Rob, I believe you are correct in stating we do not know if he is a liar. My sense from being around Barton is that he is sincere.  The campaign ad suggests he frequented racist meetings.  As you stated, that is not exactly what happened.  His site makes it clear he supports civil rights.  If Barton is going to enter the political action sphere he just has to put up with this stuff.  Much of the ads around here are full of much of what he complains about.  If David has a court case worthy of consideration in Texas so do lots of folks who ran up against Carl Rove.

by wilkyjr on Fri Sep 16, 2011 at 09:13:32 AM EST

Chris Rodda pointed out an incident when Barton was on Glenn Beck's show where he sat next to another guest (Hagee? I can't recall at this point) who was repeating information that Barton himself had admitted was incorrect, and Barton did not correct this person. He just sat there and let the man ramble on quoting him without admitting that it was false.  To me, that's as good as lying.  I don't agree that he innocently believes what he writes. I think he purposely muddies the water in such a way that it takes a lot of time to unravel his dishonesties. It's a good thing we have people like Chris Rodda around, who spent untold hours de-bunking Barton.  In fact, I believe Chris has also said she chose "Liars for Jesus" as her book title for a reason.

by monarchmom on Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 04:55:58 PM EST

One never ceases to be amazed at how those on the "Religious Right" seem to believe that repetition creates truth. The Founders never at any time created, or sought to create, a "Christian Nation" - quite the opposite. The majority of the key Founders that actually wrote the Declaration and the Constitution were Freemasons. The reported number of Freemasons is smaller than the actual number because, like any private fraternity, the membership lists of Masonic Lodges are not generally made public. The verified Masons among the Founders are known because their Lodges chose to release portions of their membership lists from Colonial times because they are proud of the contributions of their past members. The numbers of Founders that were Masons is somewhat higher than reported, but Masons who can learn of this are not at liberty to disclose this information publically. That said, Freemasons are sworn to respect the "endowment of The Creator" that is freedom of conscience for all persons. This is why the adoption, or even favouring, of any specific religion is strictly prohibited by our Constitution. Jefferson was neither a Freemason, or a Christian. In fact, Jefferson was not a Freemason because he was a Deist, and could not profess belief in a Creator that was a discreet personage - a requirement for Masonic membership. Even so, Jefferson's Masonic friends respected his right to believe so; and promoted and deferred to Jefferson because he was a man of high ideals and excellent moral character with a brilliant and rigorous mind. This intellectual liberality is why Fundamentalists, and particularly those in the NAR, so despise Masons; because they stand for complete freedom of conscience and believe people should only be measured by their character; by what they do, not what they "believe" (an impossible and specious standard). Yes, the Declaration and the Constitution mention Deity, but this is a non-sectarian, non-religious reference to The Creator absolutely devoid of any linkage to any church, organisation, or belief system. Freemasonry has no "belief system" (as alleged by some misinformed folks), it simple requires candidates for admission to believe the Universe was intelligently created - by what and how is not up for discussion, ever. The notion of creation without a Creator was unknown (and unthinkable) in the late 18th century. But the idea that no man can know what form such a Creator might take or how such a Creator might operate was well articulated, and built into our founding documents; creating the first government on Earth based on the Freemasonic philosophy of a secular state and the sacrosanct freedom of each person to believe and worship, or not, as they deemed fit subject to the approval or condemnation of none. This was done to avoid the strife and needless division that had led to nothing but bloodshed, suffering, and hatred throughout history. This is why it is more important than ever for Americans to embrace and appreciate the wisdom of the Founders in their effort to create an enlightened Nation that could steer clear of the mistakes, errors, and prejudices that divide in favour of tolerance and good will towards others that maintain trust, prosperity, and peace.

by Oldscribe on Sat Sep 24, 2011 at 04:55:13 PM EST

David Barton's lawsuit against his critics raises concerns about free speech and open debate. While Barton has been a prominent advocate of the idea that the U.S. was founded as a "Christian nation," his connections to controversial groups have been subject to criticism.  nashvilles tax related law It's essential to protect individuals' right to express their opinions and engage in discourse, even when discussing public figures like Barton. This lawsuit highlights the need for a robust and respectful exchange of ideas in a democratic society.

by isabelladom on Wed Sep 06, 2023 at 04:58:49 AM EST