Bill Keller responds to Barack Obama
An excerpt from an article by Nancy Manno:
Separation of church and state apparently is only applicable to conservatives as the church that ordained Americans United For Separation of Church and State leader Rev. Barry Lynn hosted Democratic Presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama who was the only candidate at its national conference where politics and religion were simultaneously discussed, according to Bill Keller, the world's leading internet evangelist and the head of Liveprayer with over 2.4 million subscribers to his Daily Devotional.
“I don't know what Bible Obama is reading that endorses murdering babies and trying to redefine God's definition of marriage,” says Keller. “Obama’s appearance also begs the question as to why Barry Lynn is not calling for his own churches’ tax exemption to be pulled. It is the height of hypocrisy that he would call on the IRS to revoke my organization’s tax exempt status for making spiritual comments about Mitt Romney's Mormon religion, yet his own church has Obama as their keynote speaker at a CHURCH CONVENTION!"
Click here to read more of the article.
'Red-letter Christians' a growing political force
The following is an excerpt from an Associated Baptist Press article written by Hannah Elliott:
In what is shaping up to be a faith-filled race for the presidency, Republican and Democratic candidates have pulled out all the stops -- hiring religion gurus, conscientiously attending church, discussing the intimate details of their prayer lives on national TV and publicly admitting personal struggles with sin.
It�s an effort to appeal to religious voters and -- especially for Democratic candidates -- dispel a perception that they don�t take religion seriously. The latest effort came at a George Washington University forum sponsored by the progressive Christian group Sojourners.
At the event, Sens. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and John Edwards (D-N.C.) spoke at length about their faith. Some pundits called it an indication the left has stopped assuming religious voters automatically will vote for the Republican Party. Others claim Democrats are pandering.
Click here to read more.
Christian values and political parties
An excerpt from an article by David Limbaugh:
It is undeniable that liberals claim to champion the poor and that Jesus talked tirelessly about the poor. But the myth is that conservatives have less compassion for the poor; they just don't believe the best way to eradicate poverty is through government-coerced redistributions of wealth. Capitalism is squarely in line with Biblical principles. By contrast, one would be hard-pressed to make a biblical case for societal sanction of same-sex marriage or abortion.
Democratic evangelicals also fail to explain liberals' high comfort level with secular values and their unmistakable hostility toward Christians, mainstream Christian values and, sometimes, the very concept of absolute truth. You might recall Democratic Senator (and presidential candidate) Joe Biden confessing, "We have too many elites in our party who look down their nose on people of faith."
Biden is right. The examples of liberal Democrats denigrating Christians are too voluminous to detail (without writing a book about it), from columnist Maureen Dowd and others likening Christian fundamentalists (read: Bible-respecting Christians) to the Taliban, to liberal commentators saying Christian conservatives are "reality challenged," to Clinton's Labor Secretary Robert Reich arguing that "terrorism itself is not the greatest danger we face" and implying that the real threat is from "those who believe that truth is revealed through Scripture and religious dogma."
Liberals likewise reveal their true colors when they lobby for strict "separation of church and state" when it comes to the remotest presence of Christianity in the public square, but promote outright government endorsement of radical secular values that are unambiguously inimical to biblical truth.
Click here to read more.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger warns the religious to keep their ideas to themselves
An excerpt from The California Catholic Daily:
During a three-day trade mission to Canada, the pro-abortion, pro-homosexual Republican governor of California told a Toronto newspaper that, while he is a Catholic, he does not mix religion and politics.
“California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is staring down anti-abortion opponents of stem-cell research with a warning to leave religion out of politics and health,” reported the May 31 Toronto Star.
“I always said that you should not have your religion interfere with government policies or with the policies of the people,” Schwarzenegger told the Star. “I am a Catholic and a very dedicated Catholic, but that does not interfere with my decision-making because I know that stem-cell research, the way we are doing it in California... is the right way to go and will save, very quickly down the line, lives and cure a lot of these illnesses.”
Click here to read more.
Faith quietly sustains John McCain
Excerpts from an article by Matt Stearns:
McCain has written movingly of how his faith helped him survive 5 1/2 years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, but he says little about the current role of religion in his life.
"I think it's something between me and my creator," McCain said in an interview with McClatchy Newspapers. "It's primarily a private issue rather than a public one. ... When I'm asked about it, I'll be glad to discuss it. I just don't bring it up."
* * *
McCain has for years attended North Phoenix Baptist Church in Arizona. The church has about 6,000 members and is part of the theologically conservative Southern Baptist Convention, the nation's largest evangelical denomination.
Cindy McCain and two of their children have been baptized in the church. McCain hasn't: "I didn't find it necessary to do so for my spiritual needs," he said.
McCain still calls himself an Episcopalian, but he said he began attending North Phoenix Baptist because he found "the message and fundamental nature more fulfilling than I did in the Episcopal church. ... They're great believers in redemption, and so am I."
* * *
But while his reticence to talk openly of his faith may not hurt McCain politically, many observers said it certainly would help him if he did.
Given that his chief competitors for the Republican nomination, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, aren't regarded as natural allies of Christian conservatives, "a positive religious proclamation would have a strong effect," said Don Aiesi, a political scientist at Furman University in South Carolina.
"They're looking for people who have faith that guides them in making decisions," agreed Steve Scheffler, president of the Iowa Christian Alliance.
McCain, told of that, pointed to his time as a prisoner of war, when a Vietnamese guard who had been kind to McCain etched a cross in the prison-yard dirt with his sandal one Christmas morning. The guard rubbed it out after the two had stared at it together for a minute or so.
The lesson has stayed with McCain ever since: "Wherever you are in the world, no matter how tough the situation is or how difficult, how despondent you are, there will be some way for your faith to lift you up and sustain you."
Click here to read the complete article.
Theocracy?
An excerpt from Chuck Colson's article Ayatollahs on the Prairie?:
In recent months, an epidemic of anti-Christian books has erupted, viciously attacking the faithful as “theocrats” and “fascists.” Conservative Christians are called evangelical mullahs, intent on replacing the government with our own “religion-soaked political regimes,” as one overheated author put it.
Good gracious! Is America really about to fall into the hands of a diabolical Christian Taliban?
Click here to read more.
Barack Obama on claims that "faith should have no role in public life."
The following is an excerpt from the Chicago Tribune:
Weaving biblical imagery with political promises, Obama, a member of Trinity United Church of Christ on Chicago's South Side, encouraged those in the audience to follow their consciences and fight for a better America.
"Doing the Lord's work is a thread that's run through our politics since the very beginning," Obama told church members. "And it puts the lie to the notion that the separation of church and state in America--a principle we all must uphold and that I have embraced as a constitutional lawyer and most importantly as a Christian--means faith should have no role in public life."
Click here to read more.
Obama Rips "Evangelical Hijackers"
An excerpt from New York Daily News:
Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama accused evangelical leaders yesterday of "hijacking" religion, prompting quick criticism from the Christian right.
The Illinois senator told the national conference of the United Church of Christ, meeting in Hartford, that right-wing evangelical leaders had exploited and politicized religious beliefs.
"Somehow, somewhere along the way, faith stopped being used to bring us together and started being used to drive us apart. It got hijacked," he said.
"Part of it's because of the so-called leaders of the Christian right, who've been all too eager to exploit what divides us," Obama said.
Click here to read more.
Politics and Money
"Mitt Romney, whose name I haven't gotten used to yet, is now the leading Republican candidate for the Presidency mostly because he's spent $4 million on advertising since February.
"I have nothing against Mitt Romney. I don't have anything for him, either, but a candidate ought not to be able to buy his way into so important an office as President of the United States. Of course, another candidate will probably come along and beat Romney by spending more than $4 million."
Click Here to see the whole article by Andy Rooney.
Homeschool Legal Defense Association Endorses Huckabee
Below is the email sent by the Home School Legal Defense Association to its members: (HT: One Mom)
* * *
Dear HSLDA members:
HSLDA's PAC Committee has taken the historic step of making an early endorsement in the 2008 race for president.
We believe that Mike Huckabee, Governor of Arkansas, should be elected the next President of the United States. Mike is a principled conservative, a friend of homeschooling, a man of character, and a man with a mature faith in Jesus Christ.
Mike Huckabee, as governor, was the first to appoint a homeschooler to the Arkansas State Board of Education, and to our knowledge the first to do so in any state. He is adamantly opposed to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and is committed to stopping the erosion of parental rights. He is pro-life. He supports traditional marriage. He believes that the Internal Revenue Service should be abolished and replaced with the Fair Tax--a move that we strongly support because it would greatly benefit homeschooling families. He believes and is willing to say that Islamic extremism needs to be understood as a theologically driven threat. He believes that America must be strong, but should never be perceived as a bully. He believes that our borders must be secured not only from illegal immigration but from the growing trend among American judges of "illegally importing" international law into our American judicial systems.
There are a few other candidates in the race who are properly described as principled conservatives. None of the media's "frontrunners" would qualify for this designation. But we believe that Mike Huckabee is by far the best communicator in the race--he is able to articulate his conservative principles in an incredibly winsome and articulate manner. Moreover, among the principled conservatives, Huckabee is the only one who has been a governor. And we have not elected members of either the Senate or the House--and certainly not a mayor--as President of the United States in nearly a half century.
We believe that Mike Huckabee may be the only candidate in the race who could defeat Hillary Clinton in 2008.
Because of her past support for the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, we believe that it is absolutely essential to find a candidate who can beat her. If she is elected president, both homeschooling and parental rights would be in serious jeopardy.
To date, based on early polls, we are told that Rudy Giuliani is the front-runner for the GOP nomination. It is our judgment that Giuliani cannot possibly beat Hillary Clinton. Since 1976, no person running for president as a moderate Republican has ever won the election. (Not everyone running as a conservative proved to be a true conservative, but we are analyzing elections.) Ford and Dole--both moderates-- lost in 1976 and 1996. Reagan, a clear conservative, won landslides in 1980 and 1984. George H.W. Bush portrayed himself as a Reagan man in 1988 and won. But as president he violated his famous "read my lips-- no new taxes" pledge, and was defeated in 1992 when it had become clear to America that he was a moderate. George W. Bush ran as a conservative and was elected in 2000 and 2004.
Moderate Republicans simply cannot win the presidency. If the nation wants a Democrat, they choose the real thing. This is particularly true on the abortion issue. Giuliani supports Roe vs. Wade and will never win the support of the crucial block of social conservatives. Hillary Clinton will be elected president if Giuliani is the candidate. We think this is true of any of the other front-runners--none of whom comes close to being labeled a truly principled conservative. Do not believe the early polls. History is a far better means of analysis. No moderate Republican can be elected president.
We have taken this historic step of an early endorsement because the process of electing our president is based on a radically different timetable in this election. The vast majority of the primaries will be earlier than ever before. If we do not act now, all conservatives will be driven from the race by lack of funding and we will be left with only unacceptable choices.
Thus, we urge our members to do four things:
1. Support Mike Huckabee in your state's presidential primary (or other nomination process).
2. Please pray for him on a regular basis.
3. Please consider volunteering for his campaign. You can view his website at http://www.explorehuckabee.com/.
4. Please make a donation TODAY to his campaign at https://www.explorehuckabee.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contribute.Home.
Do not think that your gift is insignificant because you cannot give thousands of dollars. A campaign like Huckabee's will only work when thousands of friends network together giving, $25, $50, $100, or even just $10 each. Frankly, a campaign that receives $25 from 10,000 people is far stronger than a campaign that receives $10,000 from 25 people.
Grassroots conservatives often complain about the big-dollar types who try to control the process. The only solution is for a whole bunch of small-dollar people to stand together and give together. And the left has learned to drive millions of people to websites and to fund large campaigns based on grassroots supporters who contact their friends and urge them to get involved.
It is far safer for an organization like ours to sit silently on the sidelines for a long time. But, it is our judgment that we must get behind a conservative candidate who will provide a viable option to Hillary. Moreover, many of us have waited a long time for a presidential candidate who is a truly qualified and articulate man who
shares our values down to his core. Mike Huckabee entered politics for the same reason that most of us began homeschooling. He wants a future that is grounded upon timeless values.
We think that the time is now. Please support Mike Huckabee.
Sincerely,
J. Michael Smith
HSLDA President
Michael P. Farris
HSLDA Chairman & General Counsel
Council for National Policy Supports Huckabee
"The race to win the Christian-right vote has already narrowed to a battle between former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, say activists. And for many at this month's closed-door summit of the Council for National Policy—a top-secret club of marquee conservative advocates—Huckabee was the 60-40 fave, say attendees. This crowd counts: Members include Focus on the Family founder James Dobson and Left Behind author Tim LaHaye. Huckabee, a Baptist minister, wowed the confab, even though it's Romney who has won over evangelical leaders. What's more, activists say "in-the-pew evangelicals" will most likely gravitate toward Huckabee, who is strong on marriage and antiabortion issues."
Excerpted from U.S. News & World Report's Washington Whispers
Mitt Romney's Policy Dictated By Salt Lake City?
In a recent article in Scoop Independent News, Judy Dushku claims that Romney's political judgment has previously been dictated by Mormon leadership in Salt Lake City. If that is true, it should be a big red flag to those concerned that "Romney’s oath to consecrate himself means that he would have to do all that his church leaders ordered him to do, even if the US Government and her interests were in opposition to the wants and desires of the Mormon Church."
Below is an excerpt from the interview relating to this topic.
* * *
Judy Dushku: In the early 90s, our feminist newspaper Exponent II, did a theme issue about Mormonism and abortion. X said she’d like to write a piece describing her experience. We agreed to publish her story anonymously because we knew her and knew about the ordeal.
Then in 1994, when Romney was running for the Senate, he came out in favor of choice for women -- which was surprising to me. I was pleased and called, asking to see him. I told him I suspected that we had our differences, but that maybe I could work with him if he’d come to a really good position on women and childbirth.
And he said – Yes, come to my office.
I went to his office and I congratulated him on taking a pro-choice position. And his response was – Well they told me in Salt Lake City I could take this position, and in fact I probably had to in order to win in a liberal state like Massachusetts.
Suzan Mazur: Who’s “THEY”?
Judy Dushku: I asked him the same question. And he said “the Brethren” in Salt Lake City.
____________
I want to thank Jim Sweeney for pointing me to the above interview. Judy Dushku's claim that Salt Lake City has previously determined policy for Romney is something that cannot be ignored.
The Case of Huckabee for President
Several days ago I published an article on why I believe Mike Huckabee to be the only Republican candidate who can win the general election. In an article in New Man magazine Thomas Harrington and Anthony Bonna make a similar point (HT: Massachusetts For Huckabee). I have copied an excerpt from their article below:
* * *
The Case of Huckabee for President
We know Mike Huckabee espouses our values. Here's why we believe he can win.
Mike Huckabee has a strong vision for America. Because of his unique communication skills and his views on the issues, he has the ability to cast a unifying vision for America that will not become mired in the wars surrounding party, ideology and class. He does this while integrating a Christian worldview of genuine care and concern for fellow citizens. Huckabee has the ability to change the face of the Republican Party for the next decade and bring our increasingly diverse country into unity.
Communication Skills
Huckabee is the finest communicator in the race from either party. Much has been written about his gifts in this area. As an orator, he is persuasive, articulate and Reagan-like. His ability to inspire vision is critically important and shouldn't be underestimated.
His two appearances on Comedy Central were brilliant and showed how quick and sharp he is in one of the most dangerous media seats in America.
As one commentator said of him: "He offers the politics of optimism that people thirst for, but never without honesty. A former Baptist minister, he's remarkable at not being 'preachy.' He truly is a 'compassionate conservative' and couples humor with charisma."
Anyone can buy, hire or acquire ideas and public policy aptitude. But negotiation abilities, communication skills, and collegiality are God-given talents that cannot be acquired or transferred easily. Huckabee, however, has them.
Appeal to Voters
Huckabee has a unique ability to appeal to voters in both the primary and the general election. Among social conservatives there seems to be a preoccupation with the primary election but a lack of proper analysis of whether the candidate can get out of the general election.
Huckabee is not only the best social conservative in the primary but he has the best chance of beating the Democrats in the general. Giuliani and McCain would be very strong general election candidates but lack the principled commitment to our core values.
Democratic strategists and left-wing activists are most concerned about Huckabee for this very reason. They fear that he has the best chance of beating Hillary Clinton in the general election.
In 1998, elected to his first term as governor of Arkansas, Huckabee received 48 percent of the African-American vote, according to a CNN exit poll. In 2002, he received 43 percent of the African American vote, despite the fact that former President Clinton campaigned in Arkansas five times for Huckabee's opponent.
If he can garner a fraction of this percentage on a national scale, he could erode the Democratic base and unify black and white social communities.
Huckabee appeals to minorities because of his balanced view of social issues. He has a compelling vision for health care, education, environment, the arts and racial issues. He also has the ability to propose free market solutions to traditionally liberal social issues.
His creativity, common sense and personal experiences in health, poverty and education are not typically Republican and would resonate with moderates and even liberal voters.
His own personal triumphs could also help his chances. He lost 100 pounds and turned his health around.
The Social Front
Huckabee has a strong commitment to Christians' core social issues. He supported the marriage amendment in Arkansas and led the covenant marriage movement in the state. During a large rally he repeated his wedding vows with his wife under the new statute.
He also worked hard to pass abortion restrictions and regulations in Arkansas and has said he would sign an abortion ban similar to South Dakota's. Other then perhaps U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas, there is no other candidate in the race who would be a stronger advocate for our core issues in the White House.
As governor, Huckabee's chief domestic policy advisor was Chris Pyle, a strong conservative Christian. Many of his other appointments were likewise solid. He appointed the first home school mother ever to the state school board.
The same goes for his history of appointing conservative judges during his decade-long service as governor. His political appointments speak volumes about his commitment to Christian principles.
Christian Commitment
Huckabee is the most committed Christian in the race. He was a Southern Baptist minister and has formal theological training. In Huckabee we have an unprecedented opportunity to have an advocate for our cause and our values in the White House.
He has strong moral character and integrity. He has no skeletons in the closet or baggage in the back room. He has always been married to one woman, and his three children were educated in public schools.
When it comes to faith, he is truly one of our own.
Our View on the Other Candidates
We know you haven't had time to research all the candidates. So instead of just presenting Mike Huckabee, we evaluated the main ones using three simple criteria:
1. Must be a social conservative committed to pro-life, pro-family, pro-marriage issues.
2. Must have strong moral character and good judgment exhibited by executive experience.
3. Must have excellent communication skills and ability to cast a vision.
In the past 30 years only one president had all three qualifications�Ronald Reagan. This year, of all the candidates only Mike Huckabee meets all three criteria.
To continue reading the complete article CLICK HERE.
____________
Related Articles:
- 15 reasons why I believe Mike Huckabee to be the only Republican candidate who can win the general election
- Why Huckabee? Because He Will Win
Romney candidacy has resurrected last days prophecy of Mormon saving the Constitution
"It's Mormon lore, a story passed along by some old-timers about the importance of their faith and their country.
"In the latter days, the story goes, the U.S. Constitution will hang by a thread and a Mormon will ride in on a metaphorical white horse to save it. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says it does not accept the legend - commonly referred to as the "White Horse Prophecy" - as doctrine.
"The issue, however, has been raised on those occasions when Mormons have sought the Oval Office: George Romney was asked about it during his bid in 1968, Sen. Orrin Hatch discussed it when he ran in 2000, and now Mitt Romney..."
Read more at Romney candidacy has resurrected last days prophecy of Mormon saving the Constitution
Whither Social Conservatives? A Conversation with GOP Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee
"The Pew Forum invited former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee to discuss the fate of social conservatives and how he sees religion playing out in 2008 and beyond. He also addressed how he has witnessed religion impacting public affairs in his roles as a pastor and governor, and how his own faith guides his public life. "
Read more at Whither Social Conservatives? A Conversation with GOP Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee
Billy Graham at comatose wife's bedside
"Aging evangelist Billy Graham huddled by his comatose wife's bedside with their five children Thursday at the couple's home in the mountains of western North Carolina.
"Billy Graham said in a news release Wednesday that his wife, Ruth Graham, 87, who has been bedridden for months with degenerative osteoarthritis of the back and neck, "is close to going home to heaven."
Read more at Billy Graham at comatose wife's bedside.
Huckabee Was Right
"Gov. Mike Huckabee was right: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." So was Sam Brownback, Tom Tancredo and Duncan Hunter who also had the courage to raise their hands for creation in the presidential debates.
"And now a new USA Today/Gallup Poll has found two-thirds of Americans agree. And those who believe creationism is "definitely true" more than double those who believe strongly in evolution."
Read more at Huckabee Was Right
Why I, as a former Mormon, would not vote for Mitt Romney for President
"I would not vote for Mitt Romney under any circumstances. This is not because I think he is a bad person, or that Mormons in general are evil people - quite the contrary. Most are very “nice” people. In fact, I do not think we could find a more outwardly decent person for president in this country than Mr. Romney.
"So what is the problem?
"The problem is that Mitt Romney is a Mormon, more, he is a Temple Mormon, and Mormonism is a very aggressive cult, a deceptive religion that leads people to eternal separation from Jesus Christ of the Bible. I ought to know. I used to be a Mormon.
Read more at Why I, as a former Mormon, would not vote for Mitt Romney for President
Christians reel at Satan’s onward rush
"These are troubling times for evangelical Christians. The born-again president they helped elect is in the autumn of his tenure, the bold promises of Christian revival now tarnished or cast aside. Mitt Romney, the front-running Republican contender to be Bush's successor is a Mormon, and although leading evangelical Christians have given him the nod, many footsoldiers in the service of Christ entertain doubts. "The world needs Jesus, the REAL JESUS, not Jesus the half-brother of Lucifer," cries Kevin Stilley on his Christian site."
Read more at Christians reel at Satan’s onward rush
Guided by Faith: Right to express beliefs not exclusive to right wing
"Did you hear a mighty “crack” last Monday night? Did you feel a great trembling?
"It might have been the crumbling of a pervasive myth that has unduly influenced the nation’s politics in recent years, the myth that holds that only right-wing political conservatives can be religious. At least, the foundations of that untruth should have been shaking.
"In what has been described as an “unprecedented” gathering, the three leading contenders for next year’s Democratic presidential nomination publicly - before a crowd of about 1,000 and on CNN - discussed their faith and how it shapes their politics and their personal lives.
Read more at Guided by Faith: Right to express beliefs not exclusive to right wing
Welcome readers of The First Post
Welcome readers of The First Post. After reading Christians Reel At Satan's Onward Rush, you may have come here expecting to find someone with a radical agenda, but I think as you browse around you will find that while I have strong opinions, they are reasoned opinions.
Tolle lege!
The View, Mike Huckabee, and Intelligent Design
With Rosie gone ABC's "The View" isn't quite as high profile so you may have missed their discussion of Governor Mike Huckabee and Intelligent Design.
Watch the video by clicking here.
Hillary Clinton's favorite books
I previously shared Mitt Romney's list of favorite books, here are some of the favorites of another Presidential hopeful, Hillary Clinton.
The Return of the Prodigal Son
Little Women
The Poisonwood Bible
The Color Purple, By Alice Walker
The Clan of the Cave Bear
Wild Swans
West With the Night
The Joy Luck Club
(The above list was drawn from O, The Oprah Magazine)
It's Monday Night & Time For Quotes
Romney takes postures, not positions....there isn't the slightest hint of courage or conviction in his stump act.
~ Joe Klein, in Mitt Romney's Disappointing Campaign
For almost three years, arguably longer, conservative Bush supporters have felt like sufferers of battered wife syndrome.
~ Peggy Noonan, in Too Bad
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