Political preachers send misleading messages

A great column by Cal Thomas:

PORTSTEWART, Northern Ireland. -- Word of Pat Robertson's outrageous remarks recommending assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has reached this small seacoast town. A local man asked me what I thought of his comments. "Not much," I replied with some embarrassment. ...Mr. Robertson has made other remarks over the years about all sorts of things that have nothing to do with the Gospel in which he says he believes. He is not alone.

...Too many Christians think if they shout loud enough and gain political strength, the world will be improved. That is a false doctrine. I have never seen anyone "converted" to a Christian's point of view (which are not uniform) through political power.

...Repeatedly in the Scriptures, which TV ministers regularly and selectively quote, are teachings, admonitions and commands antithetical to the high-octane rhetoric over the ideological and theological spectrum -- from Pat Robertson to Jesse Jackson.

Here is a partial list: God's strength is made perfect in human weakness; humble yourself and God will exalt you; he who would be a leader among you must first be your servant; love your enemies; pray for those who persecute you; pray in secret, not publicly; give to the poor; God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; the last place at the table; the widow's mite (she gave all she had, not great wealth); the mustard seed (about the smallest bit of genuine faith); the washing of feet (as demonstrated by Jesus).

These virtues are virtually absent among the "resounding gongs and clanging cymbals" one sees on TV.