Do you consider yourself to be of a specific faith? Well, I do. The Christian faith. I wouldn’t necessarily limit myself to a particular denomination, although I am Southern Baptist. But my faith is Christian. What I think is unique about Christianity is what is unique about America — it’s the story of redemption, of hope, of purpose, and I think that’s what Christ provides.
You talk a lot about your desire to redeem the culture for Christ. What do you mean by that?
That’s the story of Christianity — it’s redemption. It’s saving that which is lost, it’s giving hope to that which is hopeless, it’s giving meaning to that which is meandering. We see our role here as working to create an environment in which Christians and the church can do what they’re called to do, and that is to be salt and light, to carry out the gospel. Some on the left want to make that into some scary proposition, but it’s simply to be allowed to share your faith freely.
What do you say to Christians who criticize your tactics — who say that the problems FRC addresses are better dealt with on the pulpit than in public policy?
It’s not one or the other; it’s both. The two are very closely related. Policy has a shaping influence for our culture. The policy of no-fault divorce was a reflection of changing values, but it also furthered changing values by changing the way we as a culture viewed marriage. But the reverse of that is the pulpit affects the culture — it works both ways.
How did you come to faith, and how did that influence your decision to go into politics?
I was born into an unchurched home. When I was about 5 years old, the community that I lived in had a Vacation Bible School program, and they would do a parade through the neighborhood surrounding the church. And I saw it and wanted to go, so my parents let me go. And I really liked it — really I liked the cookies they served. I kept pestering my dad to take me back to church, and so finally he took me. We were late, and before he could stop me I was seated on the front row. My father came under conviction. The pastor visited our home the next night, and both he and my mother accepted Christ as their savior. At about 9 years old I made my own profession of faith. … Before I ran for office myself, my sum total political involvement was putting up a yard sign. I came at this from ministry and calling, rather than a desire to be politically involved.
Your critics say that the Family Research Council is promoting bigotry and denying human dignity by its opposition to homosexuality. What do you say to them?
It goes back to the religious liberty. As Christians and as followers of Jesus Christ, we believe Scripture and that there is right and there is wrong. The Scriptures’ teaching is very clear on sexual morality. It’s just not gray. Sexual relations are to be between a husband and a wife. The social science bears out that there’s good reason why that should be the case.
Do you have a favorite presidential candidate?
I’ve got several friends in the race, so I wouldn’t say I have a favorite at this point. I’ve talked to pretty much all of them and do so on a fairly regular basis.
At your core, what is one of your defining beliefs?
I would say that it would be that man is created in the image of God, and therefore each human being has value. But in our fallen state we need to be redeemed. And that comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
– Liz Essley
– Liz Essley
