Was Gianforte Denying Christ in His Pledge to the Missoulian?

The Missoulian’s May 14th editorial endorsement of Greg Gianforte has some asking if Gianforte’s pledge to “set aside his own personal ideology whenever necessary” violated Matthew 10:33 (ESV) “But whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” It’s an argument that’s been made that casts a shadow on the Greg for Montana victory. After ‘body-slamming’ a reporter a day before the election, Gianforte’s less than honorable behavior raised more questions about his dedication to his faith (1 Peter 2:12). This is particularly important as his desire to hold public office has brought his faith into the limelight.

A Christian that cedes to the world by allowing our troubled state’s alt-left movement, is the opposite of what we as Christians are called to do. We cannot deny the reality of Christ and submit to the editorial department of a liberal media outlet – it’s akin to denying Christ himself (Acts 4:16-20).

“Unfortunately, Gianforte has a concerning tendency to sometimes lose sight of the big picture. And on certain critical issues, he appears to be completely blinded by his private religious tenets. For example, when asked whether he agrees with the scientific consensus on evolution and the approximate age of the Earth, his answer was “I can’t honestly say because I wasn’t there.” That answer, coming from an engineer, is revealing – and deeply troubling. He absolutely must not allow his ideology to drive his public votes on things like science funding… The candidate who is best prepared to take on this enormous challenge right away is Greg Gianforte… but only if he holds firm to his promise to set aside his own personal ideology whenever necessary in order to uphold Montana values. …Gianforte repeatedly assured the Missoulian editorial board that he can and will do just that. The people of Montana must hold him to that pledge.”

Missoulian editorial: Our endorsement in the special election, Missoulian. May 14, 2017.

“What should we do with these men?” they asked each other. “We can’t deny that they have performed a miraculous sign, and everybody in Jerusalem knows about it. 17 But to keep them from spreading their propaganda any further, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in Jesus’ name again.” 18 So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”

Acts 4:16 NLT

The Missoulian editorial points out the lack of respect for the Christian faith in its context and wording, saying Gianforte is “completely blinded by his private religious tenets.” That’s a divisive way of saying Christian faith is blind to the science-only reality without using the word Christianity! From a Christian perspective, unbelievers are the ones blinded by God (Isaiah 6:10), not the other way around.

Harden the hearts of these people. Plug their ears and shut their eyes. That way, they will not see with their eyes, nor hear with their ears, nor understand with their hearts and turn to me for healing.”

Isaiah 6:10 NLT

Now that the Missoulian has retracted their endorsement, Mr. Gianforte should right himself and be “renewed in the spirit” (Eph 4:17-24) and take a righteous stand with God first and not be acting in accord with covenants from unbelievers to parse one’s faith.