Obama made a speech awhile back that has totally riled up the Dobsons of the religious right. He said that this is not a Christian nation. whoops. He went on to explain that we are a nation founded under a constitution where we use logic to make our laws not expect it to come through leaders speaking directly to god or interpreting an ancient holy book for current laws. He was trying to explain the difference between faith and government. Faith can inspire someone to righteous living and laws that make for good communities but those laws will make sense and be logical not dependent on something nobody can see to test.
How do you make laws today based on the Bible? Perhaps where Jesus said if you have two coats give away one? Maybe the Old Testament where it dictated don't wear fabric of several sources? Could it be where you stone a disobedient child? How about when Jesus said to judge not lest ye be judged? Or where he said pay your taxes as in render unto Caesar what is Caesar's.
Pieces from Obama's speech on religion and government-- YouTube
Bush got a lot of folks to vote for him based purely on his saying god told him to run. Then he said that he consulted god instead of his own father for guidance. In any normal look at that, people would think the man was schizophrenic because his life shows such a contradiction between his words, but he was just fine with Dobson and the religious right.
Dobson is coming down on Obama like at ton of bricks because unlike McCain who walked away from his own wisdom in order to be nominated (remember what he used to say about christianists?), Obama is standing up for what is sensible and good. Maybe that loss of wisdom comes from too many years in DC-- that lack of experience pundits are trying to get people to worry about so much.
Not expecting divine words to decide how to vote might enable people to use their own wisdom. It could. Some links follow:
Bill Press-- God Bless Barack Obama
Frank Schaeffer-- Dr. Dobson Just Handed Obama Victory
The truth is Christianists like Dobson do not really want the words of Jesus to dictate their political positions. They are picking and choosing what suits them which is their business until they say the Bible is the basis for our government. It's not and Obama had the courage to say as much. I just hope he sticks with it because like so many other things-- he's right. (As in correct, not on the right.)
8 comments:
I so agree, Rain. And people seem to forget The Bible was written by men. Men with opinions of their own and Biases of their own, too.....AND, translated by other men...etc., etc....
I have frankly never understood how people believe that The Bible is 'the word of God'....!
People twist things to suit THEIR Beliefs and THEIR Biases....
It seems to me "The Word Of God" is different to different peolle...and whatever suits them. Not a great way to make major decisions that effect a country.
In a shocking turn of events, I pretty much agree with you on this post. Good Job. :-)
They are picking and choosing what suits them which is their business until they say the Bible is the basis for our government.
This has been the basis of religion and government for all time!! That is why I do not agree with organized religion...I speak to my own higher power daily and it speaks to me! If there is such a thing as HEAVEN, I think we will all get there someday. but then again.....
Religion should be totally OUT of GOVERNMENT and vice-versa
WHAT really boggles my mind is HOW over the past 8 years our government has totally thrown aside something that I was taught in grade school.......Separation of church and state!!! And "I" went to a Catholic school. However, they drummed that into us. So much so that I'm beyond angry about how our country has evolved.
Terri
http://www.islandwriter.net
What do you get when you mix religion and politics Rain?
so tell us, Paul. What do you get?
The word of God is definitely different for different people. My sister in law freely calls herself a "buffet" Catholic. She picks what parts she likes and what parts she doesn't like.
And we have people telling us that Islam is a religion of peace and then we have other people going around killing people because the Koran tells them to kill all infidels.
Once again I am sticking with my life philosophy that moderation is the key.
Dear Rain...Thanks so much for your very sweet dear Birthday Wishes! It was a Great Day and the "celebration" a huge success...Everyone had a WONDERFUL time, Especially, ME! (lol)
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