Evangelicals Don't Have a Monopoly On Christian Values

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Comments on this article:

» left by James P Krehbiel ^(1,149)
James P Krehbiel (1 year 34 days ago.)

Roschelle,

 

Thank you for saying what I have reiterated over and over again. Some in this community seem to think that Jesus is a Republican and embraces their unique values. Where is the evidence that these evangelical talking points, such as those espoused by James Dobson and others on the fringe right represent "the Good News?" Enough already!

» left by Roschelle Nelson ⁽⁵⁹³⁾
Roschelle Nelson (1 year 33 days ago.)

your welcome James.

» left by Dane Tyner from Tulsa, OK (1 year 34 days ago.)

Rochelle, I agree with almost everything you said here. The disappointing part is the cheap shot at a very godly Christian brother, James Dobson. Dr. Dobson and Mr. Obama are certainly not on the same page regarding the issue of abortion. Dr. Dobson opposes abortion in general and partial-birth abortion especially. Since Mr. Obama fully approves of both, it is no surprise that Dobson has strong opposition to Obama. I have heard about the comment regarding praying for rain on the night of Obama’s acceptance speech. I have also heard that it was a joke, probably a poor one. I do know that there was no serious “enlistment of people to pray for rain.” Please! Please! Dr. Dobson is a very intelligent man; he knows that a rained out acceptance speech would not hinder Obama’s campaign for the Whitehouse. Finally, people like Dr. Dobson and me, who unashamedly identify ourselves as “evangelical Christians” are insulted by the “holier than thou” comment. Can we not stand strongly for the things we believe, even if they are not culturally popular, without receiving such character-assaulting labels?

» left by Roschelle Nelson ⁽⁵⁹³⁾
Roschelle Nelson (1 year 33 days ago.)

thanks for commenting Dane. It's wonderful that we can agree and disagree with the way we view and interpret things that go on in this world. In viewing the Youtube video made by Mr. Shepard (where he prayed for rain at the request of Mr. Dobson) I didn't find any humor at all. Maybe it was supposed to be a joke. However, I'm sure some people believe wholeheartedly in the things Mr. Dobson is affiliated with and even more so in the things he requests that members of his church perform. So, I know it was probably taken literally by some and I don't doubt that many prayed for this "rain" on that particular day. "To whom much is given...much is required". Being mindful of your influence over others and not steering them in the wrong way is paramount when you're a man of Mr. Dobson's status.

 

There is nothing wrong with Mr. Dobson disagreeing with Mr. Obama's views regarding abortion...an issue that I definitely have my own opinion about. But it is something wrong with illiciting prayer in the way he did.

 

Secondly, as stated in the article....if we are Christian, we should all be labeled "evangelical Christian".  I only used the terminology "holier than thou" related to some members choosing to belittle the views and beliefs of others who share the same Christian faith; which is a absolute "no-no" in the eyes of God. The fervent prayers of the righteous avail much. 

» left by Dane Tyner from Tulsa, OK (1 year 33 days ago.)

Rochelle, I have investigated this a bit further.  It is true that the video was posted on the Focus on the Family Action website.  It was also removed as a result of complaints by constituents.  I have registered my complaint about the video which I believe was in poor taste, too.  Still, the vile attacks of Dr. Dobson all over the Internet are far worse than anything in that video.

» left by Roschelle (1 year 33 days ago.)

I'm glad you too can find fault in what was obviously a bad judgment call from a Christian as well as moral stand point. I hope my article didn't "attack" Mr. Dobson. I merely used his association with the video as a point of reference. Thanks Dane for commenting and being conscientous enough to investigate the matter further.

» left by Robert Melaccio, Sr. ^(5,136)
Robert Melaccio, Sr. (1 year 33 days ago.)

Roschelle, once again another example of why we are all at odds when it comes to anything. At the root of all this is "Abortion'. Now no Bible lesson about this top from me. However, this specific Evangelical is speaking from his understanding of the Word.  He is as a minister who does not condone Abortion and by nature of his understanding is "obligated' to speak out. How he speaks out another issue. How I believe is regulated to ones personal beliefs. I myself am guilty of poor word selection or use at times yet hopefully never hateful. Abortion is a personal matter and not why I vote for any of them although if I perceive they are not true to what they profess and against my personal belief that abortion is wrong then I am bound not to vote for them. This minister views them as those two cities that God destroyed by nature of belief. That is  as stated in 2 Timothy 3-4 . However, when we get to the real issues like why are Christians content with usury? Yes, I defy anyone professing to be a Christian to not say there is not usury, greed exploitation. Yet, Christians seem to be wrapped up, one again in choices between them and their God concerning sin. I may not agree with their personal choice and try to persuade them but in the end I am free of the guilt if God perceives what they do as sin. I am interested in what they will do or don't as politicians and leaders. That is where the focus should be. As I say I am there is where I must vote, period. If they sin in my eyes as I profess I am, then  I am obligated by my belief in God to speak out and to not support them. It is that simple. best wishes.

» left by Roschelle (1 year 33 days ago.)

thanks robert for commenting and sharing your views...as always...your passion is present in everything you write.

» left by Yangki Christine Akiteng ^(131,453)
Yangki Christine Akiteng (1 year 33 days ago.)

Rochelle - I love your mind and this article just confirms why.

I am not American and only just become interested in what is going on in America because of this 2008 elections.  This 2008 elections has opened a window into America like never before. And what many of us see is so disheartening.  For years we all saw America as an example that democracy works, but all we see is who is more patriotic, who is more Christian, who is more popular, who is more this or that, and many of us are wondering if this is what democracy at it’s best looks like.

Christians especially have a lot to lose in the way the world sees America.  Inclusiveness, tolerance and commitment to a higher call (promoting the good news) are supposed to be the mark of a true Christian. How is MY WAY OR NO WAY any different from the so called “Islamist extremism”. One destroys the physical body (with suicide bombs), the other destroys the spiritual soul (with spiritual alienation).

It’s so sad.  And the world is watching!

» left by Roschelle (1 year 33 days ago.)

Christine....thanks so much for commenting. I am so flattered that you even read my writing. I'm such a fan of yours and have been since I returned to SW several months ago. Once again you personify wisdom, common sense and passion in even your comments....thank you!

» left by Teresa Ortiz (1 year 33 days ago.)

Very good article Rochelle, but I do have to say, the comment about Dobson was harsh and judgemental. I am sure it was not your intent, and just as Dobson made a pure choice, I think that was the same here. I guess my point is, we are all flawed as you said and we all make pure choices and comments when we are passionate about something. But it does not neccessarily mean we have a "holier than thou" atttitude. I think this is were grace comes in. I do love how you pointed out that all Christians should be evangelical christians in the Biblical sense. Great Job! Hugs and smiles :-)

» left by Roschelle (1 year 33 days ago.)

thanks Teresa for commenting. If I spoke harshly of Mr. Dobson ...it was not my intent...merely an attempt to point out as I stated and you affirmed...we ARE all flawed. I appreciate you and am fully aware of your faith and knowledge regarding this subject matter and feel blessed that you commented...Blessing to you and yours.

» left by Teresa Ortiz ^(12,195)
Teresa Ortiz (1 year 33 days ago.)

Hi again.  Thanks for writing back. I reread my comment to you. I guess I must have had holiness on my mind...I kept writing the word pure instead of poor. ha!  thanks for your understanding. I appreciate all your writings and input. God bless you and yours as well.

 

How 'bout that teenage boy of yers :-)  My son started his first day of senior year...o boy...here we go!

» left by James P Krehbiel ^(1,149)
James P Krehbiel (1 year 33 days ago.)

     Since all of this glowing attention is being paid to James Dobson, let’s look more closely to what he has said.  I have met him and heard him speak, so I can talk from personal experience. This is relevant to the issue of what of this article explores, although it represents only my opinion.

     James Dobson made a huge gaffe when he proclaimed to U.S. New and World Report that then Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson was not “a Christian.”  This slam represents the kind a shallowness that has come to dominate the religious right.  According to Dobson, in order for a politician to be acceptable, he must be someone who “openly talks about his faith.”

     It certainly did no good for Jimmy Carter to talk about his faith for he was vilified by the Republican Party, including Dobson. George W. Bush, however, has been given a free pass by Christian conservatives in spite of his unconstitutional, liberal, big-spending, imperialistic policies because he “openly talks about his faith.”

     The religious right treated the philanderer Newt Gingrich with utmost respect.  Dobson told U.S. News that the former House Speaker was “the brightest guy out there” and “the most articulate politician on the scene today” in spite of the fact that he was a serial adulterer who used the occasion of his wife’s hospitalization for cancer to tell her he was leaving for another woman.  One of Dobson’s cronies, Jerry Falwell, later said that Gingrich had made a “fresh commitment to God.”

     The ultimate hero of the religious right, Ronald Reagan, was never known to carry his religion on his sleeve.  Now, maybe you can you tell me, has John McCain “talked openly about his faith?”  He certainly didn’t pass the litmus test with Pastor Rick Warren on that issue.  Isn’t it true that Barack Obama has talked about coming to Jesus in early adulthood through his Chicago church?  How does that fit in with Dr. Dobson’s worldview?

» left by roschelle (1 year 33 days ago.)

I didn't even notice the mistake. I just reread and still read poor but saw "pure"...divine intervention to convey your point...lol. Oh, the Senior is doing fine...everyday I want to strangle him, love him, beat him, kiss him....of course you know what I mean

» left by Michelle (1 year 32 days ago.)

Nice article Roschelle,

 

I wondered if you were listening to the same service I heard about a month ago. The same definitions were given for Christians and Evangelists. Yes we are to live a life that imitates Jesus and not just talk about it. It is a much better life, but sometimes easier said than done. This is my experience. As you said, 'we are all flawed. ' Praise God that He sent His son Jesus. I could feel your passion in this article and I also love your writing.

 

Love and blessings,

» left by Roschelle Nelson ⁽⁵⁹³⁾
Roschelle Nelson (1 year 32 days ago.)

thanks Michelle. It's good to see you...haven't been writing much...gotta get back into the swing of things.

» left by Marty RicKard ^(2,644)
Marty RicKard (343 days 22 hours ago.)

Dear Roschelle:  Thanks for an interesting article.  I think many are missing the point with regard to this strange phrase: Evangelical Christian.  This is a moniker given to Christians by the main-stream liberal press to make conservative Christians sound wierd and "way out there" and strange and, yes, even evil. 

 

You defined the phrase correctly, but the use of it by the press has perverted it to the point that the average person on the street thinks an Evangelical Christian is an extremist pervert.  

 

I don't believe Christians themselves have caused this misinterpretation, nor that most of us believe there is a lot of difference between Christians, but if you ask the man on the street who the weird ones are, you will find that the brainwashing has been effective.  God Bless you, Marty RicKard,  just plain Christian, even though I did go to college in the South. 

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