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The Huckabee Problem

Why his religious roots make some conservatives uncomfortable.

By Howard Fineman | NEWSWEEK
Jan 14, 2008 Issue

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  • Posted By: dstroud560 @ 02/11/2008 11:39:12 AM

    Comment: Evolution is not a science it is a THEORY - An unproven theory with none of the millions of missing links needed to prove it is viable. Mr. Huckabee has stood his ground against the best of the media traps and bickering that has caused the democratic candidates to fall so easily. We need a strong man to be our president not someone who falls in the simple pressures of a campain. His ideas are new and solid - we tried letting our country swing to the liberal side and we are suffering greatly for that mistake.
    Dave

  • Posted By: momoffaith @ 02/07/2008 4:55:50 PM

    Comment: lorie.smock@
    Christianity is a relationship with Jesus Christ not a religion. This country would do well to remember that and to seek to have a relationship with the one and only person who can bring about change. We cannot expect any one person to restore this nation. It starts with us as individuals. If our nation as a whole would seek to follow God which, like it or not ,is our heritage we would begin to see " Real Change".

  • Posted By: preacherman @ 02/06/2008 2:30:30 AM

    Comment: if we as a nation would would pray and turn from our wickness and repeat.we can see a change.we as people can change things by prayer. prayer works. its just like this . when we was sinners ask forgiviness the master forgave us.there was a change.if we will learn to put our trust in god . there can be a differnets. we need to all come together pray before it to late.

  • Posted By: sellis43 @ 02/05/2008 5:33:22 PM

    Comment: Maybe Mike HuckaBee does't talk about his religion so as not to offend anyone or matbe , just maybe, he realizes that religious views and political views don't mix.

  • Posted By: sellis43 @ 02/05/2008 5:29:35 PM

    Comment: The right to worship as we as individuals see fit, and NO RELIGIOUS TEST to hold public office. This is our freedom of religion stated in the bill of rights. Get over it.

  • Posted By: sellis43 @ 02/05/2008 5:27:04 PM

    Comment: There shall be no relious test to hold public office. This was one of the meanings in the bill of rights, the other to worship as we as individuals see fit. This is the freedom of religion.

  • Posted By: kevin_kelley @ 01/26/2008 10:52:37 PM

    Comment: You dont have to be a rocket scientist to figure out Columbine and the like, Just an evolutionist. If you really beilve that you are an accident , there is no God, and no one to answer to after death, if you belive in the survival of the fittest...and someone tics you off.....well.Like I said, you dont have to be a rocket scientist....sad that we make theory fact, and call it science.....you have more faith than me if you do......I really dont want to hear anything else about religion being shoved down peoples throats.....unless you are talking about evolution...that you force me to shove down peoples throats by the use of my tax dollars for it. When tragedy hits, we pray.....when peace comes as we stray......all just so we can play...come on America...its time to remember where we came from...and its not the goo to the zoo to you.....it is Gods blessing....and mercy on us.....remember, or just monkey around. If so whats to point of anything? Whats your point? I just point up.

  • Posted By: kevin_kelley @ 01/26/2008 10:39:49 PM

    Comment: My Religion is based on indisputable and historicle facts. What you sow you reap. OK. Look at Islam, you get afgahnistan.....look at Christianity , you get the USA,.. womens rights, and freedom. Compare that to hinduism or whatever you want....look at some fruit...then you might just guess if the tree coresponds with the reality you live in....where people pursue happiness and find it. Evolution is still a theory, mind you. You cant prove it, only repeat it so many times till everyone believes it.....now that it blind faith. My faith is like sitting in a char...I sit here because I have faith that it is real.....I am a believer, not a make believer. Evolution is make beliefe...look at the callendar, it testifies, historic testimony, that Christ came and split time in half....Evolution has never clamed a sorrowfull heart, or dried a tear.....it doesnt line up with reality, and the needs of people.... you want purpose, and you throw that away by telling everyone that they are just a complicated accident ....just to fulfill your sexual mores.....come on. I am not going to tell any kid they are an accident...and you wonder why the sucide rate for kids is so high...they believe what you say when you dont....

  • Posted By: blueskybluesguy @ 01/26/2008 9:10:51 PM

    Comment: Why is Huckabee's religious affiliation an issue? Why wouldn't we explore Hillary Clinton's beliefs on creation or Obama's or McCain's? The answer... Because it has no bearing on how they would operate as president. Are you saying that a US President must be an athiest to be qualified?

  • Posted By: polimel4me @ 01/23/2008 6:36:58 PM

    Comment: Hey he seems like a nice guy. I'm just now starting to research the candidates, but haven't heard much about Mike's war views. Can anybody enlighten me?

  • Posted By: thevoiceofreason3:16 @ 01/22/2008 10:10:33 AM

    Comment: If we had a president that would lead this country on his knees and by that i mean praying for God's direction this country would make a dramatic turn for the better. I believe Huckabee is that man.

  • Posted By: thevoiceofreason3:16 @ 01/22/2008 10:08:00 AM

    Comment: If we had a President that would lead this country on his knees and by that i mean praying for God's guidence, this country would make a dramatic turnaround. I believe Huckabee is that man.

  • Posted By: TheBicyclingGuitarist @ 01/15/2008 1:59:17 PM

    Comment: Excuse me, dgirl, but your grasp of history is faulty. America was most definitely NOT founded as a Christian nation. In fact some of our founding fathers were anti-Christian and made no bones about it. Do some research and you'll see how ridiculous your claim is. Huckabee would be a dangerous person to have as our leader, because of the ignorance and bigotry associated with a fundamentalist mindset.

  • Posted By: dgirl @ 01/15/2008 12:41:33 PM

    Comment: Dear BoGilles, wow, just wrong thinking on your part. Funny our nation was founded on Christianity!!!! Luke12:31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. In order to have victory and succses in this nation we need to turn back to God. We have become a wicked nation. Why would God want to bless us.

  • Posted By: BoGilles @ 01/15/2008 10:49:29 AM

    Comment: We don't elect a President for his religious belief, but for what he stands for on the vital issues that this country are facing.

  • Posted By: magnets @ 01/14/2008 10:48:33 PM

    Comment: Howard, you just don't get it. Security (including economic security) is the most important aspect of this election. The IRS has cost me 10 years of my life and close to $90,000. That's what happens when things turn to *** before you can pay taxes due. Huckabee is the only candidate that understands we need to get rid of the IRS.

  • Posted By: ScHary @ 01/11/2008 10:29:37 AM

    Comment: If Huckabee did stand up and say the things that you are pointing out he would be accused of using too much religion in politics.

  • Posted By: 2thetruth @ 01/10/2008 8:10:17 PM

    Comment: Most people would have no problem with me standing up and saying that I am a proud white woman. But just the fact that I would stand up and say that would mean that I am fighting against a shame about who I am. Of course I am proud of who I am. And so should everybody be. However, sad to say, the most prejudiced people I have ever known were black people.

  • Posted By: Macglass @ 01/10/2008 8:29:54 AM

    Comment: Please do not talk of the science of evolution when ever thoese following biblical creationism are prepared to admit the subject of origions is faith based. All old age science is carried out in the light of pre suppositions, this means scientists who like evolution seek to prove evolution while those who follow the bible seek to prove its accuracy. There is good science carried out on both sides but a bias will flaw the findings. Origions is the vital issue anyway, where are you from and where will you go? Huckabee needs to answer the same question, and the press is unqualified to answer the question.

    • Posted By: rick986s @ 01/22/2008 10:15:26

      Comment: I've not seen any science from ID (or any other creator / God based) "scientist".
      The reason: Science begins with a hypothesis. That hypothesis makes predictions, and then it is tested. Evidence is collected that either validates or falsifies the hypothesis. Only then can conclusions be made.
      Religion and ID do not do this; instead they begin with conclusions and form a hypothesis from the conclusion.
      Religion (including creationism) is faith based - it is not based on reason or evidence.
      If religion was based on reason (or was a rational belief system), then one could argue that there is evidence that will validate or falsify the belief system. If religion is rational, then what evidence would prove to you that it is false? What data points from science (astronomy, geology, paleontology, archeology, etc) would you accept as evidence that your religion is false? If there are none, then you choose to believe your religion no matter what, and that is blind faith. That is not science. That is not rational. That is not reason. Furthermore, that belongs in a church, not in the White House.

  • Posted By: Tivoli @ 01/09/2008 12:12:39 AM

    Comment: Mitt Romney was a lay bishop in the Mormon church and no one makes a big deal about that. Mike Huckabee's campaign slogan is not "Vote for me, I'm an evangelical".

    Where I work in Atlanta, blacks like Huckabee, whites like Huckabee, women like Huckabee, men like Huckabee, younger people like Huckabee, older people like Huckabee, non-Christians like Huckabee, Christians like Huckabee, liberals like Huckabee, conservatives like Huckabee. If that isn't a winning coalition, then the Republican Party does not have one.

    • Posted By: rick986s @ 01/22/2008 10:01:43

      Comment: I am a non-christian republican. I don't like Huckabee at all. I think he is the most dangerous candidate of the bunch (barely edging Hillary).

  • Posted By: Tivoli @ 01/09/2008 12:09:32 AM

    Comment: Why is Huckabee's religion a problem? Mitt Romney was a lay bishop in the Mormon church. Kennedy was a Catholic. No problem.

    Where I work in Atlanta, blacks like Huckabee, whites like Huckabee, women like Huckabee, men like Huckabee, younger people like Huckabee, older people like Huckabee, non-Christians like Huckabee, Christians like Huckabee, liberals like Huckabee, conservatives like Huckabee. If that isn't a winning coalition, then the Republican Party does not have one.

    • Posted By: rick986s @ 01/22/2008 10:05:05

      Comment: I'm a non-christian Republican, and I do not like Huckabee. IMO, he is the most dangerous candidate in this election (barely edging Hillary).

    • Posted By: wyocby @ 01/09/2008 00:20:03

      Comment: Now, if the Presidency were a popularity contest I would say you had an argument. But if Liberals like Huckabee I won't be voting for him!

      • Posted By: Tivoli @ 01/09/2008 00:22:42

        Comment: I didn't say Liberals, I said liberals. The candidate who will win the presidency must attract independents, not just Republicans.

        • Posted By: wyocby @ 01/09/2008 00:36:53

          Comment: A Liberal is a liberal is a liBeral...and McCain is Mr. independent.

  • Posted By: danilavich @ 01/08/2008 11:43:33 PM

    Comment: This comment is for the writer of this internet newsletter:and for everyone else who reads this: It's something for you to think about and in further case watch your worlds you choose to talk about Christianity.

    People what happened to the old Christian US? What happened to our Economy? Why do we have terrorism? What kind of president do we need? I know what's going on, it's going down and possibly be a third world country. Why? Because these past 8 years we had such a nice president who is currently the biggest terrorist in the world, yes thats right, Asama had nothing to do with it, check out movie6.net (911 Faranheight) It will explain everything. Bush is making so much money in Iraq probably more than Bill Gates.
    Also what is up with the evolution theory? I know some of you believe in the evelotion and big bang theory. I believe in big band theory but it happened like this, God said bang and it happened, not millions and trillions of years. Let's say I dropped my cell phone anywhere is doesn't matter, but when you come by and see it, you know it's someones and there is a person that has created this device, put a great thought to it, spent all that time to create it. This is the same thing with our world. God created it. This is also for gay people, God created Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve, too bad people deal with reality.
    Also we need a president that will go against that 2% of gay population, that is taking over whole US. Hello where is that 98%? Sitting on a couch watching TV and seeing their kids becoming gay. Why I'm saying this is because soon we won't even be able to get married to a woman. Men have to get married with a man. women with women. How sick is that? Third bathroom for gays? It's getting way out of control. And do you want your kids to see this happen? I know you don't. That is why we need a Christian President. And no I do not want a president as a terrorist once more.
    Obama would be good because he probably be against gays, Huckabee same.
    Sorry people that I went off a little bit.

  • Posted By: danilavich @ 01/08/2008 11:43:12 PM

    Comment: This comment is for the writer of this internet newsletter:and for everyone else who reads this: It's something for you to think about and in further case watch your worlds you choose to talk about Christianity.

    People what happened to the old Christian US? What happened to our Economy? Why do we have terrorism? What kind of president do we need? I know what's going on, it's going down and possibly be a third world country. Why? Because these past 8 years we had such a nice president who is currently the biggest terrorist in the world, yes thats right, Asama had nothing to do with it, check out movie6.net (911 Faranheight) It will explain everything. Bush is making so much money in Iraq probably more than Bill Gates.
    Also what is up with the evolution theory? I know some of you believe in the evelotion and big bang theory. I believe in big band theory but it happened like this, God said bang and it happened, not millions and trillions of years. Let's say I dropped my cell phone anywhere is doesn't matter, but when you come by and see it, you know it's someones and there is a person that has created this device, put a great thought to it, spent all that time to create it. This is the same thing with our world. God created it. This is also for gay people, God created Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve, too bad people deal with reality.
    Also we need a president that will go against that 2% of gay population, that is taking over whole US. Hello where is that 98%? Sitting on a couch watching TV and seeing their kids becoming gay. Why I'm saying this is because soon we won't even be able to get married to a woman. Men have to get married with a man. women with women. How sick is that? Third bathroom for gays? It's getting way out of control. And do you want your kids to see this happen? I know you don't. That is why we need a Christian President. And no I do not want a president as a terrorist once more.
    Obama would be good because he probably be against gays, Huckabee same.
    Sorry people that I went off a little bit.

  • Posted By: danilavich @ 01/08/2008 11:40:54 PM

    Comment: This comment is for the writer of this internet newsletter:and for everyone else who reads this: It's something for you to think about and in further case watch your worlds you choose to talk about Christianity.

    People what happened to the old Christian US? What happened to our Economy? Why do we have terrorism? What kind of president do we need? I know what's going on, it's going down and possibly be a third world country. Why? Because these past 8 years we had such a nice president who is currently the biggest terrorist in the world, yes thats right, Asama had nothing to do with it, check out movie6.net (911 Faranheight) It will explain everything. Bush is making so much money in Iraq probably more than Bill Gates.
    Also what is up with the evolution theory? I know some of you believe in the evelotion and big bang theory. I believe in big band theory but it happened like this, God said bang and it happened, not millions and trillions of years. Let's say I dropped my cell phone anywhere is doesn't matter, but when you come by and see it, you know it's someones and there is a person that has created this device, put a great thought to it, spent all that time to create it. This is the same thing with our world. God created it. This is also for gay people, God created Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve, too bad people deal with reality.
    Also we need a president that will go against that 2% of gay population, that is taking over whole US. Hello where is that 98%? Sitting on a couch watching TV and seeing their kids becoming gay. Why I'm saying this is because soon we won't even be able to get married to a woman. Men have to get married with a man. women with women. How sick is that? Third bathroom for gays? It's getting way out of control. And do you want your kids to see this happen? I know you don't. That is why we need a Christian President. And no I do not want a president as a terrorist once more.
    Obama would be good because he probably be against gays, Huckabee same.
    Sorry people that I went off a little bit.

    • Posted By: angelus1967 @ 01/09/2008 15:44:22

      Comment: danilavich - you are a fruitcake. I am not normally one to call names on the boards but this post makes no sense at all. Won't be able to marry a woman? Watching our kids turn gay? God said bang?
      What the hell are you talking about? People like you are the reason some of us are so anti-christian!

    • Posted By: wyocby @ 01/09/2008 00:09:55

      Comment: A little bit??????

  • Posted By: freedomvoice @ 01/08/2008 11:12:30 PM

    Comment: If one compares Mike Hackabee's religion to the cultic, extravagant and bizarre believes of Mitt Romney, then one can have dozens of reasons to be nervous abou it. Why to be nervous about Huckabee, Mr. Fineman? Or, are you speaking for the "conservative republicans? I could show you instances in which Romny's religion presents a conflict of interest if he, Romney becomes president. Interested? Let me know

    • Posted By: Crackie1878 @ 01/10/2008 00:38:06

      Comment: I'm sure there are many instances where his beliefs would conflict with his presidency . . . the cool thing about his beliefs though, is that they're intrenched in the idea of free agency . . . the idea that good or bad, one needs to chose for themselves (it really doesn't serve a person to force them to do what is right, only when they do so of their own accord) It would be against his core beliefs to impose his will against the greater population. Despite what he may feel is right, what is best, according to his beliefs, if the greater will of the people is in another direction then that is the direction he'd have to take. Oh yeah . . . and this a a democratic society so it's pretty much already gauranteed.

    • Posted By: Crackie1878 @ 01/10/2008 00:26:59

      Comment: I bet there are several instances where Romney's beliefs would conflict with his presidency. No doubt if he feels strongly on an issue, he'll try to lead the country in that direction . . . but fortunately we live in a democratic society . . . and although policy might not align with personal beliefs, his job would be to serve the people . . . serve them the way WE want to be served. With a religious perspective, if the will of the people is wickedness, then he has only influence to try to dissuade. Mormons are big on free agency . . . the individuals right to choose for themselves. Romney's beliefs would prevent him from "forcing" or "imposing" that which was not asked for.

    • Posted By: Crackie1878 @ 01/10/2008 00:26:52

      Comment: I bet there are several instances where Romney's beliefs would conflict with his presidency. No doubt if he feels strongly on an issue, he'll try to lead the country in that direction . . . but fortunately we live in a democratic society . . . and although policy might not align with personal beliefs, his job would be to serve the people . . . serve them the way WE want to be served. With a religious perspective, if the will of the people is wickedness, then he has only influence to try to dissuade. Mormons are big on free agency . . . the individuals right to choose for themselves. Romney's beliefs would prevent him from "forcing" or "imposing" that which was not asked for.

    • Posted By: wyocby @ 01/09/2008 00:15:45

      Comment: Nobody will be interested until you can at least spell and formulate a sentence or two.

  • Posted By: Nelly bell @ 01/08/2008 7:40:08 PM

    Comment: lets say Obama is not a muslim (though he is) have you seen the racism on the beb site of the church he attends

  • Posted By: Nelly bell @ 01/08/2008 7:38:54 PM

    Comment: Lets say Obama is not muslim (though he is) do you see the racism on the web site of the church he belongs to.

  • Posted By: nodummy @ 01/08/2008 2:14:46 PM

    Comment: I've seen religious beliefs being brought up time after time. I have yet to see a concern over Obama who happens to be Muslim. Aren't their radicals the ones that stated they wanted to turn the U.S. into a Islamic State??? Hmmmm??

    • Posted By: Nelly bell @ 01/08/2008 19:43:47

      Comment: thats right Its going to come down to huckabee and obama the huck has my vote not a muslim who wants to blow us up. If he is not a muslim have you seen the web site of the church he attends, racism

      • Posted By: jdzetter @ 01/10/2008 12:49:59

        Comment: "a muslim who wants to blow us up."
        --Please cite your source of information, and take some time to look around http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/

        "the web site of the church he attends, racism."
        --(See above)
        Racism is defined as "hatred or intolerance of another race or other races." Throughout the web page of the church, I see no mandate anywhere that says believers of a different skin color are unwelcome and will not be permitted entry, or expressing hatred for other races. I DO see a strong (perhaps vehement) sense of pride in the pastoral staff's race/culture. However, I fail to see how expressing such pride, or simply identifying the format of religious service as "black" is in fact racist.

        Religious views are a cultural fabric, and there is a rich tradition of blacks (all cultures, for that matter) coming together to celebrate their faith in a manner consistent with their cultural preferences, and to rely on the strength provided to them by their faith and their community in order to persevere through the trials and challenges they have faced. Whether or not their persecution is real or imagined is irrelevant; it is simply an expression of unity among the culture that is coloquially expressed in the term "black." If you describe a culture as being Black in nature, certain things come to mind, much the same as would come to mind when describing a culture as Germanic, Spanish, Mexican, Chinese, etc. The choice of the pastor and his webmasters to identify their church as Black is not racist, it is simply a description of the cultural influences that affect the manner in which their faith is celebrated.

        Furthermore, let us assume that the leadership is in fact Afro-centric. The personal views of a religious leader do not mandate that his/her flock express the same views. If that were true, I would have believed in the "Christ consciousness" that my former deacons did. It would imply that every churchgoer and religious person on the face of the earth is a non-thinking entity who does not make his or her own decisions, only accepting blindly whatever it is handed to them. Let us assume, for instance, that you are a churchgoer, and that your minister mentions on the pulpit that he believes women are unequal to men (not different, unequal). Do you then accept his statement as fact? I should hope not. The very reason that the Protestant Reformation was such a powerful force was because believers wanted to STUDY and KNOW FOR THEMSELVES the Bible, and to make their OWN decisions. Have we regressed that far where no one thinks for themselves any more at all?

        See my comments below.

      • Posted By: wyocby @ 01/09/2008 00:38:21

        Comment: Nelly Bell....you're nuts....hilarious but nuts! You really think Obama wants to blow us up????

    • Posted By: jdzetter @ 01/08/2008 15:59:47

      Comment: Obama is not Muslim. As he explains in both of his books, and in his op-ed piece for USA Today dated July 10, 2006, he has been a Christian since his work in Chicago (don't recall the exact date), and is identified as a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ. The rumor that he (Obama) is Muslim is just that - a rumor - based strongly on the fact that his father was raised in a country that is predominantly Islamic, and had its flames fanned thanks to the senders of some unscrupulous e-mails, most of whom, by the way, were Clinton staffers.

      Even if Obama were Muslim, I still don't see why it should matter, for reasons I've stated elsewhere in this discussion. Furthermore, the would-be arguments directed at him are the same types which were directed at Irish voters over a hundred years ago, and at John F. Kennedy during his campaign. Namely, that because they were Catholic, they were bound and sold to vote however the Pope directed them to. In your comment, you are in essence saying that any Muslim politician would vote the same line as radical Islam. Keith Ellison, the Democratic congressman from Minnesota, is the first practicing Muslim voted into our legislative branch. http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery displays the record of bills he has sponsored, and I have yet to see any bill radical-Islamic in nature. The argument you are implying was false one hundred and twenty years ago, it was false forty-seven years ago, and it is false now.

      The Bill of Rights clearly states in the FIRST AMENDMENT: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," the Constitution is entirely secular - in no place does it mention God, the Bible, the Judeo-Christian tradition, etc. Establishing a litmus test for political leaders, implying that he or she must be of a certain faith in order to be considered for leadership, would be in direct violation of this amendment, as it would prohibit their free practice of faith while in the office in question.

      • Posted By: YuWang @ 01/10/2008 02:11:19

        Comment: But Obama admits he WAS a muslim, he went to mosques, it's just he's not a muslim now.

        • Posted By: jdzetter @ 01/10/2008 12:11:30

          Comment: Your point being? By that logic, St. Paul remained a Christian-torturing pharisee all his life. He WAS all those things, until he converted on the road to Damascus. After he converted, he was the most prolific writer of the early Christian church.

          Sticking feathers up your butt does not make you a chicken.
          Visiting a cancer ward does not make you a cancer patient.
          Visiting religious venues and/or attending religious services does not make you a believer.
          Devoting oneself to/accepting the tenets of the faith in question does.


          That said, I feel that this argue is moot, as no leader or politician should be subjected to a litmus test for his or her faith.

  • Posted By: ForThePeople @ 01/08/2008 12:08:04 PM

    Comment: We need a competent, caring, moral individual to lead a great country to a great place at this time in history. We need someone who cares about the fact that Americans are losing jobs everyday to other countries and to those of other countries who are in our country illegally. We need a leader who will say to greedy corporations that you need to help support the country in which you live by insuring that you hire legal residents who are not sending money out of the country but rather investing in THIS country. A leader who will say to greedy corporations you have a responsibility to be a good corporate citizen and not onw who will pick clean the pockets of your employees while expoentially increasing your porfolio. A leader who will not allow imports to outstrip exports almost 10 to 1. A leader who will encourgae employers to resist snding jobs to Mexico and India and then givin those that are left to the same group residing in this country.

  • Posted By: ForThePeople @ 01/08/2008 12:06:19 PM

    Comment: We need a competent, caring, moral individual to lead a great country to a great place at this time in history. We need someone who cares about the fact that Americans are losing jobs everyday to other countries and to those of other countries who are in our country illegally. We need a leader who will say to greedy corporations that you need to help support the country in which you live by insuring that you hire legal residents who are not sending money out of the country but rather investing in THIS country. A leader who will say to greedy corporations you have a responsibility to be a good corporate citizen and not onw who will pick clean the pockets of your employees while expoentially increasing your porfolio. A leader who will not allow imports to outstrip exports almost 10 to 1. A leader who will encourgae employers to resist snding jobs to Mexico and India and then givin those that are left to the same group residing in this country.

  • Posted By: DATONE @ 01/08/2008 11:55:00 AM

    Comment: what about huck being for the middle class woking people??? If he is really for us, why did he cross the picket lines to entertain Leno??? lets see, ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS!!!! WE DO NOT NEED HUCKABEE IN OFFICE--ISN'T IT ENOUGH THAT THE ARKANSASANS HAVE SUFFERED WHY SHOULD THE REST OF OUR COUNTRY??????

  • Posted By: jdzetter @ 01/08/2008 11:37:07 AM

    Comment: "Look where Bill Clinton got us"
    To a budget surplus, a successful economy, a nation that was not under attack (for all the GOP loves to use 9/11 as a marketing tool for fearmongering, they seem to conveniently ignore the fact that it was *their* administration that let the attack happen), a president who helped to broker peace in Ireland after years of terrorist campaigns by the NRA, who didn't squander worldwide sympathy and accord in order to become the ugly stepchild in the world community... yeah, Bill Clinton got us to a horrible place. For all the clamoring that conservatives love to make about getting his winky whacked, Clinton was a great politician. He let his personal life get the best of him, but isn't it more Christian to forgive than to hold a grudge for a leader's personal shortcomings? "Do not take revenge, my friends," Rom 12:19

    OK, now that I've gotten my spite out of the way, please keep reading:
    Why should we earnestly hope for someone who leads the country as if it were a church? The answer is that we should not. Church and state must be separate. It's easy to argue that we need a religious-oriented leader in power - so long as that person is of your religion. But you cannot take for granted that that will be the case. Suppose some day comes along where the majority of Americans convert to Judaism, or to Buddhism, or Taoism, and Christians are in the minority? Should we then say that Church and State are no longer separate, and that we should change all our laws to coincide with holy law? The matter of fact is that the separation of Church and State protects your beliefs, it prevents any man or woman from creating laws based on religions, that would prohibit the worship of other beliefs. This is not to say that we abandon morality--just that we acknowledge that morals and religion do not have to be exactly in line.

    I have no problem with a politician who earnestly keeps his or her faith. I only ask that they keep their faith privately, just as I ask that a politician's sex life be kept private. The counterargument, of course, is that it's one of the basic tenets of Christianity to actively spread the Word, and to preach. However, I would interpret that as, instead of forcing others to believe by the bayonet or the law, you live your life in such a way that people want whatever it is you have. You make your life a living witness, so that you don't have to force others to adopt your tenets or beliefs.

  • Posted By: jdzetter @ 01/08/2008 11:36:08 AM

    Comment: "Look where Bill Clinton got us"
    To a budget surplus, a successful economy, a nation that was not under attack (for all the GOP loves to use 9/11 as a marketing tool for fearmongering, they seem to conveniently ignore the fact that it was *their* administration that let the attack happen), a president who helped to broker peace in Ireland after years of terrorist campaigns by the NRA, who didn't squander worldwide sympathy and accord in order to become the ugly stepchild in the world community... yeah, Bill Clinton got us to a horrible place. For all the clamoring that conservatives love to make about getting his winky whacked, Clinton was a great politician. He let his personal life get the best of him, but isn't it more Christian to forgive than to hold a grudge for a leader's personal shortcomings? "Do not take revenge, my friends," Rom 12:19

    OK, now that I've gotten my spite out of the way, please keep reading:
    Why should we earnestly hope for someone who leads the country as if it were a church? The answer is that we should not. Church and state must be separate. It's easy to argue that we need a religious-oriented leader in power - so long as that person is of your religion. But you cannot take for granted that that will be the case. Suppose some day comes along where the majority of Americans convert to Judaism, or to Buddhism, or Taoism, and Christians are in the minority? Should we then say that Church and State are no longer separate, and that we should change all our laws to coincide with holy law? The matter of fact is that the separation of Church and State protects your beliefs, it prevents any man or woman from creating laws based on religions, that would prohibit the worship of other beliefs. This is not to say that we abandon morality--just that we acknowledge that morals and religion do not have to be exactly in line.

    I have no problem with a politician who earnestly keeps his or her faith. I only ask that they keep their faith privately, just as I ask that a politician's sex life be kept private. The counterargument, of course, is that it's one of the basic tenets of Christianity to actively spread the Word, and to preach. However, I would interpret that as this: instead of forcing others to believe by the bayonet or the law, you live your life in such a way that people want whatever it is you have. You make your life a living witness, so that you don't have to force others to adopt your tenets or beliefs.

  • Posted By: ForThePeople @ 01/08/2008 11:21:55 AM

    Comment: I am a Christian of more than forty years and I am amazed and sometimes disgusted at how some politicians will seek to exploit God for their own purposes. Scripture says that not all who say Lord, Lord is of Him. If we paid more attention to what people do and not just what they say we would probably get a more truthful view of who people really are, not who they want the public to believe them to be. Look at all of of the candidates records who are touting God and determine what they have done to the "least of these." What have they done for or to the poor, the aged, and the infirmed. This is the segment of society who often are the ones least able to do for themselves in some regard. Jesus said, what you have done to the least of these you have also done to me! The people were asking when did we see you naked and clothe you? When did we see you hungry and feed you........ Until this nation on any nation see the God-given value of all people regardless of their skin tine, social status (or the lack there of), financial status, etc. as a people and nation we will never be what we could be. We have had people who laid claim to the notion that God wanted them to be president or in some other position of leadership. Scripture says that every position of authority is established by God. But Scripture also says that there were times that God dent His chosenpeople into captivity. There were times that evil men were use to oppress the people of God because of their disobedience and rebellion. So we need not think that just because someone is in office that they are always going to serve our best interest. Jsu look at our recent history. No one can deny that we are often a disobedient and rebellious people when it come to what the Bible has commanded us to do and not do.

  • Posted By: ForThePeople @ 01/08/2008 11:04:07 AM

    Comment: I am a Christians of more than forty years and I firmly believe in God .... please hear me clearly when I say not all who say Lord, Lord is truly a Believer. I am the first one to admit that what believe about God and mankind certainly informs our thinking but I think there have been many who have attempted to exploit God for their own personal gain. We have to learn to do more than just listen to what people are saying but more importantly look at what they are doing! What is your treatment and response to the poor, the aged, and the infirmed. Jesus said what you have done to the least of these you have also done to me! So let us look at the records of all of these reported Christians and let's see what they have done to and for the "least of these" in their respective leadership roles.

  • Posted By: lovinglife @ 01/08/2008 10:28:49 AM

    Comment: I honestly believe that if God wanted to run a country, He would put more perfect beings in the White House than men. Not taking the responsibility of being human, and putting the White House, or for that matter, the country in God's hands is a fool's errand. Because before there was an America, before there was a White House, before policians, capitalism, lobbyists, greed, and man's belief, there was God. And it was our belief in Him that mattered. Not what was going on in the government. If that was the case, there wouldn't have been a Rome, or any of the other great empires, that God would have probably abhorred. Just a thought.

  • Posted By: dlg71675 @ 01/08/2008 10:11:58 AM

    Comment: I attended the church that he pastored in Texarkana, Arkansas and he is a man of God. We need someone in office that still believes in God we trust. I will stand behind him and his beliefs. If we don't get someone in office that can actually stand up for what he believes in, we are doomed as a Nation. Look where Bill Clinton got us............

    • Posted By: YuWang @ 01/10/2008 02:13:26

      Comment: I totally agree! Go Huckabee! Best candidate among both dems and republicans, most presidential looking also!

  • Posted By: dlg71675 @ 01/08/2008 10:09:28 AM

    Comment: I was a member at his church in Texarkana, and he is a personal friend of our families. He is a man of God and we need someone in the Presidential office that will pray for our Nation and believe "In God we trust".
    I will stand behind him along with many others.............

  • Posted By: buzzwords22 @ 01/08/2008 9:10:00 AM

    Comment: It isn't entirely fair to pin the end result of the GOP's decades-long catering to the religious right squarely on Huckabee. Ironically, one of the main reasons that he is getting so much flak for his fundamentalist views is because he's honest about it. That, and it's hard to hide, sure as he might, the fact that he was a pastor. However, let us not forget that his more prominent brother-in-arms, mister Mitt Romney also has a fundamentalist Mormon base. The only difference is he has had the "advantage" of hiding it by sidestepping all questions about it. Romney too is the result of the same breeding program spoken about here. Mind you I don't care for either of the two as my president, but one has to at least respect the one of the two who is more honest about their stances on things, even if you do disagree with them entirely.

  • Posted By: buzzwords22 @ 01/08/2008 9:06:59 AM

    Comment: It isn't entirely fair to pin the end result of the GOP's decaddes long catering to the religious right squarely on Huckabee. Ironically the main reason that he is getting so much flak for his fundamentalist views is because he's honest about it. That, and it's hard to hide, sure as he might, the fact that he was a pastor. However, let us forget that his more prominent candidate, mister Mitt Romney also has a fundamentalist Mormon base. The only difference is he has the advantage of hiding it by sidestepping all questions about it. Romney too is the result of the same breeding program spoken about here. Mind you I don't care for either of the two as my president, but one has to at least respect the one of the two who is more honest about their stances on things, even if you do disagree with them entirely.

  • Posted By: OldGamer007 @ 01/08/2008 8:58:02 AM

    Comment: "For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap", couldn't have said that better myself.

  • Posted By: indyrunnn @ 01/08/2008 6:43:55 AM

    Comment: Someone needs to look into why Huckabee ordered all Arkansas state owned computers and their files destroyed before he left office. Thier replacement cost the tax payers of that state millions. Rumors also aboud that his weight loss was not totally from a change in lifestyle, but a hushed gastro bypass operation. If those rumors are true, he has lied to the public. Medical records need to be examined. And as for family values, one need only look at the trouble that his sons have been involved in over the past few years. The apple never falls far from the tree.

  • Posted By: indyrunnn @ 01/08/2008 6:38:48 AM

    Comment: There is a lot to be concerned about where Huckabee is concerned. Someone should look into his dictate to destroy all state computers and their files before he left office. What was he afraid would be found? There are also reports that his dramatic weight loss involved more than just a change in lifestyle. Rumors abound that he underwent gastro bypass surgery. If that is true, he has out and out lied. I think that it's also important to look at his family and the trouble that his kids have been involved in. No great family values there, and the apple never falls far from the tree.

  • Posted By: EmilyScully @ 01/08/2008 4:23:00 AM

    Comment: I've got to say, after reading a 100 or so responses, seems like voting Ron Paul is the answer we're all looking for.

  • Posted By: EmilyScully @ 01/08/2008 4:19:33 AM

    Comment: I've got to say, after few about a hundred comments full of concerns either direction, seems like Ron Paul is the answer we're looking for.

  • Posted By: straycat @ 01/08/2008 3:53:30 AM

    Comment: They are wary of him because they thinkl he may have his religion for real. They will use religion,ie...'family values', 'God hates gays' etc.... as long as they know its a sham. , like the compassionate conservative criminal we have in office

  • Posted By: straycat @ 01/08/2008 3:47:28 AM

    Comment: The GOP is very uneasy about this guy (and I'm not a fan) because they see him maybe taking his religon seriously. They don't mind religion being used, like in "family values" and "God hates gays" as long as they know it is all a sham, like the religion used by this compassionate conservative criminal now in office.

  • Posted By: SearchingMuslim @ 01/08/2008 2:46:26 AM

    Comment: Someone on SearchingMuslim.com said that Aboma is against USA Muslim. Is he?

  • Posted By: SearchingMuslim @ 01/08/2008 2:46:15 AM

    Comment: Someone on SearchingMuslim.com said that Aboma is against USA Muslim. Is he?

  • Posted By: SearchingMuslim @ 01/08/2008 2:42:54 AM

    Comment: Should Muslim stay togehter with Christian or away from Christian in USA . Anyway there are some pure online Muslim communities, such as SearchingMuslim.com . It's good for our Muslim people in USA.

  • Posted By: Iowadreams @ 01/08/2008 2:04:46 AM

    Comment: Obviously you don't know how to use YouTube and have not taken the time to visit Huckabee's website. There is a video "Pastors and Pews" where Huckabee is speaking to a pastorial convention. Obviously you didn't watch the debate and haven't turned on any of the Huckabee interviews. Honestly this article says nothing, most of the nothing not even true. Its poorly written and barely makes sense. Where did you learn to organize ideas to actually express an idea. I can't believe Newsweek would publish the article that says nothing, goes no where and takes a page to say what could have been said in three sentences. This is absurd.

  • Posted By: Silverloch @ 01/08/2008 1:38:54 AM

    Comment: I listened carefully to Huckabe's response on the creation question. I heard a position that an evolutionist can accept--if the evolutionist is a purist in the empirical sense. If however the evolutionist is an evolutionist from a religious, faith-based-athiestuc perspective, one that precludes the disposition of the existence of God, then Huckaby's response becomes problematic. But then of course, a science isn't supposed to have preconclusions, prejudice or presuppositions that are empirically falsifiable right?.

    Considerable debate on this question by evolutionary theists exist. Primarily the critque of the issue boils down to mechanism versus purpose. The biblical text is about purpose, the evolutionary theory is about process. They do not have to be mutually untenable. Huckaby's response fair and honest, and ultimately he concedes that he was never a witness to "creation's" modus. This is an important place that offers reconcilliation to the polemic that is the current boil on the face of science in America. It would be nice if someone had eyes to see it that way who wrote from the neo-podium of Newsweek's America.

  • Posted By: CA2NY @ 01/08/2008 12:56:56 AM

    Comment: One more thing: Of course, his years as a pastor are very important and are relevant. I just think that his experience as a governor is the most relevant as he seeks the nation's support for his presidency.

  • Posted By: CA2NY @ 01/08/2008 12:45:13 AM

    Comment: I love how Fineman couches this article in terms of the nameless, faceless "some conservatives" who are nervous. As long as he keeps it vague, he doesn't have to deal with those pesky details like facts or actual journalism. Mike Huckabee is a Christian; he NEVER hides from this. But what of his experience makes him most qualified to be president? His years as a pastor or his 10+ years as a governor? Think about it.

  • Posted By: Mastersockmonkey @ 01/08/2008 12:01:52 AM

    Comment: The Republican party will someday implode. Evangelical and Conservative are simply not synonymous. The principles and constructs of each can find them quite at odds with each other. I think the Republican party is starting to look around and realize what strange bedfellows they are aligned with. The party will have to suffer through an overhaul to regain its political footing again.

  • Posted By: JohnGaltlaketahoe @ 01/07/2008 11:23:26 PM

    Comment: Come on FIneman, the problem is with reporters such as yourself, who for 7 years now refused to report on or even discuss the obstruction of justice in this Bush Adminstration regarding wire tapping and domestic espionage, civil and human rights violations and the destabilisation of society from New Orleans to Iraq.

  • Posted By: mariethomson @ 01/07/2008 11:11:12 PM

    Comment: Religion should be a sacred and personal experience. The way Huckabee is hawking his religion for personal gain cheapens his religion and makes him look shallow and crass.

    Rush Limbaugh's comments today on how Huckabee isn't even a conservative by all normal principal landmarks resonates with me.

  • Posted By: Wigboldus @ 01/07/2008 10:52:55 PM

    Comment: Howard Fineman is mad. He is very very mad. The primaries are not going the way he and his friends would like them to, and he has spent the day stamping his little feet and telling everyone how mad he is!

    Perhaps he could get together with his good friend, Carolyn Washburn, and they could have one of their famous twit contest. Then maybe Howard would fee better!

    In all honesty, how can one respond to Mr. Fineman's tripe? He didn't write an essay; this is merely a collage of assertions. It is the typical "inside the beltway" conventional wisdom, with nothing to support it.

  • Posted By: drober11 @ 01/07/2008 7:16:09 PM

    Comment: I cannot vote for Huckabee becasue of his support for the "FairTax." This proposal entails a 23% federal sales tax on almost all purchases of goods and services, including health care and health insurance. THis would be in addition to any state sales taxes. My family is already struggling to cover our health care costs, and we had to take out a loan to keep our (crappy) health insurance. We are struggling to keep our refirigerator stocked. Huckabee touts the "FairTax" as a tax on wealth. If we paid 23% extra for our necessary medical costs, that would not be a tax on our wealth (we have none); it would be a tax on our credit-worthiness. It would drive my family to ruin, as it would many of yours. Remember that households below the poverty line have higher medical bills than the middle class or the rich. Huckabee's tax plan is is the most regressive plan ever! It taxes the poor and the middle class disproportionately. It will tax our living to the point that we cannot afford the meager luxuries we currently enjoy! Please, before you vote for any candidate, check his/her stance on the regressive "FairTax."

  • Posted By: dr boom @ 01/07/2008 6:05:33 PM

    Comment: I shudder when I hear a voter say "he seems like a genuine person, or a likable guy." If you use the word" seems" in a sentence describing what made you choose a presidential candidate, you should be appointed a handler or a sane family member before you cast your ballot. And this is especially true with those voting for Huckabee on his value as a likable guy. It should be a federal offense to admit in public or much less vote for a president on the premiss of likabillaty in this day and age, If a block of or a majority of voters ever again get a president elected in any on whether he seems nice, the sheer naivity of it should bring on the calimity it provokes.

  • Posted By: dr boom @ 01/07/2008 6:04:23 PM

    Comment: I shudder when I hear a voter say "he seems like a genuine person, or a likable guy." If you use the word" seems" in a sentence describing what made you choose a presidential candidate, you should be appointed a handler or a sane family member before you cast your ballot. And this is especially true with those voting for Huckabee on his value as a likable guy. It should be a federal offense to admit in public or much less vote for a president on the premiss of likabillaty in this day and age, If a block of or a majority of voters ever again get a president elected in any on whether he seems nice, the sheer naivity of it should bring on the calimity it provokes.

  • Posted By: indyin2008 @ 01/07/2008 5:42:09 PM

    Comment: Even though I support McCain I would have no problem voting for a Christian, but like many religions some are more extreme than others. It seems many Evangelicals believe the Apocalypse is right around the corner (check out the "Left Behind Series" of books, including books for kids!). Is this what Huckabee believes? If elected would he need to see the prophecy of Armageddon through? Would he feel the need to aggresively spread The Word to other non-Christian nations? These are the most extreme examples of what makes me nervous about him would need to know more about his beliefs before I would consider voting for him. There are already enough people dying in the world in the name of God.

    • Posted By: eworthi @ 01/07/2008 17:54:50

      Comment: The man Governed Arkansas for 10+ years and made no such efforts as you mention. Is Mitt going to turn us into a big mutinational corporation? Is Rudy going to litigate us all into some legal hell? Is McCain going to run us all like an air squadron? Is Fred going to treat us all as extras on his big set?

      • Posted By: indyin2008 @ 01/07/2008 18:07:51

        Comment: Being the Governor or Arkansas and President of the US are not the same thing. You can't equate the things you mention with religious extremism. I like Huckabee and agree with on many issues but since he spent 10 years as a minister I'd need to know more of his religious views before even considering casting my vote his way. Is he a wolf in sheep's clothing?

      • Posted By: pdjudge @ 01/07/2008 18:02:40

        Comment: Let's also look at his ethical violations while governor.

  • Posted By: pdjudge @ 01/07/2008 5:35:27 PM

    Comment: I don't have as big a problem with Huckabee's religious roots as I do with his ethical violations. He destroys government hard drives, takes money for speeches from special interest groups, sets up a gift registry when leaving office, tries to steal furniture from the governors mansion. There is a reason Judicial Watch named him one of the ten most corropt politicians alond with mainly democrats like Reed and Pelosi.

    • Posted By: eworthi @ 01/07/2008 17:49:38

      Comment: I'd prefer to report this as abuse, but you did'nt curse, you just lied and hyperbolated. Please go to Mike's site and click on the Truth Squad link to get the real story.

      • Posted By: pdjudge @ 01/07/2008 18:21:53

        Comment: I did not lie even Fred Thompson's site had a news release about the destruction of the hard drives and google judicial watch. I am supposed to believe Mike's site. This from the guy who couldn't answer a simple question about his net tax increase or who insults Romney personally for his comparrision ads and then says I am running a positive campaign.

  • Posted By: pjacobsuk @ 01/07/2008 5:32:25 PM

    Comment: Everyone has a religion, they just don't know the it's name.

  • Posted By: shortjames @ 01/07/2008 5:29:04 PM

    Comment: Interesting article. I am a Democrat but I actually like Huckabee as a person. He seems warm and genuine and speaks from the heart, not from some bullet sheet of talking points. However I am, VERY wary of his compassionate conservatism talk. We heard all this before. Remember George Bush, "the uniter". He turned out to be the most extreme and divisive president ever and he was the dream candidate of the Religious GOP. so thanks but no thanks Huckabee. been there, done that, not falling for it again.

  • Posted By: Titan @ 01/07/2008 5:19:01 PM

    Comment: We should run, not walk away from candidates who are too religious. It is obvious that religion is now, has been for centuries and will continue to be the cause of most of the worlds problems. We must remember that it is the President who chooses who will serve on the Supreme Court. The Court is in charge of interpreting the Constitution. Our freedoms is literally in the hands of the Supreme Court.

  • Posted By: eworthi @ 01/07/2008 5:10:31 PM

    Comment: Huckabee's reliance on an evangelical base is overstated. He is tied for first nationally in todays rasmussen daily and has been in first or second for over a month. His message, his record, and his plans, resonate with alot of people, myself included. He worked hard while Governor for 10+ years at being Governor, and that meant working with a blue legislature to get things done, which he did. It is true that taxes/fees were raised over the course of his tenure, but things were done with the money ie. Roads and Schools, the size of Government did not grow past the expected population growth ratio, and he left it 1Billion dollars richer.

  • Posted By: naucole @ 01/07/2008 4:50:23 PM

    Comment: You know, I guess since ya'll aint from Arkansas, ya'll aint really heard what Hillary is REALLY about. She is about control, voting her husband as "roaming ambassador of the US", who do you think floats her fiances...CHINA, duh. I hear all this rhetoric about Huckabee, you should have lived here when Clinton was in power. Hillary is weak when it comes to National Defense, you think our military will be strong under her, she backed her own husband when he changed the rules of engagement, lowered our national defences...SHE BACKED HIM, and you think she will be stronger than Huckabee, yeah when pigs fly backwards, or fly period for that matter.
    Huckabee is a great person, personally and politically. His ideas come across across to others as being "evangelical", maybe, but ten years ago you would have called them "good wholesome foundations of morality, " and now...Christian. He did a good thing for Arkansas as governor (domestic issues), and has led the governors association on many things concerning raising the bar on education (yeah even in Arkansas we can read and rite):) , also about our health care for children, Clinton didnt do this, Huckabee did. learn his background as a leader for all of your states, learn what he HAS accomlished before judging his "Christian values"
    I was at his inagural ball the first time he won governor of Arkansas, hes a baptist preacher yeah, he doesnt dance, yeah but he an play the guitar and watch everyone dance. he was good, even though that day was about him, he didnt push his beliefs on everyone else. Spirituality is a personal belief system, and he is upstanding to even an Aethist like me when it comes to great morals and ethics....you decide.
    So what, whats better, Christanity Man or Made in China Woman
    Made in the North,
    Raised in the south
    Nichole from Little Rock, AR

    • Posted By: LDS2484 @ 01/07/2008 18:29:26

      Comment: "(yeah even in Arkansas we can read and rite):)"....What?

  • Posted By: droopydrawers @ 01/07/2008 4:31:37 PM

    Comment: Citizens are worryed about Rommey's religion, but they oversee Barack's cocain and majawana use.. Thats tells me America has got its head in a hole.

    • Posted By: Lillz @ 01/07/2008 21:58:30

      Comment: majawana and cocain? You are so concerned about these you can't even be bothered to spell them correctly? Or perhaps you learned to read and "rite" at the same place as NIchole from Little Rock?

  • Posted By: apreacher @ 01/07/2008 4:15:02 PM

    Comment: I have a time and place that I was saved by the grace of God, a time and place where I was called by the Lord to carry HIS Gospel, and a time and place that I was called by God to each church that I have pastored.
    My query is this: Given the gospel???s goals are the salvation of lost souls, and the spiritual well-being and growth of the saved individuals; given we, as ministers have only our influence on all of the above and that through the gospel; given we are to???at all costs???endeavor to NOT impede our ability to influence ANY of mankind (if anyone for any reason will not hear us due to some ???flaw??? or shortcoming {real or imagined} of our own)??????.how have you, Mr. Huckabee, rationalized in your mind that a preacher has ANY God-given business in politics?
    God doesn???t see Dems. or Reps., he just see souls. You, sir, HAVE impeded your ability to influence ANYONE who is a card-carrying member of any other political affiliation.
    I am certain that you and I do not see eye-to-eye in doctrine, nor in practice of our religious beliefs. BUT I am certain of one thing: there are millions in the country who know no better than to feel that ???a preacher is a preacher, is a preacher???; that we???re vanilla and all cut from the same cloth. You and I know that we are not. You, sir, because you are carrying a banner other than that of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, do???indeed???do harm to the vocation to which God-called men aspire.
    I would adjure you to search your heart, and chose one or the other: Leave politics, and back to bearing your cross, or turn in your credentials as an ordained minister???admitting a minister of the Gospel needs to tend to his sheep, not a political platform. IF God called you into either arena, it wouldn???t be both; IF he called you into one, pick it and leave the other.
    By way of calling to your remembrance, below are a very few of the scriptures that are pertinent to the thoughts and beliefs ascribed to in this message:
    Phil.1: 27 - Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
    2Tim.2: 4 - No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
    Gal.5: 1 - Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
    2Pet.2: 20 - For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
    1Tim.3:7 - Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without;



    Respectfully submitted,
    apreacher

    • Posted By: blurmon @ 01/07/2008 17:39:39

      Comment: All who have heard the calling of God, repented, and requested and received redemption through Jesus are his brothers and fellow priests. We all called to evangelize as that is last and emphasized teaching before his ascension. We are called to the salt of the earth and therefore serve and function throughout the earth and its societies. To make the exclusive claims for your occupation shows you do not truly understand your calling nor your role in this world. You should be the most humble of all of us if your calling is indeed to be a minister. Your judging of another's spirit is false. Should George Washington or Abraham Lincoln sat at home just praying? These were men who trusted and worshipped God daily, seeking wisdom and strength. I guess that King David should not have served as King even though God chose him, right? Or King Solomon? God chooses how He wants things to go and can because He is God. You and I can only focus on worshipping Him and trying to do the work he has laid out for us. Remember, that God has a sense of humor and often chooses the weakest vessel to do His works. Remember that Christ died for all of us while we were yet sinners. Remember, we are still all sinners and not one of us are perfect while we still live here.

      Gently, I suggest you seek God and humble yourself, as evidenced by your superior attitude and self-righteousness in judging another Christian's walk. Huckabee's theology is fine, yours is suspect.

    • Posted By: personofconviction @ 01/07/2008 16:48:48

      Comment: how dare you call yourself a minister of the word of God and take the chance of letting this country go down the road of total utter moral decay. democrats are destroying the moral fiber of this country and letting everything that christians stand against be accepted as normal, while in the process trying to do away with anything having to do with christians. what's scary is that the other republican candidates are leaning more to this way of thinking, and you criticize a former preacher trying to bring this country back to the standard it was meant to have under God. shame on you for criticizing someone standing up for God and trying to bring this country back to what God always meant for it to be, shame on you for standing up against someone who has a real chance at saving unborn babies lives, at keeping marriage sacred (as God intended, and saving the moral fiber of this country before we are no better than sodom and gomorrah.

      apersonofconviction

      • Posted By: ForThePeople @ 01/08/2008 11:40:05

        Comment: I am constantly amazed by the notion that ALL Demo