Comments

It is disgraceful that while we are engaged ion a new crusades that kills maims alientates and destroys muslims all over the world we have not one single muslim giving an invocation to rpomote global healing and domestic religious respect and harmony at thome.

A new crusade! What planet are you on? I can count over 20 Muslim countries that are actively persecuting Christians. Killing them! Show me where Christians are rounding up Muslims & killing them for their faith? Even if you can find one I can find you 1000's of the opposite.

I am not even against Muslims praying to Allah at the convention but at least make an intelligent & informed argument Please study history before throwing out historical terms.

I too find it bizarre that the only religions being represented at the convention seem to be Christian and Jewish. By the way, I'm Jewish and a Democratic supporter of Obama. I can understand why, in the current climate, it would be easy to succumb to fear and avoid the inevitable knee-jerk right-wing response to anything Muslim, but I would hope that the Democrats would not pander to those who believe that all Muslims are radical extremists. And what about Buddhists, Hindus, et al?

I am saddened that Ms. Carroll is so disappointed, but she must consider that it is measured pragmatism that prevents the DNC from inviting a Muslim invocation. The RNC would naturally and maliciously use such an invocation as fuel for suspicions that the Democratic nominee is Muslim. This would not be an issue for any other candidate, but as it is such a omission is all that we could expect.

My whole life, I've instilled in my son that abortion is never an option. His has been raised with morals, though we disagree philosophically on some issues. Now he is questioning how these so called religious men and women can support partial birth abortion and a candidate that goes so far as to vote against the Born Alive Protection Act even when Obama's party voted for it (in other words, if the baby is born alive, they would get protection). It is appalling and very discomforting that I now have to try and explain what the heck is going on. I don't judge people who are pro-choice, but when it comes to just tossing a baby aside even though it survived the abortion.............it's too much. Just look how upset everyone got about the baby whale. Some of those same people are voting for Obama who cannot explain away the fact that he voted against a bill that would protect the right of the baby to receive medical care if the baby is born alive. Instead he calls everyone a liar that is saying this. Unfortunately the way he raises so much money is also the way we can find what he has actually for for, against and present. The later being what he normally votes. Too bad he didn't just vote present on this issue. That's what really stuns me.

I am just shocked that Pastor Joel Hunter is drinking the kool-aid of the left. I have attended his church several times when I have been in Florida. How can he face his congregation being part of this sin of partial birth abortion. Good bye, Joel, you'll never see me in your church again.

My heart is so heavy that my pastor will be praying at the DNC. I am totally against abortion and feel that our pastor is being taken advantage of by this party. Even if they share different views on abortion and any other issue the fact that he is standing for a not yet elected individual with a voting record for PB abortion gives the appearence of support for the canidate and the canidate's views on abortion.
I am torn in what to think of this! Joel, standing up for what you beleive in and what your convictions are would be standing against everything Obama stands for ( abortion) I am going to have a very hard time staying at Northland knowing that you gave the appearence of support for someone who supports partial birth abortion. I am sick over this.

For those that are appalled that Joel Hunter is speaking at the DNC I would ask that you reflect on the word of God. Show me in the Bible where Jesus only spoke to the rightous. Show me where he healed only the healthy. To decide to not attend a church because a pator spoke to those of different beliefs is saddening in its basic flawed view of Christianity. Is that not the role of a pastor? To bring the word of God to those who have not heard it? Joel is not a politician, he is a man of God. For him to worry over appearences and for you to worry over appearences is misguided. Remember how shocked those on the religious Right were back in the day of our savior. Imagine if Jesus worried about alientating the "religious" of his day. If he only preached to the rightous. If he only spoke to those of the same views. Where would we be? I am thrilled that those at the DNC will have the opportunity to hear the word of God from a great man such as Joel. I pray that Joel will be the Lords tool and that through him he may reach those who are yet to see the light. We should pray for those on the Left, not foresake them.

Joel Hunter praying at the DNC is IMPLIED SUPPORT for Barrack Hussein Obama. Obama has a credibility problem due to his support of, and the eventual fallout from, Rev Wright and Louis Farrakhan. The democratic party is using Joel to parade conservative Christians in front of the Country in order to make it appear that they support "their" candidate. It really doesn't matter what Joel says, at the end of the day all that will matter is that an evangelical Christian Pastor was at the DNC seemingly in support of B. Hussein Obama.

That Dr. Hunter is working on the DNC platform (to make it more palatable), or praying at the convention are not the issues.

Everyone is entitled to their positions. At this point though, I have to ask if he's ever been a conservative evangelical Christian?

Think about it. Would a conservative author a book entitled "Right Wing, Wrong Bird"? And why would an evangelical work to make the most liberal politician in the Senate more electable?

Dr. Hunter was also party to groups who advocate interfaith compromise, support for Israel's enemies, amnesty for illegals, habeous corpus for terrorists, and elevating replenshment of the earth on par with the call for repentance (unto salvation).

From my personal experience, Dr. Hunter is neither conservative, nor are his positions consistent with being evangelical. The real issue here is truth in labeling.

Very well put Becca. Those that are appalled about Dr Hunter Praying at DNC... have you not stopped to think God put him there in the first place. How dare you second guess what God has done to Put Joel in that position to speak Gods words. If you have attended Northland, how many times have you sat there in his sermon and thought wow is he speaking to me. Dont you think it would be that way for those at the DNC. God will use Joel that night.

Stop thinking small and think big... What really is Right and Left wing Do you think Jesus thought that way.

I will trust in my Savior, that whatever the Democrats have planned to use for their own agenda will be brought down by the Holy Spirit that resides in Joel and through Him, God will claim another victory over those who seek to destroy.
God has obviously called him to forge this battle with Him, of all others who could have been called.
We need to be on our knees and fasting in prayer for God to give Joel the wisdom to speak on ALL of our behalves, to say what we would say if God had chosen us for this trial.

I think it's so disheartening that people are taking this personally and won't come back to Northland because of it. Did Jesus ONLY preach to the saved and righteous!? Seriously here....if Joel were to just stay in his comfortable bubble of church and Republicans, what kind of statement and mission would that say? We are here to support our pastor and pray for his well-being. Just because he is in a different setting surrounded by those who don't believe what he believes does not mean he supports it. He is simply following the call of God on his heart to go into the unknown and be the Light of the world for Jesus. I'm praying for you Dr. Hunter.

I just watched Cameron Strang talking with Fox news after he decided not to speak at Obama's convention. Strang made a comment that disurbed me in ref. to how to seperate the killing of innocent babies or people. Cameron how can you compare or be confused ? A baby ia a baby and a soldier is a soldier. A baby can not decide its fate a soldier can. We do not have a forced draft nor will we. Soldiers ,men, woman od all ages choose to enlist and protect their country and fully understand that they may be killed , Babies have no choice and die at the very hands of their own mothers, the very person meant to protect them. Soldiers are adults that decide for themselves to serve and thank God for them , Please do not Wonder where you draw the line and act as if its hypercritical to protest a baby being killed when soldiers are and think that to want to save a baby in any way coppres to a soldier that made an adult choice.

I first heard about Joel praying at the DNC this Sunday. My first reaction was a strong desire to walk out of the sanctuary, and I've attended Northland longer than Joel has been pastor. Then I listened to Joel's explanation, which helped somewhat. What really changed my opinion was the Holy Spirit's reminding me that Jesus preached in the synagogues, as did His disciples. Paul preached on Mars Hill, and if he had done that in the age of the sound byte, the evening news would quoted, "I see that you are very religious," and then imply that Paul approved of their worship of idols. Even in that age, Jesus and the apostles were asked to speak for the wrong motives. I remembered what Paul said, "whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice." "Go ye..." has no geographic, political, or religious boundaries. When we think it does, we cede ground to the Enemy.

I feel that the Lord is going to use Pastor Joel Hunter for His divine purpose. For those of you criticizing Pastor Hunter for giving the Benediction at the Democratic National Convention, think about this - The Lord wouldn't reject anyone, no matter what their race may be, their personal beliefs or even for which political party they may be affiliated with. I'm sure Jesus would do the same thing today, as Pastor Hunter is about to do, just as he did over 2000 years ago. Make Jesus proud of you Joel - go get'em!!!

I find it absolutely interesting how intolerant we so called evangelicals can be sometime. I was a little suprised that one of the commentators mentioned the difference between a baby and a soldier.Soldies cannot dictate what wars they fight neither can babies dictate which parents they are born to.I believe as Xtians we should be non partisan and pray that the will of God be done above all. Its amazing that we blindly support a party that takes our votes for granted, lies to us unashamedly, puts guns on our streets that end up killing both adults and children and yet turn around and claim they support Xtians. This is far from supporting the other side who also do not believe in the sanctity of life from conception and believe in spporting "immoral unions". I dont beleve one is better than the other and I fully support Cameron Strang's comment. Its time Xtians wake up. We are not of this world one party or the other.

While *I* wouldn't accept the offer if I was asked, I do understand the reasoning why Pastor Joel states on this blog:

http://blogs.northlandchurch.net/2008/08/21/pro-life-pastor-to-offer-benediction-at-democratic-convention

Still .. the Democrat Party is merely USING these Pastors to try and appeal to the Christian voter, whom in reality, they despise. After the election, they will go back to their anti-Christian politics-as-usual. They are firmly attached to their pro-abortion politics, and Obama is on record as THE most vocal supporter of abortion in the Senate, including partial birth abortion, a.k.a "infanticide!"

I see this as a no-win for the Church. While the intent by Pastor Joel is admirable and essentially supported by the Scriptures, I just don't feel it is correct.

And Cameron did decline the invitation after initially accepting it.

We have attended Northland for over 8 years now and while not surprised that Pastor Hunter is actively involved with current day events, and specifically political events, we are saddened that his appearance at the DNC will imply affiliation among his congregation. In no way, shape or form was this a decision of the congregation, and I have to wonder where our Elder Board stands on this decision. Such a derisive move (regardless which candidate you support) may wreak havoc in our church. A win for Barack Obama may come at the cost of Northland Church. Online blogs at Nortland's own church site have been disabled as the debate among its church-going members is so heated as to be labeled un-Godly.

I don't think the question should be about whether Dr. Hunter is left-wing, or right-wing, but is he standing for the things that are on the heart of God. Praise the Lord if he is able to impart faith to those around him, but my question is what kind of faith is he really imparting? I wouldn't want to be one who stands in front of thousands and imparts the faith of abortion. Whether you like it or not, God is a just God and millions of babies have been murdered on our watch. The blood of the innocent is crying out for justice, and the Lord will judge the nation accordingly. I want to be one who cries out for mercy, and refuses to stand silenty as blood drips from the hands of our nation.

1. Someone ACTUALLY said this: "...whatever the Democrats have planned to use for their own agenda will be brought down by the Holy Spirit that resides in Joel and through Him." WHAT?! So God and the Democratic Party are mutually exclusive?! What about the Holy Spirt inside Christians in the Democratic Party? The only evil thing happening here is the small percentage of your brain's power you're using.

2. Why is anyone praying at all at the convention? Are we in Iran?

i saw Joel on the podium at closing and got excited. i am for the best outcome for all of America and to base your voting decision or your choice of party on One issue, is very weak and ignorant. Joel is a man who loves Jesus and Obama proclaimed the same at his forum with Rick Warren. I have attended Nortland since the early 80s and seen the church flourish and grow. I support Joel Hunter being at the DNC and I support a change in America, which may include Obama as our President. I believe that God is bigger than the box of Republican and Democrat and that America needs a new leadership.

I am saddened by the closed mindedness of many people on this board. I love Northland, and I trust Pastor Joel. Too many of you live in your pews, and don't EVER step beyond the four walls of the church like Pastor Joel has. Follow his example. There is no shame, or compromise in what he does. If you feel that way, you miss the Gospel of Jesus Christ altogether.

Having visted Nortland once while on vacation, I was aware of Joel Hunter as he delievered the benediction tonight. I was dismayed to see him at the DNC convention and even more so when I heard his pray use Senator Obama's campaign motto of "Change" in conclusion. My wife and I were left with the impression of his endorsement of Senator Obama and his many contra-Biblical positions. I searched the Internet to try and find out more and while I am can understand many of the counter points made on this blog, the concept of Biblical wisdom seems to be missing from the Pastor's decision. Jesus clearly associated with sinners, but he required action and change from them (e.g. rich young ruler, woman at tthe well, Zacheaus). The pastor spoke not 10 minutes after Senator Obama reiterated his support for abortion and same sex marriage. I have no doubt that the pastor is a strong pro-life supporter, however for the vast majority of people who do not know Northland, I am afraid he has left an impression of a de facto endorsement of Senator Obama's views.

This is how mis-guided the man is. By this statement he has endorsed Obama. Remember Northland promoted and showed Al Gore's film "An Inconvenient Truth".

Last week Dr. Hunter was quoted in 'The World Magazine'?: “Pro-life voters of either party can now support Sen. Obama on the basis that more lives will be saved than if they had just taken a moral stand hoping to overturn Roe v. Wade.”

This is a huge statement for those of us who oppose abortion. I think that Dr. Hunter is sorely wrong in this quote. But the bottom line is I strongly disagree with him on this.

Simplistically, looking at the democratic platform they are still strongly committed to Roe v Wade and continuing to use my tax dollars to perform these murderous acts no matter what hopes and dreams they add to it. Also, looking at the Republican platform they are committed to the defeat of Roe vs. Wade and not the use our tax dollars.

Face it, political conventions are all about politics and spin. It is clear from Obama’s record that he is no friend of most of the interests of evangelical Christians, and neither are many of the special interest groups that fund the Democratic party. The Democrats and Hunter can spin all they want about efforts on environmentalism, poverty, and peace being the new pro-life agenda -- and indeed they are good things -- but the truth is that as a nation we are allowing murder in the womb and paying for it with public funds. We deserve God’s judgment and need to be in repentance. Hunter’s participation at the convention was simply part of the spin, and he’s either too dumb to know it, or desires to be part of it. He should have prayed for God’s mercy and left it at that.

Considering myself a woman of GOD, I support any stage that welcomes HIS words. Regardless of mankinds intentions I have faith in GOD's plan. Jesus didn't die for a political party, we all must remember that. And to think that one group is more worthy of God's everlasting love than another is wrong. I am not a voter and nor am I more or less a friend of Hunter, I'm speaking simply as a woman of GOD. Keep in mind that neither of us can throw the first stone.

I agree with the statement above. Pastor Joel could have kept them in his prayers without standing by all those who stand for what we are standing against. When Pastor Joel says “Pro-life voters of either party can now support Sen. Obama on the basis that more lives will be saved than if they had just taken a moral stand hoping to overturn Roe v. Wade.”
This says to me If you can't beat em, join em but just try to slow em down.
His prayer at the benediction didnt sound like the Pastor that we have been listening to every weekend.
My husband and I are very dissapointed and unfortunately will not be attending Northland any longer.

CHRISTIANITY IS JUST ANOTHER RELIGION. IT IS NO LONGER ABOUT CHRIST AND THE ONE TRUE GOD WHO CAME TO SHOW US AND TEACH US WHO HE IS AND HOW TO WALK WITH HIM IN HIS WILL AS JESUS SHOWED US.
WE ARE IN DIRECT DISOBEDIENCE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT BECAUSE WE ARE NO LONGER LISTENING TO HIM THROUGH GOD'S WORD. WE ARE REPEATING THE SINS AND SUFFERING THE CONSEQUENCES. WE ARE TRYING TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF SIN (WITHOUT ADMITTING TO IT). WE ARE HEAPING MORE SIN ON THE SIN (ABORTION) AND CALLING IT COMPASSION. GOD DOES NOT NEED TO BE UPDATED TO FIT OUR SINFUL CULTURE. HE ALREADY KNOWS AND KNEW WHAT WE WOULD DO. BECAUSE WE THINK WE ARE MORE COMPASSIONATE THAN OUR GOD, WE DO NOT OBEY OUR GOD. GOD IS ALWAYS COMPASSIONATE AND IS OUR HELP WHENEVER WE CALL ON HIM. I DO NOT SEE THAT ABORTING A CHILD, THE LITTLEST OF HIS HUMAN CREATION, IS HIS WAY OF HEALING SOMEONE. WE ARE SUPPOSED TO TAKE CARE OF PEOPLE IN NEED. NO WAY ARE WE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM BY COMMITTING ACTS UNSPEAKABLE...SUCH AS THE APPROVAL OF ABORTION. NOT ONLY GLOATING THAT IT IS A "RIGHT" OF WOMEN AND SOMEHOW NOW THAT IT IS LEGAL, WE CAN MOVE ON...BUT IT IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST MONEY MAKING SCAMS AND RACIST SCAM AND SCAM AGAINST WOMEN OF ALL TIME...LOOK INTO IT...PAY ATTENTION PEOPLE.
THIS NATION WILL NOT HAVE PEACE, OR THE PEACE OF GOD BECAUSE WE MAKE WAR AGAINST GOD AND CALL OURSELVES CHRISTIANS. THIS IS A JOKE. I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE EXAMPLE THIS SOCIETY IS GIVING THEM. THE CULTURE OF SIN SMELLS SO HORRIBLE, BUT OUR CHILDREN ARE BREATHING IT IN LIKE IT IS NORMAL. GOD HELP US ALL.
WE NEED TO TURN FROM OUR EVIL WAYS THAT WE CALL "GOOD". DO NOT FALL INTO THE TRAP OF THINKING CHRISTIANITY IS CHRISTIAN.
MANY ARE CALLED BUT FEW REALLY BECOME CHRIST-ONES, OR PEOPLE OF THE WAY. YOU WON'T FIND THEM MAKING BIG NAMES FOR THEMSELVES OR HAVING BIG CHURCHES...PAY ATTENTION AND STUDY GOD'S WORD AND ASK HIM FOR THE TRUTH.

If it were as simple as Pastor Joel showing up at the DNC to be salt and light by proclaiming the name of Jesus, that would be GREAT! However, there is so much more here than what most Northland attenders are aware of. I am a member at Northland and have attended for 16 years. I have always loved Pastor Joel and his wife, and have been blessed for many years by his messages. However, this past year there has been big change. For those of you who think that other Christians are small minded for being disappointed that Joel was present at the DNC, do your homework. There is tons of information on the internet of TV interviews, newspaper articles with lots of quotes, directly from Joel's mouth, that are utterly saddening. He has become a word smith, a spinner as it were, of truth, in order to accommodate a much more liberal agenda. Pray for Pastor Joel, as he as been seduced by the national platform of radical thinking. Everyone posting blogs on here about the simplemindedness and judgmental nature of those of us that are disappointed in Joel Hunter's decision to attend the DNC need to do their homework! There is much cause for concern, and I am very sad as well. He no longer has a voice with me as I see him now as so compromised. Even the closing of the prayer was compromised. On the count of three, make it personal, and end your prayer how you would normally end your prayer? If there is no other name under heaven than Jesus, why proclaim any other? I have a couple of friends on the Board of Elders at Northland who are really not apprised of all of Joel's political leanings, and they have been surprised when they are informed of some of this information. Pastor Joel knows enough to keep most of this out of the pulpit from his congregation, but his liberal agenda is very much available to the rest of the world if you know where to look for it! Check it out, it is disheartening indeed. There is no New Evangelical, just an Old Liberal, that has been waiting to come back out since the 1967 Civil Rights Marches!

Seems to me there are plenty of people standing up for political issues.
But not nearly enough people preaching the clear Gospel - calling sinners to repentance, and leading people to trust in Christ alone for their salvation.
Followed by clear, deep, sound doctrine teaching of the Word of God, rightly divided. When pastors spend their time doing the above priority, social issues take care of themselves. People know how to vote because the Holy Spirit guides them. Pastors shouldn't and wouldn't have to waste their time on such rabbit trails. The late Dr. D James Kennedy however somehow managed to combine the Gospel and Sound Doctrine with getting Christians rightly involved in political concerns. He only associated with strongly pro life political groups that were clearly in accordance with pro life Scriptural values.

To summarize, the good cam be the enemy of the best.
We Christians need to pray for Joel and all pastors to be able to stay on track and not get side tracked. Satan the world and the flesh are out to attack in an extra aggressive way, those like Joel in leadership and we in the pew need to pray pray pray pray for them..

I think some people that have posted things on here need to go to the Northlandchurch.net site and listen to the prayer again. Now listen closely as someone who doesn't believe in God. Really listen. Dr. Joel Hunter doesn't need your approval to follow Jesus Christ and God surely doesn't need any of your approvals of how he is working in this country. Joel follows God whether what he does makes him popular or not. He's a leader not a follower or a puppet for some spoiled "church member". Read your Bibles and consider yourself rebuked. Uptight Christians are the pew warmers that make our Lord angry! Sickening! You should be praying for your pastor and be proud of who is is. Instead you are complainers and gossipers.

Was Joel brought to Pray...or to preach? If to preach, then the platform he had and the God He serves was honored..But if to only pray? ...politics. Purely.

Was Joel brought to Pray...or to preach? If to preach, then the platform he had and the God He serves was honored..But if to only pray? ...politics. Purely.

Joel Hunter a conservative....no more. You can slice it anyway you want but accepting an invitation to pray at the DNC says to the world and to his congregation where he stands on his beliefs and political issues. If you walk like a duck, and quack like a duck, pretty good chance you are indeed a duck!! Should pastors pray at conventions - yes. Should the public assume that those that are picked to speak or pray at a convention agree with the presidential candidate - yes. Do presidential candidates have others speak for them at their conventions that do not agree with their agenda - no. Does God call us to spread the word - yes. But saying a prayer at a political convention for the most liberal candidate is far from spreading the gospel. Joel has been on a green kick for quite a while now behind the pulpit. I, for one, am all about saving the environment but I come to church to have my soul refreshed not to have GREEN pushed at me. Al Gore has covered that pretty well and if I want to hear his speech I will buy his DVD. Joels recent behavior should be no surprise to anyone - it has been coming for a while now. I just hope the Elders of Northland realize where the church is headed under Joel's leadership before it is too late. Joel obviously is looking for a different platform than what Northland is offering. Or his true liberal views are just coming through. I am not sure which it is but I am sure that this conservative is looking for another church where the pastors actions and motives are not in grey areas but black and white.

I previously attened Dr. Hunter's church and was a ministry team leader there. Subsequently, I left Central FL for other "health related" reasons, but at the end of my "stay" I began to realize a few of my "disagreements" not so much on the foundational aspects of Christianity, but on the "lukewarm" areas which we all as sinful human beings created by God. Being a person trained in Medicine and thus the "sciences", Dr. Hunter has always been an avid reader of all materiels as can easily be verified. He routinely mentions secular publications as grounds for consideration of which is no problem. My concerns begin when even the most secular influential writers become "huum, what IF..." type of thoughts ingrained into his / our consciousnesses. There is no problem if it begins with an attempt to "understand" another's thoughts or "points-of-view" as we all should as Christ always did... He knew already!..., but we all so easily become "entangled" into the web of deceipt and slowly become convinced that we are doing what is "right" when it is slowly creeping into the danger zone of life... such as "golbal warming". You see, before my training in medicine, my training was in Geological Engineering. It is a scientific fact, lest I was deceived, that since God created the earth, Genesis 1: 1, this, our temporary home has on it's earthly "seasons-of-life" had it's climate cycles and changes as we possibly undergoing now. Don't get me wrong, I have always tried to be personally as "climatology / environmentally" conservative or "Green" even before all this excitement and yes we all should attempt to be "good stewards" of God's earth creation, but can we get lost on our focus on Christ's great commission??? not that Dr. Hunter has, but yes... I do NOT believe our "inventor of the internet's" tenants on global warming which my understanding that Dr. Hunter "warmly" received. Do we think that this earth will last forever? It will become a "new" earth before long, maybe in a fraction of a second, even "the blinking on an eye"... maybe your or my eye Dr. Hunter as a leader as all leaders will be judged and held to a higher accountablility. On this, let us NOT be deceived. We should all pray for our leaders and ourselves to follow Christ's teachings with His, the Holy Spirit's guidance. As an aside, don't take my "opinion", but review the following site: www.godandsceince.org by Dr. Richard Deem a USC and Cal State alum.