Guest post: A Christian who takes a dim view of Liberty U
Mitt Romney with Jerry Falwell Jr. | AP Photo
Note from Dan: Christina Dietz lives in Blue Ridge.
By Christina Dietz
In response to your requests for “there ought to be a law” I propose there ought to be a law against tax- exempt religious institutions which receive federal dollars from proselytizing for a particular political party.
In particular I am talking about Liberty University. As a private, non-profit, religious (Christian evangelical, no less!) and therefore tax exempt institution with not just local and national, but international influence, you would think this college would strive to remain politically neutral. As the LARGEST beneficiary of federal funds in the state of Virginia you would think it would feel an obligation to stay away from politics altogether with the exception of teaching its students the basic workings of government.
Not so. Not only has Liberty University NOT remained neutral, it has welcomingly provided Republican politician after Republican politician a platform at its university. It has actually declared in front of television cameras:
“We will maintain an open podium policy for any conservative political candidate who wants to come speak here when they are running for office, but we will never allow a liberal candidate to cross our thresholds, with the only exception being President Barack Obama, someday maybe. (Has that invitation to President Obama ever been issued?)
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I admit, as a born again Christian I am stunned that Liberty University has not embraced our born-again Christian president, who has actually used the “Roman Road” steps of salvation to witness to his audiences during his some of his campaign appearances (yet somehow that has never gotten passed around on You Tube!).
Instead LU has held its arms open wide to, among others: Newt Gingrich (who is now one of the university’s spokespersons!); to Sara-pay-attention-to-ME-lin , who proclaimed herself not-up-to-muster for office as governor (never mind VP or President!) by QUITTING HER JOB to make heaps of money for herself and her handlers via speaking engagements set up via temporary non-profit organizations they created (and solicited “campaign contributions” through); to Donald Trump (LU’s speaker at this month’s convocation) who is still somewhat unconvinced Obama is a U.S. citizen, yet LU won’t try to convince him otherwise; and to Mitt Romney, whose Mormon faith claims that Satan and Jesus are brothers.
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Mitt was featured on the cover of LU’s magazine after being their guest speaker at their graduation last spring. (No doubt you noticed: millionaires all, but none of them what you would call good Christian role models.)
What has ultimately spurred this letter, however, is the copy of LU’s “Liberty Journal” which came as an insert in our Sunday Roanoke Times. Sure enough, on page 27 LU promotes the controversial and assumptive film by “popular Liberty speaker” Dinesh D Souza, “2016: Obama’s America.” Can LU even say the word PROPAGANDA??? (Interestingly, the article just below the one promoting the film says, “Congressional Democrats echo Liberty’s efforts to encourage students to vote.”
The obvious questions here are, How can this be legal? And what “truth” exactly does Liberty University stand up for?
As an aside if Liberty University realized how many people are rejecting Christ because of its political activism, would they stop?
Do they not realize that all of their alleged “good deeds” are seen by many in the public as “dirty rags” devised to gain votes for their favored political party?
Can’t they see how their political activism is creating a huge mistrust towards all Christians?
Do they care?
(Don’t God (OT) and Christ himself (NT) warn against political activism, saying instead to change the world by emulating them, demonstrating their love to others, and trusting in them?
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Yet in her book, “It’s My Party Too,” Christine Todd Whitman describes how since 1979 the Falwells’ Moral Majority has been working through political institutions to use civil law to impose religious law, and they’ve been doing it by throwing their support solely to Republicans and dictating their mandates to them (pg 74,75).
The glaringly bright elephant in the room is that the Falwells themselves are multimillionaires and their Falwell Empire is worth millions. They are poised to gain even more wealth if the Bush Era tax cuts for the wealthy are made permanent by the Republicans (a sure thing if Mitt Romney is elected) and the Republicans remain in the majority so they can keep funneling federal funds to private schools.
The Falwells, through their school and church, are using the issues of abortion and religion to keep more money pouring into their pockets, but our tax dollars, via federal student aid, are helping to pay for promoting their agenda.
I know a lot of LU students and alumni. There is no question that they are awesome people and dedicated Christians. Yet I question why they have not stood up to their university’s political activism, especially given that it is so lopsided.
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Doesn’t the Apostle Paul suggest we should “know Christ only and Him crucified?” Is it really the abortion issue that makes them think their school is justified? In reality, the word “abortion” doesn’t even appear in the bible, but God does warn over and over in His word about bringing His bringing judgment against those nations who bloat up their wealthy with power and even more wealth to the neglect and even harm of the rest of its population.
So why are they standing up for more welfare for the wealthy? If the Bush Era tax cuts for the wealthy were translating into jobs, why was U.S. job growth dismal even during the Bush administration, when they were enacted, and doesn’t the longevity of the current 8% unemployment rate provide proof enough those tax cuts are NOT getting used to create jobs — at least not in THIS country?
I will spare you my rant against LU’s not even standing up for the smallest of truths, that Obama is both a born again Christian and a U.S. citizen, and that LU has not held its favored Republican Party accountable for working since 2008 to spread slander that Obama is neither, despite the fact that the bible says God abhors liars and warns “ye shall not spread a false report” (Ex 23:1).
But it would be nice to see someone challenge the Falwells to cough up (like a hairball) a stance on the issue and hold THEM accountable for not standing up for truth — since TRUTH is allegedly what they are supposed to be all about.
I still run into Christians today that believe Obama is not a Christian, in a large part because the Falwells have supported the Republicans, who claim he is not! The bottom line is that the Falwells, through their University, are acquiring, via student financial aid, federal tax dollars to spread their own version of political truths, and both as a religious and tax-exempt organization that is unethical and should be illegal.
As a final point, here’s something to for LU to think about:
The entire Bible provides examples of how God is loving and wants to see the poor, the neglected, the hungry, the thirsty, the sick, the homeless, the mentally ill, the widowed, the orphans, the laborers, those who are down on their luck — those who have any kind of true need — and the environment cared for and provided for and shown justice and compassion.
That applies to EVERY NATION — which would include the U.S. God also believes in small armies, not military might, and in striving for peace, not focusing on building defense. By that description that would make God a liberal, and as such he himself would not be welcome to speak at Liberty University.
October 5, 2012 - 6:00 AM
You forgot to include why it is you think Liberty U. cares what you think.
BRAVO! A beautifully written eloquent piece! So VERY true! I have personally found it difficult to be spiritual and a democrat due to the oppressive atmosphere of ultra conservative judgment. Kudos to you and I hope to read more of your work!
Well said, truthful and spot on, Christina! This needs to be published in the paper!
And sent to our Congressmen and Senators too!
Amen.
“that Obama is both a born again Christian….” Yep Jeremiah Wright’s version of Born again….2 Corinthians 5:17
“abortion not in the bible” But murder is.
She comes off sounding very judgmental in her condemnation of LU, almost to the point of obsession. Even Stinespring detractors take a breath now and again.
The Hate is strong in this one.
If the author thinks Obama is a born-again Christian I’ve got acres of Florida Swampland for sale. Wow, that sentiment alone discredits essentially every other thought or opinion Mrs. Dietz has.
Mitt Romney & Liberty U. are perfectly matched. Liberty rails against government interference until those Pell Grant & Guaranteed Loan checks arrive. Mitt Romney is in favor of more things than I can mention here. Then he is against those same things. Then 6 weeks before the election when he is down anywhere from 3 to 9 points, he’s back in favor of all those things again.
I think the political ads we will be seeing in the next few weeks are going to be very interesting.
If there is hate in your heart, let it out!
Pretty sure the God lord didn’t want babies murdered in the womb. Which, is an important agenda of liberals.
## I just love the sanctimonious snerts like you who have decided they are god and can determine who is and isn’t “righteous.” I’m sure Jesus would love your kind.
BTW, how’s the latest Hokie national championship season going?
I’d like to think Obama is NOT a “born again Christian”…I don’t see how that adds anything positive to the skill set required of a US president. As for Liberty, it’s turned itself into a RW Tea Bagging propaganda mill more than a school, but the place itself has no impact on my life so I don’t really care.
The Bible says nothing about abortion but a lot about feeding the poor and housing the homeless. Weirdly, you don’t hear much from the Xian fringe about those.
but our tax dollars, via federal student aid, are helping to pay for promoting their agenda.
OK, I’m fine with that. Let’s eliminate all student aid to all unversities.
OHHHHH. Whooops!!!. You didn’t mean ALL student aid, did you? You only meant only the taxpayer-funded student aid going to private Christian universities.
Got it.
Religious bigotry on parade.
Weirdly, you don’t hear much from the Xians about those feeding the poor and clothing the hungry.
I’m sorry, but Jesus just doesn’t look kindly upon those who blather on loudly and publicly and how much they care for the poor and hungry, when they don’t donate a dime of their money or a second of their time to help them.
I believe these people were known as Pharisees in Jesus’ day.
Kristen
You say that Liberty has no impact on your life. But it does in many many ways. Just one immediate way is that it is turning out large numbers of teachers who are ingrained with its evangelical propaganda and they are being hired in significant number in the public schools. And they do bring that mindset and that propaganda to the classrooms. That is affecting you, me, and everybody who has children or grandchildren in the public schools.
” And they do bring that mindset and that propaganda to the classrooms. ”
You disagree with them therefore they shouldn’t be allowed to have jobs.
My 80 year old Mom’s neighbor told her that she couldn’t vote for Obama and be a Christian. What an @$$! Same hypocrisy as LU exhibits.
Dave is right, the Liberty influence and their efforts to keep voters dumb, confused and certain that liberals hate God and despise Jesus is a BIG part of the divide in this nation. NEVER “misunderestimate” the birth place of “the Moral Majority” or their minions.
OMG, God is going to get you for that one Suzie! Your “starving Zimbabweans” ring any bells, you goat?
Odd how you folks get to define what is and is not Christian activity and who is and is not a Christian, but you vilify Ms. Dietz for the same activity. Telling.
Pharisees: Check out this link, especially the second paragraph, and think of the tea party…
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11789b.htm
Hey Bill Perdue, my sister was called a Wiccan for supporting Obama. But, at least the woman who told her that said she would pray for her.
Wiccans are generally gentle and accepting people. Got to feel for the moron who thinks “Wiccan” is an insult.
Dobbs, a wiccan? Jeeezzz. I guess us Obama supporters are at least all heathens…lol.
I wish Mom had asked the neighbor if he thinks Romney is a Christian? Most evangelicals don’t believe Mormans are Christians.
One of my favorite saying from my Mom: “if we were all alike, the world would be a boring place.”
#22-24 I know dobbs and his sister, and she was indeed called a Wiccan for saying she was going to vote for Obama. And the person who said it apparently did consider it if not an insult, at least something weird and not acceptable. dobbs’ sister didn’t consider it an insult, but it’s not what she is. She’s Baptist, although not Southern Baptist.
Henry
You might like to show me where I said they shouldn’t have jobs. Whatthey should not be allowed to do is proselytize or presnet creationism in science classes as an accepted scientific theory, or teach social studies classes where they insinuate their fringe conservative views into their classroom teachings. And if they can’t abide by those rules, then they should stick to the religious academies and private institutions which do not receive public funding. As usuak, you try to change the parameters of others’ comments to suit yourself.
And while we’e at it, Liberty Univerity ( and I use that term loosely) should have its tax exempt status revoked.
Why would they want to teach in the ebil public school system anyway, where birth control is available and sex education taught? Da Debbil is strong in those public schools.
Don’t forget about LU’s law school. The only purpose is to get more evangelicals into the law profession, then the bench, then the Supreme Court. Liberty Council anyone? Jerry put together a pretty spooky plan and his sons are implementing that plan out there in sleepy ol’ Lynchburg. LU may not directly impact you life today but they certainly plan to tomorrow.
The Falwells want invite Democrats to speak at Liberty. The Falwells preach one thing and live another. By their works you shall know them. If they are Christians like they want you to believe why don’t they show it. I think LU stands for Liberals unwelcome. I would never attend their church or support their University.
“Wiccan”
Aren’t they the folks who use WIC coupons?
As usual, crossing lines, partisan works, and deliberately religious displays in government are only a problem when liberals, Democrats or Muslims do them. You are never going to get the right wing off their cushy government granted perks and bennies. Freeloaders!
#31 Could be, suzie, but we don’t know about that stuff, so I’m not sure.
“Wiccan”
Aren’t they the folks who use WIC coupons?
Comment by Suzie — October 5, 2012 @ 6:31 pm
You just can’t resist denigrating someone whose beliefs & practices are different from yours can you SuzieQ.
Study the link below and be informed.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/wic_beli.htm
I’d like to think Obama is NOT a “born again Christian”…I don’t see how that adds anything positive to the skill set required of a US president.
A strong Christian moral compass begets competence because it begets truth and honesty. I always ask this question, would you rather have a church-going Christian person or a godless person as your, surgeon, pilot, tenant, roommate, contractor neighbor, fill in the blank.
“A wise man is a good man”
In response to your requests for “there ought to be a law” I propose there ought to be a law against tax- exempt religious institutions which receive federal dollars from proselytizing for a particular political party.
Liberty University is a private institution. It doesn’t receive federal dollars. Ooops. There went the whole argument.
I admit, as a born again Christian I am stunned that Liberty University has not embraced our born-again Christian president,
0bama is pro-abortion. Don’t you have to be born the first time to be born again?
For a couple of interesting posting on the influence of religion in the public sphere, I’d like to recommend these links:
http://freethoughtblogs.com/dispatches/2012/10/04/when-christians-are-the-religious-minority/
http://religionclause.blogspot.com/2012/10/pulpit-freedom-sunday-is-this-weekend.html
The Washington Post reports that 1,400 pastors will be participating in Pulpit Freedom Sunday this weekend. Sponsored by Alliance Defending Freedom, the day is designed to challenge the Internal Revenue Code provisions that bar 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations (including churches) from endorsing or opposing political candidates. Sponsors of Pulpit Freedom Sunday ask pastors to preach from their pulpits on Sunday in accordance with biblical Truth and church doctrine about one or more candidates. The IRS is unlikely to be able to respond with enforcement actions against offending churches because a 2009 court decision required the IRS to enact new regulations determining who can authorize church tax inquiries, and proposals issued by the agency in response have not yet been adopted. (See prior posting.)
Suzie:
31.”“Wiccan”
Aren’t they the folks who use WIC coupons?”
For all the smack you talk about the poor you show such disdain for, I’d like to see if you could have made it on your own. Something tells me you’d be a lot humbler if you had to carve your own path to what you have.
For all the smack you talk about the poor you show such disdain for, I’d like to see if you could have made it on your own. Something tells me you’d be a lot humbler if you had to carve your own path to what you have.
I have no disdain whatsoever for the truly poor. For the obese fake poor who could work but refuse to –and their enablers, — different story. And yes, I came from a poor background and did carve my own path. Thanks for your interest.
Screwzie, were you ‘poor’ because your parents were lazy or stupid? Those are the only two reasons anyone in the great United States of America is ‘poor’, according to you.
Also, you carved your own path? God had no hand in your rags-to-riches story?
Suzie:
“And yes, I came from a poor background and did carve my own path. Thanks for your interest.”
Does marrying the boss count as carving one’s own path or did you make it another way? For all you claim, it is not unreasonable to ask you to clear this up.
“Does marrying the boss count as carving one’s own path or did you make it another way? For all you claim, it is not unreasonable to ask you to clear this up.”
Ladies and gentlemen, I believe we’re on the cusp of a new meaning for the word “carving.”
!
Dan, I stand corrected. That path was likely well carved before and after marriage.
Hey folks, I may be off the blog for 3-4 hours tonight because the wife and I will be carving.
And I’m not talking about pumpkins!
Dan, don’t neglect the “pumpkins”. They add to the atmosphere for a good evening of carving!
Re: Comment by Dan Casey — October 8, 2012 @ 6:15 pm
And here I thought you’d be glued to C-SPAN for the Monday night’s doubleheader of of Senate debates.
No dedication, huh?
.
To Suzie: My only comment to you would be the addressing the way you categorized overweight people “Obese fake poor” as if anyone who is overweight cannot, in fact, be poor.
For your information, I was on anti-convulsants as a child and cannot lose the weight I am forced to carry every day. I work, and work out, and there it is – staring at me.
My husband and I are poor. We do not receive aid from anyone else, and work very hard for what we have – yet we are still lacking in general from meeting some of our most basic needs on a regular basis. (And before you get in my face about the internet, I am at the library.)
So, yes, we are poor and I am overweight.
Maybe you should get the plank out of your own eye, before you pick the speck out of your brother’s eye.
Thank you.