REVrant 31.8 - CNN/YouTube Debate Last Night - "Do You Believe Every Word in this Book?"

I was able to catch some of the Republican Presidential Candidate debate last night on CNN.  I enjoyed the YouTube video format immensely.  It was a refreshing change of pace from an anchor person asking questions in a more formal setting.  There was humor, tension, and engaging interaction for the most part. 

My favorite video was the one where the guy held up a Bible, moved it toward the camera, and asked the candidates whether or not they “believe every word of it.” 

Oh, the dancing and juggling that took place in response to that question.  Mitt Romney attempted to escape by saying he believes the Bible is “The Word of God,” but even the most elementary student of Mormonism knows that Mormons believe the Book of Mormon, The Pearl of Great Price, and The Doctrines and Covenants are ALSO considered “The Word of God.”  Romney seemed disingenuous and evasive on this one.  Giuliani said he reads the Bible from time to time.  Can’t recall any other responses right now, but I thought former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee handled it best.  (In fact, I consider him the most articulate candidate in the debate late night.)

Huckabee acknowledged that the Bible is the Word of God, that the literature varies and includes some words meant to be taken allegorically and others literally.  He affirmed his belief in the authority of the Bible.  Granted, he is the only candidate with a theological degree.  But the rest of the candidates seemed ill-prepared to address what wasn’t really a tough question.  It seemed to me that the questioner wanted to trick the candidates into saying they believe “every word,” and then later bring up some things “out of context” to trip them up or indict them.  Whatever the questioner’s motive, the candidate who stood head and shoulders above the rest with his answer (and many others answers, as well) was Mike Huckabee.  At least that’s how I saw it.

Comments

[Sandy]

I caught a small segment of the debate as well...I heard Romney explain why his stance on abortion has changed since his run for US Senate in 1994. He said he is now "in a different place" and is "personally prolife." Advocates on both sides of the issue think he's "playing politics." Maybe...maybe not.