Interview: Former Governor Bill Haslam

On his new book, "Faithful Presence: The Promise and Peril of Faith in the Public Square

Dear Friends,

Here is the second exclusive interview of our new series where we chat with civic, faith, and cultural leaders on issues of the day. Last week, former governor Bill Haslam’s new book launched. We encourage you to buy it here. I (Michael) was happy to endorse the book (Bill’s editor was actually my editor for Reclaiming Hope), and I am glad to call Bill my friend. I’m grateful for his contribution here, and I hope you’ll read this book.

If you like this newsletter, do consider becoming a paid subscriber.

Yours,

Michael and Melissa

Michael: This is not a typical book from a politician in that the primary focus here is not on you and what you’ve accomplished so far in your career—though that could certainly be a book—but instead you focus here on the intersection of faith, public service and civic life. Why did you write this book in this moment? 

Gov. Haslam: I wrote the book because I am convinced that Christians can play a role in healing the deep divide in our country. I realize that hasn’t been true in the recent past. In fact, in my experience, Christians haven’t been acting any different than the rest of the world. We have been just as likely to hide behind the cloak of the internet and say things we would never say in person, to be ruthless in trying to win Twitter battles, and to be contemptuous of our enemies.

If we are frustrated and exhausted with today’s political climate. We should start with ourselves. After all, if the meat goes bad, it is the salt that is to blame.

Michael: That Stott quote means a great deal to me! Where is the salt, indeed! Now, John Stott of course had significant experience as an international leader operating in politics and advocacy—he was no lightweight!—but what I love about the fact that you’re writing this book is that it’s hard to dismiss talk of the healing role Christians can play in our politics when it’s coming from the former Governor of Tennessee. You’ve been in the chair, you know how politics works, and you believe more than ever that faith can be part of the solution more than it’s part of the problem. Can you talk a bit more about how Christians ought to “start with ourselves,” and how that might effect our politics?

Gov. Haslam: When it comes to changing the tone and efficacy of our political discussion, I think we should start with ourselves because Jesus usually started with the religious types when he addressed the problem. It was only after he rebuked the religious crowd that Jesus turned to the woman who had been caught in adultery. We of all people should recognize that we are sinful broken people and that we bring our imperfections with us when we come to the public square. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t have our convictions and deep commitments. It does mean that we should be humble in recognizing that we don’t have all the answers.

Michael: How has your view of faith and public life changed over the course of your time in politics? What would you say is the biggest thing you’ve learned about how faith and politics interact or ought to interact?

Gov. Haslam: The biggest change for me from being in office was the realization of how much difference you can make in elected office. If you believe in serving the “common good”, it is hard to find a place with as much leverage as elected office. But, if that is true, it is all the more reason to use that office to actually solve problems instead of trying to score political points. I want to elect people who are more interested in making a difference than in making a point.

Michael: Finally, how does all of this relate, in your mind, to the future of your political party? What is your assessment of the party right now, and how do you hope it will develop? What kind of a role do you see yourself playing in building the party’s future?

Gov. Haslam: I wrote this book for Republicans and Democrats, and Independents too. But I believe that when we are looking for change, we should always start with our own tribes. As a Republican, I know that too many of us have let our faith be driven by our politics, and we have allowed our fears about the direction of the country overwhelm our desire for God. Democrats have their own areas of concern. I am one of those who believes that we need two strong parties for an effective democracy, and I hope to be a part of a Republican party that is pulling us toward a more faithful path.