I've heard much commentary in the news this week about Barack Obama's speech, responding to the controversy ignited by his former pastor's publicized comments. I had not, however, listened to the speech in its entirety until just a few minutes ago, and his words deeply resonated with my own personal passion and conviction concerning racism.
I post it here, not as a political endorsement or any kind of political statement, but rather as an honest and intelligent commentary on racism that we as individuals and we as Americans will benefit to hear.
The final words of the 37:39 minute video turn to Obama's other political concerns and issues, but the first 30 minutes are an impassioned and intelligent address that I invite you to hear with me:
Kathy, I had not intended to listen either but did. I second that comment, "his words deeply resonated with my own personal passion and conviction concerning racism."
What I liked about the speech was that even though it may of hurt him with the black voters, that he looked at both sides of the coin. He addressed the situations that both cultures go through when it comes to race. I thought that was not only gutsy, but appropriate of him to do. No other speaker that I've ever heard has ever done that. It meant alot to me.
I have never voted Democrat...Slipped and wasted a vote on Perot once.... but if the Holy Spirt tells me Obama can deliver on this one. I might have to reconsider my firm Republican ways.
My heart hurts, when I hear of how my earthly daddy hates the fact he has a mixed grandson and refuses to even talk to the man my sister chose. My heart hurts when I go to my daughter's basket ball games in Moore County, NC in the year 2006 only to find the stands are this... black, white, and mixed... Why are we so ignorant still didn't MLK and Rosa... pay enough consequences?
Oh Lord Please BLESS THIS COUNTRY WITH THE 2008 vote.
I just watched this with my daughter... and I had Holy Spirit goosebumps... I guess my Spirit is telling me to get rid of what I was taught about GOD and politics and listen to the Candidates Spirit before I vote. BTW... where can I change my voter registration I just moved next to Rich almost a year ago. I can't space out this election when I hear Love of all races. Wish I heard a little more about Pro Life issues but as a second victim of "the Great Lies" of Pro Choice... I need to look for real change... I need to hear more about his views on the war... I am a soldiers wife you know.
Thanks, Mike! He definitely has my vote as best communicator, most likeable, and probably most intelligent. I still have some concerns with every candidate and will continue to watch and listen for the next several months!
Thanks, Jerry!
Loren, I agree. He showed an understanding of both sides of the racial issue, and discussed it with integrity and conviction.
Becky, we in the South are far behind on the racism issue, especially the older generations who grew up during segregation. And the sad part is that they often have no idea they are racist. As for politics, there are those who believe to be Christian is to be a particular party. I passionately disagree. Christianity is not about political parties. I am registered Independent so I can vote for whichever candidate I feel God leading me to vote for. I'm certainly not advocating that choice for you, but should you ever want to change affiliations from any party to another, I think you can call your county's Board of Elections for how to go about it. BTW, I'm with you on the war thing!
I certainly think he has fooled a lot of people. We all want a good society that many of the people can't see the forest through the trees. He had belonged, and still does to my knowledge to a hate church. His Pastor certainly teaches pure hate for the whites of this country. He threw his own grandmother "under the bus' as a "typical wighty.' So if you dig deep he is a pure lier in my book. He was on Fox one day and said he never heard his Pastor say these things. A couple days later he's admitting them. Most white people I know have nothing against blacks. I would never vote for a David Duke. I would also never vote for a Barack Obama. I don't truly think we have a candidate this election. No one can become President in this country and not be of evil intentions. Thin about it!!
Do you know that my daughter said that in her highschool last year... The teenagers saw a NOOSE hanging from the gym when they went in for their morning SPIRIT Assembly...
Who teaches this HATE of GODS CHILDREN... no matter what color they are even PURPLE wildcat lovers like me...
the teachers are the PARENTS of the kids.. that keep it alive and healthy in the south...
I cringe and pray every time I see a confederate flag...because of what it stood for, and the blood that was spilt and the HATE it still breeds....
May the South RISE AGAIN... but with the LOVE OF JESUS who died for all "gangsta's or wannabes"...With that LOVE may we teach our bible thumping Parents how to REALLY love their Children instead of ruining their lives with HATE...
Hey Golden... You are a Yankee... the south struggles with racism like no other....I didn't know that Church people sometimes meant RACISM till I moved here... I am not going to make any decisions about my vote in 2008 until November.
If He is the Evil one that the end times talk about....it will be us Believers who really walk with the Lord... we will all make the right decision that we can live with...
But Hey look at it this way.... if Obama is the ANTI CHRIST then to me and my pains I see in
Partial abortions, abortions Men (who are supposed to be the HEAD of the family) KILLING their wives and UNBORN babies Children who run away just to be teenage prostitutes. And yes that includes young BOYS GAY Pride Adoptions by the Homosexual .. Homos who might be a Christian.... Drug dealers who sell Meth as Pop rocks on playgrounds Adultorers Suicidal thoughts and attempts Sex abusers Wife/Child beaters and the list goes on and on and ON
GOD HATES sin But LOVES the sinner
That is why HE SAVED ME!
HALLELUJAH JESUS HAS RISEN
Bring it on Satan, you were getting your butt kicked almost 2008 years ago after he was Crucified on that Cross and He carried my SINS....
and now I am free...
Cause if Obama is the anti Christ...then bring it on. I am a Child of GOD and I CANT wait to be in Heaven...
Because through Grace and LOVE... GOD loved the sinner so much
and Jesus Carried ALL my sins.. and Satan was Defeated, and if He taught a half bread Black man to speak well.... then Bring it ON evil one...
US CHRISTIANS...we know the end of the story
don't tell me we are not living in END times right now
AMEN Kathy...Way to Stir up the POT for Easter! Lord CHANGE ME and my thoughts to always have my eyes fixed upon you! With every breath I take may you always let me Praise and worship you.
Love it is the Key to the Kingdom
we all need to ask God what is holding us back in our lives and ask Him to free us from it so we can
"Most white people I know have nothing against blacks. " Golden, I wish this were true. It may very well be true in Massachusetts. I will say though that the younger generations are getting it!
Dennis, I agree that "Being a good speaker does not make a person competent" for the presidency. It is a plus, but there are many more important issues. I, however, am personally offended by the statement you made prior to this one. I understand that politics can bring out the worst in us, but this statement crosses a line I'm going to tell myself you didn't mean. I will continue to "consider" all three candidates with an open heart and mind, until God gives me a clear answer.
As Golden pointed out, there are no perfect candidates, just as none of us is perfect, but I have seen nothing to convince me that any of the three viable candidates is inherently bad. More liberal than many Christians would prefer, yes. Inexperienced to deal with such serious international issues, yes. Apt to make political promises they can't uphold, definitely. So we pray. We pray with fervor. We seek the Lord's guidance, because He and only He knows the true hearts and souls of the three candidates. He alone knows how they would lead our country.
Becky, as many have noted, the media has been slow in the South, so that word is not completely out that the Civil War has ended. It saddens me too, and I am doing I know to do in my small corner of the world. That and prayer can make a difference.
Amen Kathy, I stand with you in agreement in your above statement. Peace and love to you....... Teaching is one thing, teaching in love is another, {just to be blunt} a division is not of God!~
Kathy, thanks for posting this. As I noted in my blog on the same subject, this was a good speech.
There are two things to consider in the comments posted here. First, was the rhetoric indeed good for America? I think, undoubtedly, yes! As such, this is a speech that has the potential to be used as a reference for many years to come. On that note, I applaud the man.
The second issue is one of presidential candidacy. On this second issue, I think Kathy made it very clear she wasn't making an endorsement. The three candidates that are remaining are all of very similar positioning. Only one has any experience per se (McCain) and doesn't have too many special interests that support him. The other two are junior in their leadership, tend to play their "specialty" cards every now and then (race or gender) and seem to have a lot of special interests. Obama is the only one who claims to be born again. McCain is the only one who says forthright that he is NOT born again. My point here is that we have a very hard decision to make this year. When it comes to a biblical worldview, none of the candidates even come close. This requires us to look at the issues that are really important that the president has the ability to do anything about, and try to make a decision. Since the media doesn't help in this process, it is extremely difficult.
In summary, I ask that everyone look at this from these two perspectives. This was indeed a great speech and one that is worth listening to without a political agenda. Let it soak in and let it resonate with your soul. Whether this man is qualified to be president, while a very important question, is an entirely different subject.
(As an aside, Dennis, it is a matter of respect to your readers and those who originally made the comments to let everybody know where you borrow words from. As I was reading your one comments, I stumbled across a reference to "Cory" and realized these were not your comments, but some you copied and pasted from somewhere else. When I see things like this (uncredited dialog) on my post, I delete the comments because they could be a copyright infringement and I don't want to take the chance.)
I really think some people want a change for the better in this world that they can't reason correctly. It's a shame that one of these people may be our next President. We are still living in Babylon. (confusion)
The frustration is understandable...the language and names are not. How does that convince someone to your side of a discussion? I personally am not voting for either candidate and ppl have their right to say yes or no to a candidate...I have to let the Holy Spirit be the Holy Spirit and after I have been lovingly voiced, I must let God be God......
Trying to control something is disastrous and abusive.
Dennis, I just read the entire speech again. Please give me an example of a lie within the speech so I can address specifics.
I know people, including Cory (I listened to the link), have shown how his examples from his books don't quite line up. Let's get past those since editors quite often make the stories sound better for the book. Let's assume the man when he is giving his speech is telling those stories as they happened. Set aside those anecdotal stories and provide an example.
BTW, my entire comment wasn't directed at you. Only the final parenthetical. The comment was to be part of the dialog. The issue of being born again? While we can't judge one another's salvation, that is certainly an area we want to know about one another. I, personally, seek leadership that has a biblical worldview. So, my first desire is to know if they have Jesus within them to change them and guide them. The only candidate who will say that he indeed does have that light to shine on his path is Obama. Now, the next step is to see how he responds to that light. If we assume that he has been being refined in the fire daily (as all Christians are), then we should see some sort of growth happening - perhaps a greater sensitivity to those things around him that do not glorify God. While not the only thing to consider for a leader of our great county, I wanted to state why to me it is the basis of any leadership decision I make. We know that McCain and Clinton have no desire to be born again. Bear in mind that neither did Lincoln before he was elected. My point here is that it isn't a prerequisite of a good president. It is only an indicator of a willingness to be transformed into God's image. God can and does use all of us.
You noted that "the preacher gets a break". I don't read that. As a matter of fact, Obama comes right out and says his preacher was wrong, divisive, and not representative of the way he (Obama) thinks Americans want to be. I think that is pretty bold. He doesn't defend him. He doesn't stand up and say "he has a right to say these things". No, he says those things were wrong. I don't see him skirting the issue at all..."As such, Reverend Wright's comments were not only wrong but divisive, divisive at a time when we need unity; racially charged at a time when we need to come together to solve a set of monumental problems - two wars, a terrorist threat, a falling economy, a chronic health care crisis and potentially devastating climate change; problems that are neither black or white or Latino or Asian, but rather problems that confront us all."
Cheryl, thank you. May we never lose sight of the unity we have as brothers and sisters in Christ!
Dennis, you are passionate! I deleted your very long post, which was apparently the transcript of the "blog talk radio/conservative voice" link you posted, so the readers can go there to hear it. Your opinions are welcome in this forum.
Gene, I'm always happy to see you come in! Thank you for joining us!
Golden, I would agree with you that the masses are losing their ability to think critically. A problem we can blame largely on the education system, though it would be hard to find where "the buck stops." But that's for another blog! :)
Voice, you are a Voice of Reason. As usual, you have communicated clearly and brought up some very good points. Thank you for entering the dialogue here!
As we debate issues, may be share with each other respectfully and with language that will not offend God, each other, or those who are observing our witness.
Thanks Kathy, is that the HOLY SPIRIT in you stirring up the pot..
oh how you and the LORD, bless my soul, bless the lord and BLESS you sista chickadee
My heart has been broken since I have moved to NC, oh how I wish I could just click my BLOOD RED COVERED dancing shoes, and go back to Kansas.
Yes toto (Lara Ledger) I do not think I am in Kansas any more says becky the redneck soldier loving dorthy girl.......
LOVE it is the reason for the season... the Reason for CHRISTmas, and the reason for the GOLDEN ticket you find in that EASTER basket Tomorrow morning at Dawn. Cause Jesus died for all, not just a select few.
The South will rise again.... on the resurection day. Kathy I wish you lived close to Rich, Mullet, Evangelist, Pastor Tim, and most of all Pastor Rodney and myself. MY church in Apex... Calvary Chapel looks and sounds so much like heaven I wish I could be there every minute like I can here on MYCHURCH.
Love to all people who speak.....let it SMELL, LOOK, SPEAK of the Lord on High!
Love it is the golden key to ...... Heaven... Thanks Jesus.
I have two best friends, one in New York state and one in North Carolina. My best friend in North Carolina is very dark. I'm lighter than a cracker with a suntan. We loved to go fishing together and I could not believe the looks we got at times. My friend (an electrician) told me that he and a white colleague were on the job at a rich white person's home one day, when he overheard the owner tell his partner to "hurry up and get that n__ out of here." I was shocked! You are right. Stupid, ignorant racism is all around us and it stinks.
This presidential race is scary. I see no one qualified for which to vote. As I read in my Bible, as a Christian, it is my duty to "quicken" the coming of Christ. (And Yes, I do believe we are in the end times.) But I'm also afraid for that quickening. How many people will we not reach? How many will be lost? The Bible talks of 1/3 of the people will be saved. That is a low amount.
Please read the scriptures and pray digently. God will guide your hearts and minds for what His Will desires. In the meantime, tell EVERYBODY God's Good News!
I am new to MyChurch and until now I was so excited about joining this "Christian" website. After reading the blogs posted I would say that I am very disappointed. As Christians we are supposed to let the LIGHT shine from within us even when it comes to an issue as politics. The Light of Jesus Christ should be shining through. I'm thankful that Kathy brought this issue to the forefront on this website. I knew the issue of race would eventually be discussed openly in this presidential election and I pray that this isn't the end of the discussion.
For so many people racism is so taboo that it isn't acknowledged or even openly discussed. I am a Texan, born and raised, a Southern Belle to the Core. I didn't realize how deep racial tension was until I left for college and I became "aware" of my "Blackness." When I returned to Texas I began to look at people differently and even question their motives. I knew this was a result of the "pro-blackness" that was being filtered thorugh my class lessons. It's important to understand that racism isn't one directional. We all can be influenced by it if we buy into the prejudices, stereotypes, and racial propaganda. But as Christians we have to rise up and be transformed by the RENWING OF OUR MINDS.
I've heard Jeremiah Wright preach while I was in college. And me being a sinner saved by His grace I know that I cannot judge that man no more than I can judge my own actions. The Bible speaks about judging others, so as we engage in this political debate let us all seek to sharpen one another in our Faith and not conform to the norms of the world.
Thanks for bringing this to our attention. It is important to hear both sides of the story.
I do want to take issue with a statement made above by Tropical Guy that said, "DC... Born again? Hillary Clinton is NOT BORN AGAIN. Neither is Obama." How do you know that Obama's not born again? Does he have to be a Republican to be born again? While I disagree with many of his political views, I do not question the authenticity of his faith. His faith seems genuine to me.
Also, and I say this out of love, "The anger of man does not bring about the righteousness of God."
I just read a very interesting blog that I thought I would pass along regarding racism and Jeremiah Wright from an African American pastor here on MyChurch.
Kathy, your a sweet lady. But, if you think mention of this guys name and speech was not going to start some fire. I think you know now. I know there is a good deal of hate for blacks in the south. In fact there is hate for every race in the world. I am french and have sean hate for the french, Irish, Jews, Catholics, Protestants, Polish, get the picture? In short, it's pure ignorance and there are many ignorant in this world. But, I'm not going to vote for a man who hates whites to even it up. I don't like his communist views. Because somewhere behind it is hate for Christians also. I don't care how much of a Christians he claims to be. I fought the Communist in Vietnam and held small children in my arms that were from Catholic orphanages dieing. Some just wouldn't give in to Communist thinking. I have spilt my blood, sweat and many a tear for my country and the right for you and all to believe what they wish. But, I did not fight to see evil take over the country I love. I'm sorry if some can't understand this. But, none know the taste of freedom like those who have fought for it. Ask any soldier, Marine, Airman, etc of today's military what they think of hate speeches and those who love the haters. I don't mean to disrespect your way of thinking. But PLEASE listen to reason. there are many of us out here who have given way too much to listen to this kind of tripe. God bless!!
Dennis, as I said before, your views are welcome here. However much of what you have posted is copied and pasted from other websites, not your own expressions. We all have millions of websites we can go to, but blogs are best used for personal interaction. I hope you will post for the readers just the links to these sites, so they can go to them if they so choose. I will give you time to do this, but then I will delete your copied posts, as they are in the way of the real dialogue here. Please share all you want in your own words. Thanks, Dennis. Respectfully requested.
Ooops forgot their platform... do blogs run out of space Kathy? I am still trying to discern who to vote for.... Pray for me... I will pray all of October... there are no weeds in October.... pull and pray... pull a weed and pray... oh well just have to lift bulbs for the winter
I love you too and I LOVE MY SOLDIER WHO FOUGHT FOR THE DEMS AND OTHERS WHO HATE WAR..... DON'T TALK TO ME ABOUT LOVING THIS COUNTRY AND GOD BLESS AMERICA FOR THE FREEDOM FOR EVERYONE TO HAVE FREEDOM AND SPEAK THEIR VOICE...
and if you question my love for Jesus on this day PLEASE message me...
KATHY is just asking EVERYONE to search their heart and pray.... that's all
Grant, unfortunately, having lived in the South all my life, I have witnessed many such stories. Thank you for sharing your own personal one! It brought tears to my eyes and a lump to my throat, and I pray I will never be able to hear such a story without feeling pain.
MT, prayer is indeed our most important responsibility for this election. If God's people will call unto Him for help, He will guide the results of this election. It is not a prayer that any particular candidate will become our next president, but that God will choose who that will be. We can see so very little. He knows all. Thank you for commenting!
Jacqueline, let me first say Welcome to MyChurch! Then secondly, I am so sorry that the discussion on this blog is one of the first you have seen. You will find the members of MyChurch to be 99% loving and caring, but there are many who have deep cuts in life and we will see them here manifested in various ways. I strongly agree with you that it is time we as a nation reach a new level of racial communication. It is time to move beyond a shared politeness to sincerely hearing and embracing each other as brothers and sisters. Please don't judge MyChurch by the comments on this blog. I pray and believe God will use even the kind of discourse you have seen here, to bring us all to a more real understanding and to bring us to work for change. Thank you for sharing your very important story here!!
What Obama said of his white grandmother, we could say of our parents. Even though we grew up in the midst of racism and separate facilities, my husband and I both knew it was wrong and broke with our parents mindset and political party. We vote from a biblical viewpoint: pro-life issues and constitutional courts are important to us. Since we have known many self-proclaimed Christians who did not have those views, we prayerfully vote on the issues rather than whether or not someone says they are Christian. (Obviously, it would be a plus to have a candidate who obviously seeks to know and do God's will.)
With that in mind I have this question for Voice: where/when did Obama say he was born-again; and where/when did McCain say he wasn't? My husband follows political speeches closely and he can't remember either of them specifically addressing the "born-again" issue.
Kathy, I second your above post about the members of MyChurch. I have been in Ministry for 23 years and Have a vast array of experience ranging from A to Z! I also watched the members on this site before I began posting to see if it compiled with God's word....and my evaluation resonated a profound Yes, MyChurch does comply with the word of God and the majority of members do as well. I have been in Public Speaking as part of my profession for 15 years and the above dialogue by a few does not represent the majority and grossly abuses the system and love fostered in this MyChurch family. I Personally would like to apologize to you for the discussion, NEVER should a dialogue blaze out of control...I am impressed with your responses and loving professionalism as you serve your Savior.
Pastor Tim, amen, and thank you! The blog you linked to is a great one, and I join you in recommending it, with one personal note: Sometimes when I read a blog it is evident that the intended audience is someone else, and I realize that if it becomes bombarded with comments from outside that audience that may be a deterrent to its intended readership. For example, for several years there was a very popular Christian radio program for youth. (The host's name escapes me at the moment - someone help me!) Teenagers from across the country could call in and ask questions, and the host would speak with them in their language. The rule of the show was that no calls would be accepted from adults. Adults could listen, but they could not call in, because that would detract from the effectiveness and attention to the target audience. On this particular blog, I added a star but no comment. Pastor Tim, you are a wise man of God!
LOL Golden! If you have read many of my blogs you know I am not afraid of controversy! I believe if we can remain respectful of each others' differing opinions, there is much to be gained from discussing the tough issues. I will admit to you though that I didn't expect this simple post to ignite such a fire! I guess politics in an election year will always leave open that possibility! You are so right that prejudice exists in many forms all over the world, against all different races and people groups. A sad commentary on humanity. I appreciate your comments and your service to our country, and I can respect you as brother in Christ without agreeing with you on every issue. Someone very wise once said, "In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; and in all things love."
Becky, yes, I will be praying with you for that discernment, and trusting that God will choose our next leader. Is this a prayer we can all pray together? :)
"Kathy U are perpetrating a LIAR. I find that beyond apprehension. I Love my Country. I Love Jesus. This man hates his country and the truth needs to be told.You are what is part of the problem in this copuntry and in Christiandom ifv you are indeed a beliver. I proved my point here and I want nothing to do with people like you. Bye. You are a disgrace" Dennis, may I never stop growing in wisdom and understanding, and may I always seek only God's perfect will above my own. Peace, my brother.
Jay, you are a wise woman!! Thank you for sharing your personal thoughts here!
Cheryl, thanks for chiming in about MyChurch! It's a wonderful site, but made up of 100,000+ imperfect humans!
Walk away for a day and I see a lot of new postings.
Kathy, back to your original point of the speech...I have listened to many who have tried to pick it apart...they all seem to go after elements that tie back to his books which I haven't read. I still believe it is a powerful speech.
Regarding his qualificiations for president...one of the biggest holes in his resume is the lack of experience. There are a lot of other elements to consider - voting record is 100% liberal, for example, but the biggest, thing, IMHO, is that he has very limited experience. Same can be said for Clinton.
Jay, I will send the links (regarding the candidates' statements on salvation) to you in a PM, but here they are for everyone...
The Lord will bring into power whom He has already chosen for the up coming times of troubles, why do you worry and fear about what has not even happened yet, instead, pray
Rom 13:1-7 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
1Ti 2:1-3 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
Great post, Voice! As I stated above, I still have concerns about all three candidates and continue to watch and listen. I agree with you that inexperience is a big concern with Obama, as well as the Iraq War, and the fact that he has been in the public eye so little for us to get to know a lot about him. Thus he is somewhat of a wildcard - could be the change we need, could be a national (international) disaster. (To some degree this could be said about all the candidates, as we cannot see into the future, although the others have been in the public eye longer.) I have equally important concerns about Clinton and McCain, and I definitely consider Obama a very viable candidate. I am impressed with his intelligence, communication skills, general likeability, and apparent sincerity. As you have stated, this is an election for which the wise voters will have to sort through the issues and identify which issues are most important to them. This is a thinking election, except for those who will always vote for their own party no matter what, a line I am personally happy to see blurring a bit in this one! Thanks for adding the 3 testimony links here!
Thank you, Gary for your reminder. Fervent prayer should be our main concentration for the upcoming election. Not prayer that any particular candidate will win the election, but prayer that God Himself will choose the best person to lead our country. Thank you for commenting!
LOL Becky! One never knows the many uses of a blog post! I teach Spanish.
Dennis, I have deleted your 5 longests posts, all of which were copied from other websites, but I left your other 11. You are still welcome to return and post links should you so choose. Thanks.
I figured this blog post would stir up some feelings with some people. I haven't had a chance to read all the comments just skimmed...
In general, I'm disappointed with the Conservative reaction to Obama. I am in no means supporting the man, but I think some people need to be more objective in their review of certain people and ideas. Always comparing with Scripture to make sure that we are in line with what God would have us say and do.
What I would challenge people to do is to focus on Obama's words and not those of his former pastor. We need to separate the despicable nature of the Black Liberation Theology from the points that Obama is trying to make regarding the nature of race relations in this country. What I found inspiring about the speech is that Obama addressed the concerns and pain that the white culture has gone through. I truly believe that this may have opened up a door to further discourse. But we'll have to see. The early results aren't that encouraging.
Interesting. Just read something Dennis had posted earlier about balloon mortgages. Having been in the industry for 12 years I have a viewpoint on this. I don't have a problem with the government stepping in to help people get out of these types of mortgages. In many circumstances, unscrupulous lenders led people to this type of product without informing them of the potential consequences later down the line. Yes, people should have done their homework. But the unfortunate fact is that many do (and did) not.
Thanks, Loren. I agree. Objectivity is a trait we as a population seem to be losing. Goes back to not being able to analyze information or think critically. We are raising a generation that is very opinionated, believes whatever anyone believes is the truth for them, and has no clue how to synthesize information. There are exceptions, of course, but I've been teaching since 1984, and I'm seeing a steady loss of higher thinking skills as the years progress. The American education system - another blog . . . :)
Kathy, I just want to say I totally agree with Loren's second paragraph...seeking out the truth by comparing what we hear to the scriptures. This is so difficult to do in a sound-bite society...it ends up being much like taking your favorite verse and hanging your entire theology on it. That is ok some of the times, but not ok most of the time...overall it isn't a good practice. As you mentioned in an earlier comment, we need to pray that God will have the person He wants lead us...I would offer a slight modification to your thought for your consideration...let's pray that God prepares our h
I have two best friends, one in New York state and one in North Carolina. My best friend in North Carolina is very dark. I'm lighter than a cracker with a suntan. We loved to go fishing together and I could not believe the looks we got at times. My friend (an electrician) told me that he and a white colleague were on the job at a rich white person's home one day, when he overheard the owner tell his partner to "hurry up and get that n__ out of here." I was shocked! You are right. Stupid, ignorant racism is all around us and it stinks.
