Michael Brown on Good for Newly Elected Rep. Madison Cawthorn, Who Actually Practices His Christian Faith

The North Carolina GOP congressional candidate opens up about the accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down and weighs in on calls for police reform and the Black Lives Matter movement. (Stephen Smith via AP)

It appears that the Daily Beast was the first to report it, but the news was absolutely shocking, even terrifying. Yes, “Madison Cawthorn, the North Carolina Republican who will become the youngest member of Congress in history, has admitted he tried to convert Jews and Muslims to Christianity.” How could such a thing happen in 21st century? How could a self-righteous, religious fanatic make it into the hallowed halls of the House?

As I tweeted in response to the shocking news, “Oh, the horror! A newly elected House Rep., Madison Cawthorn, is a Christian who – get this – actually practiced his faith and tried – gasp!! – to win Jews and Muslims to Jesus. Time to panic! Sound the alarm! This dangerous man is now in Congress! (Seriously, good for him!)”

It turns out that in a November 16 interview with the Jewish Insider, Cawthorn spoke of his devout Christian faith, explaining that he had also read the Quran in case he ever met a Muslim who was curious about Christianity. And, he was thrilled to share, he had actually seen some Muslims become Christians.

But this, he stated, was what Christians are supposed to do: “If all you are is friends with other Christians, then how are you ever going to lead somebody to Christ? If you’re not wanting to lead somebody to Christ, then you’re probably not really a Christian.”

Michael Brown holds a Ph.D. in Near Eastern Languages and Literatures from New York University and has served as a professor at a number of seminaries. He is the author of 25 books and hosts the nationally syndicated, daily talk radio show, the Line of Fire.

Precisely. Sharing the Christian faith with non-Christians, in a loving, non-coercive way, is part of what Christians do. For followers of Jesus, this should be as natural as breathing. It is part and parcel of who we are and part of the mandate that He left us. In the oft-quoted words of Jesus, we are to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15).

Coincidentally, about the same time the Jewish Insider interview was being released, I was writing an article on the gospel being our first and greatest priority. The article ended with several powerful quotes, including this one from C. H. Mackintosh (1820-1896): “No Christian is in a right condition, if he is not seeking in some way to bring souls to Christ.”

Put another way, committed Christians share their faith the way committed Jews observe the Torah and committed Muslims follow the Quran. These are foundational elements of each one’s respective faith.

What about sharing the gospel with Jews? The Jewish Insider asked him that very question:

“I have,” he said with a laugh. “I have, unsuccessfully. I have switched a lot of, uh, you know, I guess, culturally Jewish people. But being a practicing Jew, like, people who are religious about it, they are very difficult. I’ve had a hard time connecting with them in that way.”

That makes perfect sense. It is harder to change the views of someone who is also deeply committed to their faith.

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SOURCE: Christian Post, Michael Brown