Should Christians Listen To Rush Limbaugh?
As I reflected on my last post, The Importance Of Character In Leadership, it occurred to me that there are leaders that we might not recognize as leaders at first glance. One such type of leader are media opinion leaders, the people who shape public opinion by radio, television or other media. The current leader in talk radio is Rush Limbaugh, whose program airs at least 15 hours a week and attracts a minimum of 13.5 million listeners. Limbaugh proudly calls himself a conservative and in effect defines what conservative means for millions of Americans. Thus the equation Limbaugh = conservative is true for many people. Some believers have extended the equation to become Limbaugh = conservative = Christian and listen to Limbaugh to understand how a Christian should view the issues and politics of the day. Should Christians listen to Rush Limbaugh?
I have listened to Limbaugh on occasion while driving and agree with some things and disagree with others. My question in this post is not whether a Christian should ever listen to him, but whether a Christian should listen to Limbaugh for hours weekly and take his opinion as how to think on current issues. Most people listen to their pastors for maybe 30 minutes a week on Sunday mornings. If they listen to Limbaugh for hours weekly, who will more shape their thinking and character? The answer would be Limbaugh. Whether you believe his talk is changing you or not, it is. Proverbs 13:20 (NIV) He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. In other words, whoever you listen to, whoever you spend time with, you become like.
My argument in my last post about character in leadership was that the qualifications that the Bible lists for church leaders are essential qualifications for any leadership position. If a person does not do well in this character test, then according to God’s Word, they would not be a wise person who should be listened to or personally followed. As a pastor, I am unconstitutionally muzzled by IRS regulations from applying this test to politicians, but am free to apply it to a talk show host, such as Rush Limbaugh. How does Limbaugh measure up?
The first requirement of character is in relationships according to 1 Timothy 3:2-7. A leader must be “the husband of one wife” and “must manage his own family well.” The reason is given that if anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he manage or lead anything larger? Although this character requirement is consistently ignored today, it is nevertheless true. How has Limbaugh done? Let’s do some research by going to Wikipedia’s article on Limbaugh. Under the paragraph on relationships, we find that Limbaugh has been married and divorced three times. He has certainly never learned to manage his own family or wife.
The second character requirement has to do with the qualities that make up a good reputation in God’s eyes. A leader must be temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome and not a lover of money. This is a little more difficult to judge, especially as I do not listen to Limbaugh regularly. In my opinion, I would not want my children to grow up having the character of Limbaugh. He tends to see everything as black or white, either you are a conservative according to his definition or you are a liberal. Certains word such as humble, gentle, not quarrelsome and temperate do not readily come to mind when listening to Limbaugh. The whole issue of his problem with prescription drug addiction and fraud concealment of related information does not make for a postitive role model. Perhaps, an easier question to answer is whether you would want to spend a lot of time around someone with Limbaugh’s personal character qualities. I would not.
The third character requirement is the leader’s belief system. Where do the principles he lives by come from? Limbaugh has written The 35 Undeniable Truths that form his core principles. Truth number 20 says “There is a God.” Nothing in the truths about Jesus or the Bible. Some of Limbaugh’s principles could be derived from the Bible, others could not be. I have not seen any type of testimony by Limbaugh with regard to his personal salvation. His talk show certainly is not the place to learn a comprehensive biblical worldview despite some overlap of his truths with biblical principles. I believe that Christians would be far better off reading their Bibles and discussing it’s implications with other believers in their churches than to waste significant amounts of time listening to Limbaugh.
I conclude that Christians should not spend much time listening to Limbaugh, God has much better ways for you to spend your time. Learn to think and reason from the Bible for yourself, rather than parrot the latest Limbaugh opinions. Limbaugh has filled a vacuum that existed in America for relevant biblical teaching on the issues of the day. It’s time to recognize that Limbaugh does not have the character of a leader worth listening to. Christians should be known for thinking biblically, not whether they conform to anyone’s definition of conservative or liberal. I encourage you to apply the leadership character test to political candidates to determine who to support and vote for. For my part, I am beginning to write this year about current issues from a biblical perspective. I trust that the conversation will be helpful.
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- The Importance Of Character In Leadership
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I am a born again Christian, and listen to Rush in the car whenever he is on. It is obvious that you are not a regular listner. Rush’s belief in God as the creator is long and strong. Rush is a Christian and states that with pride.
When runnning erronds, what would you prefer we listen to while in the car between 11A and 2P?
How about listening to Christian radio or better yet, a Bible on CD. If you want one, I can let you have one. I agree with the presenter of this website. What he says does line up with scripture.
What to listen to besides Rush????- How about John MacGarthur, Charles Stanley, Billy Graham to mention a few??? If they aren’t scheduled at that time, then I would be better served to get some recordings and listen to true men of God than to listen to Rush. It is true that I probably don’t listen to Rush as much as you do, but I listen to him enough to know that he is not a spokesperson for evangelical Christianity.
lol… Rush says he believes in God, and he may believe in Jesus Christ and be “born again”… but please check and compare his “fruits of the spirit of God/Christ”. please?
I have listened to Rush enough to understand where he is coming from. In my post I said that Rush believed in God and I’m not surprised he has said he is a Christian, as 85% of Americans claim to be Christian. Every presidential candidate, whether conservative or liberal says that they believe in God and are Christians. If you have heard Rush speak of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, I would be interested in what he said.
My blog explored his character qualifications for leadership and found them wanting. I also suggested, rather than listen to Rush all the time, a believer might do better by listening to something more biblically oriented. Some examples would be a Bible CD/mp3, Christian teachers on CD/mp3 or Christian worship music. You could also simply spend some time in prayer and listen to God Himself.
Would you apply the same criteria to all political commentators or only to Limbaugh? If so, then almost every signficant political voice in America would likely be disqualified. The only political voices that Christians should hear are those that profess a “personal relationship with Jesus Christ?”
No, Limbaugh is not an apostolic voice. But he is the most insightful voice in political commentary today. Your criticism of his radio persona is common to those who do not take time to really listen to him. If you are going to address the subject of unworthy characters in the media, why not start with Joel Osteen, Benny Hinn, or 95% of those on the TBN circus?
Yes, the same criteria should apply to all political commentators. All that would prove is that the Bible is correct when it says “Narrow is the way and few are those who find it.” Saying that Rush is no worse than anyone else in media does not mean that he is a believer or that hs is a legitimate spokesperson for the faith.
Unfortunately, one terrific conservative spokesperson, who was a genuine believer, Paul Harvey passed away recently.
Rush only pays Christianity lip service. I have never heard him mention on his program his attending a church service; not even for Christmas, or Easter. He has mentioned his Sunday golfing.
I just don’t see how it is improper or incompatible for a Christian to listen to a social commentator. Sure, Rush doesn’t fulfill the requirements in 1 Timothy 3 for an overseer, but he isn’t an overseer!
missouripilgrim & anonymous, It seems you miss the point of my post, which is that character matters in leadership. Of many passages on character in the Bible, I chose the one in 1 Timothy 3. Anonymous thinks it only applies to church leaders. Why don’t you read the passage again and tell me what qualities you don’t want to see in a presidential candidate or in a commentator you spend time listening to? With a slight extension on a few, they all apply very well.
I did not say you should never listen to Limbaugh, I said I didn’t think you should listen to him for hours a week. Here’s a simple test. If you read your Bible more than you listen to Limbaugh, you’re OK. If not, you’re out of balance. I only chose Limbaugh because he is the top radio host in the country. The point of my last two blogs is that you should apply the character test to everyone you might vote for or follow as a leader.
It is a sad commentary on our political process that only one of the major presidential candidates passes the character test and the leading talk show host fails it. It is an even sadder commentary that Christians and their leaders don’t know biblical principles well enough to present a united voice in who they listen to and support.
Why not listen to Limbaugh? The Bible says you become like who you listen to. Many people think they can watch or listen to whoever and it doesn’t affect them. That’s not true. Who you listen to affects you in ways far beyond your political views. So take care who you listen to.
Pastor Dan, thanks for your thoughtful response.
Here is why I think I Timothy 3 applies to pastors/elders/overseers (bishops): “If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, etc…”
Does character matter in leadership? Of course it does! Would I like to see godly characteristics in the presidential candidates? Of course. That’s what I’m praying for.
As for Rush, I appreciate his stance on abortion and on most social issues because I think they are compatible with what the Bible teaches. But I’m not his defender. My calling is to preach the unadulterated Word of God. I just happen to think that were a bit careless with your exegesis.
I must disagree with you regarding my application of 1 Timothy 3. Of course it applies to church leaders. My point is that it is God’s desire for all leaders and so can and must be applied to our evaluation of all leaders. Too many pastors and church leaders have retreated into a kind of isolationism bred by refusing to apply biblical principles to all of life and simply stating the obvious 1st century application. This is a huge mistake and has led to the rise of people like Limbaugh. As I said, I agree with Limbaugh on some issues and disagree with others. My point in these posts was that character counts and bleeds through in everything Limbaugh says in a very unChrist-like way.
There seems to be a great tendency today among Christian leaders to disregard character in their evaluation of leaders. In my opinion, this is another big mistake and greatly harms the cause of Christ.
Hey Pastor Dan,
I am not actually writing here to comment on your writing about Rush Limbaugh, I am actually writing in response to what you wrote about Mormonism. I really appreciated those articles, I am a missionary in Panama and there are many Mormons who live here and I have had many conversations with them. I am amazed by the fact that many Christians assume that Mormonism is Christian because they say they believe in Jesus. However more study, as you have shown, proves that Mormonism is not Christian at all. So I just want to say thanks for that!
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Limbaugh cannot even see the Kingdom of God according to the Bible being that he is not born-again.
I Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. God’s word will live and abide forever not the words of some 20/21 cigar guzzling political commentator whose has to appear before the judgment seat of Christ.
I Corinthians 10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.
Professing Christians that say they love God, yet listen to this blasphemer who divides the church, and turn God’s glory to shame, will not be able to hide behind men when they appear before God’s throne.
I must say that I’ve stopped listening to Rush, but not for the reasons discussed. I was trying to understand how some Christians are so totally conservative and some so totally liberal. The Bible calls us to seek one mind. I live in a very liberal state, so I could see that Listening to Rush just made this more difficult. Here’s my journal on that issure;
11/02/06 Liberal vs Conservative Christians – What’s the Biblical Perspective; All Christians are called to seek one mind, the mind of Christ, yet we differ so strongly on what seem to be core issues. It seems like Liberals like to place their faith in the Government, while Conservatives like to place their faith in the marketplace. Perhaps neither perspective is correct from a Godly perspective. God tells us to place our faith only in him.
Observation: Is the observation correct, that Liberals seem to place their faith in the Government, while conservatives seem to place their faith in the marketplace? Maybe it should be stated a little differently. Liberals place more faith in the Government than in the Marketplace, while Conservatives are just the opposite- placing more faith in Markets than Government. I don’t think that the Bible says much about either side. It clearly says that he has authority over government leaders. Likewise there are probably verses showing his authority over the markets. Perhaps the most biblical perspective is that of an independent, evaluating all selections based on a candidate’s obedience/alignment to God’s Word.
Application: Perhaps God is asking me to give up some of my conservative convictions, to really seek one mind.
MKJV Prov 14;12 There is a way which seems right to a man , but the end of it is the ways of death.
Rom1;17 God’s way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith , confirming what Scripture has said all along: “The person in right standing before God by trusting him really lives.”
Prayer: Dear God,
Pls help me to relentlessly, accurately, and completely apply your Word in my life, to spread your wisdom and light to all who will listen, in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
http://thebigpictureministry
.htohananet.com/blog
Pastor Dan said: “As a pastor, I am unconstitutionally muzzled by IRS regulations from applying this test to politicians”
Just to clarify you’re not muzzled from speaking your mind. You’re only “muzzled” if you want to maintain your tax-exempt status.
Hi. I’m a Christian in Pennsylvania. I too am also constantly baffled by those who misuse God’s name and speak as supposed Christians. Jesus said to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Clear and simple. Those who don’t try their best to uphold this (it is NOT EASY, but a constant goal), but rather, are hate mongers, can’t seriously be doing God’s work.
Please speak out more for Chrisitans – I believe too many are following cults of personalities like Rush.
Thank you.
Does anyone research what Rush says? Google, Does Rush lie and see what comes up. Plenty of irresponsible reporting but then he’s selling to people who want to believe him.
James says wisdom from above is pure, peacable, full of good fruit, easy to be entreated. Philippians 4:8 tells us to think about whatsoever things are true, pure, lovely of good report.
Rush fails on all levels.
The bible is a message of social justice. Loving our neigbor as ourselves, taking care of widows and orphans, seeking justice for strangers, (those with out legal rights)
Rather than listen to the hateful cynical, scornful, sarcastic message of Rush and people like him we can spend our time discussing who needs help and how we can wisely give it, and thus fulfil the law of Christ.
I think Rush that bares rotten fruit, more like him who instead of doing proactive good, are fighting the evils of an empire that lives in the heads of a self-righteous people.
Light a candle by serving others, including your enemy.
It’s hard to imagine that someone spewing as much venom and hatred could call themselves a Christian. However, this is not for me to decide. I would like to comment on a statement I once heard Rush make however. Someone had told him that God had saved their marriage. Rush mocked them stating that God had nothing to do with saving a marriage. Interesting. As a born again Christian I have always believed that God could do anything.
Hi, I stumbled across this site because I googled “Why do christians listen to Rush Limbaugh?”. I googled this because this sunday I saw a book in my church’s store and on that book Rush Limbaugh had a commented saying that the book is a must buy. I didn’t like that at all because I’m not impressed by Rush Limbaugh personality. If he is trying to project himself as a christian I will have to spend time explaining to my non-christian friends that he is just a radio host and a conservative and not a christians. True christians are not like Rush Limbaugh loosing their temper and refusing to listen to others. I expect christians to be loving and humble which clearly Rush Limbaugh lacks. I wouldn’t like my church or christians to pay a penny to his thoughts or opinions. He is nothing. I am happy to see this article and I like the way you have put it. This was exactly what I wanted to hear. Thanks.
Rush is against abortion, against gay marriage, advocates for individual responsbility and responsbility, self determination and many others noble things. He doesn’t have to wear his relgion on his sleeve. He influences people to advocate “Godly” positions as it relates our political and social fabric. He was married three times, I am sure he is not happy about this. But like all people, he is imperfect and I am sure the good Rush does certainly outweighs the bad. God bless Rush, he is better than listening to the likes of Rachel Maddow, a radical, lesbian feminazi, abortion loving disgrace. These types of attitudes are destroying our country. Rush advocates for the truth. Incessent Bible is not required to acheive this aim. Afterall, truth is “Godly”.
One of the major things I struggle with is my own walk in my belief in Jesus Christ. I find it more difficult to diminish others (although I certainly do at times) while striving to glorify God and show love and selflessness towards others. Hopefully as I try to stay in the word, I have the wherewithal to discern a hint of truth or lack thereof in what Rush Limbaugh says.
pastor dan, very thoughtful and well presented discussion of rush limbaugh.
i am always amazed by christians who follow limbaugh more religiously than reading the word of God but that’s a sign of the times we live in. intellectual laziness is the norm of the day – it’s easier to let someone like limbaugh tell you how you should think about issues rather than, studying the word of God for yourself so that God can reveal his truth directly to you.
keep preaching the unmitigated word of God pastor dan for surely, you are brave man to take on those Christians who love Rush fans, Oprah fans, or any of the other talking heads who are poor substitutes for opening the word of God and studying for oneself.
blessings to you.
I give a high five to Pastor Dan on his viewpoint regarding Mr. Limbaugh. I’m actually in the process myself in addressing this issue and came across this article. I also read the replies and was quite surprised to see Christians offering more support to Mr. Limbaugh than to a pastor. I watch all the cable news shows; Rachel, Chris, Glenn, Sean and have listened to Rush on occassion. The verbal abuse from all sides is wrong and extremely un-Christ-like. The Bible says in 1 Peter 2:23, “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” Christians are doing nothing but retaliating nowadays. For those that don’t agree with Pastor Dan using 1 Timothy 3:2-7 as a ruler for Mr. Limbaugh, let’s use Galatians 5:22 the fruits of the spirit. They are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. How does Mr. Limbaugh measure up to these Christians qualities?
I think people like Rush, Hannity, and Beck are clearly hate mongering. There is nothing Christ-like about them. They are more like the Pharisees in the Bible against who Jesus used some pretty strong language! If we are really concerned about the moral character of our country, then we as Christians need to speak up against the likes of Rush and ask them to stop the hate and lies that they spread.
Thank you, Pastor Dan, for your views.
I am not affiliated with any church and prefer to study the Bible on my own. This passage made it clear to me that we should not spend our time listening to or watching programs by people who spread lies and encourage hate, regardless of their political views:
Colossians 3:8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
There is an even deeper question here behind this overall discussion. The question as I see it is whether or not political conservatism and blind flag waving patriotism have become almost false religions among Christian believers. I could go on all day about this, but while I certainly do embrace some conservative values on issues like gay marraige and abortion, it seems to me that many evangelical believers have come to almost embrace the conservative view on every issue as automatically being the Biblical view. I believe that it was Francis Schaeffer who once said that “conservative humanism is no better than liberal humanism.” I strongly believe that you can be conservative and not embrace a biblical world view. I know at least one atheist and many people who I would consider to be practical agnostics who are political conservatives.
Pastor Dan, you are to be commended. This is a very well written piece. You have stepped out and spoken on a topic that many people would prefer you’d have kept your mouth shut about.
Many individuals today have equated Conservative values and politics with Christianity and it simply isn’t so. Conservatism is false salt, especially if you are not properly grounded in the Word of God.
As for Rush, I have listened for years and have never once heard anything from his lips that would lead his listeners to know or believe that he is anything other than a nominal Christian. He has never once spoken of a conversion experience, repentance from sin, the personal Lordship of Jesus Christ, quoting of scripture in any way other than a nominal manner to support a point he is trying to make or be humorous.
Thank you for your boldness to speak where others simply shut their mouths in order to be politcally correct. God bless you!
John Payne
Homeward Bound Ministries
Milford Connecticut
[quote]I am not affiliated with any church and prefer to study the Bible on my own. This passage made it clear to me that we should not spend our time listening to or watching programs by people who spread lies and encourage hate, regardless of their political views:
Colossians 3:8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
[/quote]
I agree. But such stuff sells air time and tv time (FOX news). Of course, the same such stuff exists on the left also. This is especially true in other nations. College campuses are a hotbed of left wing hate all over the world.
The best thing to do is not to get caught up in politics though that might sound anti-American because it asks people to ignore the political process.