tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33811470.post6326352733235612826..comments2023-11-02T07:45:05.135-07:00Comments on John Michael De Marco: Obama, Christianity and CompassionJohn Michael De Marcohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282458122717764948noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33811470.post-91151159971513171702008-11-17T06:14:00.000-08:002008-11-17T06:14:00.000-08:00As someone who felt strongly that Obama was the wr...As someone who felt strongly that Obama was the wrong choice for president, I have had a surprising psychic change since the election. I am at peace with the results because I realize I am powerless over them. <BR/><BR/>My party failed to lead on too many critical issues and it has been soundly defeated. Now it is time for Obama and the Democrats in Congress to do a better job leading or they will suffer the same fate. I wish them well. <BR/><BR/>It is time for me to focus my time and energy on endeavors much closer to home, where I might actually affect positive change in the lives of those around me. In short, to stay positive, I am thinking small.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33811470.post-54728678193467351532008-11-10T04:43:00.000-08:002008-11-10T04:43:00.000-08:00John--you've articulated much truth in this post. ...John--you've articulated much truth in this post. I especially like your observation that younger believers aim to make a "pragmatic difference," and that this is something we should all think about more by making a "compassionate difference in a real person's life right now." Certainly this is the way Jesus operated. He wasn't involved in policy making or even community efforts. His work was mostly via relationships, and always on an individual level.<BR/><BR/>I agree that there is something very hopeful about Obama, and I blogged about this last Wednesday, but I think as followers of Christ certain issues are more vital than others, certain programs more inconsistent with a biblical worldview than others, so more than just transcending political parties (you rightly point out that we should never have a blind alliance with either party), we as followers of Christ should embrace our duty to vote with Bible in hand. It's not a Red state, Blue state issue. It's using the abundant wisdom of the Bible, and lots of prayer to guide our support.<BR/><BR/>But for now, Obama has the incredible gifts that God has blessed him with, the fervent support of the citizens, and, I'm hoping, the faithful prayers of many. Why wouldn't we, as a nation, be optimistic?Kristie Jacksonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08365648170968044773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33811470.post-70991661976194130242008-11-10T04:36:00.000-08:002008-11-10T04:36:00.000-08:00John,I appreciate your sensitivity to the sea chan...John,<BR/>I appreciate your sensitivity to the sea change we are witnessing in Western Christianity. No doubt pragmatism is an emerging force along with globalism in contributing to the shift. Moreover, as you highlight, the emerging and/or emergent movement is speaking with alacrity the importance of following Jesus as our example. It is an element that many Evangelicals (like myself) sometimes overlook in favor of theological idealism--notably in relying on Jesus' substitutionary atonement for us.<BR/><BR/>However, I recognize that the harsh reactions by some on the right are focused on the plight of the unborn. The widespread expectation is that pro-life momentum will be pushed back by the Obama presidency. At the same time, I believe government cannot effect moral change in its citizens, and strategically I contend the church is responsible to persuade individuals (by spiritual renewal and God's Word) to eliminate the demand for abortions. As demand is reduced, supply for abortion must decline--and eventually it would disappear altogether.<BR/><BR/>Though in some aspects I see the Democratic party embracing more compassion than Republicans, this issue more than any other puts a wedge between many Christians who still hold to biblical idealism, which seen properly is the essential quality of kingdom living for the redeemed.<BR/><BR/>As a pastor, my call to fellow Christians is to sincerely pray for Mr. Obama. Hate is not an option. Perhaps we can influence his party to grapple with the horrifying injustice of abortion--and its devastating impact on all who endure such a dastardly "procedure". Surely Jesus' would not have sought to ridicule the ruling government, but instead engage people to live as citizens of heaven. Until perfect justice exists with his rule, we should strive to live in peace and do our best to encourage kingdom ethics here and now.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17893857356952629451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33811470.post-91777373285373857852008-11-10T04:34:00.000-08:002008-11-10T04:34:00.000-08:00This is great. Thanks John for challenging believ...This is great. Thanks John for challenging believers to think outside the box. We need to come together as believers instead of being divided no matter what our political affiliation.<BR/>Blessings.Lori Morrisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01015843301239509399noreply@blogger.com