Are Ron Paul’s Views Consistent With A Biblical Worldview?

Podcast: Download (Duration: 50:47 — 8.7MB)

“For it [governmental authority] is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil” (Romans 13:4).

There are now just four Republican presidential candidates remaining who are vying for their party’s nomination to run against President Obama in this fall’s general election.  Only one of them professes to be a born-again Christian of the Protestant kind — Ron Paul.  (Mitt Romney is a Mormon and Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich are Roman Catholics.)

If you’ve watched any of the Republican debates, Ron Paul doesn’t fit the modern Republican mold.  Not only does he look much older than the other candidates (Paul is 76), but his views, especially as they relate to foreign policy and personal liberties, are outside the Republican mainstream as well.

But should they be considered outside the biblical Christian mainstream?  While most “experts” say Ron Paul is “unelectable” and “out of step”, his blend of conservative and libertarian positions on the issues attracts many followers.  Even prominent pastor Voddie Baucham recently explained in a column why he is voting for Ron Paul.

In The Christian Worldview’s continuing series of analyzing various aspects of the presidential candidates (for example, we discussed Romney’s Mormonism in Nov. 2011), we’ll take a closer look this Saturday at some of the more controversial views of Ron Paul to see whether they are consistent with a biblical worldview for government.

Being a Light in a Culture of Darkness

Podcast: Download (Duration: 50:22 — 8.6MB)

Guest: Vasko Kohlmayer, columnist, Washington Times

“This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil” (John 3:19).

One would only need to compare an evening of network television today with the 1950’s to conclude that American culture has become more openly crude, immoral, and depraved.  There’s no doubt that sin was in existence back in the “good ol’ days”, but generally speaking, sin wasn’t applauded and goodness wasn’t scorned.

Yet that is exactly where America is today.  For example, an upstanding Christian man like Tim Tebow would have been almost universally praised as a role model 60 years ago, but now a vocal segment of the country tears him down.  Or how about the ABC sit-com, Modern Family, airing an episode this week where a two-year-old is portrayed as saying the f-word?  Do you think that would have gotten laughs a couple generations ago?

This Saturday on The Christian Worldview, Vasko Kohlmayer, Christian columnist for the Washington Times, will join us LIVE from Russia to discuss what becomes of a nation when it loves darkness rather than light and what Christians are called to be and do in that kind of culture.  Vasco was born and raised under communism and is now an American citizen living and working in Moscow.

Tim Tebow and the Worship of Darkness – Vasko Kohlmayer

How Much Should Christians “Wear Their Faith on Their Sleeves”?

Podcast: Download (Duration: 50:42 — 8.7MB)

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16

It is impossible to deny that a 24-year-old football quarterback has sparked a national conversation.  Maybe “furor” or “mania” would be better words to describe it.  Not since Billy Graham has one Christian struck such a nerve in this country with his life, words, and works.

Discussion about Tim Tebow crops up everywhere.  He is polled as the most popular athlete in America.  Republican presidential candidates want his endorsement.  Nearly 50 million people watched him lead the Denver Broncos to a startling victory last Sunday over the Pittsburgh Steelers and most likely even more will tune in Saturday evening as the Broncos face the vaunted New England Patriots and their star quarterback, Tom Brady.  It really is “Tebow Time” in America.

One of the common questions people are asking is, “What is driving Tebow mania?”  Of course it has something to do with his “miraculous” football victories, but the way Tebow “wears his faith on his sleeve” also elicits huge reaction, both positive and negative.  He prays openly during games and thanks “my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” in post-game interviews, win or lose.  His charitable foundation pays for sick children to attend his games and also builds hospitals and health care facilities in the Philippines and America.  Tim Tebow is unabashedly public with his faith in Christ.

The question we will discuss this Saturday on The Christian Worldview is “how much should Christians wear their faith on their sleeves?”  For example, Jesus says in Matthew 5 that Christians should be “salt and light” in this world and then in Matthew 6 says Christians should “pray in secret”.  So how public should we be with our faith?  Tune in this weekend to find out!

Additional Articles:
Tim Tebow’s Role Model
Poll Finds 43 Percent Of People Believe God Helps Tebow Win
Tebow: The man behind the mania
Tim Tebow takes time to meet families in crisis amid hoopla of playoffs

Have Compassion and Then Do What You Can

Podcast: Download (Duration: 50:47 — 8.7MB)

Guest: Mark Hollingsworth, Compassion International

“Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” — Jesus (Luke 18:16).

It can be difficult for us in America to fully understand what physical and spiritual poverty is like in other nations around the world. Many if not most countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America have corrupt governments and pagan influences which often results in extreme poverty, food scarcity, and lack of health care, clean hygiene, education, and most especially, the saving gospel of Jesus Christ.

So what does the Bible call Christians to do, even when these problems seem so overwhelming and so far away? Answer: Have compassion and do something.

This Saturday on The Christian Worldview, you will hear about the life-transforming ministry Compassion International is carrying out for impoverished children around the world. And you will be given the opportunity to get involved yourself by sponsoring an impoverished child or orphan to receive the physical and spiritual help they need.

When you do, you will be changing an impoverished child’s life for the better. And you know who else will change? You.