Pro-Life?
Posted By: Daniel
This is my first blog so I am not sure if this is a waste of my time or not.
Recently (over the last year or so) I have begun to rethink my opinions on how I am supposed to relate to the world as a Christian. Since I have only been a Christian for about seven years I haven't had a chance to think about all of my beliefs. Some of them I just sort of inherited. The recent Presidential race has opened my eyes to how the Christian community (by and large) has formulated opinions on certain socio-political issues that I just flat out think are problematic.
Today in one of my seminary classes I announced that I voted for Obama and the collective gasp was so strong I almost passed out because there was no air left in the room. Now before I get going I want to say I am totally opposed to abortion (and Mr. Obama you are wrong children are never a mistake even if there parents made one). It is a reprehensible practice that in no way is a hard decision. What is so hard about letting something live? Human dignity should be protected at all costs and abortion is one of the worst ways of devaluing the image of God. Not only is the baby devalued but so is the mother's and the doctor's. For my whole Christian experience I have voted over that one issue.
But something has changed in the way I prioritize my opinions.
The current President was lauded by the Christian community as the one who would restore integrity to the White House and lead the country into a new era. Not only did that not happen, the Christian community no longer seems to be accountable to the rest of the Nation. Why is it that we so desperately wanted Slick Willy to be impeached for his affair but I haven't heard anyone call the President into accountability for waging two wars at the same time when neither of them attacked us. It is claimed that it is because they are involved in the war on terror. But isn't the group that gave us that info the same group that sold us on the so-called weapons of mass destruction. Wait a minute, wasn't Dick Cheney the former CEO (or something) of Haliburton (you know one of the companies that received a huge contract to make weapons for the army)?
If we as Christians are so pro-life why don't we care about the Afghani and Iraqi lives that we have slaughtered as passionately as we do about the unborn (anyone remember shock and awe)? I mean, I know the Bible says not to be vengeful but in this case this isn't even vegenance because the other countries did nothing to us. But just like lemmings we say that the President was just acting on the info he was given but isn't that why we don't attack until we are attacked? If I punched you because I thought you slashed my tires I would be guilty of assault! That is the law in America why does our country not follow their own rules? We don't we care. Mc Cain kept wanting to let us know that Obama didn't support 'the surge' but Obama also didn't support the War. Which is a moral decision and which is a practical decision? Their is a difference; one is based on principles and the other is based on what is practicle.
We so want to believe our country is the 'good' country we hold everyone else accountable (except for ourselves). As Christians we are responsible to make sure we remind our government that they are the servant of God for the Good. And then show them how to do it. Instead we act as if anything the so-called Christian President does is good. That is embarrassing. I read in a blog today that it would be cool if Obama got saved. Why is it that he has been twenty times (thats not a real stat just my observation) more vocal about his faith that Mc Cain has been (is he even a Christian?) but we assume that Obama is really a Muslim? Because we don't listen we just rebuke. I think it is time we are rebuked!
Next I will leave with a thought that I will discuss tomorrow. What would be so bad about a Muslim President? Should I, as a Christian, not consider someone for President who is a Muslim? Aren't they 'moral'?
Anyway if anyone is out there responses are encouraged.
Daniel
This is my first blog so I am not sure if this is a waste of my time or not.
Recently (over the last year or so) I have begun to rethink my opinions on how I am supposed to relate to the world as a Christian. Since I have only been a Christian for about seven years I haven't had a chance to think about all of my beliefs. Some of them I just sort of inherited. The recent Presidential race has opened my eyes to how the Christian community (by and large) has formulated opinions on certain socio-political issues that I just flat out think are problematic.
Today in one of my seminary classes I announced that I voted for Obama and the collective gasp was so strong I almost passed out because there was no air left in the room. Now before I get going I want to say I am totally opposed to abortion (and Mr. Obama you are wrong children are never a mistake even if there parents made one). It is a reprehensible practice that in no way is a hard decision. What is so hard about letting something live? Human dignity should be protected at all costs and abortion is one of the worst ways of devaluing the image of God. Not only is the baby devalued but so is the mother's and the doctor's. For my whole Christian experience I have voted over that one issue.
But something has changed in the way I prioritize my opinions.
The current President was lauded by the Christian community as the one who would restore integrity to the White House and lead the country into a new era. Not only did that not happen, the Christian community no longer seems to be accountable to the rest of the Nation. Why is it that we so desperately wanted Slick Willy to be impeached for his affair but I haven't heard anyone call the President into accountability for waging two wars at the same time when neither of them attacked us. It is claimed that it is because they are involved in the war on terror. But isn't the group that gave us that info the same group that sold us on the so-called weapons of mass destruction. Wait a minute, wasn't Dick Cheney the former CEO (or something) of Haliburton (you know one of the companies that received a huge contract to make weapons for the army)?
If we as Christians are so pro-life why don't we care about the Afghani and Iraqi lives that we have slaughtered as passionately as we do about the unborn (anyone remember shock and awe)? I mean, I know the Bible says not to be vengeful but in this case this isn't even vegenance because the other countries did nothing to us. But just like lemmings we say that the President was just acting on the info he was given but isn't that why we don't attack until we are attacked? If I punched you because I thought you slashed my tires I would be guilty of assault! That is the law in America why does our country not follow their own rules? We don't we care. Mc Cain kept wanting to let us know that Obama didn't support 'the surge' but Obama also didn't support the War. Which is a moral decision and which is a practical decision? Their is a difference; one is based on principles and the other is based on what is practicle.
We so want to believe our country is the 'good' country we hold everyone else accountable (except for ourselves). As Christians we are responsible to make sure we remind our government that they are the servant of God for the Good. And then show them how to do it. Instead we act as if anything the so-called Christian President does is good. That is embarrassing. I read in a blog today that it would be cool if Obama got saved. Why is it that he has been twenty times (thats not a real stat just my observation) more vocal about his faith that Mc Cain has been (is he even a Christian?) but we assume that Obama is really a Muslim? Because we don't listen we just rebuke. I think it is time we are rebuked!
Next I will leave with a thought that I will discuss tomorrow. What would be so bad about a Muslim President? Should I, as a Christian, not consider someone for President who is a Muslim? Aren't they 'moral'?
Anyway if anyone is out there responses are encouraged.
Daniel
posted by Daniel and Brittny Owens | 8:38 PM
8 Comments:
abortion is to Democrats what Christianity is to Republicans.
Both issues come with a lot of votes. Even if Obama was against Abortion, he could'nt voice it because he would loose votes. Its all politics.
I really like this blog. You are Brave dude.
Danny what a great blog!! I found myself talking about this very thing with Tommy today. He doesn't understand the hypocrisy either. From either side. He brought up the very same issues you did, and I agree completely. I also feel the abortion association with democrats is a little out of hand. Just as if I were to say every Republican wants to blow up abortion clinics it would only apply to a select few crazies. It wouldn't at all be representative of how the majority of the base feels. Personally I believe most people on both sides probably agree on the issue more than they realize. A lot of democrats don't agree with abortion the same as most republicans. How they go about dealing with the issue is where the huge differences come into play. But I believe both sides have a moderate majority on the abortion issue.
I also think either guy would be great for the job, but I personally couldn't be more proud that VA for the first time in a very long time voted democratic. Mainly because I prefer to live in a state that will vote for the best person rather than just along party lines. This time the best man won.
Totally with you! Great to see someone stand up and say it.
thoughts...I have many. I love when people can speak their mind and do it honestly! So way to go!
I think the abortion issue is pretty big...whether it would have been changed with a Republican who knows...but I believe that the murder done in this land against babies who can't defend themselves is removing the favor of God on this country...amidst many other things.
Second thought... I would probably feel differently if my brother were in the war... but I kind of dont' think I would. I would pray more, but think there will always be war, because there will always be evil people. Look in the Bible, there was alot of stinkin war!
I've had several friends in Iraq and Afganistan and had a very good friend die over there... but I saw their pictures and heard their stories of how greatful the people were for them being there. If I hadn't heard these stories first hand then I would probably tend to believe allll of the media that only shows the bad side of things. Yes...innocent people die in war...as I know one day may come to our land. If I put myself in their shoes and someone in my family died while someone was trying to bring me freedom... I would probably be hurt and angry... but the BIGGER picture is...down the road hundreds of thousands of people will be able to live better lives if we are able to help them...even to a small degree! Giving them hope! And for another reason we fail to realize is the amazing doors that have been opened into these closed-door countries to share the gospel!
Yes, today...the last 7 years... we are focused on today... on what we suffer today... but what if we look forward not thinking only of what we're sacrificing right now... but to our children and their children and what they will be gaining by us sacrificing. What would have happened if we hadn't gone to war... would there have just been another 911 attack?
Ok... I'm totally passionate about about really thinking long-term and dealing with the deep-core issues, rather than the symptoms that we see on the surface.
Just another perspective for you.
Rachel,
I understand and affirm your point regarding the horrific slaughter of innocent babies. I feel the same way. Although I also understand that people just don't agree that abortion should not be a choice.
One thing that I think you should be careful of is using the wars in the Old Testament to justify the wars today. First, the wars of Israel were commanded by God and not the President. Second the New Testament changes virtually everything in regards to the organization of God's people. The New Testament is founded on the story of Jesus who gave himself over to wicked people. We are instructed to do the same.
Also, I am not saying that people who vote Republican are wrong. I am saying that I think the Democratic vote is just as justifiable.
Thanks for you input.
Daniel
Daniel I agree with you about all the issues you discussed. I can't say that I voted for Obama, but I can say that the thought a having a Muslim in the White house scared me. It took a great deal of prayer and talking with a few select people for me to finally be "o.k." with the idea.
Keep the Blogs coming, you're doing a great job!!!
Daniel,
First of all, I LOVED this blog. You basically summed up in a few paragraphs what I have been trying to make make sense to my Republican family and friends. I voted for Obama myself and really, the pro-choice views were not a factor for me. However, with that being said, abortion is not a choice that I necessarily agree with nor is it something that I condone. I think that if abortion was made illegal, it would create unneccesary issues like our young teenage girls hitching a ride to Mexico to get an abortion by a "doctor" who is not qualified to do that kind of procedure and either 1. we sacrifice two lives ( the baby and mother) or 2. the mother comes back with a mangled uterus and will never be able to have children again. I think that kids need to be educated at a younger age and in more detail about abortion and what it entails, (EXACTLY how it is done and the pain it can cause, etc) and have this paired with education on practicing safe sex. Of course they also need to learn that sex should be saved until marriage. Daniel, I really really enjoyed reading your blog, keep them coming!! - Lindsay Miller
Thanks Lindsay, how's your dad? I heard he lives on an Island in Maine or something.
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