I received an email from Florida pastor James Knox earlier today regarding John McCain’s vice presidential choice, Sarah Palin:
Why do I always have to be the one to try and get saved people to be Christians not Republicans?
As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my peoplle [sic], they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. Isa 3:12
Sound doctrine…the aged women…teach the young women…to be keepers at home…that the word of God be not blasphemed. Titus 2:1–5
The implication seems to be that good Christians (as opposed to good Republicans) should not be happy that a woman has chosen to be in a leadership position, particular one which could potentially result in her becoming the President of the United States.
Judging by the verses quoted, Pastor Knox seems to believe that if Sarah Palin rules over America, she will cause its inhabitants to err, destroying godly ways. Instead, Governor Palin ought to be at home, teaching young women, and that by presuming such a lofty position, she is causing God’s word to be blasphemed against.
![Governor Sarah Palin Governor Sarah Palin](http://rickbeckman.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/sarah-palin-thumb.jpg)
I’ll admit, Pastor Knox is the first person I’ve noticed crying foul over Governor Palin on bases non-political. I’ll also admit that I respect Pastor Knox and have (mostly) enjoyed the 20+ books I have read of his canon. There are a number of things I disagree with him on — notably his strong King James Version Only stance and his utterly confused view of who the “elect” is/are in the Scriptures — and though I generally appreciate his brief political commentary via email, I can’t help but wonder about this one.
I applaud McCain for his choice. I’ve learned a bit about Palin since I heard that she was McCain’s choice, and the more I read about her political, moral, and religious conviction, the more I found myself in support of the McCain ticket for the first time since the campaign has started.
Then it occurred to me why I initially supported Ron Paul so strongly. I had allowed my priorities to become all screwed up. Yeah, limited, constitutional government is a fine dream, and it likely worked great 200 years ago, but our nation’s grown up a bit since then. A largish government is something that we just need have to accept and move on; there are bigger fish to fry, so to speak.
If my treasures are in Heaven as I hope in Christ they are, then what do I care about an economic platform? Father in Heaven cares for every sparrow in the sky, every lily in the field… What is it to Him to care for me as well? That is my hope, with the Spirit as my surety.
Obama can promise change until he turns blue in the face. If he’s elected, American economics may very well prosper in the eyes of those who analyze such things. At what price would such prosperity come, though?
If I believe, as the Scriptures teach, that the role of government is to reward the good and to punish the wicked, what business do I have voting for someone who, like Barack Obama, would do nothing to prevent the en vogue abominations of homosexuality and abortion?
Whatever consequence the consequence to America, I submit that Christians are bound to vote, if they vote, for those who profess faith in Christ and who demonstrate an understanding of biblical Christianity. I know we’ll never have perfect leadership, but by God’s grace we can vote for the lesser of two evils (which, lets face it, is the choice we always have when picking between members of our fallen, depraved species).
Yeah, Sarah Palin is a woman. Perhaps America has reached a point where it’ll take a woman’s touch to turn us back to God, or at least a more godly governance.
I also greatly respect the fact that not only is she the mother of five children — one of them with Down’s Syndrome
From the Bible, I can’t help but think of the example of Deborah who, despite living within a very patriarchal society, was not only a prophetess of Yahweh but also held the highest office in Israel — that of judge. As a result of her rule, Israel enjoyed a peace of forty years.
Say what you will about women leadership — this is America and you’re free to believe or vote however you wish — but do note that Israel greatly benefited from a (godly) woman’s leadership. May it not be possible that America shall do so as well?
Also, I want to take the opportunity to agree with the advice Daniel Phillips has posted for Governor Palin.
Christians, pray for her. She and McCain both have an uphill battle before them.
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