More on Judge Moore

More on Judge Roy Moore
Rev. Bill Hofer

    The Alabama Republican Party has offered unqualified support to the embattled Roy S. Moore, ignoring the condemnation of National Republican leaders and brushing aside worries that he could lose a Senate race in a solidly red state.  As of this writing Moore has slipped to a dead heat in the polls after winning a Republican primary against Trump puppet Luther Strange and enjoying a 20-point lead against his democratic opponent in the general.  Support for Moore continues to pour in, however, from Christians.  This is nothing new for the “religious right.”  They are frequently more “right” than religious ever since Bush the 43rd defeated Al Gore in 2000.  Gore’s stable mate William Jefferson Clinton suffered from numerous and public infidelities so much so that he was finally impeached.  The Church rightly condemned his lack of character (read immorality).  That became a rallying cry for the Republicans.  “Character Matters!” they preached from the steps of Congress.  And the “religious” were converted to the GOP.
    I have two concerns.  I am concerned about Christian support of Judge Roy Moore, but not for reasons you may think.  You could see this coming a mile away.  When another Clinton embroiled in controversy ran for president, suddenly, and hypocritically, character didn’t matter anymore.  Donald J. Trump became the golden boy of the Republicans.  He got a pass for three marriages and admitted adultery.  Pastors Jim Garlow of Skyline Church in San Diego and Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Dallas were Trump’s biggest cheerleaders early on.  They denied better candidates and more conservative leaders any chance in the primaries. Gallows and Jeffress can take some credit for a record 26% of the turnout being Evangelical.  White Evangelicals voted 80% for Trump. As part of that white/evangelical demographic, I did not.
    They said, “He doesn’t claim to be a Christian and he’s not running to be your pastor.”  This was in a contest where at least 6 of Trump’s opponents did claim to be Christian and were much better men. They said, “At least Trump lets you know where he stands!”  By calling his opponents names (little Marco, lying Ted, lunatic Carson)?  By admitting he buys influence?  By “greasing the wheels” of government?  By financially supporting Planned Parenthood?  They said, “He will get things done!”  Like failing to prosecute Hillary?  Like failing to get Obamacare repealed?  Like alienating his own (majority) party so they couldn’t even defund Planned Parenthood?  Like failing to end the Iran deal?  By appointing swamp creatures Jeff Sessions as Attorney General and Goldman-Sachs insiders to the Fed and US Treasury?  The hypocrisy of the Christian voters of Alabama, however, may be the worst.  Many of them said, “We don’t care what Moore did 40 years ago!  We cannot afford a Democrat in the Senate.”  I’m embarrassed for them.  Character still matters to me.  And it should matter to Christians in Alabama.
    Moore is being accused by numerous voices from 40 years ago. So long ago, in fact, that he will not be able to defend himself in court against these accusations - there will be no charges. While we should always take allegations of sexual harassment serious, we should never assume they are true.  Everyone, including a Senate candidate, is innocent until proven guilty.  I wonder why these surfaced now, near the end of a special Senate race, instead of his 30 years of service as a judge including two stints as Alabama’s Chief Justice?  I am skeptical about this whole thing. But we must not be dismissive of his alleged sexual assaults. And Christians should never yield to the foolish idea character doesn’t matter.
    My second concern is the hypocrisy of the Republican Establishment.  Senate Leader Mitchell, the guy that can’t succeed at anything but compromising his principles, threatens not to seat Moore if he wins.  Mitchell would rather have a Democratic progressive win than conservative Moore.  Trump had 16 women accuse him of sexual assault during his campaign.  Herman Cain had 5. McCain was accused of sexual assault during his 2008 run.  Mitchell didn’t demand they step down. “Ditch Mitch” should be more than a bumper sticker, it should be the cry of the GOP Senate caucus. 
     Isn’t there anyone of integrity in this country anymore?  Isn’t there wisdom among Christians that will forgo the lust for power and hold failed candidates accountable anymore?  Is there no one who will stand in the gap any longer (Ezek. 22;30)? I was a fan when Moore took a principled stand against Federal government overreach. I hope the best for Roy Moore - if he is innocent. I fear the worst for America in this Christian and Republican duplicity.  Character still matters to me.  And it should matter to you.  
                                                                    
Originally Published November 27, 2017

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