We live in a postmodern world. One that claims that absolute truth does not exist and that everyone creates their own reality. In spite of this, there is a Savior (and the world only has room for one Savior by the way and He will return one day, but not in the form of Barack Obama). The problem with this current attitude is that Christians are getting to the place where they do not have a right to stand up for what is right. But, someone must! There must be some healthy skepticism. There must be someone who realizes what is behind the promise of hope and change. This is how my conscientious objector status fits into the now. I do not object to war, but I morally object to the stance of the current regime. For now, I still have the freedom and the right to object. There is a day coming when I will not have that right. For all of you who disagree, I have a thougth for you. Matthew 16:26 says, "what good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?" I leave you with this...we must count the cost!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Conscientious Objector
I have decided that for the next four years I am going to become a conscientious objector to the status of the nation. I know many will not agree with me and that is okay. Last time I checked this was still the United States of America and we both have a right to our opinions. For as long as I have been able, I have cast my vote. If you voted, you have a right to an opinion. Another blog for another day is for those who complain and yet do not vote and in my opinion have no voice. However, for today, I must say that I am disappointed. I will respect the office of president, even if I do not agree with its occupant. I was raised in a time when you had respect for the highest office in the nation. (Very classy those of you who sang na, na, na, na to the former President Bush yesterday. Great message!). Anyway, my objection to this new president is not based on his color. I am celebratory, as are many of my friends, to see the dawn of a new day of race relations in my country. I have no problem with an African American president. I have a problem with this guys beliefs. Does anyone but me smell socialism? As I expressed my concerns, one of my friends patted my hand and said, "well, you are a Christian. You must pray." Yes, I must pray. I must pray for a man who claims the same label and yet supports partial birth abortion and numerous other things that I struggle to accept from a Biblical standpoint.
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Sean forewarned me to not take offense. Though I take no offense, I would like to comment, but only if you will also take no offense.
ReplyDeleteI voted for Barak Obama after praying “Lord, if I should vote, for whom?” and I felt impressed upon to do so. I do not really have a defense for Obama nor do I feel like I need to provide one. I do, however, feel it necessary to point out a couple of things and ask some questions.
You mention the smell of socialism, which I smell when I read about the New Testament church. How do you think that is reconciled?
In regard to war – what would Jesus have us do? Support it? Not support it? As believers, I feel as though we condemn murder and turn around and approve it at the same time in many different regards. I personally believe that the death of a murder through capital punishment is equally as wrong as the death of an unborn child.
Also, those who love justice and righteousness will always care less whether the “right” to stand up for what is right exists and they will continue to do it anyway. No man or government can ever give or take away from me the “right” to stand firm.
In regard to the abortion issue, I’ve looked at Obama’s record, I’ve read his comment from the Rick Warren session, and I’ve read other comments he has made. I do not agree with him on his stance, but his main concern revolves around the health of the mother, which may be misguided but also may have pure intentions, and he has stated several times that he thinks there ought to me much less abortions and much more done to prevent these difficult situations from even coming about. With that said, most Christians would not say “well then, I guess he’s alright after all”, but it is much better to display his overall outlook for others so they can think it through.
Overall, his “socialist” positions toward healthcare, providing for the needy, making sure our children have a quality education, and so on and so forth seems to heavily involve “loving thy neighbor as thyself”.
The two main issues Christians have with Obama involve homosexuality and abortion, and those issues are huge. We should pray that God would direct his heart in mind and convict him in the areas where his policies do not line up with God’s word, but all in all, God’s will be done (and it will be done).
Just some thoughts from a different vantage point. What do you think?
Steven, Just saw this. I take no offense and I hope you do not. I am okay with agreeing to disagree, that is what makes our country great! You make a good point about socialism in the New Testament church and one that I will give some more thought to. However, I think there is a difference between the socialistic tolerance (for lack of a better word) of the Bible and the tolerance that we tout in our society today. Socialism in the New Testament is about community, right? About taking care of your neighbor, about loving God, about following Jesus. The socialism of today is about allowance. The thought is that everyone is right (stay with me here). I think it is good to let others have their opinion, but the Bible says there is only one way through Christ. I wrestle with the homosexual issue. About how to love the homosexual in a Godly way and yet allow Romans 1 to be relevant in my life. These are hard issues as you said.
ReplyDeleteYes, his policies sound good in some ways, but isn't it the job of the church to take care of others. There was a time, before government interference, when folks took care of each other. When doctors, lawyers, and insurance companies didn't ruin that care. When parents educated, etc. It is not the job of a bankrupt government.
As far as Obama on abortion, he has also said that he will push and support partial birth abortions. There is no reason to birth the body of a baby, insert a needle and suck its brain out. That is not a mother's health issue. Abortion is here to stay though, just as war and other unpalatable things. The Bible says that as long as Jesus tarries there will be wars, there will be famines, there will be pestilence. It also says there will be time when people are deceived by those who come in His name and yet do not know him. I do not know Mr. Obama's heart, but I am skeptical about what I have seen and heard. I do not want to be deceived. I want to be open eyed and clear headed. I understand the longing for peace and hope, but unfortunately, I do not hear and see what you see in Mr. Obama's words and policies. One thing we do agree on, Steven, it is our job to pray for our president that his heart and mind would know Christ and that ours would as well. In truth, God's will will be done.
There is so much more to say! Blessings to you and yours!