"On Friday October 7, 2011 shortly before noon, reporters at the Values Voter Summit were handed a blue sheet of paper with a news alert: "Southern Baptist Convention Leader to Endorse Perry at Values Voter Summit." Dr. Robert Jeffress, a Texas pastor, was all set to introduce his governor, and he had some thoughts. "Do we want a candidate who is a good, moral person, or one who is a born again follower of Jesus Christ? In Rick Perry, we have a candidate who is... a committed follower of Christ."
Jeffress doesn't like Mormonism. Jeffress became briefly infamous in 2007 for his rants against Mitt Romney, and the unacceptability of a Mormon nominee. Romney, he said, was a "cult" member.
I believe we should always support a Christian over a non-Christian. The value of electing a Christian goes beyond public policies. . . . Christians are uniquely favored by God, [while] Mormons, Hindus and Muslims worship a false god. The eternal consequences outweigh political ones. It is worse to legitimize a faith that would lead people to a separation from God.
At 2:30, Jeffress took the stage, as promised, and repeated his statement, adding to it. Perry was a "genuine follower of Jesus Christ!"
Perry walked onstage and thanked Jeffress for the endorsement.
After the speeches, Jeffress walked through the hotel doing interview after interview about his take on Mormonism."Article 6 of the Constitution says government can impose no religious tests," he said. "But private citizens can impose all the tests they like!"
When asked if Jeffress expressed these concerns to Perry. "No. He is not aware of my views on Mormonism," he said, "nor am I aware of his." *
...................And there we have it!
*Synopsis of a post from the South Philly blogger, "Field Negro", October 7, 2011.
So it begs the question: how does one reconcile the diverse condemnation of Perry for this Preacher's comments while the racist and anti-American rantings of Rev. Jeremiah Wright, former preacher and spiritual mentor of President Obama for over twenty (20) years, are off limits and not politically relevant?
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Don't know if I agree.... I think the media went after Obama pretty hard for Min. Wright's statements... much of which was taken out of context. But most Americans will support a Christian leader over a non-Christian leader any day. I too want a Christian in the Oval office.
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