Stones Cry Out

This complaint would have more weight if it were delivered at the end of a long list of complaints about stupid things Pat Robertson has said over the years.

The media has no interest in quoting any evangelicals besides Robertson and Dobson. I think they revel in the chronic silliness perpetuated by these two. Continuing to paint these guys as the voice of evangelicals is just the media's way of trying to marginalize evangelicals by making us appear nutty and out-of-touch. Of course, it doesn't help that Robertson and Dobson seem to crawl over each other to get to the microphone or camera.

mikey writes: ...I think they revel in the chronic silliness perpetuated by these two. ...

What chronic silliness? The only people I ever hear complain about the silly and stupid things Dobson and Robertson say are all leftist marking boonmats who hate evangelicals. It's not hard to find comprehensive lists of the stupid things these people have said, but they're all managed and promoted by people with no respect for evangelicals whatsoever.

Do evangelicals really think Dobson and Robertson are clowns? You wouldn't think so listening to them.

This isn't about the media. It's about Chuck Colson or Richard Land or Al Mohler having the backbone to put a stop to this nonsense.

s9, I and every other Christian I ever talk to about politics or current events (all evangelicals) are consistently exasperated with Robertson and Dobson (and Falwell). They aren't doing evangelicals any favors. I respect their ministries, but they don't speak for me or anyone in my circle. My circle? I'm the son of a Southern Baptist minister, a member of First Baptist Atlanta, and a down-the-line conservative on all social issues. Far from a "marking boonmat".

Matt, I agree with you wholeheartedly. I wish some prominent evangelicals would come out and denounce some of the more outrageous comments by our "spokespeople". How far does it have to go before someone steps up?

I'm tired of looking foolish by proxy.

You could start criticizing prominent conservatives for consulting with them to get input from evangelicals, but that might be asking for too much from you.

I and every other Christian I ever talk to about politics or current events (all evangelicals) are consistently exasperated with Robertson and Dobson

Most of the evangelicals I know aren't exasperated with Dobson (Robertson's a bit more mixed). They respect his opinion on most things, politics included, and I think they're the majority of American evangelicals.

Many just trust him as a family issue kinda guy and take it for granted they can trust his political judgment; and others, when confronted with reports of his loopy comments, turn on their media conspiracy-theory filter (perfect example: "The only people I ever hear complain about the silly and stupid things Dobson and Robertson say are all leftist marking boonmats who hate evangelicals.").

I resent anyone thinking that evangelicals are a monolithic group. But I hesitate to denigrate a fellow Christian.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but evangelicals often act like a monolithic group.

And movement conservatives don't often consult with Dobson. When was the last time Krauthammer or Lowry talked to them on a serious matter?

Matt,
You are wrong, so I'm correcting you. Most evangelicals I know are much more independent in their thinking than other groups, including 'movement' conservatives or liberals. The examine the evidence to see what is true, like the Bereans in Acts 17. Often when I engage with liberals/moderates, they are very surprised that - as an evangelical - I don't fit the stereotype portrayed by the media. However, I don't think most evangelicals 'fit the mold'.

I would ask you this - if no one else was constantly providing you all this negative input regarding Miers at the Corner and elsewhere, would you you still be as mad? Or are you just mad because others have told you to be mad, and you let them do your thinking for you? Be honest with yourself. Although any group has people this way (following the lead - feeling as they are told), I would say evangelicals do this much LESS than most other groups. This is especially true for evangelicals and politics (which is why you are concerned about Miers - you know this is true).

I would agree that for religious thought/theology, evangelicals 'follow-the-leader'. But for them, their religion is their religion. For politics, diversity is fine with evangelicals. For movement conservatives, being a conservative comes first - it is as much their religion as thier religion is. So I see them 'follow-the-leader'. Hating Miers has become the bandwagon they have jumped on. So Roberson points out there are people who voted for Ginsburg and are saying they are against Miers - yet call themselves conservative. This seems troubling to me, but makes you mad because others have said you should be mad. Why don't you be like a Berean yourself, and see if what he said is true? Judge the words. Creating a 'long list' of other things the guy has said is simply character assisination. That's what liberals do to conservatives when they don't want the truth of the message to come out. Ask yourself, why are we using that technique against our fellow conservatives now? "Character assisination to all who oppose Miers" is the motto of you new group, Matt. Is this where you want to go in life?

Nope, I oppose her for actual reasons, but if everything you've read at National Review or the Weekly Standard or heard on Rush doesn't make sense to you, then this talk itsn't worth having.

Matt - you just proved my point - giving me the old "This many people can't be wrong - therefore you must be closed minded". That's 'group-think' Matt. You are caught up in it., and can't see it.

Right, because groups of people can't share the same opinion. You win.