Exclusive Interview: "American Heritage Party's" Dan Eby Discusses The Need For Explicitly Christian Party

[TheGeneral]

On a recent "The American View" radio show we interviewed Dan Eby, National Chairman of "The American Heritage Party." Here is an edited version of what Brother Eby had to say. -- J.L.

Link to full article:
http://www.theamericanview.com/index.php?id=704

[Whitetop]

Dear Christian Readers:
My wife and I have been members of the American Heritage Party since 1999. I am currently an officer on the county level.
We believe the AHP represents the views and ideals of the Founding Fathers of our nation, that is, the biblical view. The fact that our party leaders have remained steadfast in holding to the fundamental principles of godly government, and have demonstrated personal integrity in seeking to implement these principles, gives us hope that our efforts will ultimately result in fruit that will glorify God and return America to freedom.
We extend a welcome to any and all who love our Lord Jesus Christ to join us in these efforts.
Sincerely,
Thomas and Janet Newcomer
Rockport, Washington

[awaitHim]

Congratulations to the American Heritage Party and Mr. Eby's work. May it be successful starting out at the local level.

There is however in me a note of caution which others may disagree with, but I see as very important. This is the issue of a religious test to join a political party. The Constitution forbids a test for Federal office because of the danger of one sect requiring and establishing its belief over others and in effect silencing freedom of religion.

It is one thing to have a party platform of standards of civil government which true Christians of various sects may agree to and another to require a religious belief system in order to join the party. To say for example, that one cannot be in the party unless he is of the Reformed faith, connects civil law with religious beliefs. Though they are related to each other, they are separated. Civil law is the fruit of religious faith. The fruit can be recognized as good and right even by those not of that faith background and I will add even by some unbelievers. For the law of God is written in men's hearts. In effect, when a political party requires a religious test, it is connecting the power and authority of the sword with its religious faith. This is because civil government has the power of the sword. Also, only those people of that sect would vote for the party- others would fear persecution if they worshiped or believed differently.

In reality, this is also because Christianity does not seek by the civil government to establish itself- for its citizenship is not of this world. We are ambassadors to the nation, praying the people will choose civil leadership which will establish God's laws in the nation and give Christians and the people freedom of conscience under that law.

This does not mean that the party may not be made up of certain sects of Christians if the platform for its civil government naturally draws them there, nor that a certain group of Christians may not join together to form their own party as American Heritage has done. Nor does it mean that those investigating the party not be allowed to investigate the religious beliefs and moral qualifications of the party members or candidates. Nor does it mean prayers cannot be offered in the party meetings by its leaders freely from there religious traditions. It simply means that the civil government party platform is not connected with a certain religious test, so men's consciences in their faith are free. Will they only agree to the party platform for the civil government?

[David M Zuniga]

Mr/Mrs "tHim",

Political parties, denominations, news media, and large corporations are all having a hard time coming to grips with the realities of the 21st century.

As was the case for 500 years after the birth of the incunabulum, the birth of the printing press by itself didn't change the world; only when printing reached critical mass did it begin to re-structure every area of human life. The same is true of the Internet.

Political parties (as a sociological mechanism) used to fulfill two primary functions: 1) they aggregated people around important ideas, and 2) they aggregated power/money for men who were politicians rather than statesmen.

The continual splitting of denominations and political parties in the world (not just in America) is not a bad thing; de-centralisation is healthy, given human nature and the tendencies of institutions. The best party is no party at all; same for denominations. The only service they perform is to put the ideas out in the public so that the population may be educated, edified, reformed. The ideas are great, but when the party/faction becomes an end in itself, it's time for it to go...or at least not to become an idol.

It looks very unlikely that our little party here is ever going to amount to much in terms of "clout"; the outlook is much, much worse for the American Heritage Party. But this doesn't matter; I believe this generation is the first -- but not the last -- that will struggle with the transition to worldwide flow of ideas brought on by the Internet. It's not the great One World Satan; it can be used for good or ill, and God decrees whatsoever things come to pass. He isn't stymied, nor are His plans for mankind thwarted by corrupt or evil men.

Political parties, like denominations, are dinosaurs. It's no fun to watch them struggle in the tar-pits, but it's part of life under the sun. What you do in your home, with your own children...in your extended family, local church, local jail, foreign mission field, with the poor in your town, with an outcast neighbor...or in your own business and bank account...will have 100 times more impact on the future than anything you do in politics.

[angelawittman]

Dear Mr. Zuniga,

I have read several of your postings in hope I would gain an inkling into just what it is you are promoting...and I have yet to accomplish this.

But I do see that you have an extremely pessimistic outlook on life in general and upon the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ. Which is fine, if you like to be depressed, but please do not share it with others.

And who are you to say that the LORD will not use AHP to extend His Kingdom on earth and that political parties have gone the way of the dinosaur?

[jgist]

Originally Posted by awaitHim

Congratulations to the American Heritage Party and Mr. Eby's work. May it be successful starting out at the local level.

There is however in me a note of caution which others may disagree with, but I see as very important. This is the issue of a religious test to join a political party. The Constitution forbids a test for Federal office because of the danger of one sect requiring and establishing its belief over others and in effect silencing freedom of religion.

It is one thing to have a party platform of standards of civil government which true Christians of various sects may agree to and another to require a religious belief system in order to join the party. To say for example, that one cannot be in the party unless he is of the Reformed faith, connects civil law with religious beliefs. Though they are related to each other, they are separated. Civil law is the fruit of religious faith. The fruit can be recognized as good and right even by those not of that faith background and I will add even by some unbelievers. For the law of God is written in men's hearts. In effect, when a political party requires a religious test, it is connecting the power and authority of the sword with its religious faith. This is because civil government has the power of the sword. Also, only those people of that sect would vote for the party- others would fear persecution if they worshiped or believed differently.

In reality, this is also because Christianity does not seek by the civil government to establish itself- for its citizenship is not of this world. We are ambassadors to the nation, praying the people will choose civil leadership which will establish God's laws in the nation and give Christians and the people freedom of conscience under that law.

This does not mean that the party may not be made up of certain sects of Christians if the platform for its civil government naturally draws them there, nor that a certain group of Christians may not join together to form their own party as American Heritage has done. Nor does it mean that those investigating the party not be allowed to investigate the religious beliefs and moral qualifications of the party members or candidates. Nor does it mean prayers cannot be offered in the party meetings by its leaders freely from there religious traditions. It simply means that the civil government party platform is not connected with a certain religious test, so men's consciences in their faith are free. Will they only agree to the party platform for the civil government?

I think this is a good point. Although we should base our political philosophies on the scriptures, we shouldn't hinder those who agree with us from helping to promote our ideas. I don't think that a party should have a religious test for membership like the AHP. The focus of the AHP on the Constitution and the Scriptures is good, but it must be focused appropriately.

If you can't get into office, you can never make policy. If you can compromise on irrelevant issues, but not on the core values that we hold to, then you will be far more effective. Look at Delegate Don Dwyer here in Maryland, for example. It actually can work.

[angelawittman]

Dear Gentlemen,

I recommend you get these two books from the National Reform Association (http://www.natreformassn.org/): Explicitly Christian Politics and Messiah the Prince. Another good book to read is Discipling the Nations by Dennis Woods (http://www.ismellarat.com).

Yes, our Constitution is lacking language which would make having a CHRISTIAN religious test the norm.

I say instead of compromising and becoming just another group of pluralists, we should move forward with making America an explicitly Christian nation through the efforts of the National Reform Association and the American Heritage Party.

For those who have questions about AHP, please contact: contact@ahparty.org .

Thank you.

[angelawittman]

Another good resource for you gentlemen to read is Steve Lefemine's "No King but King Jesus!"

Declarations and Evidences of Christian Faith in America’s Colonial Charters, State Constitutions, and other Historical Documents during over 375 Years of American History: 1606 to 1982

http://www.christianlifeandliberty.net/ (a link to "No king but King Jesus!" is on the home page of the CCL website)

[jgist]

Originally Posted by angelawittman

Dear Gentlemen,

I recommend you get these two books from the National Reform Association (http://www.natreformassn.org/): Explicitly Christian Politics and Messiah the Prince. Another good book to read is Discipling the Nations by Dennis Woods (http://www.ismellarat.com).

Yes, our Constitution is lacking language which would make having a CHRISTIAN religious test the norm.

I say instead of compromising and becoming just another group of pluralists, we should move forward with making America an explicitly Christian nation through the efforts of the National Reform Association and the American Heritage Party.

For those who have questions about AHP, please contact: contact@ahparty.org .

Thank you.

We must first convert people through evangelism and prayer before we can expect them to come to our side. However, as we do that, we can also elect people who will prevent us from sliding further in the political sphere. Together we can bring back America, but if we don't get both sides of the equation, we will be out of balance. When people become Christians they'll understand us better, and when they see our policies work, they might also see that our foundation is indeed a good one. This will encourage people to not only support us, but hopefully also bring them closer to God.

[jbrett14]

Originally Posted by David M Zuniga

Mr/Mrs "tHim",

Political parties, like denominations, are dinosaurs. It's no fun to watch them struggle in the tar-pits, but it's part of life under the sun. What you do in your home, with your own children...in your extended family, local church, local jail, foreign mission field, with the poor in your town, with an outcast neighbor...or in your own business and bank account...will have 100 times more impact on the future than anything you do in politics.

David, excellent post I must say. Much of what I have read of yours is the type of information we NEED to know, but don't WANT to know. I for one, understand where you are coming from and what you are saying.

It's unfortunate that you come across in a negative way to others - I don't see that at all. Very sincere, yes, but not negative or "depressed". Personally, you have actually given me some hope with regards to the possibility of stopping this giant evil.

Thanks brother. You are confirming some things that God is showing me from another man in our men's Bible study\fellowship group.

I think the last 2 elections have PROVEN to any sane man that Christians just don't have the discernment to properly "choose" a righteous politician. More importantly we ought to educate ourselves and do the things that God loves. If ALL Christians did that, we would not be seeking after ANOTHER "party". God is greater than that. He does not need a "party" that is deemed "qualified" by man, to bless us with. He merely wants us to OBEY Him and act as the Christians we claim to be, and siding with truth in ALL cases. NEVER to be on the side of darkness and evil, whether knowingly or ignorantly.

Jonathan Brett