What happened to the early birds?
Posted by: K.D. Hastings on April 30, 2008 Hot Issues •
For those of us who delight in the down-and-dirty of presidential politics, let’s take a moment and reflect on what was the news de jour seven months ago.
While there were many more candidates in the race, each of them very confident they would be the one sitting behind the big desk in the Oval Office next January, there was another scramble going on—the rush among states to have earlier-than-normal primary elections.
These states that jostled for places at the front of the line didn’t want to miss all the media attention. They didn’t want to be after-thoughts. Yet with most of the primaries squeezed together on just a few Tuesdays in late winter, that is exactly what happened.
Now several months after that lemming-like rush to the leading edge of the calendar year, few can name all of the states that held primaries on Super Tuesday, the first Tuesday of February. Yet most Americans, even those not politically inclined, can name the state** that held a primary last week and one of the states*** that will hold its primary next week (May 6).
Nebraska and West Virginia (D) citizens weigh in on May 13 and Kentuckians and Oregonians on the 20th. Voters in Montana (D) and South Dakota go to the polls for their primaries on June 3.
The only folks that might feel somewhat disenfranchised, if you can call it that, are the Republicans in Nebraska who go to the polls on May 13, those in Idaho who vote on May 27 and in New Mexico on June 3. Methinks John McCain has it all wrapped up. But now that I write that, I’m reminded the votes of Democrats in Florida and Michigan are still in limbo, but that’s another story entirely.
So the moral of the story: in politics, the unexpected is to be expected.
** Pennsylvania *** Indiana and North Carolina
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Cowardly Clergyman?
Posted by: Oklahoma Baptist Messenger staff on April 29, 2008 Featured Article •
Since when does a church or its pastor have to remain silent when addressing moral and social issues from a biblical worldview? There is no shortage on those who would like to squelch the voice of the church, especially during a political season.
Now is not the time for the church and its pastor to turn passive with regard to addressing critical social and moral issues from the pulpit. The pastor must speak with conviction based on the authority of the Scripture, not with results from the latest opinion poll. The pastor must challenge his congregation with the truth of God’s Word without regard to the views and opinions of political parties or candidates.
The pastor must do all he can to provide insight to moral and social issues based on God’s Word. Shying away from or avoiding certain issues for fear of offending a particular political candidate or political party member is acting as a cowardly clergyman.
Pastors have every right to preach on moral and social issues and to encourage their congregations to become active in civic affairs. Pastors should never endorse a candidate on behalf of the church. Nor should they use church funds or services to contribute directly to candidates or political committees. The pastor should never distribute materials on church premises that favor any one candidate or political party. However, the pastor does have the right to address moral and social issues being addressed by candidates and political parties.
The church has every right to encourage members to voice their opinions in favor or against legislative issues. A church should never endorse or oppose a political candidate or make contributions to a political action committee. Nor should churches conduct fundraising for political candidates. However, the church is an excellent place for the community to learn more about the political process and legislative issues.
Unfortunately, too many churches and pastors are standing on the sidelines allowing those with a secular worldview to dominate public affairs and critical legislation. Our silence has been perceived as agreement. We must clear our throats and be heard without concession.
We are not skating on thin ice when it comes to taking a stand regarding moral and social issues. We must not be intimidated by those who desire to silence the church. We are called to proclaim the truth. May Joshua 1:9 serve as our guide as we seek to address the moral and social issues of our day. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” May the Lord find us strong and courageous as together we seek to make a difference within our culture.
It is time to speak up, pastor. Take a stand with God’s Word as your guide! Churches, stand with your pastor as he proclaims the truth of God’s Word with regard to sensitive social and moral issues of the day.
Church members, beware of allowing your political persuasions to compromise your biblical convictions. Know where candidates stand on the issues and support those who share your values as a believer and follower of Jesus Christ.
[This editorial is adapted and reprinted with permission from the April 10, 2008 Oklahoma Baptist Messenger.]
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An Assault against Life
Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on April 24, 2008 Biblical Values •
I just recently read an article about a senior art major at Yale, Aliza Shvarts, who reportedly performed the horrific act of abortion on herself in the name of art. The “artist” documented herself on video, through a 9-month period, reportedly artificially inseminating herself and then periodically taking abortifacient drugs in order to induce miscarriages.
According to Shvarts, her goal was to “spark conversation and debate on the relationship between art and the human body.” And she believes “strongly that art should be a medium for politics and ideologies, not just a commodity. I think that I’m creating a project that lives up to the standard of what art is supposed to be.”
Authorities at Yale University are saying the incident is a hoax, but Shvarts has rebutted saying she will prove it isn’t by displaying her documentary in an art show soon.
Rightly so, her display has caused shock and outrage all across the country. National groups on both sides of the abortion debate have condemned the project. And many students on campus expressed their disgust at the “art” project saying “it trivialized abortion and transgressed any reasonable moral boundary.”
I think the first questions we must ask are: Since when did taking unborn lives become art? How could our country allow this to happen? And, how did people become so insensitive to the issue of abortion?
As Christians, we should also be outraged by this horrific act and take a stand against it! It is God who creates human life.
His Word says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made… When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:13-16, NIV).
Since the legalization of abortion by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1973’s Roe v. Wade, people all over our country have become desensitized to the value of life. Back then, the Court ruled that an unborn child is neither a human nor a person, and therefore is not protected under the Constitution.
Today, our nation is still divided on this issue and it continues to be a hot topic in the debate among this year’s presidential candidates. But, the Word of God stands firm—unchanging—and it specifically speaks out against the massacre of the unborn. Where do you stand? If you’re a believer in Christ, then your decision should be easy. Let your voice be heard.
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McDonalds & Discriminating Taste
Posted by: Brent James on April 23, 2008 Biblical Values •
The word “discrimination” has fallen on hard times. Everyone is afraid of it. I guess it sounds scary. To be caught “discriminating” is a capital offense. But in the real world, it is discrimination that keeps us alive. It is what makes us unique. Say for instance, you walk into a car dealership and see two gentlemen waiting to sell you a car. One appears dishonest to you for whatever reason (perhaps a skinny mustache). The other strikes you as honest. Maybe he has a kind look in his eye. Who do you approach? Congratulations, you’ve just discriminated. Last time I checked, having “discriminating taste” was still a positive attribute. Heck, choosy moms choose Jif.
What does this have to do with voting? Everything. In fact, all of us are going to discriminate this fall in order to select a new president. We’ll be making judgments for goodness sake! It’s okay. Calm down, everyone. God himself expects it.
“My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight.” Proverbs 3:21
“Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.” Proverbs 31:9
Participating in political elections is only part of the equation. Voting is a way of life for those wanting a free and prosperous society, uncluttered by social ills. We cast a ballot every time we make a decision to support or reject cultural offerings. We can vote with our money by choosing where to spend it. If you don’t like the fact that McDonald’s believes it is being socially responsible by promoting the homosexual agenda, you stop eating their food.
Wow! That’s freedom. That’s powerful. What values most to you?
Personally, I think Whataburger has better shakes.
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Nobody at the Helm
Posted by: Brent James on April 22, 2008 Biblical Values •
Three years ago I worked for an advertising agency. One Friday morning, after receiving some particularly disappointing news, several of us officers sat around the conference room table discussing our options. The executive managers had just informed us that we would not be seeing raises of any kind for the third consecutive year. The apology sounded rather hollow, as we had continuously improved our team effort to make the company more profitable. Some talked of looking for more rewarding work elsewhere.
Weeks later, we were called to a special meeting to hear the company’s financial status report. When the CFO had finished his presentation with all its attending graphs and charts, he sat down. It made no sense why our revenues were so flat. “Any questions?”
An officer respectfully offered, “I don’t know about anyone else, but if this continues, I’ll have no choice but to seek other employment. Can someone speak to why we are we performing so poorly?”
I was stunned to hear the answer. There was a long silence. The CEO hung his head, then after a long silence explained that four years earlier an aggressive business plan had been adopted, but since that time, no one had bothered to oversee its implementation! There was no one at the helm!!! Those of us below decks had been rowing furiously, assuming that our responsible leaders were making sure all our hard work was applied toward the correct course. But it had been squandered.
It would appear that our great republic is in a state of rudderless wandering. Those of us with a moral or spiritual inkling know we are off course. In the last three decades, every time this poll question has been posed “Is America headed in the right direction?” Americans have overwhelmingly responded “NO” sometimes by a margin over 80%. How do we know to judge whether or not we are headed in the right direction? The Bible lays plain that we each possess an innate knowledge of God’s law. What will we do with it?
Remember last year before all the presidential politicking commenced, we were talking, in a national sense, about the dearth of leadership. We bemoaned the many choices, but few real options. Where are we today? Listen to what our leaders are saying by not addressing the most pressing issues of our day.
Okay, so what next? It’s not enough to just ask questions.
Two leader’s wisdom comes to mind: Jefferson, with his “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance” and Ronald Reagan’s favorite “Trust, but verify.”
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Deciphering the “Bump”
Posted by: Ryan Sanders on April 22, 2008 Hot Issues •
Stephen Colbert, the personality of The Colbert Report on Comedy Central, the man that brought the world the Best-Selling book I AM AMERICA (And So Can You!), the Ben & Jerry’s Americone Dream, and the word truthiness to our dictionaries, has put himself on the map for comedy and politics. Yes, Colbert has succeeded in making politics fun, or at least he has made an art out of poking fun at and with political pundits.
Colbert appears to be the epitomy of non-partisan politics, or rather, should I say, partisan. He equally sides and calls out both Democrats and Republicans. You might remember what Colbert termed the “Colbert bump” a couple of years back. Perhaps you watched as Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee appeared on The Colbert Report multiple times and preceded to go from fifth in the primary’s to second in the process. Was it the “bump” or simply astute campaigning?
If you’ve never watched a show of the Report, take notice of this article from LiveScience. Andrea Thompson, staff writer for LiveScience points out that there is some truth to the “Colbert bump,” whereby guests see a boost in popularity or notoriety by simply appearing on the show. In advance of the Pennsylvania primary, both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama made appearances on “The Colbert Report” recently.
When folks such as James Fowler, a political scientist at the University of California, San Diego studies the evidence; rest assured, there is something to the phenomenon. Make no mistake about it, before the presidential campaign is over, the person that we will call president will have more than likely traveled through The Colbert Report on his or her way to the White House.
When voters stand at the booth to vote in November, it’s ludicrous, but ultimately plausible, that some voters will cast a ballot by how familiar the candidate is to him or her. Please, I’m begging you, do not vote this way. Watch all The Colbert Report episodes you want; but please, take time to do some research on each candidate. I don’t care if John McCain co-host with Colbert for the remainder of the season, please understand why you are voting the way you are voting.
First Thessalonians 5:21 says, “… but test all things. Hold on to what is good.” Don’t let the “Colbert bump” turn into the “Colbert dump”, as Stephen might call it.
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Knowing the Why Behind the What
Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on April 21, 2008 Biblical Values •
Just last week, I was talking to a friend about some hot topics that plague our society. We talked about these issues in relation to the upcoming presidential election. As we hashed out our opinions on each topic, she stopped and revealed her embarrassment for lacking defenses regarding certain topics.
It reminded me of what Peter wrote in his first letter: “Set apart the Messiah as Lord in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear” (1 Peter 3:14-16).
Do you know what you believe? You may have developed your own opinions on certain topics, but do you have a biblical defense for them? I told my friend that if she has even the slightest question about her beliefs, then she should go to God’s Word. And even after that, she should make sure all of her opinions are in line with what God says in the Bible.
There is no black and white when it comes to deciding what you believe about some issues. People broadcast so many different opinions, that it seems most choose to ride the fence in the gray area instead, which can cause confusion.
All of the candidates in this year’s election believe different things—and some even ride the fence. You could pick and choose from each one what you agree with and what you don’t, but you’ll never find the perfect candidate who believes exactly as you do.
The most important decision you can make this election year is to vote biblical values. Your first job is to put God first, arm yourself with the Truth, and approach each issue with “gentleness and respect” as Jesus would.
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Primaries & Doldrums
Posted by: Brent James on April 18, 2008 Hot Issues •
The Mississippi Primary on March 11 didn’t do much in the way of deciding who will be the Democrat’s presidential nominee, but that’s nothing new in this election season. As expected, both candidates will most likely arrive at the finish line in somewhat of a stalemate. That isn’t to say one might not have a decided advantage. But advantages are like the wind being quite hard to keep. In Mississippi, Barak Obama won 61% to Clinton’s 37%. The delegates went 19 and 14, respectively.
Looking at the results, it is most interesting to see how few voted and of those who did vote, how many of them chose to write-in other candidates, apparently dissatisfied with the current national choices. While the percentages of those preferring other candidates was small, they do provide a glimpse into what is becoming a rather unusual election.
Some Christian leaders remain steadfast that all believers have a spiritual-moral duty (civic duty perhaps being easier to prove) to cast a vote in November. Others are not so inclined, strongly proclaiming our currently slate of candidates (on both sides of the aisle) unacceptable.
One thing we do know, the remaining primaries are just as unlikely to provide a distanced frontrunner. The pressure is on Clinton to win all of the upcoming contests in order to legitimize her claims that she is the one to lead us. Only thing is, the numbers aren’t there. Coupled with the way delegates are apportioned to the Democrat contest winners, there is no way to overcome Obama’s lead. They will be delivered to the convention floor with options in the works. And there are still the superdelegates, of which Hillary’s commanding lead has shrunk to 34. Of the 795 total, only around 330 remain uncommitted.
The Pennsylvania Primary, coming up next week on April 22, in the latest Zogby poll has it: Clinton 45%, Obama 44%, with 12% still wandering. The effect of Wednesday’s debate is unlikely to change those results.
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Zogby, Rasmussen, Gallup?
Posted by: Brent James on April 17, 2008 Hot Issues •
Who do you trust in the race to the White House? Right now, it’s not necessary that you trust anyone as this contest has more than six months left. I used to think it was excruciating to watch a mile race, that is, until I became a miler. Then, it seemed fast.
Polls are amusing, but not particularly reliable over any period. There are simply too many variables – and those change daily. Any number of mishaps or minor revelations could erupt into a feeding frenzy, dropping a candidate’s numbers overnight. As we have seen.
In February, a general election Rasmussen poll showed McCain losing to both Democrats by a few points. Pew Research indicated similar findings. By March, Zogby was reporting a stronger McCain beating the Democrats by fewer than 10 points. That same month, Gallup reported Hillary and Obama each beating McCain by similar margins. There were some likely reasons, however. Into the mix went Obama’s Pastorgate, Hilllary’s Bosnia sniper story and the Obama remarks attacked as “elitist” by McCain and Hillary. Shakeup and take some more polls.
The most recent Zogby, Rasmussen, and Gallup polls show strong similarities for the general election results. Separated by a hair’s breadth, in order, are Obama, McCain, and Clinton. Even the electoral math, based on the individual state contests, has Obama winning 280 delegates to McCain’s 258.
Depending on where you stand, this could be encouraging or discouraging, but don’t count on these numbers staying the same. There’s just too much time left and too much money left to spend. My only wish in all this is that the billion dollars that will have been spent campaigning would’ve been given to support Christian outreach the world over.
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Organized Movement
Posted by: Ryan Sanders on April 16, 2008 Hot Issues •
Today was no different than must days. I made time to read on the Internet news and blogs on things that interested me. One thing stood out. Like most days, a thinker challenges me. One such thinker that happens to blog. You may know him, his name is Seth Godin. Although I’ve never met him, I know that I like him. I like him because he challenges me to think. Not only does he challenge me to think, but he also challenges me to think bigger and differently than the status quo.
Today, he asked his readers an important question, a question that we all should ask ourselves. He wrote, “What happens when we organize?” While the spring season is upon us, he wasn’t necessarily speaking of the traditional time for cleaning as much as he was pointing toward the idea of organizing people around an idea.
As he pointed out, “Most power occurs because one side is better organized than the other”. Generally, as Godin clarifies, “Labor is usually less well organized than management, criminals are usually less well organized than the police and customers are always less well organized than producers.” He continues by making the claim that one person can make a complaint to a company and have nothing change. Add 10 people or 100 people, and suddenly, things begin to change. New rules begin to take shape.
The last sentence of his post reads, “The system doesn’t know what to do with a movement.” Dictionary.com defines the noun “movement” this way, “a change of position or location … a progressive development of ideas toward a particular conclusion … a principal division or section of a sonata, symphony, or the like … motion; rhythm; time; tempo.” It’s interesting to ponder movement with regard to music for a moment. Yet what if we organized our ideas politically? What would be our most important issues? If we could design a movement such that, 10 people or 100 people in a given community or state not only knew biblical values, but those same, informed people also voted their values?
Then, we’d change the system … for the better. Now, get let’s get out of the garage and start organizing!
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