Church Sign Claims Mark Sanford Not a 'Real Christian'

Easter is a day when those of the faith celebrate Christ conquering the grave and defeating sin. It is important for Christians to remember that salvation is a gift from God for all who are sinners. Christians believe sin has been defeated and the Bible tells us “as far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Yet, I grow concerned that a small but vocal number of my fellow Christians are spreading an entirely different message with respect to the first Congressional district race and are passing judgment on former Gov. Mark Sanford and those who have decided to vote for him.

On the surface, this race appears to be a perfect contrast. We all know Mark Sanford’s failings which do not bear repeating. His marital infidelity was totally and completely wrong. Sanford has apologized repeatedly but lost his marriage as a result. Now, four years later, he comes back on the political stage seeking to fill the vacancy left by Tim Scott’s elevation to the US Senate.

Sanford’s opponent, on the other hand, is Curtis Bostic, who has a stellar reputation for being generous with his time and money on behalf of causes that help those in need or promote the Gospel of Christ. Bostic has stayed faithful to his wife and children and puts an emphasis in promoting family values.

Without question, Bostic is a admirable person and a strong man of faith and good character. But that isn’t necessarily all one needs to be elected to Congress. Some have decided that there are significant enough differences on policy that Sanford is still the better choice. Agree or disagree, that is their right to conclude that. Yet some have resorted to bizarre attacks against both Sanford and those who have decided to vote for Sanford.

Yesterday, a good friend of mine drove past a church in Ladson and their marquee sign displayed, “We need to put a real Christian in Congress. We need your help again in the runoff.” Real Christian? Is this Church essentially saying Mark Sanford is not a “Real Christian”?

That is quite a proclamation!

Then in my Facebook news feed, someone posted that if one supports Mark Sanford, “you are an idiot with no moral compass.”

Then this: "If you support [Mark Sanford], you will answer for it. The Judgement Seat of Christ, should you truly have salvation in your heart, is a terrible place of, oh yes, judgement. Paul warns of the pain many will experience there."

Fire and brimstone makes for one heck of a political pitch, doesn’t it?

I am certain that Curtis Bostic would not approve of these messages nor do I think they represent the views of the majority of Curtis Bostic supporters. In fact, I am not critical of Bostic at all on this point. He isn’t responsible for this. While these expressions certainly don’t help the Bostic, what is of more concern to me is how this hinders the Church’s mission to promote the Gospel of Christ.

I can’t help but wonder about those who read the words on that church sign who might be Mark Sanford supporters who also doubt Christ. What does he think? Is that person more likely to conclude that the Church is judgmental and unforgiving when in reality Christianity is centered around imperfect people being redeemed by Christ even though they do not deserve it? What about when he sees Christians claim punishment on Judgment Day for voting for Sanford. Will he be more or less likely to take the Church seriously after that?

If a man with humility admits his sin and his imperfection before God and professes to be a Christian and asks for forgiveness, I believe the church should not cast judgment. Only God knows his heart, but I see no justification in rejecting his confession and repentance and I know if he is a Christian, as he claims, he is forgiven and redeemed by God. And if God can forgive him, why can't I?

I will conclude with the obvious: Forgiving him and not passing judgment does not mean one must vote for him.  Indeed, not voting for him -- even for the reason of infidelity -- is a  judgment call. But to those who make the judgment to give Sanford their vote based on policy, let’s not be so bold as to say they “will answer for it" at the "Judgment Seat of Christ." Let’s also not declare Sanford to not be a “real Christian.” Christians must be mindful of whether their message helps or hinders their mission to spread the Good News of salvation to the rest of the world. And on a political level, making such arguments do not help Curtis Bostic at all and come across as being very insulting. Nothing good can come of it for the one saying it, for the candidate, or for the Church itself.

NOTE: Daniel Encarnacion is the Chairman of the Lowcountry chapter of the Republican Liberty Caucus of South Carolina, which has endorsed Mark Sanford. The previous represent Encarnacion's views and his alone.