Editorial: David Benke and Conservative Christianity

May 13, 2003

Source: Newsday

http://www.newsday.com/news/columnists/ny-vpkea133280201may13,0,3066404.column

On May 13, 2003 Newsday published an editorial by Raymond J. Keating stating that "attacks on a Lutheran pastor, due to his actions during 'A Prayer Service for America' held at Yankee Stadium just 12 days after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, raise questions about being 'conservative' in the Christian sense... Well, looking at Benke's words and deeds, there shouldn't be a problem. The real trouble lies with some self-proclaimed 'conservatives' in the church, who in reality turn out to be nothing more than isolationists. As Benke told me yesterday, 'There's a difference between being a conservative and a reactionary point of view...' Referring to the charges against him, Benke said: 'This does not represent Lutherans at all, nor conservative Christianity.'"