I’m usually one of the 20 million who listen to Rush during the course of a week. I’ve always been a big fan of Rush Limbaugh and, for the most part, love his radio talk show. Hey, he’s entertaining, he uses common sense and, for me, listening to Rush is a great way to find out what’s going on outside my little hometown.
Rush has a lot of commendable opinions and ideas. Viewing issues in a conservative light, he speaks out against abortion, defends the Judeo/Christian principles that founded America, and is sympathetic to home schoolers.
These rock solid views along with his unique style have propelled him into the forefront of America’s media culture. His daily 3-hour talk show is the most listened to in the nation. But radio is not the only medium Rush has invaded. His first book, The Way Things Ought to Be, sold 2.5 million copies, making it the fastest selling hardcover ever. His new book, See I Told You So, promises to be record breaking in its own right. His monthly publication, The Limbaugh Letter, boasts more than 400,000 subscribers, and his TV show is the number three rated late-night show in America. Rush Limbaugh is a force to be reckoned. Barbara Waiters said it best, “Whether you love him or you hate him, you can’t ignore him.”
As a fan of Rush, or a “dittohead,” I have to constantly remind myself that as a Christian I have the responsibility to examine what I’m listening to, watching, and thinking about. It says in II Corinthians 10 that we are to take every thought captive to the mind of Christ, Rush Limbaugh included.
As Christians we need to listen to Rush Limbaugh with a filter in place, keeping what’s good and rejecting what doesn’t line up with God’s word.
In a recent interview with The Door, Rush said he believed “Jesus holds the answers to all of the everyday problems that you face.” But his commitment to Christian beliefs may be born more out of heritage and common sense than real personal experience. Rush appears devoted to high moral standards, but at times his life and actions don’t always reflect it.
Inconsistencies arise when he uses unnecessary verbs and an occasional four-letter word. When he gets all worked up, you can count on a few crude expressions, and his sense of humor often descends into “coarse jesting”.
Another characteristic that is pointed to by critics is Rush’s seemingly arrogant delivery. If you’re a regular listener, you know Rush has a lot of helpful knowledge, but he lacks humility. Whether this is nothing more than a stage persona or a genuine character flaw, the Bible warns us against it. I Corinthians 8: lb says, “...Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies.” This is not to say we are to simply accept or ignore the evil deeds being committed by those around us. It just means we need to speak the truth in love.
So, what should our response be to the man who says he ties half his brain behind his back “just to make it even”? First, you can pray for Rush. Just like the rest of us, he’s a sinner in need of God’s grace. He is also in the very special position of being able to influence millions of people. Pray that he will use this opportunity wisely. Secondly, while listening to Rush’s radio talk show or watching his TV program, use discernment. Always ask yourself, “What would God’s word have to say about what is being said?” If it doesn’t meet with God’s standard, than maybe you should be willing to turn it off for awhile. Always remember: our first loyalty is to the Christian faith, not to conservatism. I love Rush Limbaugh. But first and foremost, my mega dittos are with Jesus
KARA McHUGH is a 15-year old home schooler from Essex Junction, Vermont. Her dad’s a pastor, and her mom’s expecting her fifth baby. Kara loves snow skiing and watching NBA Basketball.
Rush Limbaugh
And the Bible
It was just a matter of time before someone scrutinized the words and writings of America’s latest cultural icon in the light of God’s word. In his book Rush Limbaugh and the Bible, Daniel Evearitt examines the different issues that Rush speaks out on, gives his interpretation of the Biblical viewpoint on that issue, points out where they agree and if they disagree, where they diverge.
The idea is good, and will probably sell well, but the presentation and organization of the material could have been better.
Although Mr. Evearitt makes a noble attempt, no one can hope to provide an in-depth, Biblical analysis of the issues that define our age in 190 small pages. The issues he examines, abortion, the homosexual movement, multiculturalism, national defense, etc., not only fill libraries with the books written on them, but are not always agreed upon among Christians.
The monumental size of the task aside, Mr. Evearitt does have many good things to say. When examining Limbaugh’s acceptance of Christianity, he notes, “The message Limbaugh presents is theologically incomplete…teaching that America’s founders were religious and that one should believe in God will not get at the core of the human problem.” He goes on to state that only through individual acceptance of Jesus Christ can sin be dealt with.
In the end, the areas where Limbaugh is in direct conflict with Christianity are (surprise!) his brazen ego, his sometimes vulgar use of language and colored humor, and his disrespectful attitude towards certain leaders in public office (need I mention any names?) Mr. Eavearitt waits until the last page to ask the question, “Should Bible-believing Christians listen to and watch Rush Limbaugh?” His answer is that it must be decided on an individual basis.
More than anything Rush Limbaugh and the Bible brings to light the great need among Christians for a coherent Christian world-view and an understanding of how their faith relates to the issues that surround them. –J. Harris