10 Nov 2004 Born Again Christians Shouldn’t Vote and More

From Power Line: Garrison Keillor “jokes” that born-again Christians should not be allowed to vote, while the New York Times runs a piece ruminating on the implications of assassinating President Bush.

I know this is the silly season, but I truly expected less silliness from people/institutions who actually have (had?) reputations to protect.

Addendum: Keillor, writing on his website (viewed November 15, 2004) clarified his opinion somewhat in response to a letter. The following is the letter and that part of Keillor’s response dealing with the subject of Christians voting:

Dear GK –

I listened this week to the post-election show and enjoyed your comment about wanting a Constitutional amendment to prevent born-again Christians from voting but would like to clarify a little. Born-again is a little imprecise, don’t you think? I consider myself born again, that is born again of the Spirit (see John 3:5). But even as I laughed, I thought, no, he means post-millenialists. Those are the ones that think the sooner the world goes to hell in a handbasket, the sooner they get to the rapture. However, there are plenty of “born-agains” who care deeply about the world, would like to repair it, are even political activists. I really wasn’t offended, because as an evangelical Christian I’ve gotten used to being lumped in with people whose application of their faith is abhorrent to me – I opine that they haven’t read the Scriptures carefully and I venture to say that Mr. Bush has not really understood many things about Jesus very well at all. If I thought this dreadful situation was permanent, I’d not get out of bed in the morning. But I believe that somehow God wins, wins every battle and rights every wrong and wipes away every tear, and doesn’t need the Constitution to do it. And I love you and your show – it’s been part of my life for so long I can’t remember not hearing your voice.

Caroline Sato

Long Beach

Caroline,

I grew up among post-millenialists and probably that’s why I conflated them with born-agains in one big ball of wax and I apologize for my inaccuracy. However, I don’t think that the term “post-millenialist” would instantly register with our public radio audience, so one is forced to use shorthand. Thanks for your thoughts…

Keillor then went on to another subject entirely, his memories of singing the Star Spangled Banner.

So, after reflection, Keillor says he does not advocate a constitutional amendment taking the vote away from all born-again Christians — just some of them. Thanks for the clarification.

Addendum (11/20/04): I received the following e-mail regarding Ms. Sato’s (and Garrison Keillor’s) use of terms:

Caroline Sato is incorrect. It’s dispensational premillennialists who believe the world is going to hell in a handbasket. They believe in an always imminent rapture. Postmillennialists believe that through the preaching of the gospel, the world can be transformed.

Gary DeMar

(For more on Mr. DeMar’s views on this issue, go here.)