Christians differ in response to Obama victory
by Jennifer Riley, Christian Post
Posted: Wednesday, November 5, 2008, 16:43 (GMT)
The response of the diverse Christian body to news of Democrat Barack Obama's victory in the US presidential election has been predictably varied - some congratulating, others wanting to put aside differences to work together, and still others insisting on challenging him when he takes office.
The National Council of Churches USA, a left-leaning network of 100,000 local congregations, congratulated president-elect Obama and pledged to support him in the tough times ahead as he navigates the country out of dangerous waters.
"Mr President-Elect, the 45-million Christians represented by the member communions of the National Council of Churches stand ready to work with you to respond to the realities that a loving God places before us each day," stated Michael Kinnamon, general secretary of NCCUSA, in a statement issued early Wednesday.
In particular, he pointed to social concerns such as poverty, education, and health care.
"All of us are dependent on God's loving mercy, and we will regularly pray for you and others elected to high leadership," the NCCUSA head wrote. "May your wisdom and discernment serve you well, and may your health never wane."
But the religious right had a markedly different tone in response to Obama's election victory.
Focus on the Family, the most prominent religious right organisation in the US, rejoiced over the fact that Obama will not have a 60-seat Democratic Senate that would have allowed him to push through legislation without serious contention.
While the Democratic Party has a solid majority in both the House and Senate, they do not have the 60-seat majority needed that would give Majority Leader Harry Reid the power to invoke "cloture", a procedure by which the Senate can vote to place a time limit on consideration of a bill or other matter, and end a Republican filibuster.
The Senate results combined with the approval of three state amendments banning gay 'marriage' "give values voters reason to stay tuned to development on Capitol Hill", FOTF Action wrote on its election home page.
"God can use any president for his own purposes," said Focus Action's Tom Minnery during an election special broadcast.
Meanwhile, Tony Perkins of Family Research Council, another prominent conservative group, encouraged values voters to keep praying for America and not lose heart.
Former FRC staff Dr Charmaine Yoest, who is now president and CEO of Americans United for Life, congratulated Senator Obama on his win, but pointed out his contradictory actions on abortion rights.
While Obama has called for "common ground" on abortion rights during his campaign, noted Yoest, he promised Planned Parenthood that his first act as president would be to sign the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), which would eliminate every state and federal law regulating abortion.
"We will continue working in the days ahead to educate Americans about the threat to common sense that FOCA poses," the AUL president vowed. "And we will make common cause with defenders of life in both the Democrat and Republican parties, fully committed to the ultimate goal of seeing both parties dedicated to the defense of life."
Exit polls show that 74 per cent of white evangelicals or born-again Christians voted for Republican presidential candidate Senator John McCain and 24 per cent voted for Senator Barack Obama, according to CNN. Twenty-six per cent of American voters described themselves as evangelical or born-again Christians.
Obama won 338 electoral votes, far more than the 270 needed to win the 2008 presidential election. Republican rival, Senator John McCain won 163 electoral votes.
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Added: Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 2:11 (GMT)
I am so tired of "born again" Christians who write as though they have cornered the market on truth and are privileged to "special" information from God. The negativity, biased scripture quoting, and cowardice regarding change is frightening.
Thankfully, there are millions of people who don't presume to know the mind of God.
Mari Bradley, Elon USA
Added: Sunday, November 9, 2008, 0:26 (GMT)
Jeff from Los Angeles, the real reason that people keep away from the churches is not because Christians are criticizing other Christians for voting for Obama but they stay away because GOD is conspicuously absent from the churches of our day, especially the apostate churches belonging to the National Council of Churches, but also the evangelical churches that preach a watered down gospel, which is another gospel, having lost their saltiness, and therefore being good for nothing but to be "trampled underfoot by men". It's because GOD is missing! It's because GOD is missing!!
Frank Gervasio, Boca Raton, Fla
Added: Friday, November 7, 2008, 16:02 (GMT)
I sincerely congratulate Pres. elect Obama and his supporters for this historical win and the amazing campaigning that was done.
As a born again Christian, I simply want to understand the feelings of other Christians who did support Obama. I just am trying to work through this, as a McCain supporter, and am genuinely going back to the the Bible and praying for our leaders in authority. Also, knowing that Romans 8:28 still holds true. With all due respect and certainly no offense intended, Just please...help me understand how I can feel safe now and also how you worked through the pro abortion issues in supporting this ticket. Thank you.
Laura, Pittsburgh, USA
Added: Friday, November 7, 2008, 8:49 (GMT)
Brett and Ron, it's comments like your's that as a born again Christian I take with great offense. It's comments like these that keep people away from the church and we wonder why our pews are empty!!!! Yes, I voted for Barack and unless you have a scripture to support that I'm not saved due to my vote then I suggest that you spend sometime in your Word.
Jeff, Los Angeles, CA
Added: Friday, November 7, 2008, 6:33 (GMT)
I agree with Brent. If you are saved you have no right to vote for this man. He is owned by Planned Parenthood or abortion-hood as well as corrupt ACORN. I have never seen such an anti-life politician. He also has repeatedly supported partial-birth abortion. He is terrifying and I am so disgusted that Christians refuse to support the unborn, they just don't care. I am very discouraged and seriously considering moving to another country. That is how bad I feel.
ron, Union City, Ca
Added: Thursday, November 6, 2008, 16:10 (GMT)
Brent,
Can you please clarify your last comment. Namely, who are the wolves in sheep clothing in the Christian community, in your opinion? I am really trying to decipher an appropriate Christian response to this election, as an African American male myself. I can not truly celebrate the historical value of this watershed moment because I am curious as to how the Christian community will respond. I found your comments to be interesting and I was wondering if you could speak more about the wolves that you have noticed throughout this process.
Blessings!
Dame, Chicago
Added: Thursday, November 6, 2008, 1:02 (GMT)
Hmm....well 0.75x0.26 is roughly 20% if you round up which is about the percentage of ACTUAL Christians I've estimated the American population to have for some time. I always good at estimating things. I'm not saying you have to support McCain to be a Christian by any means, but if you support Barack Obama given everything evil and impure and corrupt he has stood for (while claiming to be a Christian by the way, making him the worst kind of heretic) then there's proabably a 0.001% chance your saved. I'm sorry if that offends people, but its the truth. The Biblical mandate against judgeing is the most misinterpreted portion of the entire Bible. The commandment is against hypocritical judgeing, not judging in general. Its a Christian's duty to judge. By their fruits you shall know them. If there's one thing this campaign has done, it has helped to sift the chaff from the wheat, seperate the sheep from the goats. I am much more aware now of who is really a member of the community of God and who is a liar and a wolf in sheeps clothing within the church.
Brent, Durham, NC
