The Company We Keep

It is said that Jesus appointed his 12 apostles to learn the way, witness His transfiguration, and serve as missionaries in the early church. They were essential to recording the gospels and making Christianity what it is today. The company Christ kept had a profound effect on the direction of the nascent church.

So whose guidance does Bryan Fischer seek for his godly work? In June 2006 he dedicated part of his newsletter to an enthusiastic endorsement of Ann Coulter, grandly proclaiming in the subtitle, ‘IF YOU ONLY READ ONE BOOK THIS YEAR, MAKE IT “GODLESS” BY ANN COULTER.’

Now, the editors of IVC sympathize that Fischer’s followers mightn’t have the ability to wade through more than one meaty tome per annum, but if they’re to read only one book, surely there’s a better choice than Ann Coulter? Say, perhaps, The Bible? Maybe this had something to do with Fischer being sacked by his congregation.

Fischer proceeds, ‘I’ve begun reading Ann Coulter’s new book, “Godless,” and it is perhaps the most powerful book I’ve read this decade.’ Wow. Really, Bryan? Ann Coulter’s work might be the best you’ve read in ten years? Someone should get the Pastor a copy of The DaVinci Code. [Editors' Note: We’re surprised that, in spite of Fischer’s obsession, The Joy of Gay Sex did not make the cut.]

It’s difficult to understand Fischer’s glowing support of a woman who delights in using the word ‘faggot’ and is unashamedly racist. We suspect Fischer might be unaware of Coulter’s public image, and that perhaps the recommendation stems myopically from his penchant for surrounding himself with chesty blonde apostles.

More recently, Fischer lavishes praise on Rush Limbaugh, calling him the ‘single most influential conservative on the planet.’ While Fischer’s busy taking talking points from Rush, we’ll continue to wonder whether all those half-consumed bottles of expired Oxycontin are ‘family friendly’ enough for Idaho.