER and the BIGGER the government the smaller the person. Our Supreme Court will have a decisive majority for issues that affect our lives like religious freedom and gun ownership to name just two!!!!! You saw what a Supreme Court could do to change the definition of marriage with swing moderates on the court. They will write law for our nation. That decisive majority for the left will be on the court for the next 30 years. Our borders will become open to anyone to come in (just like Europe). Did I say our government will become BIGGER and BIGGER? These are facts!!!!!!!! We’ve all seen the destructive policies Barack Obama has brought to our nation and if Hillary is elected that those leftist policies will be institutionalized into our nation. The left has been and will continue to move our country to a socialist state where the government takes over our lives and strips us of more and more freedoms. Freedom of speech is being stripped from our very eyes by the left. Just look at our college campuses today! In 2008 Christians didn’t get behind John McCain because he wasn’t conservative enough. In 2012 they didn’t get behind Mitt Romney because he was a Mormon and wasn’t conservative enough. And now we won’t get behind the Republican candidate because he’s not moral enough??????? Neither he, nor Hillary are believers. They both are not who I want to be our next president. But here’s where it boils down to me. I have two choices behind two doors. Behind door number one is a man being eaten by a lion and behind door number two is a man possibly being eaten by a lion. Trump is behind door number two! Do I like my choice? NO but I can’t choose knowing what’s behind door number one!
Eldon Smith Jr.
October 7, 2016 at 1:48 pmDr. Baird writes as an apologist for the Democrats. Everything he focuses on as a sin of Trump is minor by comparison to the sins of Clinton which he does not mention. I have served our nation in four other countries, with access to top secret information, and am a graduate off the old European Command Intelligence School at Oberammergau, Germany. I have been appalled at the lack of knowledge by most citizens of our nation in reference to the goals of communism. Those who call themselves ‘liberals’ are walking down the road laid out by communism over 80 years ago. They have no hesitancy to lie and cheat any way they can to achieve their goals of world domination. I would rather have a successful businessman as president of our nation than a dishonest person who has had a lot of political experience, most of it disgraceful. Trump ‘is’ what you see. Clinton is a ‘false’ face. God help us to vote with clarity on election day!
Ruth Veerman
October 12, 2016 at 5:24 amThank you, Dr. Baird, for your courage to speak out, challenge, and call out truth. I am dismayed at many people’s responses. I sense tremendous fear, anger, and hate on one hand and on the other hand, much rhetoric about one’s own faith and grace…but grace for one and not the other…
Ken Ganskie
October 15, 2016 at 4:20 amThank you Dr. Baird, you’re an amazingly cogent, timely voice, in a time of great confusion and evangelical apostasy. I would like to submit that it might be more important who we pray for after the election (a biblical mandate) than who we vote for during this election (not a biblical mandate).
God bless; stay true to your biblical view; know that God hears the cry of His obedient children. Righteousness will always exalt a nation, sin will always be/bring a reproach.
Erik Rice
October 22, 2016 at 12:11 amThe part I don’t understand from reading these comments is that Dr. Baird never once even mentioned Hillary Clinton, let alone advocated for voting for her. I read this article as purely a vetting of Mr. Trump’s spiritual fitness to be the leader of this country. My understanding of the point of this article is that Christians must be mindful of the character of the candidate that gets their vote. The lesser of two evils does not a worthy candidate make.
Dr. Garlow, in his section about abortion, says, and I’m paraphrasing, each Christian will be called to account for the sins of the candidate for whom they cast a vote as if the vote endorsed the sin. If that is the case, are you comfortable being called to answer for Mr. Trump’s pattern of behavior? I certainly am not but that does not mean Hillary will get my vote either.
Thank you Dr. Baird for pulling back the wool. Many people (myself included) have accepted the lesser of two evils for a long time and in doing so, have lost sight that there is a threshold that our candidates must reach to even be worthy of a vote.
cynthia
October 25, 2016 at 1:16 pmevery one is never 100 percent perfect but so long as you raise an 80 percent with great positive ideas, that could be better but though i got tourched how trumph adresses the issue of racism
Philip W. Noel
October 26, 2016 at 3:34 amThere are only two candidates that have a chance to be elected. When this debate is over we should focus on which candidate is best qualified to lead our country and to be the leader of the free world. I do not consider myself to be an expert in political matters but I did serve in elective office for 16 years and have accepted assignments from both President Nixon and President Ford. If the qualifications of these candidates were even somewhat comparable I would not have provided this response. Unfortunately there is only one candidate that is qualified and that is Hillary Clinton. I have been around for many years (I left elective office 39 years ago). Donald Trump is the most unqualified candidate that I have ever witnessed aspire to be elected to high office.
Shelley Hunt
October 29, 2016 at 6:09 amThis thread has reminded me why I no longer go to church. I am sick of this kind of crap.
Robert McDuffie
October 31, 2016 at 10:37 amThus saith Yahweh ~ Donald John Trump Is Anointed A Modern Day Cyrus! 100% confirmation! It matters not whom you vote for!
https://revelation1910.wordpress.com/2016/10/18/is-donald-trump-a-modern-day-cyrus/
Tom Curtin
January 8, 2018 at 10:24 pmWith the benefit of a years hindsight I am glad most people who voted for President Trump listened to Garlow and not you.
During the campaign I heard a statement from Brian Wilson, morning radio host on WMAL, Washington, DC. He said, “Don’t let “perfect” be the enemy of “pretty good.” Thankfully, many people came to that conclusion.
DANNY PHILLIPS
November 13, 2018 at 8:38 pmLiberals who claim to be Christian are a oxymorons .Liberal / democrats vote for the right to kill babies in abortion . Christianity and abortion the two cannot be together. Those who vote for those who vote for abortion are guilty of those who promote babies being killed . They are also guilty of the murder of babies . Democrat party is a party proud of it’s wickedness .
Danielle rene phillips
November 13, 2018 at 8:42 pmAlso this article is written by someone who has no clue on the times we are in and that it is the end times .The last of the days before Jesus returns . Dr. Jim Garlow’ by the way is a false prophet . But this article is equally off .