Ryan: Ivan the Terrible or Good Shepherd?

Paul Ryan is the Vice Presidential nominee of the Republican Party.

Until recently, seemingly for political reasons, this Republican standard bearer has been an unabashed disciple of the atheist, Ayn Rand.

Paul Ryan’s discipleship of this atheist’s teachings shaped his belief in a form of distorted individualism that is more Russian novel than basic American goodness; more Ivan the Terrible than the Good Shepherd.

Watch this 60-second TV spot, “Ryan & Rand vs Jesus” where Ayn Rand shares her complete hate of faith and, rather, belief in a compassionless society. And, it is on this same spot where Mr. Ryan shares his belief that Ayn Rand is right about the type of country America should be.

This is not a rebellious high school teen, nor the manifestation of an all-night bull session of a geeky college student. This is from a United States Congressman who is now the Republican Vice Presidential nominee.

In fact, Republican Ryan once gave copies of Rand’s book, “Atlas Shrugged” for Christmas gifts. Christmas? Ayn Rand? Seriously?

The ad, which features clips Paul Ryan posted on Facebook praising Rand’s morality and talking about the need for more people in DC to follow her teachings, also highlights the wide support for Rand within the Republican Party.

The video reveals quotes from actual interviews Rand gave saying she is “against God,” and the “creator of a new code of morality . . . not based on faith,” with praise for her from prominent GOP and conservative leaders; including Ryan.

Mr. Ryan is quoted as saying, “Ayn Rand, more than anyone else, did a fantastic job of explaining the morality of Captialism, the morality of individualism.”

Of course, now, Ryan distances himself. He acts like she never offered a belief he could embrace. He now, according to the National Review, bases his philosophy in Aquinas instead of Rand. “Don’t give me Ayn Rand,” he said. “Give me Thomas Aquinas.”

How convenient.

Christianity and Randism are about as compatible as Republicans allowing Ron Paul onto the big stage. Ain’t gonna happen.

Here’s my point: Ryan simply can’t have it both ways. He can’t align his core beliefs, driving his choices in policy, with someone who was an atheist, and, frankly, who didn’t really like Christians AND then stand before a political party driven by conservative religion and proclaim identical values; shared belief.

It seems to me that those who are followers of Ayn Rand along with those who are followers of Christ should all be distrustful and questioning of this Republican Vice Presidential nominee.

You be the judge: http://americanvaluesnetwork.org/aynrandvsjesusmemo/

Burns Strider is founder and President of The American Values Network as well as founder and principle of Eleison, LLC. Follow Burns on Twitter at @bstrider