The War
By Evangelist Larry Ramsour
Edited copy from The Enabler, published by Larry Ramsour Evangelistic Association, May, 2004
During the reign of Uzziah, the Prophet Isaiah called Judah a “sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers” (Isaiah 1:4). I’m sure that many who heard him were offended. When he began to question the judgment of people who embraced social change because their twisted values took precedence over time-honored standards (Isaiah 5:20) I’m certain that many of his fellow-citizens felt personally insulted.
When Isaiah dared to meddle with the lifestyles of his fellow Judeans and condemned their unethical business practices he surely provoked their ire. (Isaiah 5:8, 11). When he condemned his countrymen for not only failing to stand up against deviant moral practices, but also unashamedly supporting them – and even adopting them -- they probably became very angry. Isaiah fearlessly accused, “They declare their sin as Sodom; they do not hide it. Woe to their soul!” (Isaiah 3:9)
I have no doubt that when he took to task the judicial activism that went against a Godly society, those who heard him really got bent out of shape (Isaiah 10:1). And when he began to intrude into national affairs (Isaiah 31:1) they likely went beserk. “This prophet is mixing politics with religion!”
But Isaiah, God’s Prophet, was not deterred by the noisy protesters (Isaiah 17:12). He thundered, “`Woe to the rebellious children,’ says the Lord, `who take counsel, but not of Me, and who devise plans, but not of My Spirit, that they may add sin to sin.’ ” (Isaiah 30:1)
LET ME TELL YOU A STORY. When John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon were running for President in 1960, many Americans were alarmed at the prospect of having a Roman Catholic in the White House. As you may recall, it became a controversy in the race, and quite a number of pastors took to the pulpit to voice their opposition to the election of Kennedy. My own Father, Lee Ramsour, who was pastor at First Baptist Church of Athens, Texas, strongly warned against electing a Roman Catholic as President. I was pastoring a small country church near Waco. Although I have always adored and respected my Dad, I disagreed with his making the election a religious issue. I’m happy to say that our disagreement did not affect our relationship. But I believe now, as I did then, that politics and religion do not mix well.
HOWEVER, there are people today, some of them professing Christians, who contend that there is a similarity between the national election in the ‘60’s and presidential race this year. Nothing could be further from the truth!
TODAY the question at hand has nothing to do with mixing politics with religion. The issue is moral and spiritual. Believe me, there is a difference! There is a war going on in America. Our national survival is at stake. Please consider the following facts about this conflict.
Two national political parties are in contention. A line has been drawn. It is not a line between religious denominations. It has nothing to do with the economy or the stock market. Platform positions concerning education are small when contrasted with matters of greater consequence. Political opinions concerning Iraq and Afghanistan diminish in comparison to the real issues at hand. I am amazed that some professing Christians are in “denial” about this. If you doubt what I am saying, do your homework regarding the two party platforms on the following BIBLICAL issues. Then, honestly answer the questions:
(1) ABORTION & SANCTITY OF LIFE. Question: Which national party platform condones abortion on demand in obvious contradiction to the position of the Holy Scriptures? (Read Psalm 139, Jeremiah 1:5)
(2) HOMOSEXUALITY. Question: Which national party platform openly condones homosexuality as a normal, alternative life-style in direct opposition to Biblical teachings? (Read Romans 1:18-28)
THERE IS A SPIRITUAL-MORAL-IDEALOGICAL WAR TAKING PLACE IN AMERICA. The lines drawn in this war are not fuzzy. They are distinct, and indisputable. A candid look at the issues, accompanied by truthful answers to the following questions, will call for integrity of thought on the part of Christians who really care about America. Please consider these issues:
THE SURVIVAL OF THE FAMILY (AS BIBLICALLY DEFINED). Today there is an all-out assault against the family as was ordained by God and is clearly set forth in the Holy Scripture. Question: Which political party is a haven for the growing number of people who are actively promoting same-sex “marriage” in America?
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR CHILDREN. Today in America, such organizations as Planned Parenthood unabashedly promote withholding information from parents regarding the pregnancy of their minor girls – and have encouraged abortion without parental notification. Question: Which political party gives overwhelming support to Planned Parenthood? And which party does Planned Parenthood endorse?
RELIGIOUS INVOLVEMENT – CHURCH ATTENDANCE. According to Pew Research for the People and the Press, Americans who attend religious services regularly vote 2 to 1 for one political party, as opposed to the other party. Those who don’t attend church, vote 2 to 1 for the other political party. Question: Which political parties are we talking about? Do these statistics serve as an “indicator” as to the constituency of the political party you support?
PRESIDENTIAL JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS. On June 26, 2003, the U. S. Supreme Court struck down the Texas law prohibiting sodomy in the Lawrence v. Texas decision. The court, in so doing, decided that considerations of morality and decency were irrelevant… Courts have told parents they have no right to know if their 14-year-old daughter is getting an abortion... Courts have ruled in favor of schools who want to give children condoms and birth-control devices without the knowledge or consent of parents… Courts have overturned the laws of 50 states protecting the lives of unborn children, thus permitting abortion for any reason whatsoever… Courts have told the Boy Scouts they can’t mention faith in God in their oath or prohibit openly homosexual Scout Masters. Question: Which Political Party and which candidate is committed to judicial appointments that will reverse the alarming tide of activist rulings that are eroding the moral and spiritual fiber of America? If you think this is unimportant, just do nothing, and wait another 20 years…
EXCLUSIVE TEACHING OF EVOLUTION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS. In spite of a swelling number of renowned scientists who openly question the theory of evolution and make a strong case for the teaching of “intelligent design”, evolution is still taught in most of our public schools and universities as the only alternative world view. Creationism continues to be mocked and labeled as ignorant and stupid, despite the growing evidence against a coherent evolutionary hypothesis. Question: Which political party has the overwhelming allegiance of exclusivist evolutionists? (This one is a no-brainer.)
HOLLYWOOD SUPPORT. The vast majority of writers and actors in the movie industry – a power bloc that openly ridicules Christianity and its traditional values – is outspoken in support of one of our political parties and its candidates. Question: Which political party has an almost exclusive hold on the endorsement of Hollywood celebrities?
MEDIA SUPPORT. In spite of a number of fair-minded authors, news columnists, TV newscasters and political pundits, many of the media are openly critical of any political leader –- or elected official – who expresses belief in God or has any kind of Christian witness. Question: What political party has the unquestionable allegiance of the preponderance of the media?
THE ACLU. The so-called American Civil Liberties Union has consistently sought to rid government, and the public sector, of any mention of God. It continues to influence our courts in outlawing free expression of faith on the part of Christians in our schools and municipalities. Question: What political party is positioned with the ACLU on almost every issue?
Friends, I could go on and on and on! For many years I’ve made a habit of filing, in separate manila folders, news clippings and articles that illustrate trends in American life – trends that spell out the ultimate disintegration, defeat and doom of our nation unless these trends are reversed. I finally stopped putting these items in separate folders for it required too many of them. Now I have these materials in one big manila folder with the letters TMWI written on the tab. TMWI means simply: “The Mess We’re In.” This folder is 2-3 inches thick and contains hundreds of items: one article, one clipping, one news account after another documenting the tragic demise of a once proud civilization, along with the political implications of these events. Only Godly. caring people can reverse the heartbreaking declension of morality in American life. This election year could well be our “Rubicon”. Christians of conviction have the balance of power IF they will use it. Folks, we had better get it right this time. If we don’t, we may not have another opportunity. For some, this may mean setting aside prior political alliances. For others, it may mean relinquishing secondary political interests or agendas. Woe to every one of us – and to our beloved land – if we don’t!
THE WAR-CRY has been sounded. The opponents have declared themselves. Volleys have been fired over the bow. The Bible is being questioned. Christian values are being compromised. The evangelical church is held to open ridicule. Yet, some of my Christian friends don’t have a clue. IF YOU READ CAREFULLY YOU WILL NOTICE THAT I HAVE SPOKEN TO ISSUES ONLY. Opinions are a “dime a dozen.” My opinions about a multitude of so-called political issues do not conform to party lines. There is no political party that leads me around by a ring in my nose. Sometimes I disagree with one party. Sometimes I disagree with the other party. And often I disagree with both parties. But this article is focused, not on opinions, but on Biblical issues that are vital to the survival of America.
YOU WILL ALSO NOTICE that in this article not a single time have I mentioned the name of a political party; candidates names have also been omitted. I have focused only upon issues to which the Bible clearly speaks – issues that are being blatantly disregarded by a host of people whose agenda, or blind commitment to their party, holds the Word of God to open ridicule. I have no doubt, based solely upon these issues, that a single reader will have any question as to where I stand! I cannot, and will not remain silent! The Bible declares, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” (Psalm 33:12)
A FEW YEARS AGO, in a national election, a candidate spoke a “cutesy” sound bite: “It’s the economy, Stupid!” It was a lie then. It is a lie today. The prophets of old “rip” that statement to shreds. One of them spoke of a time when bird poop would have more value than precious metal in a land that rebells against God. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” --Proverbs 14:34
With malice toward none, but with unswerving conviction, Larry Ramsour