My CNN post
As a Christian, I cannot believe that the "right-wing Christian base" would support, and even encourage, the kind of hateful, fear-mongering that is currently grabbing headlines. These people are about the Power of Religion, which has nothing to do with a biblical faith in Christ.
Anyone who is a true follower of Christ should listen to Him and look around. The world is being turned on its ear, just as the bible says. We're being deceived and divided. We've been worshiping a false god — money — instead of being the stewards of this planet and taking care of the least among us, as God intended.
Patriotism has turned into self-righteous arrogance and completely wrong justification that America has been anointed as God's chosen people. As Christians, we should learn from the hard lessons of Israel before we, too, alienate America from the rest of world in the name of our religion. The bible says that salvation is promised to every person, every nation, of every tribe and tongue. We've let religion get in the way of faith, service and the grace and glory of God and we're paying the price.
Obama is a Christian. He does not claim to have a direct line to God, like so many of his evangelical GOP rivals. He has shown humility and honesty in answering questions about faith and theology. McCain is also a Christian and seems to have a steady faith that he does not sully by invoking the name of God to endorse his political policies.
At the beginning of this election, I was excited to have two solid choices, both Christians who seemed to have a healthy perspective on how they "walked their walk". But as soon as the right-wing zealots once again hijacked the GOP and McCain caved in, my choice was made. In the ensuing weeks, it's been validated as we see Palin use Religion and the tired, polarizing issues that drag along behind it as a way to divide people and stir up hate, fear and anger.
Where in the bible are these attributes of Christ? They're not — they're age old devices of satan. I pray that my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ wipe the scales from their eyes (and hearts) and see it for what it is before it's too late.
My reason for writing this is not to convince people to vote one way or the other. I feel the real issue is much bigger than that.
Anyone who is a true follower of Christ should listen to Him and look around. The world is being turned on its ear, just as the bible says. We're being deceived and divided. We've been worshiping a false god — money — instead of being the stewards of this planet and taking care of the least among us, as God intended.
Patriotism has turned into self-righteous arrogance and completely wrong justification that America has been anointed as God's chosen people. As Christians, we should learn from the hard lessons of Israel before we, too, alienate America from the rest of world in the name of our religion. The bible says that salvation is promised to every person, every nation, of every tribe and tongue. We've let religion get in the way of faith, service and the grace and glory of God and we're paying the price.
Obama is a Christian. He does not claim to have a direct line to God, like so many of his evangelical GOP rivals. He has shown humility and honesty in answering questions about faith and theology. McCain is also a Christian and seems to have a steady faith that he does not sully by invoking the name of God to endorse his political policies.
At the beginning of this election, I was excited to have two solid choices, both Christians who seemed to have a healthy perspective on how they "walked their walk". But as soon as the right-wing zealots once again hijacked the GOP and McCain caved in, my choice was made. In the ensuing weeks, it's been validated as we see Palin use Religion and the tired, polarizing issues that drag along behind it as a way to divide people and stir up hate, fear and anger.
Where in the bible are these attributes of Christ? They're not — they're age old devices of satan. I pray that my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ wipe the scales from their eyes (and hearts) and see it for what it is before it's too late.
My reason for writing this is not to convince people to vote one way or the other. I feel the real issue is much bigger than that.
posted by chris at 6:41 PM
2 comments
