One of the complaints I’ve heard about Ron Paul (from people who would actually vote for him–not your run of the mill neocons and liberals) is that he doesn’t speak openly enough about his Christianity.  Some even doubt that he is a Chrisian.

But we have to remember that sometimes a person’s motivation for doing something (or not doing, as it may be) is a genuine reason and should therefore be considered before we find fault with him for it–even if we disagree with his solution.

You see, it is not too uncommon for people to see an over-emphasis or abuse of something only to react by under-emphasizing or ignoring it.  Take for instance the Baptist (at least, the brand of Baptist from which I came) reaction to the Roman Catholic over-emphasis of Mary.  They see Roman Catholics as worshippers of Mary, so in response they view her as nothing but your average joe mother.  Even though the Biblical emphasis is upon her being blessed above women!  While we may disagree with the Baptist response of ignoring the blessedness of Mary, we can understand their opposition to the over-veneration, or worship even, of her.

Now back to Ron Paul.  Some of us may have a problem with his de-emphasizing his Christianity.  But what is the cause for this?  What is his reason for doing so?  Well, from the horse’s mouth (or blog), it is a response to the pandering of other so-called “religious” politicians.

“I have never been one who is comfortable talking about my faith in the political arena. In fact, the pandering that typically occurs in the election season I find to be distasteful.”

If Congressman Paul holds back from talking about his faith because he doesn’t want to be seen as pandering the way he sees other politicians do, how can we fault him for it?  Even if we wish he would talk more openly?  Well, hopefully his explanation will satisfy us, and this next quote will answer any questions or doubts we may have.

“But for those who have asked, I freely confess that Jesus Christ is my personal Savior, and that I seek His guidance in all that I do. I know, as you do, that our freedoms come not from man, but from God. My record of public service reflects my reverence for the Natural Rights with which we have been endowed by a loving Creator.”

So this is Ron Paul, the 2008 Presidential Candidate, Republican Congressman, constitutionalist, medical doctor, husband, father, and Christian.

–
mattb