The Colorado Independent - Latest Comments in Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

Re: Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

JoeyTranchina — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:16:54 -0000

If you follow the parasites who sell folly in God's name on radio and TV, (eg. James Dobson & Pat Robertson) you have already put your faith in politicians.

Re: Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

Vail CO — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 18:47:52 -0000

Its a little late for that!

Re: Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

Mulvaney — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:23:12 -0000

I do not know how evangelicals can support McCain and Palin.

McCain favors tax policies that allow the ultra rich to grow richer at the expense of the middle class. Bush doubled our national debt to 10 trillion dollars. Mortgaging my daughter's future is hardly in keeping with Biblican principles.

McCain now blames his associations (and his efforts to help Charles Keating) on poor judgment, but
taking free flights to the Bahamas and then helping to call of federal regulators -- costing the taxpayers millions in the process -- raises concerns not only about his judgment, but about this ethics.

McCain has run a smear campaign. His latest attempt to link Obama to Khalidi is hypocritical since he gave the same man over $500,000 in grants from the International Republican Institute. That does not show Biblical ethics.

Palin seems to be also ethically challenged, as the report on troopergate found. Would a true Christian pad the state expense account to cover family costs? Would a true Christian "pal around" with secessionists whose founder stated that he had no use for American and her dammned institutions? Would a true Christian mock scientific research (through fruit flies) that led to advances in genetic understanding of autism? Would a true Christian make the personal choices she had made, with her family, her clothing, and her willingness to smear others?

Obama has shown compassion towards the average person and an understanding of the kinds of problems that have hurt this nation. I believe it is Christian to reach out to others -- isn't that what Jesus talked about in Matthew when he described ministering to the poor, the sick, and those who are in prison? Obama's policies are firmly grounded in such principles. He has my vote.

Re: Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

Dalanah — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:45:07 -0000

If we don't trust God who do we trust? The government?? Politicians?? Not me. I will trust my God who is God.

Re: Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

Dalanah — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:38:37 -0000

There is only one God and he is the true and living God

Re: Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

Dalanah — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:35:59 -0000

There are some questions that can only be answered with faith. The faith that gives the peace that surpasses all understanding. Child like faith.

Re: Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

Wildflower — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:11:49 -0000

Beth, I believe the words "under God" were added to the pledge in 1954.
People said the pledge without those words before then and God didn't come down and smack us or send some terrible tribulation on us.or anything. lol

Re: Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

beth — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 20:30:41 -0000

Sean,

I just wanted to let you know that the words, In God we trust on our money and One nation under God in our pledge were not put their by our founding fathers, it was added much later, I am not sure exactly when for the currency, but the pledge was added in 1945.

Re: Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

beth — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 20:24:04 -0000

Tyler,

I like your thoughts...I think God and science are one..I think God is supreme intelligence and I often say that God is verb, we have socially been conditioned to think of God in human terms, but I believe that God is energy and that Energy and eneregy expressed is matter and every living thing on this planet from a blade of grass to a human being is in scientific terms energy expressed and the vibration of that energy expresses the matter. So, put your E nergy in motion...and have a little emotion with your science...science is thought and God is felt..they coexist.

Re: Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

Tyler — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:38:36 -0000

Unbeliever. This year the Great Pumpkin WILL come. I'm telling you, sit out there and wait, you won't be sorry.

Yes, so many sects have arisen since the start of Christianity proclaiming "the end is near". What makes Revelations (which was written as if the end was coming 2000 years ago) any different than the guy on the off ramp with a cardboard box proclaiming it?

Plenty have set dates, but they all insist that they have some answer the others didn't. I wonder what date Palin's church has in mind for WW3 when Alaska will be the last refuge of the US.... I'm sure its right around when she had access to that shiny red button. And then God will tell her its time to push it and bring about His will.

Re: Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

Kathi Simonsen — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 10:22:06 -0000

Thanks for taking a stand. I am an Evangelical campaigning for Obama because I see him as representing our faith far more than the other side. As Evangelical Christians we feel a responsibility to let our vote count for the Kingdom of God. As a missionary’s kid in Congo and as a Christian Education major at Wheaton College I learned the Bible and I am thankful for this strong background. I’ve struggled though with how my fellow believers see the application in politics. The Bible has many commands; we tend to focus on only one or two.

The Evangelical community has been focused on one verse in politics, “thou shalt not kill.” In the last two elections Bush was voted in as president partly because he didn’t believe in abortion or gay marriage. Yet he has not stopped abortions or gay marriage in almost eight years. Instead he has gotten us into two wars that have killed thousands of people. I don’t think he has obeyed the commandment, “thou shalt not kill”.

According to the congressional record, McCain voted with Bush 90% of the time. McCain is pro-war. McCain’s father and grandfather were admirals; he graduated from the Navel Academy and fought in Vietnam. He said he will never surrender in Iraq. He is focused on war and will most likely lead us into more wars where more people will be killed. Palin in a recent interview suggested that she may be willing to attack Russia.

Obama takes the verse, “thou shalt not kill” seriously. He tackles the root of the problem in abortion with programs to prevent teenage pregnancies and health care reforms that will give people the support they need to keep their babies (60% of abortions occur because the women doesn’t have the money to deliver her baby). Obama believes in war only as a last result. He believes in diplomacy, reconciliation, building community and working with our allies. I am convinced that far less people will be killed if Obama is president.

Jesus’s says in Mathew 22:35 that the second greatest commandment (after loving God) is to, “love your neighbor as yourself.” Which candidate believes in loving your neightbor? Obama’s program includes taking care of those who need it with social security, secured pensions. Veteran benefits, etc. According to the Washington Post, Obama will help even out the wealth by lowering taxes 1.9% for those who make less than $227,000, 2.4% under $66,000, 3.6% under $38,000 and 5.5% for those under $19,000. He believes in taking care of all Americans.
There are numerous verses in the Bible about our responsibility to help the poor. "He who gives to the poor lends to the Lord and He will reward him for what he has done." Proverbs 19:17 Obama believes in helping the poor and he’s lived what he believes. He worked in the inner city coordinating with a number of churches to help that Chicago community. He has a number of well thought out programs for helping the poor.
In Psalms 24:1 God says, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof....” If the earth is the Lord’s who are we to ruin its delicate balance and cause global warming with our carelessness? McCain and Palin want to drill for oil in our sensitive national park which would destroy that ecosystem and the wildlife that depend on it (Palin’s husband works for an oil company). Obama is focused on funding alternative energy which will help us wean ourselves off the oil that is damaging the earth and causing wars.

The Bible instructs us to tell the truth but Palin insists that she was against the “bridge to no-where” when there is documented evidence that she fought for it until congress stopped it. In addition, she and McCain have made a number of false statements about opponents. “Thou shalt not bear false witness against they neighbor.” Exodus 20:16.
If they lie in their campaigns will they be honest in the White House? Or will they say there are weapons of mass destruction when none exist?

Palin is under two investigations for mistreatment of employees in Alaska. Some of her financial dealings in Alaska are questionable. Palin is pro-life and carries her babies to term which is admirable but is it right to not take responsibility for raising these children? She has a four month old baby, a 7 year old, a 14 year old and a pregnant 17 year old at home, is this a good time in her life to leave them and run for office? Pro-life includes taking care of life. McCain, according to those who know him well, has always showed apathy toward religion until he realized that his ticket to the White House ( like Bush before him) was the Evangelical vote, so he chose inexperienced Palin.

Obama is not an Evangelical Christian but his faith has proven to be more consistent. When you’re sick, would you rather go to a good doctor who cures your illness or an Evangelical Christian who doesn’t? American has a serious illness and we need a good doctor, Obama is an excellent healer. He has more integrity than either McCain or Palin. Obama is honest and straightforward. With all the scrutiny on him he has not been found in any scandal. He cares for the poor. He wants to rebuild our relationships abroad. He cares about taking care of our earth where God calls us to be stewards.

If you listen to both convention speeches you see that McCain’s is “the warrior” and Obama is “the healer”. Micah 6:8 instructs us to, “do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.” We will be accountable for what we as a nation if we continue to kill and destroy countries in war. We need to heal our nation and help heal the world. I believe that we Evangelical Christians honor God and His Kingdom by voting for Obama. I believe that would be Jesus’ choice.

Kathi Simonsen
ksimonsen@mediagrowth.com

Re: Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

n8 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:27:26 -0000

The kingdom of God has been "at hand" for over 2000 years now. You're like a stood-up boyfriend waiting for a girl who is never gonna show. The longer you wait, the more pathetic you look.

Re: Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

Nancy Harrison — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:55:30 -0000

Hagel a True Maverick

I was a contributor to John McCain's presidential campaign during the Republican Primary of 2000. Eight years later John MCain is a mere shell of his former self. The man has lost his way. John McCain's pathetically poor choice of Sarah Palin for Vice President illustrates how far he has fallen. McCain has put the security of a nation at risk to try to win an election.
No sensible American that loves this country and cares about the well being of the world will vote to make Sarah Palin the potential Commander and Chief. I can see the moon from my back porch. And that does not make me an astronaut. But I am as qualified as Sarah to be president.
Chuck Hagel,a very conservative Republican Senator from Nebraska,has recently expressed how nonsensically unqualified this woman is. Senator Hagel had the guts to put his country first and speak honestly about Sara Palin. Chuck Hagel is a TRUE Maverick.

Nancy Harrison
North Platte, NE.

Re: Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

CityKat — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 02:37:09 -0000

Sean C. Rowland!

You're a brilliant mind. Thank you for your insight and fair balanced view.

Re: Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

BB — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 01:04:57 -0000

Hail, Hail to Mr. Cizik. Finally, somebody at the NAE has their head on straight. Now he just need to put that check mark for Obama.

Blessings

Re: Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

Vince — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 23:43:25 -0000

IN RESPONSE TO YOUR HEAD LINE.
OBOOMA DOES NOT HAVE CHARACTER, INTEGRITY NOR KNOWS THE MEANING OF THE WORD EITHECS

Re: Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

1984 — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 22:17:53 -0000

"Wandering in a vast forest at night, I have only a faint light to guide me. A stranger appears and says to me 'my friend, you should blow out your candle in order to find the way more clearly.' This stranger is a theologian."
~Denis Diderot (1713-1784)

Re: Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

PAUL S. — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 22:13:51 -0000

I WONDER IF ARGUING ABOUT THE EXISTENCE OF GOD IS POINTLESS.

YOU WILL BELIEVE IN GOD IF YOU WANT TO BELIEVE, AND IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BELIEVE IN GOD, I DON'T THINK IT MATTERS WHAT ARGUMENT IS GIVEN FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD..

IF IT'S REALLY A MATTER OF FAITH, THEN LOGIC AND REASON SEEM UNNECESSARY.

I AM A BELIEVER IN JESUS CHRIST BECAUSE EVERYTHING ABOUT THE LORD RESONATES WITHIN MY HEART AND MIND, AND ALSO BECAUSE I CHOOSE TO ACCEPT AND NOT REJECT THIS GIFT, WHICH IS AVAILABLE TO ANYONE WHO GENUINELY WANTS IT..

Re: Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

Kimberly — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 20:47:52 -0000

Maybe there isn't a "why?" in the way that we can understand it. Maybe the why is just because "we are" and not because "we should be".
We love each other because of biological directives to propagate and the need for unity to survive as a species.

I don't need to know I'll live forever in order to make my time here worthwhile. All I need is to appreciate that this is all the time I have, and as such, it's important to make it worthwhile, not only for me but those around me.

Re: Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

Chuckewe — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:40:55 -0000

Yasriel:

Where did God come from? How did God come to be a living God? Out of what material did God make the universe, and where did God get it?

I know the platitude, He always was and always will be. It's faith!

Sorry that doesn't work for me. Please answer my questions before questioning someone else.
It's always a which came first the chicken or the egg theory.

Re: Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

Realist — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:31:46 -0000

Amen

Re: Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

Realist — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:27:39 -0000

Amen

Re: Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

name — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:21:54 -0000

Correction: Science can answer HOW these things happen, not WHY.

Re: Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

Tyler — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:02:15 -0000

Why is it that God can be eternal and does not need an explanation for why or how he came about, but Science is "flawed" if it does not have 100% of the answers?

You are right, the problem is people want one or the other. God or Science. It isn't an either or, both can have their truths.

When you ignorantly state that gravity, the sky, stars, the sun moving east to west is somehow mystical and unknown is when ignornance wins. Science can answer why these things happen with simple laws and rules.

Why these laws and rules exist and how they came into being.... that is a bigger question.

Re: Evangelical leader smacks McCain for lack of ‘principle’

Mutats — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:42:24 -0000

I'm not much for blogging, and this article actually bored me long before I reached its end. What caught my eye were the arguments posted in response. I read each and every post carefully and with as little bias as I could. Here are some observations I have made.

While the cynical tone of Larry Linn, Yogaforcynics, Cat of Doom, and Josh's posts clearly is meant to exaggerate what they see as flawed logic, they each come across looking like “anti-liberals". They seem to cling so tightly to a perverted satyr of left wing open-mindedness that they have either lost patience for the misguided and uneducated, or lost respect for the bible-beaters' right to practice what these posters may see as an ignorant faith. If this were not the case, they would be true liberals and refrain from maliciously mocking another person's beliefs.

As for Yasriel, his intentions are noble, but he does not realize that he is barking up the wrong tree. Although I may not agree with her entire post, Kady offered one of the most valid points presented in this discussion when she said, "Your belief is based on faith, something you can't see. You can't "prove" a thing. " Just as no amount of cynicism will change Yasriel's mind about the existence of God, no amount of preaching will convert any atheist. Although I am Christian and not Muslim, many of my views align with Yasriel's. It just seems like a futile effort for either the atheist or the religious to argue the "facts".

Within this type of argument there are no facts. The construct of the debate ensures that nothing but a stalemate can occur. The religious counter the scientific with "fantastical arguments" and the scientific counter "fantastical arguments" by proving their fantasticality (probably not a word but I'm using it anyway). With this in mind, I would like to offer up a paradigm through which to view this age-old debate. This paradigm helped move me toward being faithful, and, although I still have a long long longg way to go to be anywhere near anything resembling piety, it opened my mind to some of ideas theology has to offer.

If you ask an atheist how the universe was created, he would presumably explain how during the "big bang" particles collided forming matter and antimatter and the universe as we now know it. If you ask a religious person, he will most likely answer that God created it all. (In one version of the story or another). Now, suppose you ask the religious person where God came from and the atheist where the particles came from. The religious person would say that he believes that God was always there, and the atheist that the particles had always existed.

At this point the question should become paradoxical for the structure of the belief system of the atheist. With this concession, it would seem that the atheist has found at least one thing in the universe that can not be explained by science. It would seem that they just "believe" the particles existed....

Just something to think about. Not an argument that can be proved or disproved, but rather a thinking point that changed my life. Maybe it will change yours and maybe it will just sound "fantastical". Take it however you choose.