ABOARD THE STRAIGHT TALK EXPRESS (CNN) - John McCain, who rarely talks about his faith publicly, discussed some of his religious beliefs with reporters Wednesday – including the question of whether he might consider being baptized again.
The presumptive Republican nominee talked with journalists traveling with him from Kentucky to West Virginia about his home congregation, North Phoenix Baptist Church.
"Pastor Dan Yeary has a message I enjoy and appreciate," he said, adding that he and his family have "grown close to [Yeary] over the years" and that he tried to attend services at the church whenever he was home in Arizona.
"The message that Dan Yeary conveys of Christian love and redemption is one that I welcome," said McCain. "And I'm always spiritually helped and assisted when I attend those church services, as I think most Americans are when they attend church services."
The Arizona senator, who was raised an Episcopalian, has attended North Phoenix for nearly two decades, but is not a member because he has not been baptized into the church.
On Wednesday, he told reporters that he had been baptized in Panama, where he was born, and talked about a photo in his memoirs of himself as a baby in a baptismal gown, with his father and grandfather.
"It's like a dress," he chuckled.
But he was more guarded about his current plans with regard to baptism, calling them "a private thing."
"I've been in discussions with Pastor Yeary, and we'll continue those discussions," he said. "It's a personal thing, it's a very personal thing concerning my faith and I am proud of my faith, I am proud of my belief and the sustenance and the redemption that I have received.
"And my faith was tested in extraordinary fashion and it was my faith that got me through not the next day, or the next hour but the next minute."
In an interview with Baptist Press last month, Yeary said that McCain was less open about his faith because he was "a historical Episcopalian, and if you and I sat down with him and started talking Baptist talk, he just doesn't have that kind of vocabulary."
But he also told BP that McCain "has a strong faith and he is committed to Christ. I don't have any doubt about it."
On Wednesday, McCain cited the "the importance of Judeo-Christian values of 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'"
"There's enormous implications of that simple phrase," he added, calling it "one of the fundamental principles of leadership."
From CNN Politics
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Wow a Republican who isn't a religios fruitcake? This is the first I've seen in a long time.
If one is a Christian, one only has to be baptized once. It is not necessary to be baptized in each church or denomination of Christianity.
A Man's gota do, what a Man's gota do.
My "Bomb Bomb Bomb Iran" War Hero being Baptised at 75?????
He's afraid of Hell, now that it 's coming around the corner?
oh what a sissy, what a woss, what a disappointment.
As are his health records, Cindy's taxes, his religion....wait till he gets in the While House, he will make Cheney look like an open book. But then the media loves him, we dare not ask any questions, after all....he is 'my friend'. Yeah, right (wing that is).
Well I guess this is just a story to let everyone know that McCain goes to a good ole american church and that he has Judeo-Christian values. I guess this will now enable them to smash Obama over the head with his wacko church and beliefs. By the time this is over not one decent american christian will trust Obama. If Obama doesn't get this issue behind him now, he is going down hard. He need to quit hiding behind twisted words and come clean before the swift boat crew cleans his clock. Trouble is, I don't know how he is going to be able to sell Rev Wright and this BLT to the american public.
Who cares? not me.
I thot baptism was showing all faiths that you believe in Jesus Christ and take him as your saviour and repent of your sins I have never read anything in the Bible that said you had to be Baptised into a CHURCH!!!
There's one thing i don't get...why on age 71 does someone not retire and chooses to play with his grandchildren??? John...give yourself a break (and Obama a chance if you DARE) before it's too late!!!
I respect Sen. McCain's privacy in regards to his religion and I don't see how whether he gets baptised again as a baptist has anything to do with his presidential bid. Please CNN, find something more important to report on rather then this silly fluff stuff.
Someone should scrutinize Pastor Dan Yeary's sermons like they did Rev. Wright's. Let's get to the truth about Gramps McCain's spiritual advisor....
Reporters are constantly trying to catch people mixing politics with religion. Always lookng for an opportunity to play gotcha!
Then they start prying into peoples religions beliefs, in effect trying to make them combine the two.
They do not mix, should not mix, and don't try to create an issue.
I am becoming more comfortable with the idea of McCain.
I am beginning to hate the democratic party. No one has any guts. If Hillary was a man, people would have told her to take a hike weeks ago. Instead we have to deal with her beating down Obama, all the while, increasingher negatives.
Dean, get some guts, tell her "it's over".
I will never vote for her.
Why is it that Obama's faith can be examined and re-examined and he can choose to keep his private. I think he should be able to keep it private. Just like I think it should be the same for everyone and know one should be held responsible for things their pastor says or does. Just a thought.
I hope he doesn't get baptized just to satisfy voters. He was a POW for over five years, and that tells me that his faith, whatever and however it is or was, has served him well. People should just butt out when it comes to faith and accept what the cadidates say at face value. Can't any aspect of a public official's life be private and personal anymore? The way these candidates are analyzed about their faith is sinfully pathetic.
Despite the great amount of rational thinkers and scientist, there is still no way that the country would elect anyone who doesn't believe in G-d in some way. I think what ever religion someone is should have no bearing on what kind of job that person might do as president.
I do have to correct McCain on one thing. There are no Judeo-Christian values. There are values that Judaism has and values that Christianity has. Some of the values over lap, but there are enough differences that they should not be lumped together.
It is true that one rarely hears John McCain talk about his faith. He simply lives it.
Americans for McCain '08
Who cares?
In PUBLIC McCain is soft spoken and a war hero.....JUDGE him by what the people behind the scenes are saying. He will NOT talk about his FAITH....means there is a serious problem somewhere in is thinking. Remember the phase.... a wolf in sheeps clothing!!!!!!!
I wonder if McCain's pastor has had any anti- American, hate filled speeches like OBamma's pastor Wright?
interesting...he runs for POTUS and suddenly he gets religion...sounds like w some yrs ago saying he was "born again" to get the right wing whack relgious vote...so transparent!
A ploy. Shameful.
I don't even support McCain and I think that the issue of him being pushed to be baptized is totally ridiculous. Religious freedom!
Sheesh, no one ever has to defend their pastor, beliefs, faith and religion. It is sickening that folks like Sen McCaina nd SenObama have to defend and justify their pastors, beliefs and faith so openly, when it is clearly their own personal journey. What kind of "free" country is this?
Would he be considering getting Baptized again if he weren't running for office?
I think the best way to Baptize old man McBush would be along the lines of waterboarding! The republicans seem to really like to waterboard others. I would volunteer to do the Baptizing! Signed; Vietnam Veteran Against John McCain.
As one who has had the awesome privelege to baptize many in all stages of life iapplaud Senator McCain's decision to be baptized.!
Now my prayer is that his baptism and church life would be seen in his daily walk and campaign talk.
If he truly has renounced the evil one and seeks to walk in ways of Jesus than a good manual for his campaign would be the Sermon on The Mount. Perhaps it will be?
We shall see in the days ahead the fruit just how well the baptism has leads to a mature discipleship and faith.
Jim
IS THAT SO IMPORTANT, COMPARED TO A MOUNTAIN OF PROBLEMS
Amen!
With all problems we have,: 2 wars, ineffective and bungling administration, economical recession (or call it what you want) gasoline prices going through the roof mounting foods costs, John McCain second baptism is 50th on a scale 1 to 10.
WHAT'S THE MATTER with CNN?
Don't you have more iNTELLIGENT questions for the public?
Sorry grandpa, nothing is private if you are in the public sector as a public servant and the American people pay for your health care, pension, disability income, and salary as U.S. Senator. Get real McCain.
The ultimate panderer.
McCain is not your avg republican. Thats why the Dems need a CLEAT DIFFERENT CHOICE.. With Hilliary there is NO CHOICE
Obama..... NATION
He'll get baptized as many times as he has to to get elected.
What a joke.
"John McCain, who rarely talks about his faith publicly..."
A practice he should have continued–there's something vaguely distasteful about a man exercising his superstitions in public.
You can't say baptized "again" when he's NEVER BEEN BAPTIZED!!!
It's not worded properly if what you mean is that he again discussed whether or not he would be baptized, but it's not appropriate to leave the impression that he has been baptized in the past.
You have to ask – why is Senator McClain so secret about his faith? Is it because he isn't comfortable talking about faith based topics?
I for one am very pleased that McCain, whom I do not support as President, is very private about his faith. It is my hope that he can help blunt the very offensive impact of the Right on imposing their view of faith on the entire Republican party. As an Ohio native, I could believe in the economic ideals of the Republican party but am more than offended at their ideas at how all Americans should live. Ultimately, I follow the belief that politics and religion do'nt mix.
way to go John. That's a sure way to get the Bible-thumper vote. Raise those hands and say "Hallejuah." Now can we see whether this pastor has said anything derogatory about others since the Rev Wright issue is being used as a wedge for Obama
... I once was young but now i'm John McCain
who cares, its nobody's business but his.
This is just another pre conceived photo op for the media. He will probably ask Pastor Hagge or Parsley to baptise him. McCain is pandering to the religious right and the evangelical base.
OK! Here goes again.
Can't you democrat and republican voters see what is happening in this circus race for the presidental nomination? Democrats scream
if Hillary"steals" the election, It will divide the party and give a free ride to McCain.Other democrats scream if Obama wins he can't beat McCain. This is exactally what the money powers want to happen.They don't care whether Hillarty or McCain wins!THEY OWN BOTH OF THEM. It has always been that way. They reach into their pocket and hand us two candidates.This is the first time little unknown people have reached into their pockets and said "For once let us decide who leads us"
Who cares.
McBush will get re-baptized to appease the right wing and get all the god-crazy southern votes.
Go for it John.....God Bless You
"Bomb others as they would bomb unto you."
I am a Christian appalled at war. I hate it. War destroys. God creates. This is fundamental to Christian belief. The Christian God is not a god of destruction, but of love. How can you love your neighbor if you bomb them? How can you be your brother’s keeper if you kill them?
Blessed are the peace makers for they will be called sons and daughters of God.
Looks like John's faith isn't strong enough for him to denouce and repudiate his spiritual endorser Hagee. I guess he has been reading up on the hypocrites of the bible. John, you are slick!! like a snake....
I basically like John McCain and I have respect for the things he's done in his life and in his work. That said....
Twelve months ago, I could have considered voting for John McCain, even though I'm a Democrat (at least when it comes to choosing candidates on their positions). He was willing to go against the status quo and act accordingly to his beliefs. He actually was somewhat the maveric that people thought he was.
Since running for the nomination and winning, McCain has become one of the biggest panderers I've seen in my 50 years. (I'm 50, so you can discount the first 10 if you want). He suddenly fell in lock-step with George W, Bush on everything. He panders to the crowd to whom he is speaking at the moment.
Now he is evoking religion to try to attract the religious and the extreme conservatives. I appreciate the fact that he has core beliefs, and he should. But I don't care what those beliefs are and thay have nothing to do with anything if he becomes president. But he is now playing the game. He is going to go to the pulpit, surrounded by CNN and all the other cameras and get the free PR of being Baptised again. Why again? Did he make a bad decision the first time. Hm-m-m-m....kinda makes you wonder about that prenuptual agreement he has with his wife. Sort of goes to his willingness to commit, don't you think.
This is "Hillary the Duck Hunter" politics. That's why I'm voting for Obama. He may misstate himself on occasion, but he isn't going to pretend to be any more than what he is. And if that's okay with you, then you should vote for Obama, too.
I see Mr. Hegge is in the news again. Oh, I guess what he said again is ok. He must walk on water like the rest of the party. I say what is good for the goose is good for the gander. As an Independent, you can count on me not voting Republican come fall. Enough of this one sided crap.
I am sure he will do anything to get the conservative vote. Double talk express.
Be not deceived. McCain is a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Yeary said of McCain,"a historical Episcopalian, and if you and I sat down with him and started talking Baptist talk, he just doesn't have that kind of vocabulary." Well, I would like to know what kind of vocabulary does he have?
I can't believe some people; they want to talk about God when they know they are not serious. And I know when they are not serious because they will use the most commonly repeated Bible scriptures: Do unto others as you would want them to do to you is probably no. 2. Jesus loves me is no. 1.
It is interesting that, simultaneous to McCain's attempts to be more attractive to conservatives, he has chosen a church from the Southern Baptist Convention to prospectively join.
The Southern Baptist Convention makes the false claim that each church is autonomous. Yet, it "disaffiliates" any church that does not strictly adhere to an increasingly theologically conservative doctrine. For example, the SBC is one of the only mainline Protestant denominations that refuses to ordain women for ANY role in ministry – and, in fact, expels local churches who do.
The SBC use to be quite diverse (yes, Jesse Helms and Bill Clinton were members). However, it has moved so far to the right theologically and socially that it is experiencing a crisis of splitting apart. For example, its traditionally affiliated universities (such as Baylor and Wake Forest) have broken with the church to preserve their academic freedom from the fundamentalist SBC.
Bottom line – it shocks me the McCain, who claims that he represent tolerance for all Americanas would choose to SELECT a denomination that is known for its lack of tolerance.
This has got to be the most laughably transparent example of pandering that I have ever seen. LOL
Mc Cain you are supposed to be a Christian. If you believe in what you say you believe in you will get baptized asap. You are 71 years old. You are not getting any younger...
'Every one, therefore, who shall confess in me before men, I also will confess in him before my Father who is in the heavens ....Luke 12:8
The above verse will show you that it is not private thing.....
This guy looks like a puppet when he talks. His eyes and mouth move at the same time. It's disgusting.
I'm not for Obama, no more republicans! Go Obama!
I'm now for Obama, correction.
McCain doesn't comment on his faith cause he don't believe in anything.....If you are ashamed of God, then He will be ashamed of you!!
Baptism is not required to be a member of a Baptist Church.
Baptism is in fact, merely an expression of faith that Baptists like to exercise publically upon converting to Christianity, at any age.
I wonder what American's would want their neigbors to do if 75% of them were oppressed and murdered by Saddam and his Sunni tribe?
Run away?? Hmmmmm....
You are definately a spirtual man. You will be any kind of man if you can just get people to vote for you and be tricked into another 4 years of President Bush's policy of working for the rich. We can not endure another 4 years with John McCain as president. Its time for a change.
I am a republican christian who is a proud supporter of Barack Obama. I am also a mother who wants my children to live in a world of peace and prosperity.
Obama '08
Puke.
Our forefathers rejected the notion of mixing religion with politics for good reason. Need proof? Just look at the Middle East. Reporter's are to blame for this, they followed Hillarys lead right into the mud in reporting on gender, race and religion.
keep it private, please-
i saw the excorcist, and it scared the bejeebers outta me
i have no intention of seeing granddad's head spin around
and seeing how arizona is a desert, i don't think there's enough water to spare for something like this-
maybe they could just bless lake michigan, and he can just jump in it
I cannot vote for someone who's still holding original sin...get baptized
Wow, talk about pandering. McCain knows he need to do something to court evangelicals, guess this is what he's come up with.
why the need to be baptized again? was he excommunicated? otherwise I don't see the need unless it's publicity.
No disrespect but I just can't resist a little saying that I learned long ago. This is probably not foretelling of McCain's baptism but............
I hope he doesn't "go down a dry sinner and come up a wet sinner" like some people have done. Again, I can't resist , like what must have happened to J. Wright long, long ago.
Now he is thinking about getting baptized. What some people will do to get elected. How phony can someone be? If this isn’t pandering to the conservative right, Hillary wasn’t guilty of it when she told the story about her Dad teaching her how to shoot. Phony, phony, phony.
Even THE LORD JESUS was Baptized!!!!!!!!!! McCain you truly are a Wolf in Sheeps Clothing. I'm sorry, correction:
YOU ARE A HEATHEN!!!!!!!!!!
Who cares he is conservative false christian.