My blogger friend, Allan Bevere, who is a bit to the right of me politically has an apt post on Ted Kennedy, well worth the read (not a long read, either). And another blogger friend, Andrew E. Larsen calls our attention to this report from NPR on Kennedy's work for civil rights.
I find it appalling when the only things Christians might be able to express about such a man are winks, laughs and words which are demeaning. I just don't fit into such a conversation, except to point to what is good about that person, or more likely just be silent, and hang my head, maybe saying a few words that might be appropriate.
Ted Kennedy most certainly had his flaws, but it's good to hear that in his latter days he sought to live differently with the help of his wife. I hope it was a true Christian faith which underlied that, as well. I certainly don't agree with his position on abortion. The goal in Washington D.C. should be to be rid of them altogether, by a good number of policies, some to help the pregnant women, so that they won't revert to "back-alley abortions."
But Kennedy's advocacy for the poor and minorities, and his work to bring good health care to all are to be applauded, even if we don't fully agree with him on how he wanted to accomplish those ends. And he sought to be a friend to those who were his political opponents, the way it used to be, and should be.
We in Jesus should honor such people and point out the good. Without burying our head in the sand as to what we strongly disagree with.
What might you like to add to this?
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6 comments:
Amen, Ted!
In the public eye, everyone's shortfallings are over-scrutinized, hashed and rehashed and discussed and politicized to no end.
In all of that, we lose sight of the fact that our politicians, for the most part, are honestly trying to move the country forward the best way they know how.
Though I don't agree with his politics or his lifestyle, I don't believe Senator Kennedy was any different.
He should be afforded the same respect and honor that any politician deserves, regardless of party affiliation.
wingnut
i think it probably matters in the eyes of God how we think of ted kennedy. for as we judge Him, we are also being judged. i think that compassion is required in life as well as in death. if there is nothing that we did for him in life to bring him closer to God, then do we have any room to speak badly of Him in his death?
i pray that there is reason before God for ted's salvation, as for all of us.
thank you for this reminder.
He never really had the charisma of his two brothers.
Once he got over his youth, he made a great difference to politics. I admire what he did for the poor.
As the risk of boring you, I will repeat what I said to you on facebook. The prayer I say so often myself: Lord remember not the sins of my youth.
Wingnut,
Words very well spoken! Thanks.
nAncY,
Much wisdom in your words.
We wish God's salvation through Christ for everyone.
Lorenzo,
I agree that he did do much good, and I think his fellow associates on both sides of the aisle would concur wholeheartedly.
A very good prayer to pray, for sure! I also like the Jesus prayer:
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner."
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