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Doctrine, Hosea, and Gordon Klingenschmitt   by Andy Peth

3/30/2015

8 Comments

 
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I generally avoid Colorado-only issues, since those outside our state will wonder why it matters.  But consider these names:  Akin.  McDonnell.  Maes.  Mourdock.  Recent years have seen several GOP politicians unravel, and their greatest mistake—taking too long to step aside—has cost fellow Conservatives.  The question is, how should we respond?

This past week, Colorado State Representative Gordon Klingenschmitt (R) started a firestorm over comments he made on his “Pray In Jesus’ Name” YouTube program.  Let me set the stage:  A pregnant woman was lured to a home in Longmont, Colorado, via an online ad for baby clothes.  In a horrifying assault, her baby was cut out of her womb.  The baby died.  The victim, thankfully, is recovering.

Citing this case, Klingenschmitt said the following:  "This is the curse of God upon America for our sin of not protecting innocent children in the womb, and part of that curse for our rebellion against God as a nation is that our pregnant women are ripped open."

Let’s borrow a few lines from Reverend Wright after 9/11:  “We nuked far more than the thousands in New York and the Pentagon and we never batted an eye!...Now we are indignant because the stuff we’ve done overseas has been brought into our own front yard!  America’s chickens are coming home to roost!”

Not much difference there.  The specific innocents of a specific attack suffer horrifying deaths…due to America’s sins.  To be fair, the tone was different—Wright was jubilant at America getting hit, while Klingenschmitt was somber.  In fact, Klingenschmitt appears to be a decent fellow; 
certainly no hate machine like Wright.  But both used the suffering of individuals to make political points in the name of religion, and that is appallingly hurtful to victims.

Roundly assailed from all corners, Klingenschmitt has remained defiant, even insisting that using a different setting makes it okay: “I’ve said many times that I wear two hats; and on Sundays, I’m an ordained minister and I preach the gospel and I quote the Bible.”

Sooooo…a GOP rep can say whatever he wants, as long as it’s in a different public venue?

Let’s Talk Hosea

Before discussing action, it’s critical to address the Bible verse Klingenschmitt used, as a minister can hardly be blamed for rightly applying his faith (my degree was in the ministry, btw).  Klingenschmitt spoke from the book of Hosea.

Hosea’s story was fascinating, as God actually commanded him to marry “an adulterous woman.”  Why?  Basically, to show what it was like for God, whose people had prostituted themselves to foreign deities and moral decadence.  In his self-inflicted misery, Hosea would prophesy of God’s impending judgement for Israel, sharing such statements as “They sow the wind, and reap the whirlwind.”  (Hos. 8:7)

You gotta love it.  Imagine some guy with an exaggerated Jewish accent shouting in the public square, “This nation is doomed because you’re all like my wife!!!”  Truly, Hosea is the “Married With Children” of Biblical books.  Klingenschmitt quotes from verse 13:16:

“The people of Samaria must bear their guilt, because they have rebelled against their God.  They will fall by the sword; their little ones will be dashed to the ground, their pregnant women ripped open.”

Sounds horrible, right?  Actually, God was just being honest.  Surrounding Israel were nasty nations, and whenever Israel left God’s protection, they generally fell mercilessly by the sword. 

So here’s the question:  Does this verse speak to the victim’s experience in Longmont, Colorado?  Ummmm…no.  Not even slightly.  Though I share Klingenschmitt’s concerns over America (where most unborn not lucky enough to be stamped “Wanted” fall prey to genocide), the situations couldn’t be further apart.  A few reasons:

1.      America is not a theocracy.  Was America founded as a Christian nation?  Sure, and this is why Americans are free to follow any religion—including Christianity.  Confused?  Don’t be.  In Christian belief, the Old Testament theocracy paved the way, pointing to Christ through the Law and Sacrifices.  Jesus, however, fulfilled these requirements with His own sacrifice, thus setting aside the former system (Heb. 7:11-8:13).  Ever read the New Testament?  If you do, you’ll see no call for creating a new theocracy, since God’s Kingdom is now presented to all nations through believing individuals (Mt. 28:19-20).

In America, “One nation under God” means one nation committed to the principles of liberty offered in Christian belief—not one nation in forced submission to Jesus Christ.  Think about it:  Jesus and the Apostles never forced non-Christians to live like Christians, so why would a nation founded in their principles be one of religious compulsion?  It wasn’t, and it isn’t.  There is no Christian Jihad, and as a Christian nation, America is the polar opposite of a theocracy.

2.      Israel would fall to invading armies, not the horrifying entrapment of a murderous lunatic.  What happened in Longmont was murder (no, not just “attempted”), and it had nothing to do with America as a whole.  Such horrors happen in good nations and bad, because sin (the biblical concept of corruption and selfishness) exists in all people (Rom. 3:23). 

3.      The proper application of Hosea for Christians today isn’t national, but personal—just as Christ is accepted personally (John 3:3-21), not nationally.  In other words, we Christians as individuals are each like Israel, either remaining under God’s protection or leaving it.

In short, there is no evidence this woman was butchered because of America’s sins.  Why would moral decay throughout a non-theocracy bring God’s judgement in a specific woman’s assault?  And even if God chose to punish a non-theocracy, wouldn’t He send an army from a wicked nation—rather than a lunatic in an isolated attack?  Even Reverend Wright—who has turned heresy into an art form—discussed an attack on America, whereas no invading army or societal trend was involved in Longmont.  On every level, Klingenschmitt’s comments leave Scripture behind.

What To Do With Gordon…

Ultimately, I believe Gordon Klingenschmitt is guilty of nothing more than bad doctrine and worse judgement.  No biggie—I’m often misguided (some days, several times before breakfast).  I have no vendetta against this man.  Furthermore, I support his right to free speech.

But I also believe he should step down immediately.

Why?  Because Klingenschmitt represents a political party and movement, and his words—whether offered on a non-governmental video or the House floor—reflect on us.  Furthermore, he has flatly refused to back down or restate his position, leaving us no “forgive and forget” room.  I believe in free speech, but not speech free of consequence.  Klingenschmitt knew precisely what he was doing, and he knew Coloradoans would hold Republicans and the Liberty Movement accountable for keeping him in office.  Avoiding this reality is a mistake. 

For instance, suppose a doctor in a local hospital commented thusly about a well-known rape victim: “This rape is the curse of God upon America for our sin of promiscuity.  Part of that curse is our women are sexually assaulted.  She’s experiencing what America has wrought.”

Question:  Would he still be employed?  Answer:  Not a chance, and it wouldn’t matter if he said it in a ministerial video.  True, political/religious speech is no cause for removal, but using the victims of horror as props goes beyond the pale.  He’d be gone immediately, as his comments would tarnish the hospital.

Admittedly, we Conservatives abandon our own too quickly.  Bowing to pressure, we blindfold “damaged” Republicans before media firing squads—feeding the Left’s appetite for political victims.  It’s pathetic.  While Democrats tolerate virtually everything, John McCain calls Ted Cruz a “wackobird” over simple disagreement in strategy…and the press salivates. 

But there are limits, and Klingenschmitt crossed them.  Remember, both Democrats and Republicans suffer when leaving big problems unaddressed.  Clinton survived, but he lost Congress.  Dan Maes set Republicans back in Colorado.  Todd Akin—well, the name alone covers it.  And how many Democrats regret Obama’s insistence that his policies were on the ballot in November, 2014?

Surely Klingenschmitt knows his “I said it outside my government duties” approach is ineffective, and I wish he’d help the pro-Liberty cause by stepping down.  If not, he should be removed from committee posts and asked to resign—quickly.  Any delay makes our eventual actions look pressured, not principled. 

Moving forward, Republicans must learn from episodes like this.  When at all possible, forgive and show loyalty.  But in extreme cases, act swiftly.  There will be more Klingenschmitts.  Let’s get this one right.


8 Comments
Ethan
3/30/2015 06:48:47 am

I disagree with this statement: "The proper application of Hosea for Christians today isn’t national, but personal". Since I disagree with your interpretation of this passage in Hosea, I agree with GK that judgment is promised to nations that abandon God. Your interpretation ALSO true, that Christians fall into judgment personally as well. Both interpretations are true.
My feeling is that GK's views, although unpopular, are held by a segment of our population. Some of his own constituents agree with him wholeheartedly. Some of them are happy that he has voiced this viewpoint, and they hold the same viewpoint. They are happy he said the same thoughts they were feeling but didn't know which verse in the bible supported that viewpoint. GK's viewpoint is just as valid as another viewpoint that is being discussed in the marketplace of ideas. We should not shut him down just because his interpretation of the one or two verses of scripture differ from our own interpretation. His views are valuable, and some of us appreciate his strong stand in favor of Christianity. The more Christians viewpoints are shut-down in the marketplace of ideas, the more the other side gains a foothold. No, GK, do not step down and do not back down!

Reply
Andy
3/30/2015 08:37:28 am

Thanks, Ethan. I have some disagreements:

1. There is no biblical teaching applying this standard to a non-theocracy, and I must stick within scriptural limitations. The only “theocracy” of the New Covenant is the individual life pledged to God, along with the fellowship of believers. The national theocratic system had passed away, by design. I don’t mean to be combative, but do you deny this?

2. In no way does Hosea 13:16 explain an isolated assault via a non-theocracy's national actions. Hosea speaks of warring theocratic nations, not individual assault. That's not my "interpretation," Ethan, but a fact.

Note, however, that I’m not denying America’s incredible rejection of biblical standards—on that, GK and I are in full agreement. And yes, I believe rejecting Christ’s standards has resulted in a collapsing nation, just as rejecting any wisdom will result in failure—but that’s a far cry from directly producing one woman’s assault.

3. No one is proposing GK be shut down. If he wishes to continue preaching this brand of theology, he's free to do so—but is it so bad to consider others whom he’s representing? The vast, vast majority of Republicans I’ve seen on social media wish he’d consider the effects on the Liberty movement when making such explosive statements—have they no right to express this?

4. Finally, while you've passionately defended GK's views—and please don’t be offended here—I’ve not seen you offer any scriptural support for your position. I did, and I could have offered much more. I don’t say this to be condescending; only honest. Scripture must come first.

Ethan, I have little doubt that GK is a fellow brother in Christ, and I too am known as a staunch defender of the faith. But the GOP grants incredible flexibility in our stated views—far more than the Democrats. Shouldn't we all want to reward the GOP team with statements avoiding such severe offense?

Would that be so bad?

Reply
Karon McCormick
4/4/2015 05:39:22 am

Andy,

I totally agree with your comments. Jesus died on the cross for our sins, not this poor woman's baby. God is holy, he is only good, he does no evil, nor does he curse countries or people. I thank you for your thoughtful comments and am in complete agreement with your statement. Along with Freedom of Speech comes Responsibility and Accountability of Speech and that becomes much more of a priority when you have been elected to an office in which you represent the party from which you were elected and you represent thousands of fellow constituents. Thank You Andy, well thought out response.

Reply
Andy
4/4/2015 03:41:17 pm

Thanks, Karon.

I love your emphasis on accountability. There's no hate for Klingenschmitt in your words; only perspective. He's no terrible person, but he neither represented scripture nor those who elected him, and when done to this extreme, that should cost him his position. Responsibility and Accountability are a wonderful balance with Free Speech.

Reply
kjs
4/4/2015 03:06:22 pm

Anyone that seeks elected office, has to be aware that they are not just representing their religious congregation and not just District 15 in this state. They are representing the entire Republican party with their comments, regardless of where they say them.

This state does elect it's Chaplain's, or pastors. We elect people who represent us for government matters, budgets, spending, taxes, public education, and no where in their duties are they responsible for religious matters that belong in church. Everyone has their own religion, they have their own pastors, and they have their own beliefs, and none, and I mean absolutely none of those opinions belong in government.

Mr. Klickenschmitt has shown he cannot separate his views to accommodate the elected position he is in. He deliberately used a victim of a horrible crime to make a political stance on abortion, and they simply don't mix. He needs to resign immediately, and let someone step in to take over the role of government matters. If he stays he is only going to cost this state another election.

Reply
Andy
4/4/2015 04:15:50 pm

Hi kjs,

I mostly agree with you. Klingenschmitt didn't win representing the Christian Right Party, but the Republican Party. And he wasn't elected to represent Christianity, but rather the citizens of Colorado and his district, whatever their beliefs.

I wouldn't go so far as to say none of his opinions belong in government (though we're probably debating semantics at that point). People of faith shouldn't have to check their faith at the door when representing their constituents--they just need to remember that their constituents hold many faiths. My biggest problem was that Klingenschmitt failed to represent his stated faith in Christ, by dramatically misapplying a scripture (with disastrous results).

But had he accurately applied scriptural teaching, then you would have been quite happy with the results, regardless of your beliefs. Because, in doing so, he would have recognized with you that Colorado elects representatives, not pastors. He wouldn't have tried to apply God's treatment of an ancient theocracy to a modern non-theocracy, and he certainly wouldn't have used this poor victim as a prop for his abortion stance.

I guess what I'm saying is, I wish he had been MORE faithful to the biblical teachings, not less. I want every elected official to bring the best of who they are to their job, and that has to include their beliefs. In fact, while we aren't electing pastors, we're certainly electing people, and each person is a collection of beliefs. Look at Obama--his deeply held beliefs are dramatically affecting his decisions to oppose America in nearly everything he does.

Obama needs to go away, and Klingenschmitt needs to resign. In both cases, it should have been obvious to voters that these men would place extreme views above the good of their constituents. We ignored that going in, and we are now paying the price. In Klingenschmitt's case, a woman who has suffered unimaginable trauma has now suffered even more at the hands of an elected official. In Obama's case, a whole nation has suffered to unheard of degrees.

Mitt Romney said he was running for Commander in Chief, not Pastor in Chief. I'm no Mormon, but I believe he shared a very biblical approach to leadership in a non-theocracy. I wish Klingenschmitt held this approach as well.

Reply
Geoff
4/4/2015 03:20:00 pm

Andy,

Interesting take. Part of which I agree with, part I disagree with. Not sure I will be able to fully articulate it here, but I will try.

First, I am strictly a layman in terms of bible study. But I do not buy the premise that God judges only theocratic nations. Like most biblical principles, they work no matter the salvation status of the person using them. Same goes for nations. Nations that bless God and structure their national life in a God honoring way will be blessed. Those blessings will last as long as that nation continues to honor God.

These United States were founded on such principles and God has honored us. But we are currently turning our back on God now, and we can and should expect God's judgment or curse or wrath or whatever word you want to use when God removes his hand of blessing from us and we get what we deserve.

Now, I do agree that GK did not correctly apply Hosea. Crimes happen in any land, Godly and ungodly. What is significant about this case is that the murdered child will not get justice. When you look at the things that the Creator gets cranky with nations over is a lack of Justice. Also, it isn't really a national curse if it happens to one person. Now it could be a sign of heading to judgment or that we are in judgment, but that is a different conversation.

Reply
Andy
4/4/2015 03:56:22 pm

Hi Geoff,

I agree that God judges all nations, and will one day judge all individuals as well. But His treatment of a theocracy (especially His own) was certainly more direct in terms of results than His treatment of all nations.

For instance, I think we can agree that China, with all their human rights violations and complete rejection of Christ, is not a righteous nation. And yet, they are prospering (largely due to their embrace of cheap energy, which America would do well to emulate). Even in scripture, the question is posed, "Why do the wicked prosper?" But like you, I believe nations eventually receive their comeuppance--if only due to their abandoning of wisdom.

There is no scriptural evidence, however, that these non-theocracies rise and fall directly because of their godliness--in fact, scripture often tells of ungodly nations rising to great power and being used by God to punish His own theocracy (Israel). Israel rose and fell directly because of its treatment of God. Clearly, other nations didn't.

America was started by Christians with Christian principles, but in honor of Christ's New Covenant, it was specifically not a theocracy. No theocracy is proposed under the New Covenant at all, and the founders understood this. So while they were largely Christian, and while America prospered amazing due to Christian principles, it's no surprise that Christianity itself has been cast aside here; hey, rejecting God is what people have done since Adam. I think we're collapsing because we abandon God's wisdom, not because we haven't enough Christians.

At any rate, Klingenschmitt's application of the Hosea principle to this woman's assault was unscriptural to the level of being bizarre. Whatever God does with America--and we're likely not going to like what's coming--"our chickens coming home to roost" has nothing to do with what happened to this poor woman.

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