Late political commentator Bob Beckel was man of faith

Bob Beckel, the liberal political commentator who died Monday, was a frequent sparring partner of Sean Hannity and other opinion personalities on cable networks. He also took his faith seriously.

“What people might not know is he and I got along great,” Hannity said. “He had a key to my house. He was always full of joy, happiness, light, sunshine. He loved God and Jesus. And we miss him already. God bless you. Godspeed, Bob Beckel.”

Beckel, 73, publicly converted to Christianity as an adult facing a series of unfortunate circumstances. An alcoholic, Beckel had for years been an agnostic. But when he was rocked by a divorce and a slew of poor choices that upended his career, Beckel entered Alcoholics Anonymous, where he learned of his need for a higher power. That’s when his friend, conservative Christian commentator Cal Thomas, gave him a copy of apologist Josh McDowell’s book, “Evidence That Demands a Verdict.”

“My faith has not been a burning bush but a gradual turn to the Lord,” he said. “I have taken a leap of faith. I see the possibility of faith God wanted me to be here. I think my responsibility is helping alcoholics. I have no doubt that luck would not have saved me.”

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Beckel’s spiritual awakening also prompted him to abandon his support for abortion. “I read the Bible, and it’s very difficult for me to see that God wants us to be pro-choice,” he said. “I’ve been affiliated with pro-choice groups. Now I’m on pro-life boards.”

Thomas described Beckel as his “spiritual brother” in a Facebook post following news of his death.

“My friend and spiritual brother, Bob Beckel, has passed into the presence of the Lord he loved,” he wrote. “We did so many things together, and I hope we modeled what two people of different political persuasions can be like when they love one another. I will see you soon, Bob. You are loved.”

From 1977 to 1980, Beckel served as the country’s youngest deputy assistant secretary of state under President Jimmy Carter. Later, he served as national campaign manager for former Vice President Walter Mondale’s presidential bid before holding several roles in the media, most recently as co-host of Fox News’ “The Five.”

–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice