Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Faithful Democrats

Home
Politics and Religion
A Prayer for Ted Cruz (Not the way he wants)

A Prayer for Ted Cruz (Not the way he wants)

Last updated on: March 25, 2015 at 9:52 am by Joseph Gidjunis

A Prayer for Ted Cruz (Not the way he wants) 2015-03-25T09:52:33-06:00 Joseph Gidjunis

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Dear Media and News Editors:

This is a prayer. I pray that when the media reports on politicians, and in particular, those running for President of the United States, that not all Christians are conservatives. Please don’t allow lazy stereotypes and tropes be used to assume there is one acceptable brand of faith.

Yesterday, as Texas GOP junior Senator Ted Cruz announced at Liberty University he was running for the Republican nomination to be President of the United States, I listened hard, as I heard him say, “I believe God isn’t done with America yet.”

I cringed.

Cruz's Speech courtesy Politico.com I will admit it’s catchy. But I’m not sure one can argue Christians love all people under Jesus Christ, and in that same speech loathe so many Americans such as anyone in favor of healthcare for all, fewer guns and a more tolerant immigration system. He also quoted freedom and liberty about a dozen times, except when a woman wishes to choose what’s best for her own body. Don’t accept the premise that Christians and the millions of faithful in the United States want what Ted Cruz is selling.

Five years ago Monday, Obamacare became law, and the 16 million Americans have earned healthcare with more than 100 million people no longer having to worry about lifetime limits or pre-existing conditions. But Cruz pledged to repeal the law his first day in office. Those thousands of Liberty University students cheering live for this legislation’s repeal may feel differently about the law once they graduate and need that very same health care coverage or stay under their parent’s plan, thanks to the ACA.

Then Cruz took to defending the 2nd Amendment because for some reason, the amendment — which has had its restrictions weakened since Sandy Hook school massacre — needs more support. How is the Jesus who preached non-violence and to turn the other cheek in the Sermon on the Mount in favor of ammunition for all and an unrestricted 2nd Amendment when mass shootings are commonplace? Why were there so many cheers for more guns and ammo? Where is the faithful message to cherish all lives, not just when they are born, but throughout their life?

Christians are taught not to ridicule their enemies. They love them. I’m not judging Sen. Cruz’s faith. I believe it’s genuine. But I do not wish to be lumped in with his brand of Christianity. Neither do so many millions of faithful Americans who believe in a God welcoming the stranger and caring for their brothers and sisters when they’re ill and need a helping hand.

At the end of his speech, Sen. Cruz said it’s time for truth. I couldn’t agree more senator. Truth, I’m praying for you. But probably not the way you want me to pray for you.

Cruz’s Speech courtesy Politico.com

Joseph Gidjunis is the former Director of the Young Democrats of America Faith & Values Initiative and an award-winning photojournalist who owns JPG Photography in Philadelphia. He serves as a remote fellow for Eleison. He is married with two wonderful dogs.

Presidential Politics

Sen.

Texas Senator

Previous Post

March 8, 2015

50th Anniversary of Six Hundred in Selma

Next Post

March 28, 2015 Religious Liberty vs. LGBT Rights: How the Church Is Missing the Point

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category About Us About Us Action Center Advertise Ask a Theologian Ask a Theologian Blogs Books Campaign Blog Candidate Spotlights Commentary Donate Facebook Featured Writers Fellows Fellows From the Pulpit General Information Hillary Clinton Interfaith Blog Latest Media Center Media Center Media Center MyBlog MyBlog News Newsflash Newsflashes Our Team Reader Blogs RSS Sermon of the Week Shop Social Networking Static Items Support Talking Points Test blogs The Basics Theology Uncategorized YouTube

Select a Month November 2020 October 2020 February 2020 August 2019 July 2018 July 2017 March 2017 February 2017 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 June 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007 July 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007 March 2007 February 2007 January 2007 December 2006 November 2006 October 2006 September 2006 August 2006 July 2006 January 2006 August 2004

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who were Isaac and Rebekah's twin sons?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Cain and Abel Joseph and Benjamin Esau and Jacob Simeon and Levi