If McCain Wants to Have a Prayer

By Anne T. Garcia

When the news leaked recently that two of the names on John McCain's short list for vice president are Evangelical Christians, it was good news indeed. The two potential running mates are governors Ron Pawlenty and Mike Huckabee. Despite the announcement from Dr. James Dobson (Focus on the Family) he would "probably" vote for Sen. McCain, interest in McCain's campaign is lukewarm at best among Christians. McCain seems to be genuinely on board regarding abortion and he opposes gay marriage. But his support for homosexual civil unions, illegal immigrants, the ban on drilling in ANWAR and other important issues has caused somnolence among the Republican base. If he picks a Christian he will greatly increase his electability. That doesn't mean he has to necessarily choose an Evangelical Protestant. The Republican base would also embrace a Catholic, if he were a true believer.

A case in point is the late Tony Snow. He achieved the status of rock star among Republicans during his tenure as President Bush's Press Secretary. Snow was a practicing Catholic and a rock-ribbed Republican with very conservative values he articulated adroitly. This is what we are looking for. In times past, Protestants were wary of Catholic leadership. In fact, during the time of the Puritans, Catholic men weren't even allowed to vote. But all that has changed. Today many of the stalwarts of Conservatism belong to the Catholic faith. Men like Sen. Sam Brownback, the late William F. Buckley, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, Sean Hannity and David Limbaugh.

The bottom line is Christians want leaders who embrace our values, regardless of where they worship. Some would argue the vice presidential pick is so back-burner one should merely follow the dictum "do no harm." This is not necessarily so. Dick Cheney had the president's ear and clearly had a hand in guiding the ship of state in the right direction. Many of us wish the president would listen to Mr. Cheney more and Condoleeza Rice much, much less. This is especially true in matters relating to Israel. The point Sen. McCain and the religious right need to understand is this: If he chooses a Christian running mate, we need to get revved up and work hard. If we then put him over the top, he owes us.

It was Christians, many of them working class Democrats, who elected President Reagan. It was Christians who supported President George W. Bush every step of the way. Most of us still do. Furthermore, we are the secret weapon because we have the secret weapon. We not only pray, we believe prayer is a powerful force in influencing the outcome of the election. And it doesn't cut both ways. God doesn't bless the murder of unborn children or the committing of abominations. Christianity is not a democracy. There is a playbook. It's called the Bible.

This August there is a youth prayer meeting on the Mall in Washington, D.C. Tens of thousands of Christian young people will rally and pray for the upcoming election. Of course, this will mean more to Sen. McCain if they also register and vote. Mr. McCain, give American Christians a vice presidential candidate who will vociferously declare his belief in the Judeo-Christian ethic. You then may have the chance to turn the world upside down. It happened once before (Acts 17:6). Gov. Mitt Romney may be great for monetary conservatives, but he leaves the religious right cold. But what about McCain-Pawlenty or McCain-Huckabee? Get me my checkbook and a yard sign.

From The Hidden Box 494 Columbia, IL 62236

contact@fromthehidden.com 618-281-3291
If you have a prayer request, please email us at:

contact@fromthehidden.com
Copyright © 2007. All Rights Reserved