Sociologist Christian Smith argues that “evangelicals operate with a very strong sense of boundaries that distinguish themselves from non-Christian and from non-evangelical Christians.” (Badaracco, pg. 27) No matter how un-biased and objective view a journalist or reporter attempts to attain, there will always be something of themselves and their views in the articles they write. It is impossible to be completely un-biased, simply because we are human. This is true of faith and religion as well. When a reporter or Journalist has a certain faith, it will at some point show through in their writing.
Cal Thomas is an example of someone whose religion penetrates his journalism. Three of the articles that demonstrate this are “Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Care”, “Explaining Evil”, and the very explicit example of faith in “What Revival Looks Like.” In each of these there are obvious examples in the way that Thomas has faith and allows it to come through in his writing. At times it seems that he purposefully lets his faith be obvious, and other times it found to be more subtle. But either way Thomas’ belief in God can be seen through his writing.
In his article “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Don’t Care”, Cal Thomas talks about how President Obama has told gay rights groups he intends to end the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy and allow homosexuals to serve openly in the military. The beginning of the article comments on the fact that the Pentagon poll touted by Gates and Mullen was "rigged," and later he talks about the arguments made by the Obama administration for repealing the law. But eventually, near the end of the article, Thomas begins to bring up the question of morals and ethics. He asks why we are seeing so many challenges to what society used to all agree on was “right” and “wrong”. He says, “It is because we no longer regard the Author of what is right. Loosed from that anchor, we drift in a sea of personal ‘morality’”
Thomas’ article “Explaining Evil” explores the natural questions that come from the aftermath of the “senseless wounding of Representative Gabrielle Giffords, Democrat of Arizona, and the murder of six others, including U.S. District Judge John Roll and 9-year-old Christina Green.” He looks at the fact that blame is being thrown around and questions are being asked such as; is the clerk at the Sportsman's Warehouse in Tucson
partly to blame for selling Jared Lee Loughner the Glock 19 9mm gun? He quotes John McCain in a statement about the situation where he blames the shooter, and says that he was "a wicked person who has no sense of justice or compassion." After this, Thomas uses as sentence with words that point towards his belief in ethics. He says, “That is moral clarity. It places blame where it should be, on the shooter.” He also says later that “evil exists and a few are possessed by it.” He then goes on to quote C. S. Lewis.
Perhaps one of Thomas’ most explicitly faith based articles is “What Revival Looks Like” in which he dives into the topic of American Christianity and revival in America. Thomas looks at how revival has started in the past, explaining that they did not start with the mobilization of large crowds, but instead from people humbling themselves and praying. Prayer is what started revivals; that, and genuine repentance and a confession of personal guilt before a holy God.
Cal Thomas, just like any other reporter or journalist, is not completely objective in his articles. His faith bleeds through, and his belief in God is evident.
