Comments on: Franklin Graham apologizes to President Obama

By: Esther

Esther — Mon, 21 May 2012 10:30:43 +0000

Your comment above reealvs a lot about your presumptions, and the presumptions of many evangelicals in America today (including myself). You say, where besides the two I mention does Sojo come down on the conservative side? The presumption is that the Christian Conservative side is really the Christian Center that if you are really being a centered Christian, you would share many conservative values. But the issues that the God is not a petition address are simply biblical, ethical issues: social justice, poverty, the environment, war and peace, integrity in politics, human rights, theology, and the sanctity of human life. For you to keep insisting that the only two things that Sojo lists as important Christian issues that would be center must deal with pro-life and gay marriage is to not see with your eyes wide open. Look again at those issues.You also say: I know you like Jim Wallis, and he does have some really good things to say. But do you get balance (well, besides reading my blog)? The issue is not that I am out of balance; it is that evangelicalism is out of balance. Evangelicalism is overwhelmed by only one side of the story so much that somebody must provide some alternative views. I get balance not from listening or reading conservative pundits (for I am sick of the lies that spew from the likes of Limbaugh and Hannity), but I do engage with good thinkers from both sides. And yes, Byron, you’re one of them.You say, The typical Sojo response comes down on the side of defending big government, in my judgment, usually in a knee-jerk fashion (and no, liberals aren’t the only knee-jerkers, I know that). Again, I agree that knee-jerk reactions are not good. But the right knees jerk a whole lot more than Christians are ready to admit. This last budget, for example, is not scrutinized AT ALL since it is presumed that cutting federal spending on the poor is a good thing. That is as knee-jerk as it gets. Especially when the budget also proposes to make permanent the tax cuts for the very rich. Where’s the real analysis from the Right on this budget?Lastly, you say, I just really would encourage you to balance Wallis with World Mag, if you don’t already, or something like that, Bobsta! I attend a church now that prominently displays dozens of copies of World Magazine in their atrium. I sit down and read them all the time. But here, again, is the rub: Why isn’t Sojourners displayed next to it? In the church bookstore is Ray Moore’s new book, displayed front and center. Why isn’t Jim Wallis’ book next to it? Is it not on the every bestseller list in America?The problem is not that I am out of balance; it is that evangelicalism is out of balance.

By: David Murray

David Murray — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:18:47 +0000

Thanks Reg.

By: Reg Schofield

Reg Schofield — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:26:16 +0000

I agree with that . I don’t think he handled it very well after listening it again. Thanks for all you do on your site , I always look forward to reading it. Blessings.

By: David Murray

David Murray — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 19:03:43 +0000

Big question, Bob! But briefly, sadly, religion really has no place left in the public square in the UK. Even people leaders who profess to be “Christian” of any kind are advised to leave God out of politics, and usually comply. It’s really desperately secular.

By: David Murray

David Murray — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 19:02:07 +0000

Reg: I totally agree with calling our leaders to account. But it should be for specific breaches of biblical principles. If Franklin had focused on that or even on what was in the public record, and pointed out the inconsistency with Christian teaching he would not have needed to apologize.

By: Reg Schofield

Reg Schofield — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:08:23 +0000

I have to disagree . Although I think Graham could have articulated that what Obama has said doesn’t in anyway square with classic orthodox belief . To examine what the President has said in the past , which you can read from a 2004 interview , a public discourse I might add and not private , is suitable and right in a land that is confused to what a Christian even is. Plus one can still honor those in power but still call them to account to the one who will judge in righteousness.

By: Bob Kellemen

Bob Kellemen — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 12:58:02 +0000

As always, lots of wisdom here, David. I’m curious, how to religious-political issues “play themselves out” in Scotland? How would you contrast/compare those issues there to here in the US?