Mark Hatfield, R.I.P.

Mark Hatfield was an icon of Oregon politics. Senator Hatfield was a Christian throughout his career and while I disagreed with some of his positions, I did not doubt the sincerity of his faith. Cal Thomas has a nice tribute today to him that is worth reading.

Some say that a "Christian politician" is an oxymoron. I disagree, although they are perhaps few and far between. The lot of a Christian politician is not easy. They are lambasted by the Left because they are insufficiently secular and their motives are therefore always suspect. They are lambasted from the Right if they take a position that is informed by their faith but contrary to prevailing conservative orthodoxy, particularly on economic or foreign policy issues. Finally, they are often kicked to the curb by fellow Christians because they aren't perfect saints at all times.

Thomas quotes Hatfield as saying that the Kingdoms of God and Man occasionally intersect, but more often they do not. This is true, but Christians are called to be salt and light in this world and that even includes politics. Trying to navigate the byways of both worlds is difficult, especially remaining true to the Kingdom of God in the process. Thus it is no great surprise that Hatfield occasionally took a wrong turn - we are all human. By and large, though, he successfully navigated this difficult field of human endeavor and brought both the salt and light of Christ to an area that is darker than most. The country and Oregon are better for his service. I hope that more Christian men and women will follow in his stead for that reason, even if they too occasionally stub their toes. Rest in peace Senator Hatfield.

townhall.com/columnists/calthomas/2011/08/11/the_death_of_a_principled_moderate