A Moment of Truth for a Black Christian Male: Thoughts on Obama
October 8, 2008 · Print This Article
The entire world is watching, waiting, and anxiously anticipating who will become our next President. This process is perhaps one of the most incredibly contested, hotly debated, and most publicized of all time. For so many reasons, that we have all heard; so much so there is really no need for reiteration. The first major candidate of African-American ancestry, and the first woman headlining the Republican Presidential ballot. As I have watched over the past few months the development of this historical moment, I admittedly have become extremely proud as a young African-American.
Without question, America needs a change. Without question the war is an issue of deep concern among so many others. Ranging from health care, the economy, energy, international issues, and so on and so forth. Firstly I would like to speak about what Barack Obama represents to not only African-Americans, but to all Americans. He is the hope in so many ways; he truly embodies the American dream, and I have become more fascinated with his story as the days and weeks have rolled on. I believe everyone has to honestly admit that he does give America something to hope for, to believe in. His speeches touch the soul because it is very evident that he speaks from a life of overcoming obstacles. His story, like so many of ours (especially minorities in this country), are stories that are often times overlooked. For every Barack Obama, there are 100 people whose dreams weren’t fulfilled. In light of such odds to overcome we cheer and root for Obama because he is doing what few have done, and few will ever do. He is the poster child for Hope.
1. The Black Vote
In Black America, with so many things to frown about, Obama gives us something to smile about. In this moment in history Black people in America are in a worst state than ever before. More children are born without fathers, more black men are imprisoned then ever before, and the rate of poverty for blacks is actually much higher than it was 40-50 years ago. We as a people have seen the influence of Hip-Hop culture destroy a generation of young people. While I could go on and on about the issues plaguing Black America I’ll simply say: for many VALID reasons Barack is the people’s champ. He is a reminder that hard work, service to others, putting yourself in other people’s shoes, and being your brother’s keeper is truly the American way. He has inspired and united people from around the World not just Americans. This summer I spent time in Asia and everyone there was crazy about Obama. The fever has apparently spread!
2. I Believe:
Barack Obama would be a great president for so many reasons. I believe mostly he could put to right so many wrongs of the previous administration. I believe he would cause Americans to once again take pride in hard work. I believe he really could deliver the change… to me it is no wonder so many people are lining up in droves to vote for him.
Now the particulars of how Obama will create the glorious change he so vehemently champions are still in question.
MOMENT OF TRUTH:
In light of so many positives I have to speak about one reason in particular I can not agree with Obama-mania. For many Christians the issue of abortion has always been seen as the deal breaker. Today, I must say that abortion is the deal breaker for me as well. As much as I love the unifying presence that Obama brings, as much as I love what he has ALREADY done for young black people, as much as I love his speeches, and the promises he has made… I cannot as a MAN of God with a clear conscience vote for a President who does not see abortion as murder. I would love to ask Obama one question: when his wife was pregnant with her daughters, what if she exercised her right to choose? What if she had decided her child’s life was an inconvenience?
I know this may make me unpopular with so many people, especially my fellow African-Americans, but I have to stand up for righteousness. But to see how many supposed Christians jump on the bandwagon but ignore the issue of baby murder aka abortion is beyond me. Say what you will about the War, about taxes, about gas prices, about any issue on the ballot… but which one of them comes even close to the murder of innocent babies? And I say this as a Christian. Not as a Black man, not as an American, but as someone who finds his identity not in culture, color, or creed, but as a citizen of God’s Kingdom, where righteousness rules on the throne. In closing I would urge all Christians, to pray, and God to lead you into truth. Regardless if Obama or McCain wins they need our prayers. I am not convinced either one of them has all the right answers. The truth is, Jesus is what America needs. I believe Obama is the better candidate in 9/10 areas but when the rubber meets the road I cannot give my seal of approval to a President who believes a baby’s life is an option.
Obama has stated that he doesn’t personally believe in abortion, but he also doesn’t believe the Government should regulate a women’s right to choose. I disagree… Rigtheousness wins in my book.
Read more about author Brian
October 8th, 2008
I totalllly agree brother, amazing to me how many supposed followers of the life giver Jesus, align themselves with canidates who are walking in a path not only of injustice, but pure evil. It is a tough call however, which why I advise everyone, vote for McCain !
October 8th, 2008
I also agree, as a African-American folks think it’s inevitable that we vote for Obama. I have been struggling with this and what it comes down to is our Christian faith and beliefs. I agree with the majority of the plans Obama has for this country however I also cannot support a president who will support abortion, gay marriage, and homosexual education in elementary schools. He may not personally support these issues but he also won’t stand up for what is right as a Christian man. It breaks my heart to have to vote for McCain, but unless Obama all of sudden has a change of heart, I have no choice. We definitely need to pray for this brother. I was truly enlightened by this DVD “Setting the record straight: HIstory in Black and White” By David Barton. It gives you the history of the Republican Party and how it was actually created for the rights of African Americans and how it was also a Christian based party from the very beginning. Check it out, it will blow your mind.
October 9th, 2008
I’ve been struggling with the same thing, but like the author said: i agree with Obama on 9 things out of 10, but when it comes down to it, i can’t in good conscience vote for unrighteousness like that. All my friends expect me to vote for Obama, but life isn’t about meeting the expectations of others: Christ is more important.
October 10th, 2008
Obama is a Christian too. Just because he is pro-choice doesn’t mean he’s pro-ABORTION. I have heard Obama say that abortion is a tough issue; I don’t think he likes the idea anymore than the rest of us. But just because he upholds the right of a woman to choose doesn’t mean that he doesn’t deserve our vote. He has a lot of other platforms and programs that will really help this nation. I think you guys are being a little one-sided. I don’t really understand single issue voters…
October 10th, 2008
I completely agree Votin4Obama. Christianity is more than being pro-choice, and the president is more than just an elected advocate for that issue. Come on guys, welcome to 2008! There is a LOT more going on than just whether or not Roe v. Wade is going to stand or not. People are losing their homes, and their jobs. Children are going hungry. The economy is TERRIBLE! Obama is the right man for the job– he’s going to help CHANGE these things. This is exactly why people don’t respect Christians. When there are extreme issues to be addresseda all we wanna talk about it “righteousness” and “abortion” and “gay marriage”.
October 10th, 2008
Who else thinks that God ultimately appoints kings, presidents, or other large world figures so that His will be done?
OLD TESTAMENT:
“And he changeth the times and the seasons; He removeth
kings, and setteth up kings; he giveth wisdom unto the wise,
and knowledge to them that know understanding. He revealeth
the deep and secret things; he knoweth what is in the darkness,
and the light dwelleth with him.” ( Dn 2: 20-22 )
NEW TESTAMENT:
“Then saith Pilate unto him: Speakest thou not unto me?
Knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have
power to release thee? Jesus answered:Thou couldest have
no power at all against me, except it were given thee from
above. Therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the
greater sin.” ( Jn 19: 10-11 )
October 10th, 2008
We need to WAKE UP! Stop being duped by these same tactics. This election is not about same sex marriage, abortion etc. Only a lazy Christian would leave that in the hands of legislation. If they overturned ROE V. WADE the only thing that would happen is that abortion would become a state decision not a federal one. So if Ohio banned abortion but Indiana didn’t, guess what, people from Ohio would go to Indiana to murder their babies. If abortion was illegal everywhere (which it will never be) people would find other, secret ways to murder their babies why, because it is a murderous spirit. If same sex marriage is made illegal, will people stop being gay? NO! They will still be abominable in GOD’s eyes. They will still go to hell. You don’t fight a spiritual battle with carnal weapons.
We have to wake up people. This election is about what it was about in 2004; the war and the economy. All of you who thought you were doing the right thing by voting for Bush- not one of those things that swayed your vote changed anything. They played mind games with you and the country is worse than ever. Our job is get to the girl/woman who is fornicating, present Jesus to her so she won’t fornicate, and won’t get pregnant and won’t have an abortion. Get to the gays, cast that demon out of them, so they will not desire to be gay. None of us who really walk with GOD totally agree with Obama or McCain. But I cannot understand how voting for racists with no evidence of leadership trumps voting for the candidate with leadership but not every moral standard that you believe are important. Check McCain’s record and I’m sure you’ll see there is plenty that he stands for that we don’t agree with either. Do you think McCain is going to consult God before he makes a decision? Yeah right. We are not electing our Pastor, it’s the person best qualified to lead this nation.
Let’s see (Iraq war)- hands that shed innocent blood- an abomination yet supported by Bush and McCain. Liars-visit http://www.therealmccain.com. My opinion is that Obama is the man to best suited to lead this country. However you feel, base your vote on reality. This is not about race, the best candidate happens to be a Black man and that means a lot to our community. Our job is to be light and neither candidate nor those in government positions posses that light, so we select the candidate who we think will best lead our country based on our interests, pray for them and do what we were called to do give the world REAL CHANGE THEY CAN BELIEVE IN!
October 11th, 2008
Last time I checked, there was more than two candidates running for the President…
October 13th, 2008
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU SHAWN, VOTIN4OBAMA AND MARVIN…People, we need to wake up!!!! Obama is the CHAGNE WE NEED…he is AMERICA’S PRESIDENT, NOT JUST CORPORATE AMERICA’S PRESIDENT. YES, HE AGREES WITH A WOMAN’S RIGHT TO CHOOSE, AND GUESS WHAT SO DO I, A CHRISTIAN BLACK WOMAN!!! THE ISSUE ABOUT ABORTION WILL CONTINUE FOR AGES..IT WILL..BUT LIKE WHAT WAS STATED ABOVE, WE HAVE TO LEARN HOW TO PREVENT UNWANTED PREGNANCIES SO THAT ABORTIONS ARE NOT EVEN AN OPTION. I BELIEVE WE ALL CAN AGREE ON THAT, EVEN OBAMA!!!
October 13th, 2008
Personal choices should be separate from those choice that are allowed by law.
I do not believe in imposing my personal choices on the entire country. Will making abortion illegal stop people from getting abortions? No. It will only lead to young women risking their lives to perform illegal abortions. (Think back to pre-Roe v. Wade days, when women died attempting abortions.)
If you are pro-life, good for you. But why force the rest of the country to agree with you? I realize that being against abortion is mainly a Christian view. However, overturning Roe v. Wade will not lead to a mass conversion to Christianity. Those who believe, believe. And those who do not, do not. The law of the land never has, and never will, change that.
Here is something else to think about…Electing an ultra-conservative is dangerous. If McCain and Palin take office they will not stop at overturning Roe v. Wade. They will also overturn other important civil rights cases. You can say goodbye to affirmative action and women’s rights. All of the great successes that civil rights attorneys have realized in the last 50 years will be thrown away. All of the work they have to allow you a chance to succeed in this country will be undone.
McCain and Palin will also decrease government funding to social programs. There will be much less financial aid for college, public assistance for children, social programs for the elderly, and aid for our veterans.
If you care at all about your freedom in this country, you will not vote for McCain. Don’t let the issue of abortion fool you. In your personal life, stand up for your beliefs. If you are ever faced with the difficult choice of whether you or a family member should get an abortion, choose life. I will respect you for it. But don’t — just because you personally believe that abortion is wrong — elect someone who will set our country back 100 years on civil rights issues.
October 13th, 2008
I dont really like either candidate. i like some of obamas views on policy issues but i really disagree with his moral issues. I believe that as Christians we should vote for the moral issues which honor God and the taxes and all the other economic stuff comes second. We should trust that the Lord will provide and press for the issues that are rightseous. God is sovereign he is in control of everything. This is what i believe however i will not hate on anyone who votes on obama cuz ultimately God will place whom he chooses to be in power. I do however encourage people to make a stand for that which is Godly and just. I have heard obama flake out on alot of issues that Chistians should not only speak up but be strong on. I understand what he is thinking but i dont agree with it. I still dont know if i will be voting for dumb or dumber or i might just thow my vote away by voting a third party. but one thing is for sure i will be voting.
October 13th, 2008
I just wanted to say that voting for a third party candidate is NOT throwing your vote away! We’re so stuck in the two party system in this country, its ridiculous. People talk about their voice being heard and then restrict themselves to two candidate which (as the case is in the election) they are likely to prefer either or. Vote for the best candidate REGARDLESS of whether they are a major party candidate or not! That’s real democracy.
October 14th, 2008
I want to chime in and say that as a man of God, I firmly believe we have to hold ourselves accountable for our own actions. With that said, we cannot put our faith in politicians to be our saviors. With that said, the point is, when you vote, honestly think about the bigger picture, the country is falling right now/failing — we think about heaven and hell, this is hell for so many. Obama brings a freshness to the table and he has my vote 100%. I know what morals suggest, but Obama is not telling you to kill children, he doesn’t personally support the idea, the abortion right just merely gives the option to change an unlikely situation. For instance, I know someone who was brutally raped and fought for their life and inturn a life was created. As before, I stated, as a man of God, how could I say to this person “You have a moral responsibility as a Christian to keep that child.” This was an unlikely experience and the option being on the table was utilized. I don’t think anyone would suggest that a woman abuse this right, but in a situation as mentioned above, the option should be present. Call it what you want, there is plenty of reason, logic and a moral balance in the statement and abortion policy viewed in that particular way.
I like 95% of what Obama says, I only like about 15% of what McCain says; as for any others, I like anything positive as for the direction of the economy and energy policy and healthcare.
Back to the intial statement about our responsibilities as Christians, Spiritual people, Religious, and all terms associated, we have to hold ourselves accountable for actions which means as much as we minister an witness to people about the goodness of God, we need that same enthusiasm about the economy, about healthcare, about the environment.
The Lord God helps those who help themselves; theres a certain spirit in the work, in the service to others. As many of us volunteer; as many of us work and service our communities with positive Christian messages, we need to 100% provide that same service to our country as a whole by serving a higher cause. 90% of anything is a reaction of the 10% of doing a certain thing; the more work we put in as a whole, the more we craft and shape our worlds, our environments, our economy. I urge all of my Christian brothers and sisters to vote for Obama as a neccessity for the change we need in this country. DO NOT DISTANCE YOURSELF BECAUSE OF ANY MORAL CODED LANGUAGE; INSTEAD UNDERSTAND THAT GOD IS AT WORK. Do you think Moses was perfect? Do you think Elijah was? Do you think the disciples were? Do you think that you are?
I had this same discussion with my pastor and I told him that I was prolife and also pro-change - “Obama it is” he replied. “If you don’t work, you don’t eat” - How can I take care of my family responsibly without a job. How can I get a loan for a house, a car with the current financial bank crisis? My 401k, huh? What happens when I retire and there is no social security? Now we can sit back and say God will make it better or we can secure a position which allows us to help ourselves secure a positive 360 which allows us to work in concert with what’s happening.
What about war - there is more bloodshed for no reason - over 7 years worth as compared to one policy which seems so critical to some people. End the war and save lives. Vote for a change to end that crisis. There’s oh so many moral flags when a soldier is out there - I tell you from experience. That is the main reason I have revisited my spiritual path to sustain my mental fabric and my family’s base - faith and reason and God first. With that said, I am voting for Barack with EXUBERANCY!!!!
I’m in no way comparing Sen. Barack Obama to Moses, Christ Jesus, Dr. M.L. King, Disciples or any of those, I’m merely expressing that the abortion policy or right, no matter how negative it seems, can be a positive for some situation(s). See above.
Take your time and vote for the security of the country without holding back. In one hand I have John McCain and Bush Policy and the War (bloodshed) - [no] and in the other I have Barack Obama indicative of positve change and economical balance, then there’s this (abortion right policy or whatever) - [yes]. I’m going with the sustenance, change, balance and a little more security abroad, I pray that you do the same.
God Bless
(a Chrisitan Soldiers Memo),
Imhotep
October 14th, 2008
I ask you one question and I ask you to ponder it closely. If God gives us a choice who is the United States government not to? God doesn’t make us do anything. We are free to serve Him or not. He doesn’t force us to do so. Now it would behoove every person to be in accordance to His will but He still gives us a choice. I am a Christian and I plan to vote for Barack Obama, unless something arises that makes me change my mind. I, as a Christian, think it is reckless of my fellow believers to vote for an individual based off one issue. Regardless, God’s will will be done. Who ever is suppose to get in will get in.
October 15th, 2008
This whole “women’s right to choose” is a bunch of mess. I can’t believe people actually make that argument. Abortion is not a right. It’s murder– plain and simple.
October 18th, 2008
Black people… wow
October 19th, 2008
How has McCain expressed any Christian beliefs? Can morality be implemented by enforcing it through legislation?
October 21st, 2008
I think Christians and people who have religious morals and values need to learn how to separate CHURCH AND STATE! Please review the Democratic Party’s platform and the Republican Party’s platform. God also commands us to keep his commandments in the bible but how many people are really obeying them? If anyone votes for McCain they are just as wrong! God says “thou shall not kill”. How can anyone support a man (John McCain) who has voted in this useless war 90% of the time. He is in support of killing these innocent soldiers.
I cannot believe people still won’t exercise their right to vote after all these great american leaders have fought and died for us to have the right to vote. People wake up! We as Christians cannot make the whole government conform to our beliefs and we certainly cannot judge others because they don’t hold the same beliefs as us Christians. Everyone is guilty of some sort of sin. Take the speck out of your eye before you get on Mr. Barack Obama.
VOTE OBAMA/BIDEN 2008
October 21st, 2008
with all due respect you sound uninformed about everything… biblically and politically… your remarks actually echo the sound of foolishness…. do your hw, before you vote
October 21st, 2008
What does “supposed Christian” mean? Do you doubt that Senator Obama is less of a Christian than you?
October 22nd, 2008
Tim, have you heard what Obama has said about his “faith”!? He has said that being a “good person” will get him to heaven, and that he believes there is more than one way to get to God. Obama does NOT believe in Jesus! He has even openly mocked the Bible. Please do some research! He is not a Christian. At all.
October 22nd, 2008
Sherri, I’ve read many articles and direct quotes from Sen Obama regarding his faith and have found nothing that would invalidate his claim of being a Christian. I’ve seen the youtube videos alleging that he is mocking the Bible and I think that claim is ridiculous - he is obviously making the case for the separation of church and state. Now I do not agree with him 100% - which is often the case amonst Christians - but I do believe he is a man who is seeking the face of God, asking questions, and studying his Bible. And there are multiple quotes where he has stated that he has accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour.
You know, when this race started out, Mike Huckabee was my candidate and I still think he best reflects my beliefs. However he’s no longer in the race. I think that John McCain is an opportunist and a fraud - McCain / Palins’ devisive tactics do not seem very Christian to me. The republican party has exploited the religious community for years ….most of what they are campaigning on is nothing more that propaganda and fear mongering. If you really really really think that John - the adulteratin’ divorcee who is a baptist but has never been baptised - McCain is that guy than rock on….but I’m voting for Obama.
==========================================
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
October 22nd, 2008
I prefer neither Obama or McCain as president– regardless of their professed religion. I was just sayin Obama is not a Christian. I have seen the videos you are talking about Tim. Whether he was “trying to make a case for seperation of Church v State” or not the words that he spoke would never have been said by a true Believer. They were condescending, completely disrespectful, and very irreverent to the text we as Christians believe to be the Word of God. He could have made a solid case using our Constitution instead of citing passages of scriptures to try to make the Bible look ridiculous– which was exactly what he was doing. I don’t care what he or anyone else says: Obama is no Christian. That doesn’t mean don’t vote for him. Do whatever you want; it’s a free country. But call a spade a spade.
October 23rd, 2008
Excellent article!
Not only abortion, but his promise to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) if he makes President. He says he supports marriage between a man and a woman, but here in California we have Proposition 8 which would make make a constitutional amendment for marriage to be between a man and a woman. Obama has stated he doesn’t support that but sides with gay marriages.
He supports the killing of babies
homosexual marriages
he has mocked the bible
he says “All ways to God are okay” (I agree with Sherri - he’s not a Christian!)
has questionable associations that lead us to question his character
and the list goes on.
McCain is also a tough sell and as a Republican, I am not happy at all with our choice for the President and Vice President. But I’ve already cast my vote for McCain because there’s just a lot less to question of his character than Obama’s.
When this campaign started, I had made my mind to vote for Obama. I was truly excited that we had someone other than a Sharpton or a Jackson running for President that represented us black people so positively. But the more that came out on Obama, the more disillusioned I became of him.
Then I decided to vote for NO ONE. But that changed until I finally made up my mind and chose to vote for someone. Actually, I voted against Obama and not so much for McCain.
Just a real tough decision because how comfortable for us not to worry about racism within an administration by having a black President!
But there’s more to being a president than the color of one’s skin.
Carlotta from Christocentric
October 23rd, 2008
Just because people are calling themselves “Christian”, and some of you are doing the same, does not mean you are one. Do you dedicate your ENTIRE LIFE to the will of the Father? Just because you go to church on Wednesday and Sunday (or Easter and Christmas for some) does not make you an authority on the Christ. Men are being put into positions in which the flesh was never meant to reign. All public offices have been contaminated and overrun with greedy deceivers because “Christians” have let that happen throughout the centuries. People are voting with emotion and fleshly logic instead of calling on the Holy Spirit to guide them. There’s no mandate in the Bible saying you have to vote. If the Spirit leads you away from the ballot, go away! All I know is I am not going to be judged by the Father on who I vote for on this miserable rock. It will be based on “did I utilize my gifts for the Kingdom and how many possessions did I take with me, not how much I gave away.” Those are the true measures of a man’s spirit. But, it doesn’t matter what I say or what others say, some of you will not change your thinking because you have the “I’m Right” complex, and that syndrome is what will lead you to the fire instead of the sire. Peace unto you all and I love you, no matter who you vote for. Just pray in the Holy Spirit before you go!!!
October 26th, 2008
If you thirst for holiness - i can’t understand how you can vote for somebody who supports infanticide and late term abortions. That disqualifies Obama from receiving our support - period.
“It is not the color of a persons skin but the quality of thier character.” Obama has some fantastic qualities but character is not one of them. I love him and love to listen to his speeches but I could never vote for him.
Obama is 1 million times the person Hitler was but Hilter turned Germany around economically and even if he had never considered invading other countries - I could never have voted for him - because of his stand on human life. There are disqualifyings issues.