Can Christians vote for Barack Obama?
Some evangelicals are using their pulpits this Sunday to say no.
An Obama supporter gives his take on the conversation which, with merits or not, is out there.
The Rev. Ralph Donnell Graves is the pastor of the Greater Metropolitan Restoration Center, and has a master’s of divinity and a doctorate of ministry.
Our nation is facing one of the most exuberating periods in its political history. The atmosphere is charged with an aroma of freshness — the fresh scent of rejuvenation, restoration and regeneration.
Rejuvenation emerges for those who have become overwhelmed with the struggles of daily socioeconomic and financial challenges; the possibility of the restoration of respect and admiration of our global neighbors once again for the United States and the hope of the regeneration of the moral embrace of all the peoples who comprise our great melting pot nation.
However, there is some serious concern of some Christian believers whose Christian status is being questioned because of their commitment and support of Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic presidential candidate. Several mature adults within the Greensboro community requested my support in expression toward this sensitive subject. “How can one call themselves a true Christian and support Barack Obama?”
Sen. Barack Obama has openly confirmed his Christian faith. What is most refreshing about his position in regards to religion is his ability to respect the other religions that are represented in the U.S. population.
Barack Obama embraces undeniable Christian principles. His desire to provide health care for all people including the poor seems to express Jesus’ invitation to all in his parable of the Great Supper in Luke 14. Obama’s desire to shift some of the funds from the rich to assist those who are facing financial depravity seems to resemble Jesus’ request to the rich ruler to sell what he owned and give to the poor (although he walked away sorrowful because he was intensely tied to his riches).
Obama’s attempt to encourage all people to experience a sense of self-worth and significance seems to relate to Jesus’ rebuke to those who opposed Mary’s gift of costly ointment that was administered to his feet accompanied with the tears that washed his feet. Obama’s desire to end the war and bring our troops out of Iraq sounds like the reaction to Jesus’ blessing to the peacemaker.
I sincerely believe that we must be extremely cautious in our defense of Christianity. We have to remember that if Jesus was present in his earthly body in our present time, he would have probably been severely criticized for his liberal beliefs and behaviors.
It is so easy for us to sincerely but subconsciously become “Neo-Pharisees.” Would Jesus be a traditionalist with opposition to the marginalized or would he express a ministry of inclusiveness saying to our world, “Whosoever will, let them come”?
May I encourage all of you who have found an inner peace and ultimate joy in the fresh approach of Senator Barack Obama to follow your heart. For maybe, just maybe, the Holy Spirit is pulling the young, inexperienced David to the kingship, especially in such a time as this.
Comments (9)
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I'm not voting for anybody whose Daddy was a Muslim !
Posted on September 25, 2008 9:14 PM
Nice, thoughtful, reasoned response.
This is one reason why the designers of the Constitution wanted a secular government - to free people of the entanglements that come when religious leaders try to participate in the government of a diverse people.
I'm merely guessing, but I expect that a lot of Christians here in the South who object to Obama do so for racial reasons, and they bring up this "Muslim" canard to try and hide the fact that they are racists. I'd say that it is a good sign that they're ashamed to admit their racism - but the KKK has used hoods for many decades.
Posted on September 26, 2008 4:14 AM
Well, this (Donnell) all sounds nice and populist, but, in fact, it’s just the same old socialism/humanism dressed up in Christian threads: the liberal attempt to commandeer Christian ideas for their own Marxist ends, alias liberation theology. Obama is NOT a Christian in the orthodox, biblical sense; nor does he base his socio-political principles on biblical truth. That’s why I’ve asserted from the outset that Obama is a stealth candidate, whose strings are being pulled by much more virulent leftist ideologues in the DNC far left politburo. The goal is not a Christian nation in any biblical sense; but a communist state where the wealth is essentially state-owned, controlled and redistributed.
Rev. Donnell says: “Obama’s desire to shift some of the funds from the rich to assist those who are facing financial depravity SEEMS [mine] to resemble Jesus’ request to the rich ruler to sell what he owned and give to the poor (although he walked away sorrowful because he was intensely tied to his riches).”
Yes – “seems” to resemble. This is the typical liberal practice of proof-texting isolated passages to suit their socialist pragmatism. The Bible nowhere advises an economic or political SYSTEM to redistribute wealth. The poor are to be helped and encouraged, but never totally subsidized. People are always commanded to work as individuals to obtain wealth and success, to save, (proverbs) and invest (parable of the talents). Socialism has never worked, doesn’t now, and NEVER will. Greed doesn’t work either. Rather, a capitalist system of FREE enterprise and personal responsibility, informed by saving grace and biblical knowledge, is the very best environment in which to inspire people to work and see the fruit of their OWN labors, i.e. prosperity.
But besides all Obama’s left-wing socialism, horrible theology, and big-government thinking, the very obvious reason not to vote for this radical imposter is that he advocates the slaughter of unborn infants by the millions!
Yes, I would vote for a conservative, qualified Black as soon as for a Euro or Asian. But I could never vote for a baby murderer. NEVER!!!! And anyone who does, is grossly compromising their Christian commitments in this matter, and others. And, of course, there is no perfect, thoroughly Christian candidate; but there is a clear alternative in this election - for those who love unborn babies and true freedom.
People like Rev. Donnell are part of the stealth mode (sheep’s clothing) for Obama – nothing more.
Posted on September 26, 2008 4:31 PM
Nikos: "But I could never vote for a baby murderer. NEVER!!!!"
But your own God kills more "babies" (at least, using your definition of the word) than anyone else, through miscarriages, failed implantation of fertilized eggs, and SIDS. Have you talked with Him about being upset about THOSE deaths?
Posted on September 28, 2008 10:25 AM
Christians can vote for whomever they choose. God (at least the God who created me) gave freewill choice to humanity. Therefore, there are no prerequisites or standards that have to be met to follow the leading that one has received.
To bring an election to a few specific issues is ridiculous at best and tragic at worst. Bringing any election down to a few specific issues begs a comment used previously; That dog will not hunt!
Shalom
Posted on September 28, 2008 7:45 PM
Everyone must examine their own concience in light of God's word and choose. I believe this election is about God looking to find out Who among his people(those called by his name"christians") are really sheep or goats. Goats being those claming to be followers of His word but not willing to live by it. the Bible is very clear about the shedding of innocent blood and also very clear about governments role in protecting the innocent. ( see the story of Noah after the flood and the writings on Paul in the new testament) I candidate that supports the shedding of innocent blood and refuses to protect the innocent is in direct opposition to God.
If you what to be on thier side....opposed to God..
vote for them. If you want to please God. Don't.
"Choose this day who you will serve...as for me and my house, We will serve the Lord"
Joshua
Posted on October 20, 2008 12:41 PM
No true christian could vote for anyone who votes for lates term abortion and votes to let the child die
if that child be lucky enought to surivive.
God and Jesus Christ are the givers of life ,not the takers and that is why Obama and his anti christians fans are not going to win this election - wait and see As for Colen Powel, most people lost all respect for this man years ago. HIs endorsement of Obama removed any doubts they would have had.
Colen Powel is only a polical and socila general, he doesn't know the meaning of right and wrong.
Posted on October 20, 2008 1:17 PM
Obama is a con artist, the kind that will lead us all linto slavery.
If you like Obama you love used car salesmen and those who would sell you snake oil as a remendy.
You al' need Obama like you need to sleep with a rattle snake.
Posted on October 20, 2008 1:21 PM
Who could vote for a candidate whose party supports torture of any kind - Gitmo? Who would support a party that goes to war unwarranted leading to the deaths of countless civilians and military personnel? Who could support a candidate who would ignore the hungry and poor? We as Christians tend to look at one issue, but ignore others. The only thing McCain stands for that I agree with is being pro-life. How can we ignore all the other lessons Jesus taught?
Posted on October 21, 2008 1:01 PM