In defense of Rick Perry’s “The Response” event

Ryan Streeter
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What one report called “Rick Perry’s clamorous and controversial day of prayer Saturday” was actually pretty straightforward: a group of about 30,000 Christians came together to pray and fast and ask God to renew the nation. Perry began planning the day more than a year ago, before his presidential prospects were front and center, and by all accounts, he was motivated by an abiding and sincere faith.

There is no way the event could be seen as nonpolitical, of course, since Perry is the Governor of the nation’s second largest state and an almost-certain presidential candidate.

But while the media predictably saw the event in terms of Perry positioning himself among religious conservatives, the political angle was more interesting and significant than that. On Saturday Perry did something the other 2012 GOP candidates have avoided doing: he put America’s biggest problems beyond the reach of politicians alone and focused on the condition of the nation itself.

Everyone else – Romney, Bachmann, Pawlenty and the others – has talked about America’s chief challenges as political: Obama and the Democrats are spending us to Hades, and we need to throw them out. Perry’s event was a call to prayer for the troubled America that all of us have had a hand in imperiling. If we fall over the cliff into Hades, it’s not only the fault of the political class. Calling Americans - and especially the faithful among them - to shoulder the burden of our troubled times is an old tradition in our country that, to date, the other candidates have not effectively embraced.

Viewing the event this way will never fly among elite commentators, though. Consider one New York Times’ op-ed contributor's pre-coverage of Saturday's rally. After acknowledging the right of political leaders to express their faith in the public square, the writer…

…said that Mr. Perry is free to call a meeting where only people who agree that Jesus Christ is the one true savior are welcome,” but that “few of them commence potential presidential campaigns that way.”  (In case the writer didn’t notice, Perry didn’t “commence” his campaign with the event).

…said “We should question the prayer service’s tone, too.” (Apparently, Perry’s theological precision violates the standard set by Abraham Lincoln’s nonsectarianism and “encourages the very divisions that Lincoln believed lay at the root of America’s ills.” There was nothing divisive about the event other than the divisiveness liberal elites cannot help but to attribute to it.)

… said “we’re entitled to judge Mr. Perry’s association with the prayer service’s organizers.” (The writer cites the American Family Association, which the Southern Poverty Law Center calls “a hate group,” and none others. Shall we start naming people and groups with whom Obama has associated?...)

All of this is predictable and consistent with criticism Perry received from others.

But it misses the more important political significance. Setting aside how sincere Perry’s intentions for the event were – and I believe they were – we can assume that someone who’s been widely praised for his political instincts, as Perry has been, was not unaware of the political dimensions of the event. Here are three of those dimensions that have not been discussed in the coverage:

The backdrop and context of Perry’s remarks were that America is in trouble – and not because of politics. Perry prayed that “our heart breaks for America,” and he noted discord at home and fear in the marketplace. He cited the “anger in the halls of government,” too, but the main point of his remarks was to highlight not the trouble politicians have created, but that we as a people have forgotten the source of our strength. Perry stands alone among declared and undeclared candidates as someone who has asked Americans to look beyond the mistakes of Obama and others to the deeper failings of our nation as a whole. There is a long tradition in America of politicians speaking this way, and Americans generally respond positively.

Perry has positioned himself as a candidate with spiritual depth. What the media sees as a controversial act many Americans will regard as a firm commitment to deeply held beliefs. Perry didn’t use his faith to call for action against political opponents or to engage in divisive or confrontational behavior of any kind. Rather, he stood on his faith as a way to point to America’s need for renewal, hope, and direction. A candidate for office who believes that politics isn’t all there is, is a candidate who appeals to many.

Perry’s remarks were noticeably apolitical. Holding the event was a political act given his position, but his 12 minute speech and prayer were essentially him reading from the Bible and commenting on what he read. His faith was on display as sincere and authentic. The media sees this as bold and controversial, but by being so direct about his faith, Perry essentially made it a normal part of his bio and removed any doubt about his sincerity as a believer. It makes him more – not less – trustworthy than candidates who cite their faith in the routine manner in political speeches and occasions. He looked like a guy who draws deep inspiration from his beliefs, not a politician who uses his faith to advance his political career or objectives.

Comments

[Caracatus]

Well it would have been good if it had asked the people present to look beyond blaming Obama and to themselves for the answers rather than to prayer. Given that probably one half of the planents population offer prayers to the God of Abraham, and he doesn't take much notice, Perry looks like a guy who ignores the real world in favour of "faith". While I wouldn't want to question his sincerity - it does lead me to question both his judgement and wisdom.

[ramorywebb]

Perry has point in that it is Americans hold the destiny of the country in their hands as we approach 2012.

We hold the power in our vote and choices. By making the best choces we can on who we send to Washigntn, then holding them accountable to do what they told us they would do creates change. If they were lying to get elected, kick em out the next election cycle.

And being that advertisiers are consumer sensitive, not buying from advertisiers that make shows like Bill Maher's possible can change programming. Not supporting advertisers tha support MSNBC would get attention.

America can be restored. Are we willing to do what it takes in our lives to make it happen?

[barry allen]

i wonder if the writer of this article would feel the same way if nancy pelosi who is catholic called a prayer meeting to promote catholicism or harry reid who is mormon called a meeting and only mormons were allowed to speak and i could go on but i think you get the point. we as christians must remember that we live in a pluralistic society with many views an elected offical represents everybody not just those who believes like he does.

[Tom from Vermont]

I thought the presidency of the United States was a political office.

I would like Mr. Perry and his supporters to show me where the founding fathers put the word "God" in the Constitution.

[Rocky]

For the person who believes God doesn't answer prayer...you have not because you ask not or you ask amiss that you might spend it onlustful motives. Jesus said, 'if you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask what you will and it will be given to you'. It's not that god doesn't take notice, it is that God isn't your candy machine where you put in a prayer and Bruce almighty says yes. As a devote believer and one who has had many prayers answered, I believe Perry and many of us in Houston who attended said event did so standing on this word from God..."if my people will humble themselves and call on my name and turn to me, I will heal their land". In case you didn't notice, America is in deep trouble...I think we could use God's help. And even if you aren't a believer, why cast stones?

[Rocky]

I think therefore I am...this statement of self-awareness is the only truth you can know that requires no faith. If you've ever seen the movie the Matrix then you can easily see how it might be possible that everything you see, hear, feel, taste, touch or smell could be a contrivance. your senses can be fooled. Other than the fact you exist, everything else you know requires either faith in a set of rules or in your senses...

[John from Texas]

Tom from Vermont,

Your ignorance of the Constitution is appalling. You assume that the absence of the word "God" from the Constitution precludes religious persons from displaying their faith in the religious square, especially if they hold office. You could not have the interpretation more backward. The Constitution prohibits the "establishment" of state sponsored religions not the beliefs of the people. Gov. Perry introduced himself as Rick Perry, Austin, Texas, i.e., citizen Perry, and a Christian. Many have fought for your privilege to spout your opinion just as they fought for Perry to advocate for national renewal through a return to the spiritual underpinnings which made our nation great.

[Ross J Warren]

As a British Christian I find it wonderful that a politician can, in you country, still be so open about his faith. You should support him, even if you disagree with him, because it is freedom of speech which is still among your greatest assets.

Those above who poo poo the power of prayer, clearly have never tried it. Whilst it cannot pay off your deficit it can help to bring you together. God Bless America!

[John from Texas]

To Caracatus,
I am sorry for you that you have never experienced the abundant life God gives to those who believe in Him. My church is finishing "Experiencing God" a study by Henry Blackaby of Canada. It has helped us to realize that God is always at work around us. My daughter and son-in-law just returned from missionary work with the Roma (gypsies) of Romania. My son and I did free medical work in Mexico for twenty years until it became too dangerous for our auxiliary staff personnel to cross the border from Texas (a border no politician will help us control). I have ministered in God's name in Japan, Mexico, Russia. What do you do to make the world a better place? Could you hold your resume up to the history of Rick Perry? I doubt it. But, you could begin to have this joy of living if you commit to God's ways.

Perry expressed sadness and a prayer of hope that God will continue to bless this country and help ALL of our leaders of any political stripe to put this country back on course to fiscal but especially moral sanity.

I'm praying for you.

[JB]

Ah, yes, the "Tolerant Secular Left" strikes again. Look at the silly, stupid, Neanderthal Christians, standing under the hot sun, praying to the god who isn't there! They have no place in our government. After all, the Constitution doesn't mention God, therefore, Christians need to be silent and let their intellectual superiors tell them how life is to be lived! Otherwise, if Christians actually act on their beliefs, why, it would be just like the Third Reich! You know, because Hitler held prayer services to intercede on behalf of his broken country all the time. Every day, I think, actually. And we all know National Socialism was founded on the basis of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Right? I mean, it's just one small step from "Greater love has no man, than he lay down his life for a friend" or "As you have done unto the least of these, so you have done unto me" to rounding up everyone who doesn't look like you and think like you and stuffing them into gas chambers, right? Fear the praying Christians!

[JB]

@ Tom from Vermont:

I would like you to show me where in the Constitution it says "abortion" or "same sex marriage." No? Curious, eh?

[Khadijah]

It strikes me that the only candidates that *don't* receive criticism for their religious beliefs are ones that affirm their faith publically but don't seem to take their affirmations too seriously.

(IOW, the conventional wisdom is that the acceptable candidate will claim a faith in Christ but any sense that they are actually SERIOUS about their faith is verboten.)

Well, there's a problem if the only candidates acceptable to the conventional wisdom are religious hypocrites ---- the first being that hypocrites are rarely such in only one area of their lives.)

The conventional wisdom on this issue, as it exists today, guarantees us crappy leaders, it seems.

[A_COL]

TX Gov Rick Perry & President Obama Both Invoke Their Faith into Their Politics … Yet It’s Perry That Gets Criticized?

What’s all the hoopla about Gov Rick Perry and his faith? Here’s what the papers reported about how President Obama addressed his faith yet not a peep was heard about him being a religious zealot by the press:

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama said Thursday (3 Feb 11) that his faith has deepened during his two years in the White House … Speaking at the annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, Obama said "I pray that God will show me and all of us the limits of our understanding and open our ears and our hearts to our brothers and sisters with different points of view, that such reminders of our shared hopes and our shared dreams and our shared limitations as children of God will reveal a way forward that we can travel together."

…and here is what Gov Perry said and he’s being portrayed as a religions fanatic:

HOUSTON - Texas Gov. and possible Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry led a crowd of roughly 30,000 Christians Saturday (6 Aug 11), asking God to help a nation he calls “in crisis,” at a Christian-revival event he organized “Father, our heart breaks for America, we see discord at home, we see fear in the marketplace, we see anger in the halls of government, …. As a nation, we have forgotten who made us, who protects us, who blesses us, and for that, we cry out for your forgiveness.”

I would opine that reporting on the religious proclivities of our politicians is a distraction from the real issue concerning Americans… In the words of VP Biden, it a 3-letter word… JOBS, JOBS, JOBS! (Nobody ever accused Biden of being able to count).

Rick Perry is the ONLY candidate of either party, declared or undeclared, that can boast of creating jobs while in political office! During the Obama reign, half of ALL jobs created in the US were created in Perry’s Texas! Pretty impressive! BY contract, according to the Fact Checker in the 19 Jun 11 Washington Post, “since Barack Obama has been president…there are 2.5 million fewer jobs.”

Also with the exception of Ron Paul, Perry is also the ONLY candidate that has ever served in the Military which the President presides over as Commander-in-Chief. Perry was commissioned in the Air Force in 1972 out of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets ROTC program and after completing pilot training, flew C-130 tactical airlift in the States, Middle East, and Europe. He left the Air Force in 1977as a captain. Ron Paul, a medical doctor, was an Air Force active duty flight surgeon from 1963 to 65.

At least nobody will have to teach Perry how to salute or identify the insignias of rank. If you want to know how I really feel about all the candidates, check out my Blog at: http://old-soldier-colonel.blogspot.com/

[Scott H]

I was at the event in Houston this past weekend. I was surprised that Perry never brought politics into his speech, at all. The closest he got was following the Biblical admonition to pray for leaders, and he prayed that God would give wisdom to Obama, the members of Congress and Judges. He also prayed that God would protect Obama and his family. Their was not a single word of criticism toward Obama, or the Congress or the Courts from Perry. Not one. Since this event was scheduled a year ago, and since Perry did not at that time intend to run for President, it was clear to me that he genuinely wanted to simply practice his religion. As for the person who asked about Pelosi or Reid organizing a Catholic only or Mormon only event, they are both free to do so without constraint.

[Al Martinez]

I was excited by the promise of the tea party to counter endlessly growing spending by the federal government. ...and at first it was great! Then the social conservative agenda started seeping in, to the point where the tea party as I knew it has been co-opted. Now we have ardent anti-gay, anti-women's rights Michelle Bachman and Rick Perry praying the gay away. I am sad that the tea party has now gone all "bible thumpy".

[K. Fowlero]

Amazing that faith in our Lord and his son could be so controversial. Praise be to God.

[Allen Blevins]

What this country does not need is another Texas governor in the White House. Appeal to a Christian base, whip them into a frenzy. Go to Washington and passively let a Congress of your own party spend us into oblivion (more Jr. than Sr.)

Read my lips "No new Texas" governors!!!!