His religious beliefs were Lincolnesque in many ways. He was not a church goer, not openly religious, but he had a deeply felt sense of the Almighty and knew when to wield the Almighty's name and spirit.
There is a reason why the current Republican party does not have the broad appeal Reagan's did....most of that reason is the man himself, but also the broad based appeal of the message.
Above all, Ronald Reagan was a gentleman. He was a kind and gracious person and had a non-confrontational personality. But Reagan was far from harmless. He was a strong campaigner and a deadly debater. Reagan defended conservatism in a debate with Robert Kennedy in 1968. After that encounter, RFK told his people, don't ever schedule another debate with Reagan again. The Gipper kicked Booby's butt.
Reagan was also a strong pro-lifer and wrote "Abortion and the Conscious of a Nation". I suggest you read it. Good stuff.
Reagan was a tough politician. That's why he was so successful, first as Governor of California and then as POTUS.
Hey zarf. Not trying to pick a fight here.
Paul Kengor was on Fox News today. He's the author of the recent book on Ronald Reagan called, "God and Reagan". I remembered your remarks from the other day about Reagan and religion and forgot to properly respond.
Kengor said that Reagan attended Sunday church on regular basis throughout his life and he was even a Sunday school teacher back in Illinois. However, after Reagan was shot on March.30,1981, it was decided that going to Sunday church was out of the question. This was based on one main reason. The President required extra heavy security and that would have caused excessive inconvenience for other worshipers. Long lines and metal detectors.
Throughout the years it was common knowledge, that following the shooting and until he left office, a minister would occasionally come to the White House to hold a private service for the Reagan's.
While not outwardly religious person, Reagan was a regular church goer and a very spiritual man.