“There’s no way I can support this man now.”
“I disagree with his decision, but not enough to make me vote for the alternative.”
“Obama is too calculating to have made this view known apart from some political strategy. I need to let this marinate.”
Those are just a few of the comments we overheard from different Christians following President Barack Obama’s announcement that he now supports same-sex marriage. His “evolution” on the issue dominated the news last week, and his explanation about how his personal faith informed the decision opened up a wide-ranging discussion on gay rights, the Bible, and the proper Christian response.
For the record, UrbanFaith maintains a traditional view of Christian marriage as an institution ordained by God to be a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman. However, we recognize there is a diversity of Christian opinion on the subject of homosexuality and gay rights, especially within the African American community. So, we asked a spectrum of Black Christian leaders to share their perspectives on President Obama’s announcement and the subject of same-sex marriage. The opinions that follow belong to the respondents and do not necessarily reflect the editorial views of UrbanFaith.
Not a Central Issue for the Black Community
Dr. Vincent Bacote
The president’s public affirmation of the legalization of same-sex marriage will not be a surprise to many people, because his “evolving views” have trended in this direction for quite a while. It could be problematic in November with some demographics, but most likely he will still have the great majority of the African American vote because this isn’t one of the central issues for the community; even though same-sex marriage is strongly resisted by the community, other commitments will likely lead to a share of the vote similar to what he received four years ago…. But I could be wrong. It is certainly possible that this was a great political miscalculation.
Vincent E. Bacote (Ph.D., Drew University) is an Associate Professor of Theology and the Director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics at Wheaton College. He is the author of The Spirit in Public Theology: Appropriating the Legacy of Abraham Kuyper and the editor of Precepts for Living, Urban Ministries Inc.’s annual Bible commentary.
Rev. Chris Williamson
Offensive to God
President Obama’s position on gay marriage is not only offensive to God, it should also be offensive to all Christians. With one insidious statement, he threw another piece of dynamite at the institution of marriage that God designed and always intended (i.e. one man married to one woman). But as we rightfully criticize the president, we should also pray for him. May God send someone to help him rethink and even retract this hellish statement in the light of Scripture.
Those of us who want to see the president reclaim a position of truth should let him know. Here’s the letter that I sent to the White House following Mr. Obama’s announcement:
Mr. President,
Because of your recent statement in support of gay marriage, you will not get my vote in November for a second term unless you retract.
Truthfully, I’m very disappointed in you. You profess to be a follower of Jesus Christ, yet you form and endorse opinions that contradict the words of Jesus. I love you, Mr. President, but I love Jesus more. What Jesus says has more authority than what you say and how your friends choose to live.
I will be glad to write you or speak with you about what Jesus teaches on this subject. Just let me know.
You will continue to be in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Chris Williamson
Chris Williamson is the founder and senior pastor of Strong Tower Bible Church in Franklin, Tennessee. Since 1995, Strong Tower has been a disciple-making, Bible-based, multi-ethnic church committed to Up-Reach, In-Reach, and Out-Reach. Rev. Williamson is the author of One But Not the Same: God’s Diverse Kingdom Come Through Race, Class, and Gender.
Dr. Cheryl Sanders
Seeing the Larger Picture
President Obama’s endorsement of marriage equality will alienate some of his constituents who are Bible-believing Christians, including some African Americans. However, I hope that the voters will take note of his positions on weightier matters such as unemployment, education, and foreign policy and not allow the same-sex issue to overshadow them, as occurred in 2004 when evangelical voters helped to re-elect President George Bush on the basis of his opposition to same-sex marriage without regard to his miscalculated policies in Iraq and at home. I think this is an opportune time for religious leaders to assess President Obama’s accountability to African American congregations and denominations on our most pressing social and political concerns, and then apply the same measure to Republican contender Governor Mitt Romney.
Dr. Cheryl J. Sanders is Professor of Christian Ethics, Howard University School of Divinity, and senior pastor of Third Street Church of God in Washington, D.C. She has authored several books, including Ministry at the Margins: The Prophetic Mission of Women, Youth & the Poor (1997) and Saints in Exile: The Holiness-Pentecostal Experience in African American Religion and Culture (1996).
Andrew Wilkes
Rethinking Sola Scriptura
Obama’s announcement reveals an inconsistency in African American biblical interpretation at the congregational and denominational levels. Black clergy routinely contextualize scriptural passages on slavery and women while simultaneously insisting on a plain, non-contextualized reading of Scripture in regards to sexuality and gay marriage. This diversity of interpretative strategies is rarely acknowledged. Regardless of where we stand, it’s time we eradicate the fiction that our moral conclusions are strictly and exclusively reached by reasoning from Scripture. Once we deconstruct the notion that any of our positions are “Biblical” with a capital B, we can then charitably discuss our respective visions of how to faithfully interpret the canon of Scripture on matters of sexuality. Such discussion can help us accomplish the positive good of Christians modeling charitable dialogue to a corrosive political culture and the negative good of ceasing to bear false witness — theologically conservative black churches/denominations in regards to theologically liberal ones and vice versa.
President Obama has supported gay marriage since his first run for public office in 1996. What has evolved, therefore, is not Obama’s position but public opinion. Some speculate that the White House tested the political waters by rolling out the support of Vice President Biden and U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan prior to Obama’s announcement. I’m not sure if that’s the case—we’ll find out when Obama releases his presidential memoirs. In terms of reelection, I doubt that Obama’s support will decrease the voter turnout or the likely scenario that African Americans predominantly vote for him in 2012. Black folks know Obama is not a theologian-in-chief, but our commander-in-chief. Secondly, President Obama is generally regarded as stronger than Gov. Romney on issues of greatest import to college-educated African-Americans (his most reliable voting bloc) — jobs, supporting small business, expanding educational opportunity, and so on. As Ta-Nehisi Coates of The Atlantic once tweeted, “No one gets everything they want in a candidate.” Since the Voting Rights Act, black voters, whether Republican or Democrat, have never seen — and will never see — a fully satisfying candidate for President of the United States. Believing that such a candidate exists, or that Obama was that candidate, is an understandable but lamentable sign of political immaturity. I hope that we grow up civically, prioritize the issues according to our respective metrics, and then see how the votes aggregate once it’s all over.
Andrew Wilkes, an UrbanFaith columnist, works at Habitat for Humanity-NYC as the Faith and Community Relations associate and serves as an affiliate minister at the Greater Allen Cathedral of New York. He is an alumnus of the Coro Fellow in Public Affairs, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Hampton University. You can follow him on Twitter at: @andrewjwilkes.
Dr. DeForest Soaries
Not So Fast
“I didn’t hear the president propose a government program or policy. He expressed a personal opinion, which he has the right to do.”
Rev. Dr. DeForest “Buster” Soaries is senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, New Jersey.
Rev. Julian DeShazier
The Incompatibility of God and Caesar
Will President Obama lose some of the Christian Right in this year’s electorate? Sure, but he lost most of them already, and he’ll win a few back after the poor discover how out of touch “Daddy Warbucks” Romney really is. And if you think the Black Church (not a monolith) won’t vote for Obama over this: wrong again. The Latino vote (again, not a monolith) is overwhelmingly conservative theologically, and this may stir the pot. Overall, though, I have to believe there are more civil rights sympathizers (who want equal rights period, regardless of the issue) than ideologues. The media gives the microphone to the dogmatists, but I suspect the levelheaded have been listening to The Who (or at least watching CSI: Miami) and “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” That is, if they remember George W. Bush.
The issue itself needs to be considered on civil and religious grounds — and not at the same time. The Bible should not dictate policy or how rights are distributed; God and Caesar make “strange bedfellows,” as Leo Tolstoy once remarked, and ironically, as Jesus agreed (Matt. 22:21). Yet as we render unto Caesar, we church leaders must affirm our prophetic DNA — to name when Caesar is denying basic human dignity. It happened with slavery. It happened with abortion. It is happening now with health-care rights for women, and with the issue of same-sex marriage. You may assess the decision itself on biblical grounds (as unsound an argument as that is), but Caesar cannot deny the ability to decide. This is a putrid yet common discrimination — to deny choice because of our displeasure at how one may choose — and it is an offense to God. Every citizen is also a child of God.
What the Bible says about homosexuality is fairly clear: not much, and almost never in the context we intend. But should theology shape policy? Should the office of the President also be a seat of moral authority? I worry that the trajectory of human history, including (mostly) politics, has been in search of a more perfect Christianity, and it has proven a crash course. But if we can use our worldview in search of Truth, instead of assuming these are the same, then the kingdom may be closer than we think.
Rev. Julian “J.Kwest” DeShazier regularly provides social commentary surrounding youth, ethics, and culture. A graduate of Morehouse College and the University of Chicago Divinity School, Julian is the senior pastor of University Christian Church in Chicago, his hometown. To build with this scholar, activist, and artist, hit him up at www.jkwest.com.
Do you know where Mr.M. R. Stand? people can say anything until they get what they want, Mr.president, have been fighting from day one
Tell the truth about it, if you start looking at all that go for that job, I promise you God, can find something that’s. Not according to his will. PLEASE let’s keep this in mind when we vote, and most of all acknowledging him all of our ways. God said pray for those that’s in attorney, it still. Work. Helene
We all are of sin ,and come short , the idea is to seek betterment , and get closer to the almighty. This world is under attack by Satan, more and more we see this attack in the media,with politicians, public figures brain washing us and esp. our children to to believe sin is gosh, and the word of God is out dated, fairy tales, spookism and unnecessary.
God is alive and well !, and is coming to rein in those that believe and stand with him in the struggle between good and evil. This world is doomed ,brothers and sisters, negro preachers justifying sin from the pulpit of Gods House for the sake of a politician will suffer the greatest wrath of the almighty ,politicians believing homosexuality is ok,saying it’s a civil rights matter ,this is a true pathway to Hell!, for you have the knowledge of God and deny it for sin.
When the time comes for you to be judged, he also will deny your soul entrance into the heaven.
I am pleading with you stand with the Lord and his glory and nothing can go wrong , stand with sinners,sodomites and die an awful death.
This issue is not really about homosexuality. This issue is starting to answer the question, “Is Jesus Lord?” It is sad to me to see the responses of the majority of contributors to this article, especially those of Rev. Julian DeShazier. What they appear to be saying is that the concerns of the masses trump the position of God and therefore have a higher priority. Thank God for Rev. Chris Williamson! At least one preacher knows that “What Jesus says has more authority than what you say and how your friends choose to live.” The Scriptures are clear on this issue. We, as preachers, need to preach what the Scriptures teach and not just are pet issues (the poor, the disenfranchised, the widows, the children, etc.) Was Christ concerned about the poor? Yes and so should we be. But we serve a holy God and He has spoken on this. To contradict what the Scriptures teach, as our President has done, is to reject His Lordship! That’s a dangerous place to be for one whp professes Jesus as his Savior!
I made two mistakes (Compare what’s in CAPS to what I originally typed) in my typing, so I’ve reposted my response.
This issue is not really about homosexuality. This issue is starting to answer the question, “Is Jesus Lord?” It is sad to me to see the responses of the majority of contributors to this article, especially those of Rev. Julian DeShazier. What they appear to be saying is that the concerns of the masses trump the position of God and therefore have a higher priority. Thank God for Rev. Chris Williamson! At least one preacher knows that “What Jesus says has more authority than what you say and how your friends choose to live.” The Scriptures are clear on this issue. We, as preachers, need to preach what the Scriptures teach and not just OUR pet issues (the poor, the disenfranchised, the widows, the children, etc.) Was Christ concerned about the poor? Yes and so should we be. But we serve a holy God and He has spoken on this. To contradict what the Scriptures teach, as our President has done, is to reject His Lordship! That’s a dangerous place to be for one WHO professes Jesus as his Savior!
Amen Mr. Sutton!
Great article. I was impressed by the nuanced opinions of some of the posters on here. I specifically found Andrew Wilkes to be an intelligent position, well stated brother! Living in Seattle I know a large church out here that is very black and white and calls themselves “Bible believing christians”, as opposed to those they disagree with. Its really myopic and frankly just not true.
I was so happy when we obtained our first Black president it was something as a child we were always told you could be but we just didnt see it happening in real life. a person like myself never really paid attention to politics too much before I got saved and when we got our president it was like a dream come true. Then I began to notice some things a lot of things that puzzled me about our president see this is way deeper than a civil rights issue and /or a discrimination issue all of a suuden Mr, obama realy wants to change the way the Bible perceaves Homoseduality and other moral issues the bible clearly stae s is un acceptable. the Bible say we wrestle not with flesh and blood but with principalities and powers in high places he definitely was talking about the rulers of our country see in these last days the Bible says it will look like the days of noah and sodom and gomora look at pur country from commercials to cartoons theyre poluting it with sexuality ..same ses cenered and focusd to sibconsciously saturate our minds to thinking it is acceptable and normal when in fact it should and is just the opposite. i feel and believe any christian that believes in the word should and could plainly see tha obama is not for Gods laws and ways but definitely for mans laws and ways do your research people on tis man i am not talking about some homemade videos ppl create Im talking about public facts obama is apart of the plan to wipe out the Bible completely from this country and it is unbelievable how ppl especially christians are not speaking up especially being bible readers and believers its all there and so are the public facts . aAll im sayng is this this should definitely raise attention to the other things obama really supports and is doing without announcing ot to americans citizens look up the fema camps and the indefinite detention of americans without trail or charege , he also took control over the food and water supply , having military soliders trained to enforce swine and bird flu vaccine on americans and if we refuse get imprisoned in a fema camp sounds nutts but look all these things up these are facts as well as the laws he is signing not in our favor a;so the RFID chip is implemented in the obamacare bill !! are you guys reading the bible if so what part? because things are going down right before our very eyes this is way deeper than just politics its prophecy.
Saondra, before you go spouting off about how uninformed we are, you should check your statements before publishing them. Although I agree with your intent and I too don’t trust the man, the fact that you do not cross reference your claims leads one to believe you are full of poppy-cock
http://www.snopes.com/politics/medical/microchip.asp
Good Morning Saondra,
My class and I review your comment – you are rambling and your statement is incoherent. However, the President is not try to redefine the biblical definition of ‘Homosexuality or is he trying to force his belief on anyone, like most of you on this Blog is attempting to do. Please feel free to update your study regarding this President.
We have all been sexual deviants—if only in our thoughts. We all need God’s grace and forgiveness. With humility and repentance, we must acknowledge that we face a national crisis related to sexuality on many levels.
Here is our tension. We must approach this subject as sinners in need of the gospel and as citizens asked to participate in public discourse on the common good.
We realize that peaceful existence in a nation rich in multi-ethnic, multi-cultural diversity requires the civility of citizens who show respect for those who differ from them. Requiring such goodwill is good for the nation. People who (within law) choose different beliefs, morals and lifestyles, must be asked to live in harmony with one another. And we have made great strides in promoting respect – particularly through civil rights on race and gender, and through special laws protecting the disabled.
But should we be concerned about those who demand that their sexual preferences be placed in the category of civil rights? We should. Civil-rights battles should be restricted to matters of nature, not lifestyle. The referendums that have appeared on the ballots in our States have confirmed that most Americans do not want the sexual lifestyles of others forced on them or normalized for everyone.
Like all civilized people, we have laws restricting some types of sexual behavior. Beyond these restrictions, consenting adults are free to live their sexual preferences. But to ask our nation to make new and special laws for sexual preferences of a few is to force the lifestyle choices of others on everyone. If a homosexual lifestyle, for example, becomes a protected status equal with race and gender, people will not be free to be morally opposed to homosexual behavior. It’s that simple and that dangerous. The question that must be answered is whether comparison of race and gender with sexual orientation is a false comparison.
It is ill-advised to seek a radical redefinition of the institution of marriage to accommodate the sexual preference of a small group of Americans. Yet in a civilized nation, people should be asked to treat respectfully those who (lawfully) choose different sexual lifestyles. But let’s be clear that forced affirmation and endorsement of lifestyles you disagree with is a threat to true freedom. There is an important difference between required respect (which is necessary) and forced affirmation or indoctrination. In a free and diverse nation, tolerance is a safeguard to civility. But tolerance that asks for more than respectful treatment of others, is not only deeply misguided, it is a form of intolerance.
If we don’t respect this distinction, the liberty of our nation will be threatened. We will be under the tyranny of tolerance and no exceptions will be tolerated!
Coerced approval of the lifestyle choices of others is not tolerance; nor is it respectful.
Discrimination (in actual civil-rights cases) injures people for what they are by nature, not for lifestyles they choose. It could be a significant threat to liberty to start protecting lifestyles with special laws and forcing those lifestyles on others. People who chose a homosexual lifestyle once said they only wanted to be left alone to live they way they desired. In a free nation, this would be a fair request and could be enforced with existing laws.
Well said. I am impressed with how you articulated your point.
AMEN!!!
I think it’s high time we started really believing the Bible (like we say we do). So, let’s not try to tackle the difficult issue of gay marriage; rather, let’s attack the low hanging fruit of divorce.
Christ clearly says in Matthew 19 that, “…I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
I believe it’s high time we went to those members of our church that are divorced and remarried and call them out for what they are: Adulterers.
After we get this ‘plank” from our churches’ eyes, then we might be able to more clearly and begin to talk about gay marriage.
You speak as though one sin is greater than the other (Same argument as the gay community). Truth is, sin is sin, is sin! The Bible declares we all sin and fall short. The Bible also says He is faithful and just to for give us…this is where the lines are drawn. See the only difference between me and a homosexual is I realize when I sin against God and go to Him for what He alone can do…professing homosexuals are not willing to call what they do sin, nor are they willing to repent of it.
So, there is no low-hanging fruit…
Clearly you don’t understand sarcasm.
Yes, sin is sin. But, the bible calls homosexuality and several other sexual sins an abomination. Does the bible state that telling a lie is an abomination? Quit making excuses for the President’s choices and see what his brand of social theology is doing. The Black church by in large will follow him and most liberals down a primrose path. Although I understand and agree with many social causes I have to vote for a Conservative because of three things: I believe in transcendental law, that is what’s good for God is good for man. I believe in the sanctity of marriage and finally, protecting the unborn. All the rest to me is trivial.
False! There is a Biblical distinction between sins. There is no forgiveness for blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, neither in this world or the world to come; a liar won’t tarry in HIS sight; same-sex sex is an abomination and as a result they are turned over to a reprobate mind; he who knows God’s Will and doeth not shall be beating with a many stripes, he that knowers not God’s Will will be beaten with a few stripes; adding to scripture adds dannation to one, whereas, taking away from scripture takes one’s name from the Book of Life. These are a few examples that illustrate that all sins are not equally weighted with God.
False! There is a Biblical distinction between sins. There is no forgiveness for blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, neither in this world nor the world to come; a liar won’t tarry in HIS sight; same-sex sex is an abomination and as a result they are turned over to a reprobate mind; he who knows God’s Will and doeth not shall be beaten with many stripes, he who knoweth not God’s Will will be beaten with a few stripes; adding to scripture adds damnation to one, whereas, taking away from scripture removes one’s name from the Book of Life. These are a few examples that illustrate that sin is not equally weighted with God, some sin is worse and will receive greater punishment.
If that is done, be prepared for a LOT of pastors to have to step down.
I am sick and tired of alleged Christians being too weak to stand on the Bible. This is an abomination that is being openly supported, and we are too weak to fight it?? Get over the fact of his blackness. He has appointed fewer black than either Clinton or Bush. He has appointed more GLBT than the last eight presidents. He is an obamination.
President Obama says that the Golden Rule informed his decision to come out in support for homosexual marriage. But, for the learned pastors and theologians on this site, this lay Christian respectfully asks: Does the Golden Rule require us to blithley condone homosexuality (or any other sin, for that matter)? I’ve addressed that question on my blog, which addresses faith-related issues from a black conservative’s perespective. I hope fellow believers will check it out: http://christiandiarist.com/2012/05/14/obama-breaks-faith-with-the-black-community/
JP,
I think we should approach this subject from what the Bible and Jesus has to teach about marriage before turning to the few passages that speak of homosexuality. These need to be understood in the context of the revealed mind of God on marriage. Building strong marriages and restoring those in disarray should occupy far more of our time, though it may be necessary to refute those who are proposing accepting a new form of marriage which is a counterfeit, a fraud, a pseudo marriage that bears no resemblance to what God has given us.
See my comment below.
a contradiction, a pseudo marriage, a sham marriage
Michael – Thanks for your reply. Another problem I have with the president’s endorsement of same-sex marriage is that it sends the message that one can be an unrepentant sinner – as homosexuals surely are – and still be right with God.
What are the passages that I should read about what Jesus taught about marriage and homosexuality and gay marriage. Please respond as I am very interested in this.
Read Matthew 19. You will see that when Jesus speaks against divorce, he speaks only if it being between a man and a woman. Thus, according to Jesus, since the context of divorce is isolated and only between one man with one woman, and to get a divorce, marriage must have taken place prior, Jesus recognized that God’s plan (from the beginning when he made them male and female) was that marriage cannot, could not, will not and shall not exist in God’s plan in other combination outside of one man to one woman.
Regarding other relationships in the Bible that involved relationships outside of God’s plan of one man with one woman, look to the hell that related from Jacob’s mess in polygamy between his sons of different wives; David’s tumultuous home life after his wickedness with Bethsheba. God’s not even sanctioning wickedness within a monogamous marriage if he participants are disobedient, Cain and Abel, fallout from the sins of their parents.
I wrote a piece entitled Obama, Jamal Bryant and the Politics of Selective Outrage. Check it out @ http://kineticslive.com/2012/05/obama-jamal-bryant-and-selective-outrage/
“Black clergy routinely contextualize scriptural passages on slavery and women while simultaneously insisting on a plain, non-contextualized reading of Scripture in regards to sexuality and gay marriage.”
I would like to know (briefly) what Andrew Wilkes means by this. I have been looking at the way the Scriptures are being interpreted in large African churches. It appears to me that the Scriptures are frequently explained without regard to the context and that various OT passages are not read through the lens of the completed work of Jesus Christ. I also think that this is a problem in many Evangelical churches that there is a failure to read the passages closely and unpack them carefully, recognizing the context and plain sense of the language (which may not always be literal).
My comment ties in with the subject matter because the way we interpret the Scriptures determines how we think of this whole matter. If we recognize that there are many passages in the Scriptures that speak of the importance of marriage and reveal God’s mind on what it should be like then this should shape our views on what many call “same-sex marriage”.
Mr. Michael Swart, normally I would explain information to help people understand, however, your statement above and using Andrew Wilkes statement is just Idiotic! African American Clergy remind African Americans about slavery, just as the Jews remind other Jews of the Holocaust.
I will not speak for other African America Clergy, but I can say, that the African Amercan Clergy that are in my circle, does not support same sex marriage, does not homosexuality and teach both Old and New Testament to show the difference from living by the Law and Living by Grace.
There is two Theologies in the Bible – Biblical Theology and Social Theology – God requires us to conform to both Theologies. We are required to obey Gods law and take care of the poor.
I have tried for days, not to say what is really in my heart regarding all of the Comments regarding President Obama, However, this is the straw that has sent me to a place none of you will like.
The fact of the matter, this is not about disobeying God Law, this is simply about removing President Obama from Office, because he is not Conservative – (Black Clergy) and because he is black – (WASP). Many of you have been quoting Bible verse, explaining your Christian beliefs and how this Black President have sinned against God and this Nation. However, many of you have kept quiet when all of the other White Presidants have murdered most of the Native Americans, Murder Most African Americans during slavery, during the civil rights movement and even today. Many lies have told by White Presidents, Stealing, Killing, and destroying nation under the banner of Democracy. So how many sins did all the other Presidents have committed against God law that I have not heard any of you say anything about.
So many of you need to quit lying, you want him out of office because he is Black not because he support same sex marriage. Sin is Sin! If you really are religious as you say you are, then you should have not voted for Regan Twice or Bush Twice. Both Lied to the nation, one sent guns to the Contres to cause a Revolution (Murder) and the other attack a country base on a Known Lie! (WMD). Before anyone decides to challenge me, please study your history, because I am ready.
Grace and Peace unto all,
Since the President’s announcement that he is for “Civil Unions/Gay Marriage” some African American Clergy decided that they will not support President Obama in the upcoming Presidential election based solely on view that Homosexuality is a sin and that President Obama has violated God’s Law, by embracing “Civil Unions/Gay Marriage”.
I have read many articles from African American Clergy regarding this issue; I have listen to African American Clergy on Fox News, MSNBC, NBC, ABC and CBS regarding this issue. And what is so astonishing in all of the interviews and articles regarding the President view on One Death Penalty Sin “Homosexuality”, what about all the other 41 Death Penalty Sins that is listed in the Book of Genesis, Chapter 18 and the other 667 sins that are listed throughout the Holy Bible that has been committed by both Parties as well as the constant lies that have been told to the America people by every President in this great nation history?
In addition, I noticed the lack of Love, Compassion, Understanding and Tolerance among those who represent Jesus Christ. Was it not Jesus the Christ that showed compassion to a sin sick world as he walked among us?
Many of my Clergy brothers and Sisters remind me of the Pharisees and Sadducees of Jesus time. Ready and prepared to condemn the President on Biblical principles regarding Homosexuality but have failed to practice this same condemnation in our lives, our homes, our communities, and our churches.
It is important to understand what Jesus said in the Gospel according to St. Matthew, Chapter 7, verse 3 – “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?”; and in Gospel according to St. John, Chapter 8 – regarding bringing a sinful woman to Jesus without considering the sin they have committed in their lives. Sound familiar?
As I conclude this message with my belief and with a paradox – I am a Clergy, I don’t support Homosexuality, Civil Unions or Gay Marriage, that is against the word of God and I stand with God word. I hate the sin of Homosexuality, I don’t hate the sinner and I won’t throw the baby out with the bath water. Now, let’s examine the paradox this country faces today……
1. A Democratic President, Senate and House that support Civil Unions/Gay Marriages, has brought this country out of the greatest economic depression since the 1920’s, stabilize the car industry, reduced unemployment in most states, stabilized the financial industry, strong on National Defense, Support Civil Rights for all people, ensuring Social Services remain in place for the middle class and the poor of this country and support equal taxation for the middle class, poor and the rich…. Just to name a few items to consider in this paradox.
2. A Republican President, Senate and House that don’t support Civil Unions/Gay marriages, return this country to economic stress that caused the previous meltdown, keep troop deployed in different Wars, increase the wealth to the rich and taxing the middle class and the poor, ending all social programs, such as SNAP (Food Stamps), Medicaid, Medicare and other services for the poor and middle class which will require the Churches to take care of the poor, widows and orphans without any assistance from the government and establishing an “Separate But Equal” status between the very rich and the rest of the population…… Just to name a few items to consider in this paradox.
A choice will need to be made by the African American Christians in the Presidential Election to answer the paradox – Choose 1 or Choose 2. It is your Choice!
All Glory to God,
Rev. Dr. Rodney N. Tolbert, Sr.
CEO/President
Strategy for Effective Living Ministry
With all due respect Rev. Tolbert, your response reflects one of the real problem in the body of Christ. You are appealing specifically to African-American Christians on the basis of politics.
There are times sir when political interests are superseded by Kingdom mandates and Kingdom interests. This is one of them. The Scriptures speak clearly on this issue. No one, coming against President Obama on the issue of homosexuality, is for bringing condemnation upon all homosexuals. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is for all sinners, including the homosexual. What we’re speaking out against is a President, who claims to be a follower of Christ, giving his stamp of approval for a behavior that the Scriptures clearly condemn and then using Scripture to justify it. Your Pharisees comparison does not apply here. We also do not want our government sanctioning it. It’s one thing for individuals to commit sin. Those are individual sins. It’s another thing for a nation to sign off on it and make it legal. Then it becomes a national sin.
Also sir, in the Scriptures you cite, Jesus never gave his okay to the sins. He just said be careful that in judging others sin, you are not found guilty of failing to deal with your own. You used the example of the woman caught in adultery. After her accusers left, Jesus says I don’t condemn you either. He then said go and SIN no more! You can’t possibly believe that Christ is pleased with President Obama in this?!
As for who one should vote, our vote should be based upon righteousness, not what best serves our own personal interests. This is why our nation is in such a mess now and both political parties are guilty of it and so are we, the voting public. What’s really sad is that we as believers are just as guilty of this, if not more!
Grace and Peace to Mr. Sutton,
I was fairly sure you would be the one to respond. It is very clear you did not read or did not comprehend the entire comment. However, I read your comments and I am going to address each paragraph in your comment.
(You’re Comment) – With all due respect Rev. Tolbert, your response reflects one of the real problem in the body of Christ. You are appealing specifically to African-American Christians on the basis of politics.
(My Response) – No sir, there is no real problem with my comment because – Sin is Sin in the sight of the Lord. We as Christians are required to hate the sin, not the sinner. We are not required to promote retribution on anyone, because we all have sinned and come short to the glory of God. My comment was particularly addressed to the African American Christian reader because the sin of “Homosexuality” is not the only sin that many Presidents, of this great nation have committed against God. My point is don’t allow this sin to prevent you from voting.
(You’re Comment) – There are times sir when political interests are superseded by Kingdom mandates and Kingdom interests. This is one of them. The Scriptures speak clearly on this issue. No one, coming against President Obama on the issue of homosexuality, is for bringing condemnation upon all homosexuals. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is for all sinners, including the homosexual. What we’re speaking out against is a President, who claims to be a follower of Christ, giving his stamp of approval for a behavior that the Scriptures clearly condemn and then using Scripture to justify it. Your Pharisees comparison does not apply here. We also do not want our government sanctioning it. It’s one thing for individuals to commit sin. Those are individual sins. It’s another thing for a nation to sign off on it and make it legal. Then it becomes a national sin.
(My Response) – Interesting view, but very near sighted regarding political interest and God commandments, rules and regulations (Kingdom mandates), God has no interest so the is no (Kingdom interest), however, I understand the thought process. I digress; let’s deal with your words – Kingdom mandates and Kingdom interests – Supporting Civil Unions/Gay Marriage is not the only Kingdom mandates and Interest that many of the Presidents of the United States have committed that is against Gods’ Commandments. Many of our Presidents have sinned that affected the entire nation – Killing people based on a known Lie, (Native Americans, WMD/Iraq), stealing for profit – twice in American history (Bank Meltdown/Financial collapse/Wall Street), Segregation and Slavery – (Since the beginning of America) to name a few sins that is against Kingdom mandates and Interest. So, the history of American religion and politics indicate that her Presidents as well as some of her Religious Leaders have not followed the Commandments of God, the Kingdom mandates or the Kingdom interest.
(You’re Comment) – Also sir, in the Scriptures you cite, Jesus never gave his okay to the sins. He just said be careful that in judging others sin, you are not found guilty of failing to deal with your own. You used the example of the woman caught in adultery. After her accusers left, Jesus says I don’t condemn you either. He then said go and SIN no more! You can’t possibly believe that Christ is pleased with President Obama in this?!
(My Response) – Well sir, I see you did not get the spiritual analogy. Allow me to provide some clarity. The scripture is a perfect analogy of what many of you are doing to President Obama. Please try to follow:
Pharisees and others presented the woman to be condemned by Jesus for committing adultery; however, they failed to present the man who also was committing adultery for condemnation. Today, many Christian leaders – (Pharisees) and others are presenting President Obama for condemnation – (not re-electing him for his second term) for supporting Civil Unions/Gay Marriage. But many Christian leaders – (Pharisees) and others, throughout history, has failed to condemn any Presidents for lies, murders, slavery, stealing and other sins listed in the Bible that Christ is not pleased with.
(You’re Comment) – As for who one should vote, our vote should be based upon righteousness, not what best serves our own personal interests. This is why our nation is in such a mess now and both political parties are guilty of it and so are we, the voting public. What’s really sad is that we as believers are just as guilty of this, if not more!
(My Response) – The reason why this country is in a mess; is because our religious leaders are not consistent. We don’t support the words of God as the Profit Nathan did when he told King David of his sin. However, the Lord wants us to be concerned and care for all of his people, denying them what they need to survive is also a sin. “What you do to the least of them you do even unto me.” – Jesus Christ.
Rev. Dr. Rodney N. Tolbert, Sr.
CEO/President
Strategy for Effective Living Ministry
Rev. Tolbert,
Here is my response to your responses (Ed’s Response):
(You’re Comment) – With all due respect Rev. Tolbert, your response reflects one of the real problem in the body of Christ. You are appealing specifically to African-American Christians on the basis of politics.
(My Response) – No sir, there is no real problem with my comment because – Sin is Sin in the sight of the Lord. We as Christians are required to hate the sin, not the sinner. We are not required to promote retribution on anyone, because we all have sinned and come short to the glory of God. My comment was particularly addressed to the African American Christian reader because the sin of “Homosexuality” is not the only sin that many Presidents, of this great nation have committed against God. My point is don’t allow this sin to prevent you from voting.
(Ed’s Response) Sir, I have a question. Who is promoting retribution? I am not. I am simply saying don’t vote based on political interests, but based on righteousness. Also, we are not discussing the sins of previous presidents. The topic is about the stance that President Obama is taking concerning gay marriage. The President was not caught in a sin, he is proclaiming that which is sin to not be a sin. These are two totally different issues. You are connecting dots that are not supposed to be connected.
(You’re Comment) – There are times sir when political interests are superseded by Kingdom mandates and Kingdom interests. This is one of them. The Scriptures speak clearly on this issue. No one, coming against President Obama on the issue of homosexuality, is for bringing condemnation upon all homosexuals. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is for all sinners, including the homosexual. What we’re speaking out against is a President, who claims to be a follower of Christ, giving his stamp of approval for a behavior that the Scriptures clearly condemn and then using Scripture to justify it. Your Pharisees comparison does not apply here. We also do not want our government sanctioning it. It’s one thing for individuals to commit sin. Those are individual sins. It’s another thing for a nation to sign off on it and make it legal. Then it becomes a national sin.
(My Response) – Interesting view, but very near sighted regarding political interest and God commandments, rules and regulations (Kingdom mandates), God has no interest so the is no (Kingdom interest), however, I understand the thought process. I digress; let’s deal with your words – Kingdom mandates and Kingdom interests – Supporting Civil Unions/Gay Marriage is not the only Kingdom mandates and Interest that many of the Presidents of the United States have committed that is against Gods’ Commandments. Many of our Presidents have sinned that affected the entire nation – Killing people based on a known Lie, (Native Americans, WMD/Iraq), stealing for profit – twice in American history (Bank Meltdown/Financial collapse/Wall Street), Segregation and Slavery – (Since the beginning of America) to name a few sins that is against Kingdom mandates and Interest. So, the history of American religion and politics indicate that her Presidents as well as some of her Religious Leaders have not followed the Commandments of God, the Kingdom mandates or the Kingdom interest.
(Ed’s Response) – I’m sorry, I thought this issue was about the Black Church, President Obama, and Gay marriage. Bringing up the sins of past presidents has nothing to do with the issue at hand. By the way, many of the sins you point out were sins of the whole nation, not just our presidents. The presidents we elect often reflects the will and heart of the nation. Also am I reading this correctly. Did you say “God has no interest?” What exactly does that mean?
(You’re Comment) – Also sir, in the Scriptures you cite, Jesus never gave his okay to the sins. He just said be careful that in judging others sin, you are not found guilty of failing to deal with your own. You used the example of the woman caught in adultery. After her accusers left, Jesus says I don’t condemn you either. He then said go and SIN no more! You can’t possibly believe that Christ is pleased with President Obama in this?!
(My Response) – Well sir, I see you did not get the spiritual analogy. Allow me to provide some clarity. The scripture is a perfect analogy of what many of you are doing to President Obama. Please try to follow:
Pharisees and others presented the woman to be condemned by Jesus for committing adultery; however, they failed to present the man who also was committing adultery for condemnation. Today, many Christian leaders – (Pharisees) and others are presenting President Obama for condemnation – (not re-electing him for his second term) for supporting Civil Unions/Gay Marriage. But many Christian leaders – (Pharisees) and others, throughout history, has failed to condemn any Presidents for lies, murders, slavery, stealing and other sins listed in the Bible that Christ is not pleased with.
(Ed’s Comment) – With all due respect sir, to compare not re-electing President Obama to the condemnation the woman caught in adultery was about to receive is quite a stretch! We all have a right to vote. If anyone decides not to vote for President Obama based on this issue, they are simply stating that he/she can no longer support him. I would hardly call that a condemnation. Also, how do you know that a vote for one candidate or the other was not a repudiation (or condemnation as you put it) of a previous president or candidate? President Obama, in part, was elected due to the controversial presidency of George W. Bush. Many individuals, especially Independents, voted for President Obama for that very reason.
Also, there is a big difference between President Obama and the sins of other presidents. None of them did a nationally televised interview proclaiming their sins were actually a civil right!
(You’re Comment) – As for who one should vote, our vote should be based upon righteousness, not what best serves our own personal interests. This is why our nation is in such a mess now and both political parties are guilty of it and so are we, the voting public. What’s really sad is that we as believers are just as guilty of this, if not more!
(My Response) – The reason why this country is in a mess; is because our religious leaders are not consistent. We don’t support the words of God as the Profit Nathan did when he told King David of his sin. However, the Lord wants us to be concerned and care for all of his people, denying them what they need to survive is also a sin. “What you do to the least of them you do even unto me.” – Jesus Christ.
(Ed’s Response) – I can’t disagree with your point here. We do have religious leaders that are not consistent. We may disagree though on the inconsistencies.
One last thing sir. I did my best to address you with the respect and honor that is due someone in your position as a preacher of the Gospel. Why did you disrespect me with comments like the following:
“I was fairly sure you would be the one to respond. It is very clear you did not read or did not comprehend the entire comment.” (Really?! Was that necessary?) and
Then you encourage me to “Please try to follow:” (Wow!)
I don’t claim to know everything but one thing I do know. Our God prefers humility over arrogance.
Grace and Peace Mr. Sutton and to All African American Clergy,
Mr. Sutton, I applaud you on your last comments. I understand your point of view and I pray you understand my point. I originally addressed my Comments to African American Clergy because of the cry out of the African American Cleargy against Presidnet Obama. After your response, I address each paragraph. I was attempting to address the hypocritical stand of African American Clergy and Christians. The bottom line is, you cant pick and choose what sin you want to protest, when our country leaders have broken many sins throughout history.
It appears that we as Christians, will condone lying, cheating, stealing, murder and closet Homosexuality but will not condone a person to say what he feels to be right. However, we are ready to throw the baby out with the bath water because this President announced how he feel about Civil Union/Same Sex Marriage. That is what is so hypocritical!
I received many emails, letters and promos from the Evangelical Groups since the election of President Obama, stating they were going to ensure President Obama will not be re-elected for a second term. Republican Party have sent me the same information because they thought I was supporting the evangelicals and the Republican party. (Wrong)
I have been cussed, rejected and call many names, because I feel this is more political than religious. When the word say – make your yea, yea and your nay, nay – the Lord was referring to being consistant to His word. Many of the Religious Leaders have been condoning Homosexuality by allowing Homosexuals to serve in the Church as leaders and employees. This does not include addressing the Catholic Church – who has no right to speak at all on any matters regarding Homosexuality, when they condoned Sodomy, within the Priest hood and then trying to hide it – Sodomy is a sin. And the Catholic Church supports the Republican Party.
This is to all Clergy, especially to African American Clergy, you have the option of not voting, voting for President Obama or voting for Mitt Romney. But be advised, I know, that if and when Mitt Ronmy wins, the Senate become Republican, the House become Republican – then you will see the following, Most to all Social programs will be ended or cut so server that it is not worth even having. The poor will multiply by 100% each month, Homeless will multiply by 100% each month, Unemployment will be higher than 12% and the church will not be able to sustain the enormous need of the entire nation when the poor, widows, orphan, and homeless come knocking at the church door for assistance.
If African American Clergy feel that not re-electing President Obama will prevent sin or you feel that you have supported the Law of the Lord or if you can handle this, vote for Mitt Ronmey and suffer whatever consequences occur by your vote or non-vote.
If any Clergy want to have a conference on this, call me, email me and invite me to the conference. I be there.
God Bless to you all.
Rodney-
You skew the facts to prove your point. I do not have the time to address in length your (2) points by I will try to sum it up. This country’s economic mess started when we went off of the gold standard in 1971. Since then we have been accumulating a debt that will haunt us economically. A 16 trillion dollar debt is staggering. Since the birth of Christ that’s 21.9 million dollars a day. Think about that and how do we reconcile it? It’s not the job of the government to take care of us. They are to legislate and adjudicate laws and protect us. It’s the job of the church to feed the hungry and clothe them. Both conservative and liberal politicians have increases the debt. Liberals want to increase taxes and conservative want to cut taxes. It has been proven that tax cuts help spur the economy because that extra income is spent, therefore making more money. BTW, where was the “budget surplus” Bill Clinton talked about? One has no surplus if we have a mounting debt. Finally, the CRA of 1995 and giving China most Favored Nation Trading status accelerated the coming mess we are in. Deep federal cuts, not increased taxes is the only thing that we can do to shore up this economy. Short of tariffs and draconian cuts we are headed for a disaster. This president and the next few will not fix it. Margaret Thatcher said it best, “the problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people’s money.” Finally, Sir Winston Churchill said it best, “We you are young and not a Liberal you have no passion. When you are older and not a Conservative you have no brains.”
I am an Australian citizen and accept that my contribution may not be welcome. However I am a great admirer of your country and I have spent out of most of my life as an expatriate working with US citizens in evangelistic ministry. I know that a very large part of this world, which has no concept of religious nominalism, looks to America, rightly or wrongly, as the principal representative of the gospel. This is why I am writing. Neither an America perceived to be morally decadent nor militarily aggressive is good for the gospel. Because of America’s prominence, the polarising issue before you is bigger than a domestic political issue.
Certainly Mr Obama made these comments because he believes he needs the support of the gay lobby to get re-elected. But this lobby cannot be particularly large. Certainly not all pro-choice, same sex marriage advocates are economically liberal. Your New Christian Democrats actually describe themselves as a “silent majority” http://www.jesusisaliberal.org .
So is Christian Democrat silence the main problem? Some of you have rightly NOT remained silent over Mr Obama’s recent announcement. But are you silent to the extent that your Republican voting brothers don’t really know you exist? If they did, those of them fed up with extreme right policies might be inclined to band together with you to declare themselves potential Democrat voters, providing of course that their moral conditions were met. It seems that it would not take much of a migration of Christian Republican voters to marginalise the same sex and pro-choice lobbies in US elections.
I therefore humbly encourage you, if you are not doing so already, to get together with your politically conservative brothers, in order to identify political beliefs which unnecessarily divide you or have negative social effects. For example, the conservative dictum that social justice initiatives and the concomitant increased role of government are a means by which a government will ultimately restrict religious freedom, should be prayerfully debated. This believe is not held by conservative Christians in my country. With modern social media, and noting the rapid spread of movements such as the “Anti Wall Street” movement, this Christian block could well emerge as a major force before November.
I wrote this letter in the heat of the moment without having the time to research current US church initiatives in this area. I apologise if this work is already well in hand.
Grace and Peace to all,
I was reading the comments on Urban Faith, as I do each day, before teaching my Biblical Enrichment Class, just like Mr. Sutton comments intrigued me and my class, now the comment that Robin is also intriguing. Her comment provided me the opportunity to present to my class, how a paragraph with a plethora of incomplete information, with the sweetness of misinformation can cause those who are not biblically astute to misinterpret her point of view. The brevity of the paragraph is the cause for the incomplete information and the misinformation. Let’s review…..
a. It is true Sin is Sin, however homosexuality and other sexual sins are not the only sin is under the “Abomination” sin. Death Penalty Sin is another word for “Abomination”. When you study Hebrew and Greek mythology, you will discover that “Abomination” was used to describe the severity of the Sin. According the Hebrew language “Abomination” also me death to those sin against God. When you read the Old Testament you will discover 42 Death Penalty Sins that was committed by Sodom, and the same 42 Death Penalty Sins are being committed by the United States since the birth of these United States. In addition, when you research the Laws regarding the Ten Commandments, you will discover that all who violates the Ten Commandments will be subject to death. It is an “Abomination” to sin against God. But, in the New Testament, Jesus Christ, removed the “Abomination/Death Penalty of Sin” from man and replaced it with Grace or referred to as the Six Concepts of Salvation.
b. Social Theology is a biblical principle that is regulation from God. In many passages in the Bible, we are required to take care of the poor. Many Christian organizations are attempting to find solution to the Social Problem of the Americas. In September 6, 2008, The Bishops of Catholic Church had this meeting in Chicago titled – “Transformed by Hope” Building a Catholic Social Theology for the Americas – the following statement was made regarding the poor – “We must sharpen the awareness of having to be in solidarity with the poor, a mandate that follows from charity. This solidarity entails making their problems and struggles our own and knowing how to speak for them. Practically speaking, this means focusing on the denunciation of injustice and oppression, on the Christian struggle against an intolerable situation that the poor person must often endure, on a readiness for dialogue with the groups responsible for this situation in order to make them understand their obligations. “The preferential option for the poor.” – This must be address in every Christian Organization, of every faith and every Country.
c. Transcendental Law – which come from the teaching of Transcendentalism is define as – is a philosophical movement that developed in the 1830s and 1840s in the New England region of the United States as a protest to the general state of culture and society, and in particular, the state of intellectualism at Harvard University and the doctrine of the Unitarian church taught at Harvard Divinity School. Among the transcendentalists’ core beliefs was the inherent that what is good for God is good for man and the goodness of both man and nature. Transcendentalists believed that society and its institutions – particularly organized religion and political parties – ultimately corrupted the purity of the individual. They had faith that man is at his best when truly “self-reliant” and independent. It is only from such real individuals that true community could be formed.
If the definition is correct, then I understand your point of view, however I don’t agree, but understand. Transcendentalism was part of the Theological teachings that refers to Unitarianism. Throughout my studies, debates, arguments, Articles or just plain conversation, I come to the realization that people have failed in remember one of the three most important messages God gave to man:
1. Love is the number one Commandment.
2. Take care of the poor, widows, and orphans.
3. Choice was given to man by God.
How do I know this, because when God spoke to his prophets and Jesus spoke to his disciples – The two letter word “IF” was used to identify choice – “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me” “If you loved me, you will obey my commandments”
“that if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus Christ and shall believe in thine heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
Choice is a gift from God to man, we have the option to serve Him or not to serve Him. We do not have the right to criticize or condemn anyone who does not agree with us. We are to hate the sin but love the sinner and pray for their spiritual enlightenment.
To God be the Glory.
Rev. Dr. Rodney N. Tolbert, Sr.
CEO/President
Strategy for Effective Living Ministry
Rodney, Yes I left out parts of my argument not to skew things but to just get to the point. Many passages in the New Testament speak on the depravity of sexual sin. See: Romans 1:26., 1 Corinthians 6:9. Ultimately, you and others want to defend the actions and decisions of our leaders and then argue for their decisions. The bible clearly states homosexuality is a sin. There is no room for debate. The bible calls lust a sin too, is that up for debate as well?
Why do people try to pretend otherwise? I’ll tell you why. It’s because they want to justify their actions. If you want to follow Jesus, you have to choose between His way, or the world’s way. You can’t have both.
Also, I have to commend Steve Cornell’s post on the 14th at 10:21. For you Sir. Yes, Love is the number one commandment. And, yes also that we have the freedom of choice. I choose what is right because to defend what is wrong is to lose to sin. According to Burke…”All that is needed for the forces of evil to triumph is for enough good men to do nothing.” I as a man have to stand for what is right.
Robin and to all that is reading these comments,
If you or others would be kind enough to admit that all of the other Presidents have sinned against God and this country via lying, stealing, murder, slavery and genocide (Native Americans) and other sins and you voted for them any way, then I will not address this any further. Now in reference to Steve Cornell’s reference to Burke, read the entire wording, this statement, it was for any one that support evil. If you and Steve want to be honest and fair, you and Steve have voted and supported other political leaders who have sinned against God. Once again, Sin is Sin in the sight of the Lord. There is not Big or Little sin. When you choose to use sin as a reason to remove a person from office or from a position of authority then you should be fair in every case. Each President should have been condenmed for any sin they have committed in accordance with the way you are treating President Obama. I still will keep my point, the removal of President Obama is not because of sin, it is because he is Black. When you and others admit that this is about President Obama’s race and that you are using sin to support the reason for not supporting him, then I will keep quiet.
So here is the question for you Robin, Steve, Edward and others – How many of you are willing to tell me and all who read this blog, that you believe the Same Sex Marriage/Civil Unions is a greater sin than lying, stealing, murder, slavery, or genocide?
Being a Biblical, Historical and Theological teacher, my class consist of muliple races and we want to read your responses. We are attempting to determined the percentage of you that will be truthful regarding the question.
To God be the Glory.
Rev. Rodney N. Tolbert, Sr., Ph.D.
Doctor of Philosophy
CEO/President
Strategy for Effective Living Ministry
I got about 40 feet from President Obama today! I didn’t get to hear his speech (though I heard it live on the radio brfoee I found a parking spot in Portland), but I did stand outside of the Portland Expo and was right there when his limo left the parking lot! What a thrill!
I have looked to this site for guidance before the election on this issue of homosexuality being condoned by the President of the United States. I am appalled at the compromising of God’s Word that prevails among the comments here! Personal sin and a public statement endorsing sin are two entirely different matters. President Obama came out against God’s Word publicly, from the Oval Office in direct contrast to God’s Holy Word. To try to justify that position by saying to vote against Obama is going against God’s Word to be compassionate to the poor is ridiculous. No conservative has come out and said he condemns helping the poor. In fact, the ideas of personal responsibility and an unencumbered free market are the very things that lift us from poverty.
Grace and Peace to all,
No reply to my last comment dated May 24, 2012. I wonder why? SMH. Because of your silence, confirms what I always believe.
Good Day.
An earlier post asked the crucial question, “Is Jesus Lord?” When those who profess to be Christian put the cause of “social solidarity” above the precepts of the Bible and Christ, it is reasonable to doubt their profession. When those in the pulpit lead their people to follow a path that promotes abortion, the homosexual agenda, pagan religions, and a myriad of other “liberal” causes for the sake of “solidarity,” it makes one shudder at their prospects when standing before Christ. Along with a profession of Christianity there must also be a reverence and fear of God and a love for “solidarity” in HIM alone. If the group to which you belong has more allegiance to a perceived social agenda than to Christ, and you are truly a follower of Christ, then it is time to, “Come out from among them and be ye separate.”
Jesus said that in the Day of Judgment many will say, “Lord, Lord, did we not . . . flap our wings and blow a lot of smoke” and Jesus will say to them, “I never knew you. Depart from me.” In the end it will not be about whether you showed solidarity with whatever social group you identify with, it will be about whether you followed Christ even when the group did not. God forbid we should honor Him with our mouths yet deny him with our vote.
[Hi, Urban Faith. Great blog. Look at this little article I found while on my computer. Lord bless.]
OBAMA PROMOTES PUBLIC SEX
(and thinks children have a “right” to see it!)
Google “Zombietime” and click on “Up Your Alley Fair.” After recovering from the uncensored photos (!), Yahoo or Google “God to Same-Sexers: Hurry Up” on the “ucmpage” (even Jesus told Judas to hurry up – John 13:27). Also Yahoo “Dangerous Radicals of the Religious Right.” View these before the predicted California earthquake happens a la Rev.16:19 (“the cities of the nations fell”) – and before meteorological “lows” like hurricanes and tornadoes which predictably reflect society’s “lows.” Gays have invented strange architecture – closets no longer opening on to bedrooms but on to public Main Streets where children can watch police-protected sex between naked men in “Madam” Nancy Pelosi’s brothel district! I wonder how soon San Fransicko’s underground saint – San Andreas – will get a big jolt out of what goes on above him and will suddenly change the political left into the EPICENTER-LEFT!
Since Luke 17’s predicted “days of Lot” (see Genesis 19) immediately precede the Second Coming, gays and gay-loving SF politicians are hurrying up, and thus helping to fulfill, Christ’s return as Judge and making the Bible even more believable! Not one to mince words, Jesus said in Mark 9:42 that anyone hurting a child in any way deserves to be hanged and have his body thrown into the ocean – and that includes any President whose favorite drink seems to be infanti-cider! It’s far from coincidental that the more America elevates gays and other violence, the more the cost of gas, food etc. goes up! If America is smart, it will pick up the big dust-covered book everyone owns and almost never reads – no, not the Sears catalog – and find out that the One who made the universe has some rights too!
Also Google “Obama a Black-Slavery Avenger?,” “Michelle Obama’s Allah-day,” and “Islam Will Purify Jews and Christians.”
PS – New pro-life slogans: “Unborn babies should have the right to keep and bear arms – and legs and ears and eyes etc.!” & “Unborn babies should have the same right to be born alive that abortionists had!”
(Obama and his porn-protecting California friends – including Brown and Pelosi – did NOT approve of this message.)
So that leaves Eddie Long’s entire congregation of out this scenario. The black community confuses me. People are willing to stand behind people like Eddie Long who has destroyed the lives of many, and not trust a man who has an entire country to think about. Not just the black community. I am so confused.