Mark Small

“Mark my word, if and when these preachers get control of the [GOP], and they're sure trying to do so, it's going to be a terrible damn problem. Frankly, these people frighten me. Politics and governing demand compromise. ... 13/24

But these Christians believe they are acting in the name of God, so they can't and won't compromise. I know, I've tried to deal with them.” -Sen. Barry Goldwater, seen by some as the father of modern conservatism. (and Alice Cooper's neighbor)14/24

We all should fear a Beckwith who would “defend” religious freedom via persecution of those who dont believe as he does. First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting establishment of religion or prohibiting free exercise thereof 15/24

An atheist parent who raises her child to believe there is no god could be held to commit child abuse since the child will be condemned to hell. A report to DCS becomes a ChINS followed by Termination of Parental Rights (TPR). 16/24

Child raised by loving LGBTQ parents, regardless of parents’ religious beliefs, would have to be removed, one would surmise. Betsy DeVos can place a such a child w/a “godly” home (and make more money to buy another yacht). 17/24

Ive said Beckwith is a dominionist, who believes only Christians should hold positions of governmental authority. Beckwith’s 1st value is “love my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” “Love and honor” of the Constitution come in at # 3 on his list. 18/24

Who determines “legitimate” Christian belief? Must “true believers” also believe in “complete immersion” for baptism or is mere “sprinkling” acceptable? If someone holds contrary beliefs, is that person a heretic? 19/24

The CONSTITUTION - as Beckwith spells it - protects ALL beliefs about our places in cosmos. Other Christians, ppl of Hebrew and Islamic faiths, Buddhists, Hindus, Wiccans, Jainists, and atheists & agnostics are protected EQUALLY. 20/24

In an episode of “The Andy Griffith Show,” Opie faces down a bully and steps across a line drawn by the bully. Finally the bully runs away. One thing bullies seem to have in common is cowardice. 21/24

We cant abandon 1/2 of our political sys to ignorance, bigotry & hatred - values unspoken but advanced by Beckwith nonetheless. It’s fine if he won’t crawl out from under a 6,000 year old rock to debate me. 22/24

However, he should shut his mouth about being great at debate. We value a notion that truth is discussed in the marketplace of ideas. Beckwith is cs and cannot defend his positions, so he should shut his stall and leave the marketplace. 23/24