Odd To Ann Coulter

Marvin Olasky's latest column is kind of a backhanded ode to the leggy conservative writer.

But show business pulls us in the opposite direction: Fighting words sell. Ann Coulter, for example, says people don't respond to subtle reasoning and need to be bopped on the head.

She's probably right: Rapid-fire attacks keep people awake.

But there's more to Ms. Coulter than just slamming into liberals. Apparently she also believes in the saving power of Jesus Christ.

But the columnist has another side that a former student of mine, Amy McCullough, caught in describing a Coulter appearance at the University of Texas: "When a young, conservative woman asked how she could stand the awful things people said about her because of her stand on abortion, she hesitated, messed with her hair, and said: 'Well, it's the same way I don't care about anything else: Christ died for my sins, and nothing else matters.'"

You know I pretty much agree with Ann that Christ's sacrifice is pretty darn important. On the other hand I would also place some importance in following his commands. Christs sacrifice doesn't excuse us from following his words; rather following his words allows us to better understand and accept his sacrifice.

So consider these words from the Bible.

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. - Ephesians 4:31-32

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. - Matthew 5:21-22

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. - James 1:26

I would not put it on myself to judge the state of Ann Coulter's soul. If she has felt to commune with God; that is good. I would merely point out a contrast between the harsh and hateful words of Ann Coulter and the admonitions one finds in the Bible.

Mr. Olasky also seems aware of this conflict, incidentally.

How would the apostles act in today's culture? How, for that matter, would 18th century members of the religious right like Samuel Adams and Patrick Henry? Coulter can join that distinguished host as she finds more ways to rout liberal stereotypes without fulfilling others.

I have my personal doubts that she would(for one thing I still think, protestations aside, that it's all about the benjamins for Ms. Coulter), but certainly it would be nice if Ms. Coulter took a higher road.