Last week Spiritual Perspectives noted many of the names that Abe Lincoln was called when running for President. A “third-rate country lawyer” was one of the kindest epithets used against him. Of course, “grotesque baboon,” “ape,” and “buffoon” were personal attacks. So these tactics are nothing new in politics. Even George Washington’s critics were severe. He was called monarchial and aristocratic. He was condemned as the man who had “entailed upon his country deep and incurable public evils.” Most people would doubt the veracity of charges such as these, but the point is that they were made.
Former Speaker of the House, John Boehner, however, went beyond personal attacks when, at a speech given to college students in California, he called Texas Senator Ted Cruz, “Lucifer in the flesh.” Even most of Cruz’ detractors would not make such a ridiculous statement. Certain criticisms leveled at the former presidential candidate may have some merit, but Boehner is hardly an expert on Biblical topics. (If he were, he would have said Satan, since Lucifer refers to the king of Babylon in Isaiah 14). As Boehner intended the insult, not much could be said that is worse about someone. Jesus said to some of the Jews that they were of their father, the devil (John 8:44), but He offered evidence for His allegation.
What proof did the former Speaker of the House offer? He said that he could get along with both Republicans and Democrats—and almost anyone else—but not Mr. Cruz, and then he threw another insult at him—a worldly and unsavory description, thus showing even further his lack of respect for God’s Word and his so-called expertise concerning it. Maybe his problem is that most of the people he knows are those who compromise, as he does. Cruz, however, will not back down from his principles (not that he hasn’t made mistakes). Cruz refused to play the political game that many in D.C. (in both parties) go along with.
Surprisingly, Cruz said, “If I have said 50 words in my life to John Boehner, I would be surprised. And every one of them has consisted of pleasantries: ‘Good to see you, Mr. Speaker.’ I’ve never had a substantive conversation with John Boehner” (Orlando Sentinel, April 29, 2016, A6). In fact, when Cruz asked to meet with Boehner about the government shutdown, he refused. How shameful to refuse to talk to someone—and then badmouth him! Those who have an argument make it; those who don’t call names. Mr. Boehner has revealed more about himself than Senator Cruz.