I am a politically liberal person. I am a intellectually and socially liberal person. I am a aesthetically and entertainingly liberal person. With that said, it should not come as a surprise that I have chosen to vote for Barack Obama.
For the most part, the people I spend the majority of my time with have also chosen to vote for Senator Obama. However, there are still a few hold outs. (I state this to illustrate that I do actually associate with ignorant people, by choice even.)
I grow weary of political discourse, I find that it so often becomes a circular argument which ends by everyone leaving with their original views in tact and frequently refurbished. So I will leave "generic politics" out of this. I would like to state, for the record, why as a Christian I have chosen to lend my support...and why others should too.
1. Universal healthcare. Jesus calls us to take care of the poor, the weak, the downcast, the sinner. He requested that we minister to the prisoners and take care of the widows. As I recall, there was not a stipulation of "as long as it does not raise your taxes." In fact, the way I see it, He probably wants it to come out of our pocket. If this country truly was based on Christian principles (which I will contend at another time), then the church shouldn't be the only one doling out lettuce for those 'in need.'
2. End the war. These people are our enemies, they hurt us and hate us. When Jesus told us to love our enemies, he probably didn't mean for us to kill them. "Well, they don't listen to reason," "They are just hurting themselves," you might say. In response, I would like to quote this scripture:
"And if after you go to your brother he does not change his ways, bomb him."
3. Hope, change, together we can. These phrases are often harped upon as being vague, meaningless jingles tossed about by the campaign. Even if that is true - what's the harm in talking about hope? What is the real shame in a man who is looking to bring a country together for good...even if the plan doesn't seem feasible?
You want a man who is vague - try someone who promises a future in things we can't see, touch or taste. Try following a movement based solely on "faith," then tell me that you can't behind someone who offers hope for the future.
4. Experience. Jesus likes youth. He calls us to be like children, to approach the world with eyes full of potential and wonder. He encourages us to listen to our elders so that we can learn - but not to wait until we are elders ourselves to do things. From what I can tell, Obama has surrounded himself with people full of experience - and listens to their recommendations.
These are not the only reasons I am voting. I think Obama has solid policy, sound advice, a great wife, and an awesome brain in that head of his.
Now - someone tell me what about this is wrong.
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7 comments:
I'll go ahead and second all your reasoning. A lot of Christians take umbrage with universal health care because they would prefer the funds to be channeled through non-governmental organizations like faith-based initiatives and the like. I, for one, don't think faith-based organizations can get the job done and, with that in mind, we need governmental help to realize the promise of universal health care.
all i know is that i was behind a conversation (eavesdropping as is my usual custom in this strange school) in which one girl was absolutely convinced that obama was a muslim (but only secretly) and was the one prophesied about in the Bible: "you know that scripture that says someone of another religion than the normal one will take over and destroy everything???? you know!!???!?" at which point i laughed pretty heartily to myself which made her turn around and glare at me. i just raised my hands in resignation and went on about my business.
all that to say that i think you have some very valid points. i have no idea who i'm voting for, and if the candidates and campaign people aren't careful, everyone is going to lose the vote of half of the people on my side of campus. this stupid debate is screwing up everything. in two weeks, i won't be able to get my car within two miles of my building. guess i'll be getting my exercise for the day...all with my ID badge hanging from my clothes.
God bless America.
i'm voting for obama because i had a dream in which he was the spokesperson for nutella and he mentioned it often in his campaigning. that's good enough for me.
You seem sincere in your writing and open to some thoughful response. I hope that is the case cause I, like you, hate the endless wranglings and arguing that doesn't change anybody's mind.
Let me comment on a few of your points.
1. "Jesus calls us to take care of the poor, the weak, the downcast, the sinner."
Jesus was addressing individuals not the government. Of the two main candidates, McCain and his wife have a solid history of PERSONALLY helping the poor and downcast whereas O. has almost no history of personally helping the poor. His method is to push for the government to do it. All of us can be generous with someone else's money but we reveal our true heart when we show what we do with our own cash.
Jesus was not into the gov and to make it sound like he was supporting universal health care when he told his followers to care for the poor - well, not a very good application
2. Again, you are confusing his teaching directed to individuals and that directed to the gov. He told individuals they were to forgive. It would be total anarchy if that same standard were applied to the gov. "Yes, you killed 5 people in robbing a bank but we must forgive so go home and try not to do it again."
Governments have a Biblical responsibility to "punish those who do wrong - bank robbers, thieves, and, yes, even terrorists - and reward those who do right" See Paul's letter to Timothy.
Yes, WE should turn the other cheek - when we as an individual are harmed - but a government is shirking its God ordained duty if it does that.
3. What is the real shame in a man who is looking to bring a country together for good...even if the plan doesn't seem feasible?
Are you kidding? There is always harm in following a plan that isn't feasible because it consumes resources that could be directed toward a plan that is feasible and will improve things. Does that make sense?
I have had the experience of asking people for directions and even though they had no idea of which way to go, they smiled and confidently said, "Go this way." They felt good, I felt good. But it sent me the wrong way and I wasted time, money, energy and I got more lost than before. THAT is the "harm".
4. Experience. Jesus likes youth. He calls us to be like children,
Again, you miss the point of Jesus' references and your logic leaves no reason for even a reasonable response.
Let me point out a couple of other things though.
You read the Bible. Remember why God destroyed Sodom? O supports that practice. Is it possible God will destroy America too if we celebrate what Sodom was destroyed for.
Second, O supports partial birth abortion. This is unbelievable! If you are not aware of what it is, check this out - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6vnOaq7nWU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_W75zh1j2I
Can God bless a country that pays for this sort of thing? Maybe so, but it seems to me He has destroyed nations for less.
I hope you will seriously pray and reconsider how you invest your one vote. Remember, it is a serious issue. The Bible says we will stand before God and give account for every action. I am sure voting is one of those we need to give account for and now that you know, well, you have a higher level of accountability.
Jigsaw -
I would like to think you are joking...one of my friends who realizes how misguided (or overly guided, and undert-hought) this sounds. But you seem sincere in your writing, so I don't want to slight the situation. I certainly appreciate being called to accountability, and relish the chance to explain.
1. Giving is not just about money - Obama has dedicated his life to service to his family, community and country - and encouraged those around him to do the same. By pushing for the government to supply help to those in need, he is not only encouraging useful and compassionate spending of his taxes - but also responsibility from voted officials.
Personally, I have a bit of a problem with the ostentatious lifestyle the McCains seem to live (eg, multiple houses and cosmetic surgery).
To think that Jesus wouldn't encourage any form of assistance for his people seems a bit narrow minded. I can take someone to dinner, or I can pay for a set up to feed 50...which do you think is more effective?
2. The audacity that it takes to respond as you have is applaudable. To presume that God expects us take action against those He judges is overambitious.
Killing thousands seems like a deplorable way to punish the actions of few.
3. There have been some newfangled things along the course of history that have seemed crazy at the time, but turned out pretty swell (eg, the internet, gravity, the shape of earth).
Plus, as long as good people like McCain are giving money as individuals, it seems as if the unaccountable government should have some funds to experiment with!
4. Jesus had a tendency to expect thought and insight out of his followers, He often used parables and analogies to demonstrate His points - but often left the conclusion to the minds of the people. If Jesus only expected us to follow what he said explicitly, I would be off on a donkey somewhere trying to find a beat up Jew.
The fact that you relate the abominable actions of Sodom to the romantic love found between 2 people indicates a very closed mind. I don't have a chisel.
You are misguided on Obama's views concerning abortion - I would advise reading up on it, and then reconsidering the forwards sent to you containing polarized links.
God has indicated that we are all His chosen people. He no longer "plays favorites." To assume he is going to open the earth and swallow America is a bit childish - though it would be pretty sweet to see...
I have prayed and reconsidered this over and over...and I appreciate your comments. It is one more indication that there are folds of people with the same mindset as you...intelligent, but misinformed.
I look forward to a time when we no longer have to concern ourselves with things of this world...but until then, I am going to do my best to create a wonderful environment for me to wait in!
1. Universal healthcare.
- Ok, yea...Jesus wants everybody to be healthy. Who doesn't? But the problem comes in paying for it. What I DON'T think Jesus would be down with is taking money out of someone else's pocket and giving it to someone else.
Let me illustrate:
There are 3 tenants living in a rent controlled apartment in NY (ex: John, Tom, Chris).
John works hard and pays his bills ontime as best he can. Finances are tight and he is saving up for his son to go to college.
Tom has also worked hard but has fallen under ill health. He is no longer able to afford rent and take care of his bills.
We know that Chris doesn't work and survives by his parents' support.
Chris, who it seems has always had a pension for trying to interfere in people's private lives, learns of Tom's misfortune. Just as anyone would, Chris feels bad for the guy. One day, Chris has had enough of seeing Tom suffer. He doesn't have any fiscal responsibility or earning capacity so he can't help Tom out. So what does he decide to do? He decides to hit John up for the money
John says "I'm sorry, I just don't have it. I'd love to help Tom and I will if I am able but I am running a business in a HORRIBLE economy, barely getting by, barely able to afford rent and trying to put a kid through college. I just can't afford to lose any more money.
Now Cliff, the CHRISTIAN thing to do would be to say "Hey, thanks for your willingness. Let me know if you are able to help him out in the future. God bless."
What does Chris do (who, if you haven't figured it out, represents the government)? Chris knocks him down on the ground and at knifepoint and says "Sorry John. I'm not taking no for an answer. Tom needs your money and needs it now. Either fork it up or I slit your throat." Yes...I know that the government isn't looking to slit anyone's throat but a 20 year sentence for tax evasion isn't pretty either.
That’s what you and the rest of the democrats want to do. Through confiscatory tax hikes, you feel that you have the right to MAKE someone else pay for someone else’s healthcare. Privately, sure…you should help the guy. I’m sorry but the fact that you equate tax hikes with being a ‘responsible Christian’ is blasphemous, incorrect, and obnoxious.
2. End the war
-I am guessing you are attempting to quote the Koran. As you pointed out, the religion of Islam is dangerous. Your solution is to pull out and hope the situation fixes itself. What planet are you from!? This isn’t a ‘War on Terror’…terror is a tactic. This is a war on Islamic Fundamentalism. How do we ‘win’? Well, by establishing a beachhead for democracy in the middle east. The effects will be the free-flow of information and ideas. The ability for people to capitalize and succeed. The result? People won’t turn to a sham religion as a last resort in a time of 3rd world poverty. Let me know if you want to discuss this further. Especially regarding the Christian imperative.
3. Hope, change, together we can.
- Yea, they are nice things to say. What’s my problem with it you ask? Well this: The guy won the election by promising hope and change. Never did he clearly say what he was going to change or how he was going to go about doing it. Just that he was. It just BLOWS MY MIND that people voted for the guy when most of them can’t name a thing he stands for. Are you really trying to tie Christianity to campaign slogans? Give me a break.
4. Experience- Jesus likes youth? Really? This is your contention? I mean….really? We are talking about the leader of the free world. You really think YOUTH is the selling point!?
You really shouldn’t advocate candidates on behalf of Jesus. That’s just not cool. And if you do, come up with something more substantial than “Jesus likes the lil’ ones.”
If Obama (the president of these united states) is a christian then Anton Levey was the first christian modern day apostle of Jesus Christ. Well, we know that the latter is not true, and neither is the first. If you see Anti-christ(will he be "the Anti-christ, time will tell) in him it is because the "time" is right for the "man of iniquity", written about in the bible, to be revealled. For those not spiritually keen or tuned in with the Spirit of God, we are now in that last 7 year period in the bible known as The Great Tribulation. The first 3 1/2 are said to be calm and subtle, then the second 3 1/2 are of wrath.
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