I’m thankful for having been able to live in the US for some six years—six good years of enjoying the American free spirit, one of independence, of initiative, of determination to live well in a land where there is a good and rich culture established by hard-working individuals who have done so much to establish a functional infrastructure and an economic system that is robust and able to sustain growth—and where there is a godly heritage that is worth fighting for.
Today, Franklin Graham (son of Billy Graham) leading a prayer rally in Raleigh in his home state of North Carolina, made the point that he had zero confidence in the Democratic Party—and, after a slight pause, he continued, saying that he had zero confidence in the Republican party. His only hope, he underscored (to the sound of cheers from his audience), was that he had every hope in God that, as His people came before Him in confession of and repentance from sin, He may yet heal the land.
There followed a time of open prayer, involving confession of sin and seeking God’s forgiveness. Facebook carries the whole service here: Go to https://www.facebook.com/FranklinGraham/ and search October 13th, 2016 to view the one-hour video.
The prospect of the Trump-Clinton choice seems to have the cat among the pigeons as far as many Christians are concerned. Nevertheless, I was interested to read some key points as summarized by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) in a recent publication, Decision.
I thought it worthwhile to share some of the salient points from this publication. As much as it does not attempt to be party political, it does outline key views from both sides of the political divide, as well as to leave the reader in no doubt as to the implications or applications of both sets of views.
Two Visions for America
Here is an excerpt from this publication; you could read the whole piece HERE:
Where They Stand
SUPREME COURT
Hillary Clinton
Clinton told the Washington Times: “I would not appoint someone who didn’t think Roe v. Wade is settled law.”
On the Texas abortion decision, Clinton praised the justices’ 5-3 decision that severely limits the ability of states to regulate abortion.
On judicial appointments, Clinton said she would strive to appoint judges in the mold of liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
Donald Trump
Trump has praised the late Antonin Scalia as a model justice, saying Scalia’s career was “defined by his reverence for the Constitution …”
On the Texas abortion decision, Trump harshly criticized the justices who overturned the law and questioned their judgment.
On judicial appointments, Trump released a list of potential conservative justices vetted in consultation with the Heritage Foundation and Federalist Society.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Hillary Clinton
Clinton suggests that women’s abortion rights supersede religious liberty, saying: “Deep-seated cultural codes, religious beliefs and structural biases have to be changed.”
On public expression, Clinton opposes the practice of bakers, photographers and other business owners declining services for samesex weddings due to faith-based reasons, saying “it’s outrageous” to be “denied a wedding cake for being gay.”
Donald Trump
Trump said, “Religious freedom [is] the right of people of faith to freely practice their faith. [It is] so important.”
On public expression, Trump vowed to “protect Christians” during a convocation speech at Liberty University.
ABORTION
Hillary Clinton
Clinton said, “I support Roe versus Wade because I think it is an important … statement about the importance of a woman making this most difficult decision …”
On late-term abortion, Clinton said during a Fox News debate she favors allowing restrictions on late-term abortions with “exceptions for the life and health of the mother.”
On funding Planned Parenthood, Clinton told Planned Parenthood leaders that Republicans should join her in calling for greater taxpayer funding for the abortion giant if they really care about women.
Donald Trump
Trump said, “I hate the concept of abortion. And since [being pro-choice] I’ve very much evolved. … And I am very, very proud to say that I am pro-life.”
On late-term abortion, Trump told Bloomberg News in January that he believes abortion should be banned at some point in pregnancy, with exceptions for rape, incest or life of the mother.
On funding Planned Parenthood, Trump has said, “The abortion aspect of Planned Parenthood should absolutely not be funded,” adding that he might consider funding for the non-abortion services of Planned Parenthood.
NATIONAL SECURITY
Hillary Clinton
Clinton said, “We must be prepared … to go after terrorists wherever they plot using all the tools at our disposal.”
On LGBT agenda in the military, last year Clinton promised to push for transgender troops to serve openly—something President Obama approved in June to Clinton’s applause.
On the Iran nuclear deal, Clinton said she supports the deal on a “distrust but verify” condition. She said, “I would not support this agreement for one second if I thought it would put Israel in greater danger.”
Donald Trump
Trump said, ”You have to fight fire with fire. We have to be so strong. We have to fight so viciously. And violently because we’re dealing with violent people …”
On LGBT agenda in the military, Trump hasn’t directly addressed this issue. For background, he criticized the high court’s gay marriage decision, but he has been inconsistent on issues related to transgender people.
On the Iran nuclear deal, Trump has said Obama should have backed out because it is a “bad deal” and that American negotiators were outwitted. He called it “total incompetence.”
Image credit top of page, https://billygraham.org/story/a-monumental-finish-to-the-decision-america-tour/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=FB+DAT+Link&utm_content=BGEA+FB+Page&SOURCE=BY150FBDT
