Theonomy Resources: A Tribute to Rep. Bobby Franklin

We would like to recognize the recent passing of GA state Rep. Bobby Franklin. Franklin was a statesman of faith and character--a very rare thing in American politics. May his example encourage all Christians to contend courageously for a just, godly society.

Below is a statement released on the website of the Constitution Party of Georgia, a video of Franklin courageously defending an unborn child's right to life, and a video tribute by Covenant Commission.

Reflections on the Life and Public Service of State Representative Bobby Franklin

Submitted by RonneHaag on Thu, 07/28/2011 - 7:50am

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: July 26, 2011

Contact: Ricardo Davis / RicardoDavis@gaconstitutionparty.org / 770-778-5039

“

Georgia

has lost one of its most principled men in the General Assembly,” remarked State Chairman Ricardo Davis. “It saddens me because Bobby was a dear family friend who I had the pleasure of knowing and working with for over a decade. He was a fellow advocate for constitutional government and defender of our unalienable rights to life, liberty, and property. I gladly supported his leadership and rallied supporters for his legislation.”

Franklin was motivated to run for the Georgia House of Representatives in the mid 1990’s after seeing Christians in public office “keep their powder dry” by not opposing ungodly legislation put forward by the ruling Democratic majority, thus “saving” their opposition for only the seemingly “religious” issues. But because Franklin rightly understood that every vote cast is rooted in a particular religious and moral view of law he faithfully acted based on what the Bible says is the proper authority and jurisdiction of civil government.

“Bobby took the preamble of our state constitution seriously, ‘relying upon the protection and guidance of Almighty God’ as he upheld his oath and worked ‘to perpetuate the principles of free government, insure justice to all, preserve peace, promote the interest and happiness of the citizen and of the family, and transmit to posterity the enjoyment of liberty.’” Davis continued, “Bobby wasn’t a perfect man and, like us, he had struggles and challenges; but he humbly strove to live out the principles that he learned from the Scriptures.”

Franklin brought a refreshingly independent and courageous spirit to the General Assembly that did not allow loyalty to his political party to obscure his vision to honor Jesus Christ and uphold the principles of constitutional governance. He refused to do anything out of fear that doing the right thing could bring negative consequences to his political career; thus he was a bane to his own political party when he voted against their legislation. Franklin read every bill and if it violated the principles of godly constitutional governance he would vote “no” even if he was alone. When his party’s leadership stripped from him the chairmanship of the Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment Committee, he did not relent in his writing and speaking – and voting – to protect our liberties.

Davis concluded, “Even though we will miss him my heart is greatly comforted that Bobby’s trust was not in himself but rather in the Lord Jesus Christ who saved him as a young man. Bobby persevered to the end, holding fast to and growing in the faith he received. This weekend he heard the words that every true Christian longs to hear: “Well done good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Master” (Matthew 25).

originally posted by the Constitution Party of Georgia

Rep. Bobby Franklin defends the rights of unborn children