Comments

Hooray for Democrats realizing that they shouldn't write off the evangelical vote. Any group of people that can be counted on to vote for a certain party or candidate no matter what is bound to eventually move to a place of irrelevance in politics. Even if you end up voting Republican, that shouldn't be the forgone conclusion.

It's encouraging to see politicians urging their camps to pay attention to evangelicals. Not only do we have outlooks that are worth the nation's attention, but also we need to be drawn into the national conversation better.

I'm skeptical however, of how much a candidate such as Obama is willing to take unpopular stands when the issue warrants it. Christians are to collaborate with all manner of social groups where possible, but there will be times when we stand alone, and I don't see Obama taking the hard stands with us anytime soon. He gives off the aura of an opportunist politician, much like Mitt Romney. Few can get down to the brass tacks of what he believes and how he'd discharge his duties as President.

But here's hoping . . .

Hooray it's about time

While I'm sort of glad the Dems have discovered that not only do evangelicals exist, but we vote, I'm not sure that someone who belongs to a church that, in several ways, is antithetical to evangelical theology is really going to reach us. All one has to do is check out the website of the UCC (which is a decidedly un-evangelical denomination) church he is a member of to see the differences. The UCC has, for years, strayed from orthodoxy and evangelicalism. And although his church claims to be unapologetically Christian, they also remind us that they are unashamedly black, and appear more focused on Africa than on Christ.

All that said, however, I am glad to see he recognizes we are a force to be reckoned with. I probably won't vote for him, but at least he knows we're here.

And here's hoping evangelicals can look beyond party lines to research the real issues at stake in the election...

To RicWalters comment; I know that many UCC churches are as you describe and there are elements in the media seeking to paint Obama's particular congregation in a negative light. But let me say that I have a group of friends who attend Trinity UCC and they are firmly committed to historic Christian faith, have a deep evangelical spirit, and though much has been made of Trinity's "Afrocentrism"... my friends there have never shown me anything but love and acceptance (I'm a white man).

I had a Christian friend call me the other day and tell me Barack Obama's a Muslim. That he swore into office on a Quran. And that he looks away from the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance, all slanderous misinformation Christians are hearing about him around the country.

I am a member of the same church as Barack, the United Church of Christ. My pastor knows his pastor. I'm proud he is a member of my church, happy he's trying to debunk myths about his faith and sad people genuinely believe he's a Muslim or would like to point fingers at my church because they believe it less evangelical than their own.

Watch his speech at Ebenezer Baptist Church, MLK Jr.'s church, delievered this Sunday, then tell me he's less Christian than the rest of us.

I think he has the potential to continue carrying endorsements and votes from people and politicians typically considered Republican or independent or folks generally tired of choosing a candidate along party lines.

He has shown every intention of going after votes wherever they can be found, not just places Democrats are typically expected to look for and find votes. This could be reflected in his recent words of compliment towards Ronald Reagan.

Considering where he was in polls just a few months ago and where he stands today, I don't see any reason why he shouldn't find appeal among people he agrees with and share his philosophies of government and faith.

He's knocking on the door of one of America's biggest voting blocks and why shouldn't he.

I had a friend call me the other day and tell Barack me Barack Obama's a Muslim. That he swore into office on a Quran. And that he looks away from the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance.

I am a member of the same church as Barack, the United Church of Christ. My pastor knows his pastor. I'm proud he is a member of my church, happy he's trying to debunk myths about his faith and sad people genuinely believe he's a Muslim or would like to point fingers at my church because they think my church is not as evangelical as their own.

Watch his speech at Ebenezer Baptist Church, MLK Jr.'s church, from this Sunday and tell me he's less Christian than the rest of us.

I think he has the potential to continue carrying endorsements and votes from people and politicians typically considered Republican or independent or folks generally tired of choosing a candidate along party lines.

He has shown every intention of going after votes wherever they can be found, not just places Democrats are typically expected to look for and find votes. This may be best reflected in his recent words of compliment for Ronald Reagan.

Considering where he was in polls just a few months ago and where he stands today, I don't see any reason why he shouldn't find appeal among people he agrees with and share his philosophies of government and faith.

He's going after one of the largest voting blocks in the country and why shouldn't he.

Speaking of misinformation...

He opposed the war in Iraq when it was unpopular. I don't think we need to question whether he's willing to make unpopular decisions.

And my goodness he is not Mitt Romney. Romney has taken to imitating Obama, getting on that change bandwagon.

Obama’s lack of interest in learning the basics about salvation and the Lord informs me not only where he stands spiritually but how shallow his views on other issues will be.

Nearly 20 years after Obama says he accepted the Lord, he

· Doesn’t believe in eternal judgment. If eternal judgment didn't exist, there wouldn't have been a need for Christ's death on the cross to save us from our sins.
· Doesn’t know if he's going to heaven.
· Doesn’t believe Christ's words in John 14:6. He believes Muslims and other non-believers in Christ as the Son of God and Savior of the World will go to heaven.
· Has an ongoing discourse with himself which he calls prayer.

Recently, realizing he shouldn’t have given out this information, Obama humbly said he’s still learning. The humility is part of his charm but it’s clear to me that Barack Obama simply didn’t care enough about his relationship with the Savior. And he put his presidential aspirations before the Lord, trying to be all things to all people by contradicting Jesus. Now he’s advertising that he’s a “committed Christian.”

If Obama were a fellow church member, I'd think he isn't a true Christian but I’d be gentle and persuasive. As a candidate to lead our nation, however, Obama needs to be evaluated by discerning Christians. I think it’s clear he doesn't have the leadership ability.

I hope that Christians conservatives whether democratic/republican put away partisanism and truly seek Gods face in this election. If we don't ...God help us.

I hope that Christians conservatives whether democratic/republican put away partisanism and truly seek Gods face in this election. If we don't ...God help us.

I hope that Christians conservatives whether democratic/republican put away partisanism and truly seek Gods face in this election. If we don't ...God help us.

I don't see any signs that evangelicals are flocking to any Democratic candidates, at least those older than 25. I guess it's because they mostly haven't paid any more than lip service to traditional evangelical issues. Business as usual.

Barack Obama is a member of Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ. Obama's spiritual adviser is the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. In 1982, the church launched Trumpet Newsmagazine. Recently they gave an award to a leader of the Nation of Islam, Louis Farrakhan who is openly hostile to Christians and non-Muslims.

No way am I voting for Obama. Would you vote for a Muslim sympathizer to oppress Christians and non-Muslims?

Obama's speech or sermon at Dr. King's former church in Atlanta was outstanding especially for a lay person The only candidate that favorably compares to OBama is the Rev. Mr.Huckabee. being an honest man I believe Mr.Huckabee would be thrilled to have Obama as a leader in his congregation if he found himself leading a congregation again. Eugene Bogan (the Rev.)

Naturally, the UCC in Chicago, IL where Dr. Jeremiah Wright is the Senior Pastor can say of his congregation that it is unapologetically Black and unashamedly Christian. He is a Black person with a very large Black (predominantly Black) congregation. I am sure that the UCC's that have white congregants can also not apologize for being the race that they are, as well as be unashamedly Christian.

And who are you to discern about another's spirituality and place in God? By the way, are you God?

Even as a discerner, you, too should still be learning.

Go Obama, and may God bless your candidacy.

Believers,

Although I have a reverent fear for the Lord (which all believers should come to understand), I also believe we need to realize the issues we're voting on this year.

Here's the facts about Senator Obama. I didn't include Senator Clinton because she is significantly behind in the polls.

1. He's for all stages of abortion including partial birth.
2. He's a unitarian. Believing all ways equate to the same thing. There are no absolute truths. Jesus was not the only way to salvation.
3. He's in favor of awarding civil unions to homosexual lifestyles.
4. The church he attends (Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago Ill.), has racist statements on their website.
5. He is against the war and wants a time-table to leave Iraq. For some people the war seems controversial. My personal opinion is that we need to stay in Iraq and finish the job, however long that may take. I understand some believers might not agree.

To boil it down. Senator Obama believes in the taking of innocent unborn life, the desanctification of the marriage establishment, Jesus wasn't the only way to salvation and he attends and supports Pastor Wright's congregation. A congregation that has statements of racism.

Born agains, please do not be deceived.

Joshua

Obama is already capturing the Evangelical vote with a Leftist slant. Haven't you read Everything Must Change....by Brian McLaren.
Shame on the press for not informing the American public that Obama's campaign is faith-based. What ever happened to separation of church and state?

I am alarmed at the number of "evangelicals" who are buying into the Obama campaign. His stance on the issues is markedly UN-Christian. He has absurdely little political experience, he is unapologetically unpatriotic, and now has been touted as "savior of the world?" Does anyone read the Bible? Let's look at Daniel and Revelation. The adoration surrounding Obama falls right in line with everything prophesied regarding the anti-christ...and he certainly comes from the correct region of the world to fit the bill.

Obama is NOT my savior....Jesus Christ is. How do we as believers ignore all that is staring us straight in the face and endorse such a man? It is as Jesus said, that MANY WIL BE DECEIVED. Talk about a wolf in sheep's clothing. Christian's should RUN the other way as fast as they can!

The only comfort I have is that God is in control and Jesus is coming back. If Obama wins the election, I can only pray that His returning is sooner rather than later.

America, please wake up!!!!!

I just don't know how anyone can claim to be a christian and a republican at the same time.

Who are we to judge? Who are we to condemn? I am a conservative Democrat and yes I am a God-fearing Christian. For a time such as this Barack Obama has been called by God to instill hope, faith..... For a time such as this he has been called to inspire us to dream again to hope again, to live and to love again. Even though his Pastor made unethical statements that doesn't mean that he is "racist" or that Sen. Obama supports all of his views. It reminds us that we are all human. During Jim Crow many white Americans did not necessarily agree with the laws, however they sat and did nothing, and said nothing... was that ethical, was it right? None of us are perfect. Being Christian does not make us perfect. It does not make us right. Being Christian means that although we are not perfect we continuously seek to be like Christ. We teach and inspire and share the LOVE of God with ALL people. Well isn't that in essence what Sen. Obama is doing. Reaching out to all and spreading love, hope, faith....No he's not perfect and his views (right now) aren't all perfect. But listen to his message.... Jesus changed the world, not through war, not through anger and hatred; but through love. Jesus gave us hope; He gave us something to believe in... God can make the impossible, possible. For a time such as this Sen. Obama is spreading this message of hope......Love is the answer. God Bless!

“Faith is the substance of things hope for, the evidence of things not seen”.

Jacqueline, evidently you don't know your bible if you think Obama is the anti-christ. LOLOLOLOL. Too funny.

Jacqueline, I find it strange that you suggest Obama is the anti-christ. I have heard several supposedly Christian people spout this. I find it strange that of any Presidential candidate I have seen in my lifetime running for office, he is the first Presidential candidate I ever heard people say is the anti-christ. Hmmm...interesting. Did you think JFK was the anti-christ too? The bible tells us not to slander our brothers and sisters so now who is really a Christian in this instance.

What is next? First, it was he's muslim, he's not patriotic, he's elitist, he attends Rev. Wright's church so we must all assume, of course, that he has to agree with everything Rev. Wright believes. As honest Christians, we should be truthful and admit that we don't always agree with everything our Pastors, Reverends, or Priests say either. Let's stop being hypocrites.