What is the proper role of Christian faith when it comes to politics? This is a question that has been debated for years and continues to be discussed in today's society. While we live in a country that doesn't have only Christian believers, many leaders still identify with the faith. They use what the Bible teaches them in order to lead the nation on what they believe is the best path. They choose to integrate their faith into the way they lead.
These republican leaders, both new and old, have kept Christ at the center of their lives despite the power they have gained. They still listen to His call and Word. This allows the Lord to work through them to build a nation that glorifies Him. God is able to work in miraculous ways, and uses the people on earth to spread His Word.
Here are six republicans that praise Jesus in their lives and with the nation.
Marco Rubio
Marco Rubio
Marco Rubio is now known to be a dedicated Catholic, but he didn't always identify as such. Though he was originally baptized as a Catholic, he was one a serious young Mormon. He and his family converted back to Catholicism later in life. However even today, Rubio still finds comfort outside of his Catholic roots. Rubio attends Miami's Christ Fellowship, a Southern Baptist megachurch, with his wife frequently. Rubio also has spoken about how he "craves" communion and that it's deepened his relationship with Jesus. "I craved, literally, the Most Blessed Sacrament, Holy Communion, the sacramental point of contact between the Catholic and the liturgy of heaven," he wrote.
Ted Cruz
Ted Cruz
Texas Senator Ted Cruz has been dedicated to his Christian faith since the day he was born. He went to evangelical private schools and learned about his faith from his parents. Ted often quoted his father Rafael Cruz on the campaign trail in 2016, urging people to vote by God's values. “Believing is not simply sitting aside and doing a polite little golf clap. Believing is putting everything you have, your heart, soul, life, putting everything (into) standing for what’s right," Cruz said to the congregation of First Baptist Dallas. Cruz never tiptoes around his faith and integrates it into his politics instead. “From the dawn of this country, at every stage, America has enjoyed God’s providential blessing. Over and over again, when we face impossible odds, the American people rose to the challenge,” Cruz said during a speech to students at Liberty University.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump
There are many that question what religion President Donald Trump identifies with, if any, but Trump claims himself to be a Christian and follower of Jesus. “Many are shocked when they find out that I am Christian,” President Trump said before during conferences. Trump was born in a devoted Presbyterian family. Later in life he became active at Marble Collegiate, where he had a close relationship with Pastor Norman Vincent Peale. Trump now ties his faith into his Presidency, and believes American needs faith to stay a great nation. “As long as we can open our eyes to God’s grace and open our hearts to God’s love, then America will forever be the land of the free, the home of the brave, and a light to all nations,” said Trump.
George W. Bush
George W. Bush
There is no question that former president George W. Bush has a powerful and unwavering faith. Bush's faith blossomed from a dark place. He was drinking all the time and was close to losing his entire family, and had few people he could talk to. He went to a Methodist church with his family each Sunday anyways to hear the Word of God. He then met Billy Graham, who started to offer up ways that Christ could help Bush overcome his drinking problem. Bush one day woke up and said: "Eureka, that's it. I'll take God. I'll beat drinking. I keep Laura and the girls; that simple. I will never take a drink again the rest of my life. Done." From there his faith grew into the one we see today.
Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan
Former President Ronald Reagan is well remembered for his words of faith, and it was the foundation of everything he did during his presidency. Reagan's faith came after a rough childhood, where his father was an alcoholic and he had serious eyesight issues. When elected into office, Reagan said during his speech, “I’m told that tens of thousands of prayer meetings are being held on this day, and I’m deeply grateful. We are a nation under God, and I believe God intended us to be free.” Mr. Reagan once remarked, “When the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future.”
Mitch McConnell
Mitch McConnell
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has been going to the same church, Southeast Christian Church in Kentucky, for over 10 years with his wife, Elaine Chao. He began to attend because of leader Bob Russell, who McConnell says is "an inspirational leader, and I am thankful for his wisdom and spiritual counsel through the years." He finds the church to be a “reinforcing” place for his Christian faith. McConnell says his parents had the biggest spiritual influence on his life, and grew up attending church regularly as a family. In 2018, McConnell was honored with NRB's Faith and Freedom Award, which is given to "defenders of religious liberty" each year.
Both current and past republican leadership have found ways to integrate their faith into their politics. They used what the Bible had to say to lead the country in the best way they thought possible, and did so all in God’s name. They took their faith and shared it with American public in hopes of having them see the glory of God’s Word as well. It’s truly made our nation greater.
