I have listened to Rush Limbaugh on and off since 1991, and have become increasingly disturbed about his influence on Christians. Let me hasten to say that in a strictly secular, political sense, I believe his influence has been positive. It is easy for Bible-believing Christians to love Rush Limbaugh. He is taking a stand for many conservative moral values and for constitutional law in the midst of a dominant news media largely dedicated to socialism, feminism, homosexual rights, and other destructive philosophies. There is no doubt that Rush Limbaugh is exercising a broad influence in America. Columnist Joseph Sobran said in a 1993 article, "You can't ride to work or take your car in for repairs without hearing that distinctive Limbaugh sound. They play it in garages, taxis, offices. ... in an hour of Limbaugh you get more common sense, not to mention humor, than in an average week of The New York Times." This was true then, and if anything, it is even truer today. Limbaugh has helped many see the error of socialism. He has pointed out extremism in the feminist and environmental movements. He is against abortion on demand and euthanasia and homosexual rights. He is for prayer in schools, creationism and punishment of criminals. From a conservative political standpoint, Limbaugh has many fine points. What I am warning about in this article is his overall influence on Christians in fundamentalist churches.
I first found Limbaugh on the radio while traveling to church meetings across the country in 1991. I discovered that listening to Rush was a great way to pass the long miles. The man is witty, entertaining, and politically astute. He is a breath of fresh air compared to the dominant liberal media. As I have listened to him, though, I have become increasingly worried about his influence in the lives of Christians. Other men have expressed similar thoughts to me. I know that Limbaugh is widely listened to by fundamental Baptists in every part of the land. It's rare, in fact, that I meet a pastor who does not listen to Limbaugh on a regular basis, and large portions of the congregations listen to him as well. Consider with me the following reflections about Rush Limbaugh's influence on God's people.
BAD FRUIT — I am concerned about the worldliness that his program stirs up. When I listen to Limbaugh very often, I find myself enjoying the very same rock music that I rejected as vile and destructive 26 years ago when I was first saved. I find myself angry, bitter, and resentful toward my government leaders--the very leaders God tells me to honor and pray for. I find myself becoming temporal-minded rather than eternity-minded. I begin to feel hopeless and frustrated regarding the future, when in reality I should be looking for Christ every day and should be filled with hope because of the promises of God in Jesus Christ. This world is not my home; I'm just passing through! My true citizenship is in Glory. The great difference between listening to Limbaugh, and listening to someone like William Buckley or George Will is Limbaugh's entertainment savvy. The fact that he is worldly and indecent, and very entertaining at the same time, makes him more dangerous than others we might listen to for political purposes.
THE TIME FACTOR - There is also the time factor. Limbaugh is on for three hours a day, five days a week. That is a total of fifteen hours one spends with the man if you listen to him everyday. That is a lot of time to spend listening to one person, particularly a lost person. "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners" (1 Cor. 15:33). Let me summarize the reasons I am convinced Christians should beware of becoming dittoheads.
America's desperate need is not radio entertainers but preachers who walk in the fear of God and who will proclaim the Word of God without compromise and fear of man. The root of America's ills is the apostasy of her churches, and Rush Limbaugh only mirrors that apostasy.
by David W. Cloud
Way of Life Literature
fbns@wayoflife.org