I'm sure that being in politics is an incredibly difficult line of work. In many, many ways I support the ideas that Ron Paul has set forth. However, after reading his statement of faith, I wish he would pick up the book "Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths" by Gary DeMar and consider the wisdom Gary puts forth on so-called "private faith."
Why? In his statement of faith Ron Paul states, "My faith is a deeply private issue to me, and I don’t speak on it in great detail during my speeches because I want to avoid any appearance of exploiting it for political gain."
Notice that first phrase, "My faith is a deeply private issue to me." Yes, I read what he said after that, and I can certainly empathize with that. The forefathers with whom he strives to walk in stride, however -- based on what I have read, anyway -- did not hesitate to give glory to God, to praise Him, to thank Him, and to humble themselves before Him in the political arena.
Scripture does not instruct us to keep our faith private. In fact it tells us to do the exact opposite of that. We are to be the salt and light of the world. That light is not to be covered under a bushel basket (i.e., keeping it private).
Read Ephesians 5:6-14 --
"[6] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. [7] Therefore do not be partakers with them; [8] for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [9] (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), [10] trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. [11] Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; [12] for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. [13] But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. [14] For this reason it says,"“Awake, sleeper,
And arise from the dead,
And Christ will shine on you.”
Maybe if politicians at every level would start shining the light of Christ on the darkness that has overcome the political arena, that darkness would be overcome and removed from what is now the holy grail of darkness: politics.
Imagine that...maybe God's Word (Who is Christ Jesus) would actually redeem the political arena to the Glory of God, if we who proclaim our allegiance to Him would simply fight the good fight and stop being such cowards!
Like I said, can I empathize with his desire to avoid the exploitation of his faith (or even the appearance thereof) for personal or political gain? Of course. However, I think mature Christians have enough discernment to know the difference between a politician of true and humble faith versus one of fake, superficial, and self-centered pseudo-faith.
None of this is to take away from Ron Paul's other statements, which were strong, bold, and unabashed. I applaud him for such boldness! My point is to echo DeMar's thoughts in his book (mentioned above) that Christian faith was never intended to be "deeply private." That idea is the very antithesis of how Christians should think and live.
It would be wonderful if he would change his stance on this, revise his statement, and show other Christians in the public sphere that it is entirely possible (and eminently biblical) to openly share one's faith while not exploiting it for selfish ungodly gain.
Soli Deo Gloria!
