(The PA and OH schedule is coming in, and will be quite busy. But I still don’t have a copy of it. If you sign up on twitter, I will text you about the events. Simply text “follow donmilleris” to 40404. Thanks!)
(Photo taken in NC, and taken off of Facebook. THANKS!) (And hello Melinda at Campbell)
This weekend, along with next week I will be traveling to swing states with the Obama Campaign. We will be holding forums in several cities in order to have a conversation about faith and the changing nature of politics in America. I will be addressing many of the more heated issues, but so far each event has been overwhelmingly positive, even though people from varying perspectives find themselves in the audience. My hope is this next week will be more of the same.
I realize many of my readers feel strongly about this election, as we all should, and have been angered by my support of the candidate they are not voting for. I understand your anger, but I hope you will trust those of us who are voting for Barack Obama do so with the best of intentions and what we believe are good reasons. I will explain my position on two of those issues below to avoid much of the tense rhetoric that follows any mention made of the Democratic Candidate. But first, here are the times and locations we have so far for the tour:
**(These are not fundraising events, and are open to the public. Joshua Dubois, National Religious Coordinator for the Obama Campaign will be with us as well. So come and join the open forum.)**
Eastern University in Philadelphia October 7th
Messiah College, October 8th. Check with the school for details. Things are still fuzzy here.
Events in OH to come. I will only be able to post them with about 24-hours notice.
There will be many more events in Indiana and Ohio, but this is what we have on the schedule so far. I will continue to update this post as I have more information.
As for the issues that bring the most heat.
On abortion:
I am a pro-life voter, but do not believe John McCain’s plan on the issue will work. McCain’s only stand on the issue has been a recent switch to a pro-life position, and a promise to continue the attempt to criminalize abortion through the Supreme Court.I believe this is an empty promise, and anybody who understands our judicial system would know this. Chief Justice John Roberts of the Supreme Court (our most conservative Judge, many feel, and the pro-lifers greatest hope for the plan to criminalize abortion) has stated that Roe V. Wade “is the law of the land” and has been backed up in precedent by the Casey case. He does not believe it is plausible to overturn both rulings. Of course it is possible, but it would take a judicial miracle and the appointment of even more conservative, activist judges. This is the only way the overturning of Roe V. Wade will happen. The continuation of rhetoric about being pro-life but not having a realistic plan has tired me of the Republican Party. As more and more evangelicals walk away, I hope Republicans will stop giving lip-service to this important issue. My hope is they will realize they are going to lose more and more votes until they are willing to engage in a bipartisan effort to make progress with comprehensive legislation that is realistic and actual.
The Democrats have proposed comprehensive legislation called the 95/10 initiative that aims to reduce the number of abortions that take place in this country by 95% within 10 years. While Barack Obama is a pro-choice candidate, he supports this and similar legislation. This is the only proposed and realistic strategy that can move us around the cultural impasse that is breathing hate and anger into the Christian community.
While Barack Obama opposes late-term abortions, he has made promises to the National Organization or Women to make progress in a woman’s right to chose. I wish Obama were more strong on this issue. Still, I do feel he will accomplish more than John McCain, as John McCain has only recently taken this position and offers no legislation and no plan.
This is a very debatable issue. There are facts on both sides that seem to refute any argument made. But I have had to do the research and take a position and, for now, this is my position.
Gay Marriage:
This is not an issue I think much about because I am neither gay nor married, but I understand the evangelicals desire to protect the sanctity of marriage and define it as an exclusive relationship between a man and a woman. I agree with both candidates on this issue as they both oppose gay marriage but protect constitutional rights for domestic partners. In order to oppose civil rights for homosexuals, you would have to change the constitution which I think is dangerous. I agree with McCain and Obama both on this issue as they have stated the same position.
On other issues that are no less important although less heated such as the economy, globalization and trade, the environment and energy, I support Barack Obama’s positions over John McCain’s.
But let me make something very clear. I don’t dislike John McCain. I think he is a good man and a drastic improvement over Republican candidates in the past. I do wish he were a Christian, or would talk about faith, Jesus, Redemption or the Cross. Barack Obama does, very often, and very unashamedly.I am uncomfortable with the idea of a truly secular man in the White House, a man who has no church, no pastor, does not read the Bible and may not even pray. John McCain seems like a good man, but a secular man. I want our next President to talk and listen to God.
So, that is my position, and I will be talking openly about these things on the road. I sincerely appreciate your objective ear. I think people are more important than politics, and I refuse to “vote my identity” rather than vote on the issues. Therefore I won’t get into heated arguments that have no end. I doubt any of you want to do that either. Thanks so much. I don’t intend to keep up the political posts on this site, so don’t worry. We will get back to normal soon.
Sincerely,
Don
(Added Later by Don)
An addendum: My comments about the candidates personal faith were in reference to pre-presidential politics. Every Presidential candidate that I know of has claimed to be a Christian, and even told folksy stories about conversion. More about Barack’s faith can be found in the new release by Thomas Nelson Publishers entitled “The Faith of Barack Obama” or you can check out his speech at the “Call to Renewal” conference or his Fathers Day speech. Barack has given a half dozen addresses about faith. Will somebody provide me links to McCain’s major addresses on his personal faith and how it will guide his policies? I will gladly post them. I am sure there is something out there. I know he spoke of it at the Saddleback forum on faith. Thanks again.
Noah said,
October 3, 2008 @ 1:56 pm
Hey Don,
What can we do to get you to come to Lynchburg VA? You know, the home of the Religious Right? Com’on! You know you want to!! WWJFD? What Would Jerry Falwell Do?
Larry Shallenberger said,
October 3, 2008 @ 1:56 pm
Don,
You might consider revising your statements about John’s faith. It’s my understanding that he was very open about his faith in Christ at Saddleback’s Presidential Forum.
I’m impressed by the nuances of both men’s expressions of faith. McCain focuses his story on a conversion experience. Barak seems to aim more at Micah 6:8 and the prophetic function of faith– to correct and return gov’t to be concerned about social justice.
These two men seem to reflect “two Christianities” that seem to be talking past each other.
I’m a moderate Republican. And while I don’t see eye to eye with you on all the issues, I’m appreciate that there are a godly men and women on the left.
Both parties need godly men and women to subvert each party.
Peace,
Larry
Noah said,
October 3, 2008 @ 1:58 pm
By the way my blog address was incorrect….now it is fixed. Also, Don seriously come to Lynchburg VA…we need your help
Tucker said,
October 3, 2008 @ 2:01 pm
“I refuse to “vote my identity” rather than vote on the issues.”
Thanks, I appreciate your perspective on this election.
Josh said,
October 3, 2008 @ 2:06 pm
I appreciate your candor is this zoo of politics that we have to deal with. I think you hit the 2 biggest issues on the head, as abortion and gay marriage are not likely to go away anytime soon, and being staunchly against it doesn’t seem like it’s going to get us very far.
I will be looking at the candidates more thoroughly prior to voting, and if you’ve got more insights, please continue to share them.
Also, when are you going to be in Ohio? I’d really like to hear what you have to say.
Josh said,
October 3, 2008 @ 2:07 pm
Pardon me, I meant to type “in this zoo of politics”
Stretch Mark Mama said,
October 3, 2008 @ 2:07 pm
I appreciate you stirring up some dust. It’s good for all of us.
Jason said,
October 3, 2008 @ 2:13 pm
Awesome!
So glad that you are able to get out there and support who you feel is the best candidate in the upcoming election and aren’t of the mindset that “christian = republican”.
Way to go Don! Blessings to you.
Steve Johnson said,
October 3, 2008 @ 2:15 pm
Interesting perspective. I’m glad that guys like you are in the midst of Obama to influence him and support him where he needs to be supported.
I understand your statement about the abortion issue. My one concern with Obama arose in his acceptance speech. His said, “We may not agree on abortion, but surely we can agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies in this country.”
I’m not sure how much we all agree on this statement. It doesn’t say the same thing you were talking about. “Unwanted pregnancies” can be decrease by increasing the abortion availability. At least some could make that case. I hope he comes out stronger with the call to reduce abortions.
The door is still open on my decision. It speaks loudly to me that you’d support Obama. I’d feel more comfortable pulling that lever if I begin to hear him using the same terms as you used.
Oh, and don’t get back to “normal soon.” In the Christian world we have way to much normality and not enough creativity. That’s what I’ve loved about your books and your blogs.
Noah said,
October 3, 2008 @ 2:19 pm
And on that note…I have always wanted to tell you that they use to sell your books in the Liberty bookstore…ya I know. Searching for God Knows What calls Jerry out and they use to sell it? Funny stuff. Maybe I shouldn’t be joking about him, but it is still kinda funny.
Lewis said,
October 3, 2008 @ 2:21 pm
Hey Don,
Thanks for putting these views out there. I completely disagree with the reasoning, and will likely vote for McCain even though he’s, in my opinion, not the best candidate the conservatives could have put forward.
I believe Obama may be one of the most dangerous candidates that has even run for election. More can be found on my reasoning on my blog. (I have, however, been a Palin fan since she came to office a couple years ago. Yay!)
So, even though I disagree with your conclusions, I will absolutely defend your right to say them and to vote the way your conscience leads you. The political sphere is ultimately overseen by God, and no matter who is our president January 20, I know that God has ordained that time and their leadership.
I’m glad you’re involved in the political process.
Adam said,
October 3, 2008 @ 2:23 pm
i completely understand and support your logic and decision about this election. although i’m not fully for either, i seem to be leaning more democratic for the first time in my voting life. also, to correct earlier statements about the saddleback interviews, mccain did not mention a conversion experience but rather talked about a story while in a vietnamese prison camp, which is a common story that doubtfully began with mccain. i am not doubting his honesty but he has been known to pass other POW stories as his own and later admit they did not happen to him and this seems to be another one considering my wife and i had both heard this story from other former POW’s as their own. i have to say, i am with don on this one in that i do not believe mccain to be a believer but do believe obama’s statements of faith.
Jeremy said,
October 3, 2008 @ 2:23 pm
Looking forward to seeing you in Chapel Hill!
Mike said,
October 3, 2008 @ 2:38 pm
Hey Don:
Your perspective on these issues helps me a lot.
I announced to my family last night that I was voting for Obama and all the reasons why… some of the thinking similar to yours. After the wailing had stopped and the missles had been dodged, it lead to a good discussion.
I didn’t use the McCain faith issue. I don’t know much about his faith, but the Christianity Today issue that came in my box yesterday spoke to it. McCain is somewhat elusive about the role of personal faith in Christ in his current life. I understand though that he is a long-time attendee or member at a Phoenix Baptist Church. CT usually puts the articles up on their website a few days after it hits the newstands so you might want to check that out.
Thanks for your thoughts. They help.
PS: Saw the Jars guys in Dallas last night. They are on tour with Switchfoot and ThirdDay in support of Habitat for Humanity. Talked to them for a while after their set, a lot about B:W. It was a good thing. Switchfoot was the band of the night though.
Mark said,
October 3, 2008 @ 2:38 pm
Thanks for the comparisons. I’ve struggled with all those questions. But I can’t help but wonder if you had been “brought into the fold” at the RNC would you write something different?
I am real skeptical of both these political machines.
jolie said,
October 3, 2008 @ 2:41 pm
I continue to discuss these issues with my fellow church goers and it is a frustrating battle to not only “win” the approval of my Republican brothers or sisters, but even feel like I NEED to win their approval. It’s as if I have to work extra hard to show that my intentions are good. Nonetheless, thanks for spelling it out, I agree whole heartedly and as always appreciate your posts.
Seth said,
October 3, 2008 @ 2:48 pm
I’ll be excited to hear you if and when you make it to Ohio. I’ll bring all my Christian friends. Thanks for being rational in your choosing of a President. A lot of people don’t do it that way.
Drew said,
October 3, 2008 @ 2:48 pm
Hi Don,
What time is the event in Alexandria, VA on Oct. 6? I’d love to come!
Chandra said,
October 3, 2008 @ 2:55 pm
Thanks for your blog. I have been a Republican for 30 years but this year even as late as the announcement of Palin as McCain’s running mate, I feel that the “scales finally fell from my eyes”! To see that doing things the same way and expecting a different result is insanity. That a group that purport itself as more intellectual continues to be represented by unscholarly, mean spirited and prideful people without fresh ideas. Finally, a news flash- Jesus is not a Republican or a Democrat! I am free to vote for who I feel is going to be best to invigorate this country again. As you say I will not vote (what is supposed to be) my identity, but vote this issues (as I reflect them).
Thanks again,
Chandra!
Chris M said,
October 3, 2008 @ 2:59 pm
I’m afraid I must disagree. You say that you believe Obama will get more done to lessen abortion than McCain, and you criticize Republicans for giving lip service with no action.
BUT… what has Obama actually DONE that makes you think he’s any different? As far as I can tell, he has also only offered lip service. In fact, on many issues he has refused to even give lip service (his many votes of “present” on difficult issues).
This is the one question every Obama supporter must answer. What has he actually *accomplished*?
Hal said,
October 3, 2008 @ 3:02 pm
Would you consider shooting video of one of these forums, or maybe even a “Best Of” compiled from more than one? You could post the clips here.
“Almost thou persuadest me” to support Obama. Though I have traditionally voted Republican, I don’t think I can drink the McCain/Palin kool-aid. I’d like to know more about Obama, beyond the rhetoric of cable news.
Specifically, I’d like to hear him talk about his faith the way you have heard him speak of his faith. I’d also like to hear more about the nuts and bolts of some of his proposed policies.
Gene said,
October 3, 2008 @ 3:04 pm
The paragraph on John McCain’s faith or lack of seemed a little more judgmental than what I would expect from the author of “Blue Like Jazz”. It just doesn’t fit. What’s up with that Don?
McCain stated he was a Christian and so did Obama. I disagree constantly with people who judge Obama as not a Christian. He said he was, he shows love, and so I believe him. I feel the same about McCain. I’m not God. I can’t say they are not Christian or not.
The irony of this is your book was one of the catalyst to really seeking truth in my faith and living out love as a Christ follower, so I don’t understand what you were trying to do in that paragraph in question…Political move maybe….I just don’t know.
mike said,
October 3, 2008 @ 3:07 pm
Democrats will vote for the Democrat. Republicans will vote for the Republican. That’s how it has always been.
John McCain and Joe Biden are politicians. They know their numbers, and they know Washington.
What is different about this election is culture. Where is America going, culturally?
This is where Barack Obama and Sarah Palin come in.
Some say race is a factor against Obama, but I say it is the opposite: Obama has been propelled upwards by his skin color. The positive ‘racism’ (Black-Americans supporting him, White-Americans feeling guilty about the legacy of slavery) far outweighs the few remaining pockets of negative racism (traditional bigotry) that still exist in our country.
Whereas Black-Americans account for 12 percent of America, women number about 51 percent.
This is where America’s reaction to Sarah Palin gets interesting. It is not only sexism at play, but regionalism too. Keep in mind that America’s reaction could be vastly different from the media’s reaction, which tries to intervene in how America thinks and observes for itself.
For the last decade, American women have been trying to become either the fifth ‘Manhattanite’ cast member of ‘Sex and the City’ or a ‘Desperate Housewife’ on Wisteria Lane. The White male executives who created, packaged and marketed these female stereotypes have made plenty of money as women across America spent time and money trying to become ‘Carrie Bradshaw’. But somehow, these wanna-be’s never lived it up as glamorously.
Sarah Palin is all about God, Family, Country and Shot-Guns. She is a completely New American Woman. She was not constructed by a Public Relations agency in either New York City or Los Angeles. She is not a Hollywood creation. Sarah Palin is simply a product of American small-town wholesomeness: happy childhood, hard work, self-discipline and a bright, and almost chirpy, outlook on life.
Sarah is not the high-maintenance, drama-seeking, bulimia-suffering fragile caricature of a working woman as peddled by TV.
Her husband, Todd Palin, is not a neurotic metro-sexual obsessing over the price of organic arugula, or whining about his commitment phobias to his shrink. He is a man’s man, and frankly, a woman’s man: just your regular American guy—wholesome and uncomplicated.
Sarah and Todd are American ‘retro’, but it is retro made cool all over again. They are a brand of Americana that has been tested and true—genuine, confident and mature.
Something happened to the Obama brand on the way to the election. It is as if the fashion gods decided that “Didn’t you know? No one wears Obama after Labour Day.”
Once exotic and different, the Obama brand has been turned into something weird and creepy. “Obama’s Witnesses,” “Obama’s Blue-Shirts,” “The Obama Youth Fraternity League”…Plus, after the initial swooning over him, most people still think that there’s something “off” about Obama; as if he’s hollow, or hiding something.
Today, the Obama brand has become decidedly “uncool”. That’s why people tuned out from watching him debate McCain.
On the other hand, Americans are discovering that they are intrigued by Sarah Palin. The TV pundits may want to spin things their way, but the surest measure of who won the Vice-Presidential Debate is that, at the end, the vast majority of viewers walked away from their TV sets and said to themselves, “I’d like to see more of Sarah Palin—unfiltered and uncut.”
The Obama camp may be celebrating too early. There are still plenty of people out there that haven’t made up their mind, and Obama’s triumphalism may begin to sound like arrogance, and he’s already been accused of that.
This is indeed a culturally interesting time to be an American.
Tonyalynne Wildhaber said,
October 3, 2008 @ 3:11 pm
thanks for your perspective…it’s refreshing.
Misty said,
October 3, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
Good post, Don. It’s nice to hear a well-spoken position for Obama from someone who has really given it some thought and is not just following the slew of young voters who “want change.”
Wes Roberts said,
October 3, 2008 @ 3:19 pm
…the lady I live with and I are with you all the way!
…thankful for your comments
…I’m getting our Obama/Biden yard sign tomorrow
…and probably losing some friends in the process
…but, with your words, I/we agree
Kellie said,
October 3, 2008 @ 3:22 pm
I am voting Obama. As an evangelical, he lines up with what I believe Christs message was.
My question though is are you sure McCain isn’t a believer? I have been under the impression from things he has said, that he was. I may have misunderstood though.
Jana Strickland said,
October 3, 2008 @ 3:27 pm
HI Don
I’m actually saddened that you think John McCain isn’t a Christian and Obama is - I know you have the information of the church Mr. Obama went to prior to him accepting the candidacy for Democrat President. From what I’ve read about Rev. Wright - he’s not the type of Christian I would want to be under. I’m sure that’s why Mr. Obama left, but he had attended that chruch for a long time? John McCain lived for 5 years as a POW - LIVED! SURVIVED. I think he had an encounter with the Lord while he was a POW. I wasn’t there however.
Abortion - I’m Pro-Life all the way. It’s black or white - Yes or No. I believe when Mr. Obama was asked by Rick Warren on abortion - his answer was this is above my pay grade. Mr. Miller - I’ve been in staffing/hiring for 20 years and you have to be qualified to do the job before you get it. If it’s above his paygrade then how can he made Presidential decision.
I’m really interested in hearing your views on the next debates - Economy (why is everyone blaming Bush) Military (why is everyone blaming Bush)
These issues have been brewing for years - why does it come down to a presidential race for people to vote for the wrong person because of right now -
I want to understand - not fight healthy debate on what is broken (which is almost everything) and what can really be fixed (which isn’t everything)
Have fun traveling!
TC said,
October 3, 2008 @ 3:35 pm
I appreciate your thoughts on this issue. However, I think you are incorrect on two points.
One, John McCain has not suddenly “switched” to being pro-life. Though he hasn’t been the most pro-life Republican, he has a strong pro-life voting record.
http://www.nrlpac.org/
Furthermore, I think saying McCain intends to “criminalize” abortion is misleading. While he does want to make it criminal to *perform* abortions, no one is suggesting that women be jailed for getting an abortion.
Finally - and I realize we fundamentally disagree here - abortion is a genocide happening in our own country, and to me, it trumps all else. I agree with Obama on almost everything else, but how can we continue to have abortion in the Land of the Free? The next president will appoint perhaps 4 Supreme Court justices in his term. Though it was never the place of the Supreme Court to legislate on abortion, it will now be nearly impossible to change Roe v. Wade without a pro-life Supreme Court. Even if Obama has a more conceivable plan (to you) to reduce abortions, only McCain will appoint justices who will recognize that there is no Constitutional right to privacy, but that the Constitution does protect us from losing “LIFE, liberty, or property” without due process of law. Life is first in that list for a reason.
RevScottie (Scott Pollard) said,
October 3, 2008 @ 3:40 pm
I am puzzled by your statement concerning McCain: “I do wish he were a Christian, or would talk about faith, Jesus, Redemption or the Cross.” Just because McCain doesn’t throw around “God Language” in every political speech doesn’t make him less of a Christian does it? McCain was quite clear concerning his faith in Christ during the Saddleback forum. “W” is a professing Christian who says he prays about decisions but how many Americans would say that has worked out good for the country?
RevScottie
Mark said,
October 3, 2008 @ 3:43 pm
Don,
I deeply appreciate the fact you are carefully measuring the issues while supporting Obama. I believe there are many undecided persons who, after seeing the recent debacles in Congress, are troubled by our leaders - present and future.
Please keep us all informed and may God watch over you in your journey.
Mark
Wally said,
October 3, 2008 @ 3:51 pm
Your heart is felt in your thoughts and that is very much appreciated Don. I have taken a much stronger interest in politics the last few years, and as a pastor, still feel very strongly that we must embody and live the change that is needed. Engaging in the political process and voting is incredibly important, but we must above all else live as Christ. We can’t just expect someone else to make change for us because we pulled a lever, we must live it out regardless of who is voted in. I look forward to seeing you in Grand Rapids Michigan Don, and hopefully seeing a new book from you soon.
Kara said,
October 3, 2008 @ 4:14 pm
Hey Don! I really admire your willingness to share your thoughts and beliefs so openly. Thank you. And I love how everyone has responded respectfully. It’s so refreshing after reading through the hateful rhetoric elsewhere. I hope your tour is peaceful and enlightening.
JamesW said,
October 3, 2008 @ 4:15 pm
Don:
Thanks, and I am sorry you have received hateful comments in the past about this. Thankfully, I don’t see any here, so far.
I agree and disagree with you. I agree that the Republican party hasn’t done diddly about abortion despite having control of both the White House and Congress for a couple of years. It’s been frustrating to see the inaction.
Conversely, I think Obama’s words about reducing abortion are just words. Like most politicians, he’s in the back pocket of the abortion industry, and will do their bidding.
What I find fascinating about the whole issue is the inconsistency I see in the Democrat platform. Ostensibly, Democrat are against Big Business, and in fact often accuse Republican politicians of being in Big Business’s back pocket. (A fairly accurate accusations, BTW). But the unwillingness of pro-choice lawmakers is also largely the result of lobbying from those who stand to make a ton of money by performing abortions.
JamesW said,
October 3, 2008 @ 4:16 pm
By the way, as a Christian, I noted long ago that sin is a spiritual issue. Until we see hearts changed, we will never stop abortions from occurring. Abortion is not the problem: it’s a symptom of the problem.
Kristy said,
October 3, 2008 @ 4:28 pm
Don, You have addressed two popular hot button topics that are easy to discuss and get people fired up. While I stick to my conservative viewpoints on these two things I believe there are many more gravely important issues at hand.
My two biggest concerns are national security and small government. John McCain will finish and win the war on terror, Barack Obama will pull out our troops prematurely and therefore open the United States to further terrorist attacks. Why does anyone think that by pulling out of Iraq Islamic terrorists will suddenly decide to leave us alone?
On small government, Obama is promising the moon to anyone who will listen and telling the “rich” to be more patriotic and fair by paying more taxes. Is there an economist anywhere that will claim raising taxes on anyone will be beneficial to our economy? No I don’t fall into that category of rich, but I don’t want their money. I’m struggling along on my own just fine. Sure it may seem easier in the short run for the government to pay my medical bills, but in the long run there is no limit to what Universal Healthcare would cost our country. Do you really think Obama can fund his big ideas without raising taxes on everyone? There is not a spending project in this whole country that he couldn’t be talked into paying for.
Would you tell us your stance on any of these issues please?
Pat said,
October 3, 2008 @ 4:53 pm
I wonder if you read these comments, not because you’re a bad person but simply because you’re a busy guy. I even wonder how I have time to respond, but I feel I need to.
First, I’m happy to see that you are supporting Barack Obama. Overall, I believe he is the best candidate. I am Canadian, and therefore don’t get a vote. However, the decisions made by the US directly affect Canada and the rest of the world in a very profound way; my life is directly affected by how the American public vote.
Second, I am 100% behind the 95/10 plan. I wish Canada would be more proactive than reactive about this issue. In politics (much like the church) we put out blanket solutions that don’t really address the core problems. We need a surgeon, not a butcher, when it comes to these delicate and involved issues.
Third, I have only one issue that concerns me about Barack Obama. I have only see this information in one place (http://www.leadingsmart.com/leadingsmart/2008/09/joe-biden-ticks.html), however it did shock me. Prior to running for president, Barack only gave 0.9% to charity. Since he has begun his campaign, it has increased slightly to 4.7% and 6.1% in 2005 and 2006, respectively. However, compared to McCain, who gives 25% of his income to charity, Obama is still falling behind in terms of charitable giving (Note: I realize that John McCain has married into gobs of money, and so likely has a greater capacity to give. I just wish Obama had started before his financial life would be in the limelight.)
Anyway, those are my thoughts. I hope that your nation does the right thing and votes Barack Obama as the next president.
Thanks,
Pat
Guimel said,
October 3, 2008 @ 5:18 pm
You have a right to vote and support whoever you want, Don. And I back you up on that. I think its not about barriers or labels, its about content and all the comes with it.
The best of luck to you!
xxx
Guimel
Lisbon, Portugal
Larry Shallenberger said,
October 3, 2008 @ 5:46 pm
I don’t want to be argumentative, but your invitation/challenge to finds links where McCain discusses his faith seems to have the effect (but I’m sure not the intent) of asking Republicans to prove their candidate is actually a Christian and not a secularist. The unintended implication is that the authenticity of McCain’s faith is under suspicion.
I was disappointed years ago as I watched my Republican brethren cast doubt on the Clinton’s faith years ago. It’s an unfair game that they played. I remember Pastor Bill Hybells getting criticized over mentoring Bill Clinton after the White House sex scandal. Some conservative Republican Christians assumed the whole thing was a political ploy. They could not imagine Bill as a conflicted, morally divided believer— the type that Fyodor Dostoevsky portrayed throughout his body of work. Sure, Bill Clinton seeking out a spiritual mentor might have been gamesmanship. But it might have been sincere.
I think you could make a strong case that Barak is more demonstrative about his faith than McCain is. That, I think, is a balanced statement. It’s also a statement that may or not factor into a voter’s decision.
Both “W.” and Jimmy Carter are examples of men who were sincere believers but had unsuccessful administrations. I might take a competent secularist over an inept believer.
Rai-Tonicia King said,
October 3, 2008 @ 5:56 pm
Don,
I’m really not that familiar with you at all except that my husband has read your books and was very moved by them. He showed me this post, and I was blown away by your perspective! It’s so refreshing to see a well respected, white (I’m African-American and don’t know too many white Christians supporting Obama), Christian, “conservative” (I guess?) who shares this view of Obama.
I too recently tackled the issue of abortion on my blog, and took a lot of heat for it (lots of angry comments). My position as it stands now is back and forth. I, like most people, do not “like” abortion, and absolutely feel there needs to be great effort put forth to ensure that there are less and less of them. I agree with you that Republican politicians have given lip service to the issue, without any real change at all. At some point something’s gotta give. As “pro-life” as Bush is, not a single policy regarding abortion has changed under his 8 year administration. Maybe it’s time for a different approach. There is nothing John McCain can do (or is even that interested in doing if you ask me) to change Roe vs. Wade.
Voting based on one issue is irresponsible and unwise. I don’t understand the gentleman that said he agreed with Obama on everything except abortion and is therefore supporting McCain (who again, will do nothing). Life is about more than one issue. Thanks for having the courage to acknowledge this in a reasonable and God-like manner! God be with you during your travels!!
Chilly said,
October 3, 2008 @ 6:14 pm
I appreciate you sharing your convictions on the two ‘big’ issues. You’re obviously being careful about what you say and are referencing your choice between one man or another. But, where’s God is all of this? What does He say? Did He call you to this campaign? Can you be like a Daniel and advise without compromise or fear?
I’m asking questions not making accusations because I’m curious about your heart and what God is doing in and through you. I’m grateful to have people like you involved in this vital election.
Praying for you today (and often)…
Wade said,
October 3, 2008 @ 6:22 pm
Don-
We’ll be praying for you in the office while you’re away. We might even pray for you while you’re in the office, but we’d do it quietly without you knowing. Ha.
Man, thanks for bringing these issues to your community for discussion. By community, I mean people who are involved in your life and speak into your life and care deeply for you. And thanks for bringing it here and asking for constructive opinions. There is no doubt that you feel the weight of supporting Obama and there is also not doubt that you are doing so with a lot of thought and prayer.
Cheers, and get home safe.
Dion E said,
October 3, 2008 @ 6:34 pm
Awesome post. I am totally in line with your stance and I cannot see how anybody objectively can listen to that and still be angered about your position on Senator Obama.
gary said,
October 3, 2008 @ 6:58 pm
Don,
I am completely behind you in your support of Obama. I have been excited about for about three years since I read his book Faith of my Fathers and The Audacity of Hope. I really believe he is the right man for this period in America. We need to restore America to it’s former glory and I believe Barack can do that guided by his principles and his faith. I also just firmly believe that John McCain has no plan for America and just wants to be President more than anything else. This is his third time to run for the office. Thanks for the work you are doing for Obama. He needs guys like you that have are a positive christian example and not some crazy Fox news Karl Rove right wing crazy. OBAMA/BIDEN 08!!!
kristie vosper said,
October 3, 2008 @ 7:17 pm
Brilliant! So glad you’re going out on the road for this. You are so influential and articulate. I know it will make a difference and I’m grateful that you’re taking time to do this. Thank you!
I think it’s important that we all consider “quality of life” not just for the unborn, but also for the born, young men and women in our country who this administration has been rather callous with sending them into a hostile war. We also have to care for the poor and the way we treat them when they don’t have access to health insurance, for the environment…I could go on.
It’s important to care for babies…but laws don’t protect us from ending life. Community does. A very pro-life friend of mine who has done a lot of abortion counseling said the most prevalent reason she has found that girls admit to…at the core…getting the abortion is that they fear someone in their life finding out that they are sexually active. Yikes. I think we have work to do in the church and community to not demonize sex to the point that there is so much shame surrounding it….while still encouraging and striving for purity. I don’t know…tough balance. Grace. Grace…we need God’s grace in all these things.
Anyway…I pray it’s a fruitful and fulfilling time.
Rich Barrett said,
October 3, 2008 @ 8:44 pm
Don,
Love your books and have given dozens away to friends. I credit you with helping me focus the impact of my own life on those far from God.
But, man…
Obama’s track record stinks. He talks about helping the less fortunate, but doesn’t share his own resources to do so. He talks about reducing unwanted pregnancies, but speaks of those pregnancies as inconveniences instead of LIVES in the womb. It’s not that I’m a John McCain fan. Frankly, for the first time in my adult life, I’m not terribly motivated to vote.
Please don’t get sucked into the DNC machine, Donald. You are better positioned to really change people’s hearts (as you have mine) if you don’t become the pawn of either political party.
Yes, Obama speaks of compassion. But what has he actually accomplished, even in his personal life? Has he established a foundation or given privately? Or does he believe that only the government is qualified to help?
Finally, I’ll echo what others have said. It seems out of step for Donald Miller to be questioning the authentic faith of John McCain (or anyone else). I have no idea where either one of them truly stand with God.
Love ya’ man, and hope you don’t fall into a deep, dark political hole.
Friar_Tuck said,
October 3, 2008 @ 10:37 pm
Please let us know when you are coming to Colorado again. I would love to see ya, even if I am less sure who I am voting for than you are.
Adam D said,
October 3, 2008 @ 10:46 pm
I reviewed the book Don referenced “The Faith of Barack Obama” on my blog for Thomas Nelson and would recommend it to anyone regardless of political leanings (http://tolglobal.org/WordPress/?p=253).
Even if not elected this term, Obama could run for president every election year for the next 24 years and still be younger than McCain is now. Chances are he will be a force on America’s political scene for some time - we should get know him & the faith he professes.
James said,
October 3, 2008 @ 10:51 pm
I often debate fellow Christians on the issue of Abortion. Here are a few questions I have for the so-called “pro-lifers”:
You want to outlaw abortion? Okay, how many unwanted children have you adopted? Exactly how much money have you donated to struggling and impoverished mothers raising children? Why are you not handing out contraceptives in schools and elsewhere; a PROVEN way of reducing unwanted pregnancies? Care to put your money where your mouth is? Or is it all just grandstanding and politics?
You call yourself “pro-life” yet many so-called pro-lifers support the death penalty, or the pro-death wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and what “pro-life” actions have you taken to end genocide in Darfur? Or do you just think life begins and conception and ends at birth? Or are you just a hypocrite?
You think abortion is murder? Even though God doesn’t? According to Old Testament law the penalty for causing a miscarriage is not equal to that of murdering somebody. Why do you believe this un-Biblical idea? Because the right wing blowhards told you so?
Why do you support candidates who do NOTHING to reduce abortions, like George W. Bush and his good buddy John McSame? Fact: abortions have been UP under Bush. Obama has shown more compassion on the issue, and has a plan to reduce unwanted pregnancies and help struggling mothers.
We won’t see a major decline in abortions, regardless if it is legalized or not, until the church offers a better solution. I think too much emphasis is put on banning abortion (and we see how well banning something worked out with Prohibition and the War on Drugs). The answer is not in legislating a false sense of morality. Not enough emphasis is places on contraceptive, adoption, financial support for struggling mothers, etc. Some of the right wing extremist Christians seem to just want to outlaw abortions and dump a few boxes of free coat hangers in the inner city and smugly walk away.
We need to stop asking ourselves IF girls SHOULD get abortions, and start asking ourselves WHY women feel like they NEED abortions. We need solidarity with the struggling and broken, we need to be a community of hope the offers Christ’s love to the low and despised. We do not need to be a partisan attack group who protests the actions of the struggling and broken. We need to rethink what it means to be “pro-life” by putting the love of Jesus first in our actions.
As a Bible-believing Christian, I am PRO-LIFE. That means I am against war, against the death penalty, against discrimination, against destroying life on this planet through pollution and oil addiction, in favor of welcoming the alien, and against policies that lead to violence and poverty around the world. Life doesn’t begin at conception and end at birth.
Kate Gilliard said,
October 3, 2008 @ 11:58 pm
I like you.
That’s all.
JamesW said,
October 4, 2008 @ 12:51 am
Sheesh. The replies were so cordial until I got down to Gary and then James’s post. Guys, please don’t call people names just because they disagree with your stance. There’s nothing Christian about calling conservatives “crazy” or “blowhards”.
Don, in your last political blog, someone said that in their experience, leftists tend to be more mean-spirited than those on the right. An honest perusal of the posts so far bears this out.
Cierra said,
October 4, 2008 @ 1:45 am
Hey,
So you’ve of course been bom barded with emails, politics is a very tricky thing.
BUT. I’m pretty sure McCain was baptized around this time last year, I saw an article in the Times.
You should be able to find it on this website, if your willing to dig, I did… a little…. but quickly got bored….
http://www.beliefnet.com/
have fun!
=D
Cierra said,
October 4, 2008 @ 1:46 am
Oh. and yeah, I am pretty sure that he did so just to get votes…
But who am I to judge?
Christine said,
October 4, 2008 @ 2:14 am
Hi Don,
I am so thankful that you have chosen to speak out in support of Barack Obama. I am entirely weary of the conservative right seeking to take advantage of Christian voters by perpetuating the idea that all of Christianity can be boiled down to two points (gay marriage and abortion). I loved what you wrote in “searching for God knows what” about the difference between the social and economic ideals of many Republicans and the way that Jesus treated people. I can not understand how many Christians will claim to be Republican because they are against gay marriage and abortion, but yet don’t care/ aren’t willing to do anything to help the ten million children living in the US without health care. Christians need to wake up and see that they are being appealed to only for their votes. Besides that, by Grace I am a Christian, but I recognize that being a follower of Jesus Christ is not a prerequisite to being a citizen of the United States! This is the land of the free and we have a constitution meant to protect our rights, not limit them. Attempting to “force” our convictions and moral codes on non believers certainly isn’t going to win them over. We need a president who shares our convictions, but that wants to drive them on a social level with a real plan, not by attempting to override precidents, trump the Judiciary branch thereby further alienating non Christians. Don, I really appreciated how you told us in searching not to stand for fear mongering and to question whether this war ideology/America is King idea is really in line with Christ’s teachings. I 100% agree with you that it is absolutely not.
Thank you Don for hitting the trail for Barack!
I hope to see you in Chapel Hill!!
Chase said,
October 4, 2008 @ 4:52 am
Don,
Thank you for posting your thoughts and passions and also allowing for such a volley on the topics.
I also appreciate reading the responses, which have been (mostly) void of any accusative, bitter, or vindictive tone. (I said mostly)
In my family and most of my immediate circle of friends, politics is a topic to be avoided. For the first time in my young adult life, I am actually interested in learning and knowing and giving a
Between my closed-lip circle of influence and currently living out of the country, I rely on conversations via blogs like this to learn, process and further solidify my political stances.
I’ve recently come to the realization that I’ve grown up learning only half the story.
Thank you for sharing the other half.
Politics and theology | Reason To Stand said,
October 4, 2008 @ 8:27 am
[...] Donnald Miller recently wrote an article in which he addresses the two hardest issues for an Obama supporter to come to grips with and still claim to be a Christian, abortion and gay marriage. [...]
Wally said,
October 4, 2008 @ 11:46 am
Can someone explain to me how you “win” a war? If we “win” the war on terror then we would NOT have terrorist attacks? Really? Us “winning” wars and then indoctrinating others to OUR ways seems to wreak of arrogance, which I find only infuriates terrorists to more aggressive behavior. If we took 1% of what we have spent on this war, we could provide clean drinking water to the ENTIRE world. 10% of what we have spent on this one war, and we could END WORLD HUNGER for at least five years with NO OTHER initiative. We ought not feel guilty about this we ought to feel motivated to act on it.
Travis said,
October 4, 2008 @ 11:59 am
The only thing I worry about, Don, is what if the Democrats will buddy up with the evangelicals the way the Republicans did in the ’80s and ’90s. Will everyone now think that God is a Democrat?
Ashley said,
October 4, 2008 @ 12:52 pm
Don,
Given the magnitude of this election and the players involved, I admire your stepping out to address matters of faith in the political arena, even though you have and will undoubtedly receive some criticism for doing so. There is a desperate need for an educated and articulate voice along these lines, especially in the Church, and I’m eager to see what will happen. Please know that many of us are praying for you and for the kind of intelligent, civil dialogue that will ultimately help the Church in America become a better reflection of Christ in the world. Regardless of any one person’s party affiliation or political beliefs, I think we all want that.
Take care, and say ‘hi’ to Barack for me. I’m voting for him all the way from South Korea!
Larry Shallenberger said,
October 4, 2008 @ 1:37 pm
This 95/10 initiative can be found at http://www.democratsforlife.org/.
Whatever your party, this is worth asking your congressional representative to support it.
jonelle said,
October 4, 2008 @ 1:46 pm
hey, don
will you be coming to missouri at all? specifically kansas city? would be great to get an update of the schedule when you know! i’m very interested in hearing from both of you.
thanks and god bless!
Bert said,
October 4, 2008 @ 2:36 pm
Don,
I respect your opinions, but I disagree with the idea that as Christians, we should be uncomfortable with the idea of a secular president. The whole point of Christianity is that it should subvert all political and cultural systems, witness to the “powers and principalities” of this world. I think history has shown that when Christianity enters politics it inevitably gets co-opted and distorted. Christ repeatedly said “My Kingdom is not of this World” and refused to take part in the political struggle for or against the Roman occupation of Judea.
This is not to say that Christians shouldn’t actively participate in politics, but I think that Christians must be comfortable with a government that isn’t exclusively Christian. It seems to me that evangelism and conversion are better left in the hands of the church and the holy spirit instead of the government.
Once again, I respect your opinions and am happy you are supporting Obama. I just think we shouldn’t have a religious litmus test for president.
Britney said,
October 4, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
I really appreciate your thoughts on these issues.
ktb221 said,
October 4, 2008 @ 4:46 pm
Your thoughts on the abortion issue are interesting. I agree: the Republicans have not really done anything about this issue. The all state they are pro-life but fail to follow up with any action. I also think it is unlikely that Roe v. Wade will be overturned.
I work with with women facing unplanned pregnancies and try to provide them with the resources they need to choose an alternative to abortion. I have talked to many women who greatly regret their past abortions, who felt they had no other choice and who have suffered greatly for that decision.
The reason they suffer is because abortion is the taking of a life; it is literally having a piece of yourself ripped out of you. This is something Obama and the Democratic party have failed to acknowledge. Science backs this up. The truth is that abortion is one more way to oppress women. NOW, NARAL, and Planned Parenthood fail to acknowledge any emotional or spiritual consequences to abortion despite the thousands of women who say they regret their decision and have suffered because of it.
I am a young evangelical who is in a place that many of my peers are in. I am uncomfortable with McCain and do not agree with him on many issues. However, while I agree with Obama on some issues, I am just as uncomfortable having a Christian in the White House who does not understand what we were “knit together in our mother’s wombs.” Abortion is not something women choose. It is something they do because they feel hopeless and without option. It is nice that Democrats and Obama want to reduce abortion but reducing abortion by 95% based on 2005 statistics means that 60,500 abortions will still be preformed each year in this country.
And who will be receiving those abortions? Well, recent studies show that 80%-90% of parents who find out that their unborn child has Down Syndrome choose abortion. These are not people who “need” an abortion, they choose to end the life of their child for the sake of convenience. Also, the abortion clinics will likely remain to be predominantly placed in underprivileged neighborhoods where abortions are preformed at disproportionate rates on African American and Latino women. My guess is that you are in favor of ending genocide. What would you call this? Are you okay with just reducing genocide?
As Christians who understand that life is gift from God, that each person is loved and cherished by the creator of the universe, we should not be satisfied with reducing abortion. We should be sticking to the position that abortion is never okay and that each life is equally valued by God. I understand that this position makes it difficult for us to vote and I do not have an answer for that problem. However, I do not think we should be satisfied with just minimizing abortion.
David Harb said,
October 4, 2008 @ 6:02 pm
Hey Don,
Please reconcile your refusal to “vote your identity” with your statement that “I want our next President to talk and listen to God”.
You simply can’t have it both ways.
You identify yourself as a Christian. It defines you socially, culturally, and (as you make a living proselytizing) economically.
Don’t kid yourself… you are voting your identity.
Of course, the irony here is that you’ve chosen the better candidate. I couldn’t be happier that you’ve manipulated the circular logic and irrational faith of American Christians into an argument that supports Obama. The more right-wingers you can baptize as Obama voters, the better.
Keep up the good work on the campaign trail, Don. Despite a raging case of Christianity, you seem to be a really good guy. And after Obama wins, if you’re ever tempted to wield any of your newfound political connections like some neo-hipster version of Jerry Falwell, please repeat after me:
“Seperation of church and state; seperation of church and state; seperation of church and state…”
Thanks, man… all the best.
Jack Mooring said,
October 4, 2008 @ 6:17 pm
On Barrack’s faith. What about the church he’s attended for 20 years? I can speak for myself, that my church’s teaching has profoundly affected how I view the world and treat people. I can’t deny that.
His church teaches black liberation theology. It’s a message that is completely out of line with judeo christian values. Can you honestly say that hasn’t affected him? He’s even made comments about the application of biblical values in our culture that REAL follower of Jesus would not say.
I love you Don! Praying for you.
-jack
Ann Scherer said,
October 4, 2008 @ 8:28 pm
I just don’t get it. Obama says he is a Christian, but how could he stay in the church he was in for so long? Just doesn’t add up. If my church was preaching hate against anyone, black, white, gay or whatever, I would have left. He stayed in a “hate” church for 20 years. 20 years. He was married there, had his daughters there. I guess I cannot get past that fact. Jesus does not teach hate, but teaches love. We are to reach out in Jesus’ love to one another. I cannot, cannot support someone just because he “says” he is a Christian. He has really done absolutely nothing to truly show that he is a follower of Christ. I know he worked for civil rights which he calls community service, but that was more a racial service. But all else aside, actions certainly speak louder than words. Again, the fact that he stayed in a hate based church (action) for so long truly makes me wonder who this man really is. He actually scares me. Who knows who he really is????
Bryce said,
October 4, 2008 @ 9:26 pm
Don,
I’m so glad to read your posts about your time helping the Obama campaign. I worked for the Obama campaign this summer in a community organizing program. It was tough work. Very long hours and hot days, but the most challenging part was sharing with my Christian friends and family about what I was spending my summer doing. In these situations (and others, I guess) just announcing what I did for a job could create immense tension before anymore words were said. It put me into unexpected political debates with all sorts of people. Although I wasn’t up on a stage as a surrogate for the campaign, I know we must be having a lot of the same conversations.
Thanks again! I am in Wisconsin, still a battleground state (last I heard). I hope you have a stop here.
Bryce
Debbie said,
October 5, 2008 @ 12:17 am
Don, I concur with Ashley from S. Korea. I appreciate your post and am praying for you. Keep the faith.
Deb
Josh W said,
October 5, 2008 @ 1:52 am
Talks and listens to God? Wait, doesn’t George W. Bush do that?
bryan said,
October 5, 2008 @ 3:50 am
hey Don, i’m really up in the air on voting, my heart still feels that there’s no good choice right now…
most all of me wants a 3rd party candidate, i wish we had one.
your post is absolutely wonderful though, thank you so much for what you’ve said. i’m not certain that you read all of thse, since i’ve only recently been reading your blogs, but please know… that i really appreciate it and you’re the FIRST Christ-follower that has given me good reasons that they are for Obama and also the FIRST to not bash McCain about how he’s the less of two evils.
really, the cynical side of me wants to write in my own dad, he’s probably the best choice. no college degree, mail man, hardest working man i know, and searches after God for hours a day. Jerry(my dad) is my candidate right now… and if not him, Ron Paul.
thanks again Don, i hope and pray i get to meet you some day and let you know how much your books have helped me in faith, love, and life. i’ve bought most of your books twice after lending them out and then someone else giving them away again. thanks!
Simon said,
October 5, 2008 @ 6:34 am
So you guys are having an election over there in America, huh? Good on you.
I hope some of you turn out to vote this time…
Dee said,
October 5, 2008 @ 1:08 pm
Don,
Your forum this morning in Matthews, NC was awesome!I, too am a “Believer for Obama.” I was so inspired to be in a room full of people talking openly and intelligently about faith and politics. So many people I know decided who they would vote for before they knew who the candidates were. It’s sad to me because the Christian vote has become so taken for granted that the issues that are most important to many of us (peace,social justice,ending global poverty, healthcare, the environment, etc) have been overlooked in favor of the “hot button” issues of abortion and gay marriage. Without a doubt, these issues are ALL important and should be viewed in the context of the entire plan for each individual candidate. Thank you for speaking out! Let’s take back the vote and hold our leaders accountable no matter their political affiliation!
Magenta Freeman said,
October 5, 2008 @ 1:24 pm
Thanks Don for visiting us in the “Bible Belt” in NC! Just saw you at the stop in Charlotte/Matthews. I want you to know that you were yet again a catalyst to my rethinking how I engage this world as a believer, this time as a supporter of the campaign. I pitched an idea for local faith-based panel talks and general local debates to the field organizer there, after the session. We’re hoping to get a couple events pulled together in this area as a way to engage the undecideds (and maybe a few of the “convinced”!) in real dialogue in these last days before the election. It was a great treat meeting you after being an admirer for these many years; I can cross that one off my “bucket” list! Peace and blessing to you! Magenta [the "brown" girl in the front ;)]
zac said,
October 5, 2008 @ 6:33 pm
holy crap. thats alot of comments. i wander if hes gunna read any of this. 70 comments? surely not. so heres the deal don. save the time. dont read 70 posts of the same thing. we all, atleast most of us appreciate what u said an are doing, whether we see eye to eye on every issue or not. if you really read this, do me a favor man. send me an email. zsettle90@gmail.com . i guess im just really cuious if u have the time o read all this. and if not. send me one anyways. later man.
Jess said,
October 5, 2008 @ 7:04 pm
This is better than ice cream in the desert.
If you come to Florida, we can finally have a bike ride. It won’t be a race, but someone will win.
Love, Jess
Terri said,
October 5, 2008 @ 8:01 pm
Don,
I know your voice, and living, come from being different. From stepping outside the Christianese. Is your support for Obama just another way to be different from mainstream Christians?
I fear your campaigning for Obama is going to split the church even more. Is it really worth it? You are of course entitled to your opinion. But reading your books, I must admit that I am surprised you would put politics over your calling. I hope you have prayed and fasted enough for the people you are hurting.
It saddens me to hear you say the fight against abortion that the Republicans have waged is a pipe dream. Do you know how many babies have been saved by their efforts? Who are you to judge their efforts and prayers?? If you feel that the Democrats are truly going to reduce abortions, I am afraid you are the one following a pipe dream. And for what purpose? Just to be different?
Don, I hope you know what you are doing.
Terri
Peter said,
October 5, 2008 @ 8:53 pm
You wanted some sources of John McCain’s faith and in case you have not read it (though you reference it in your blog) the book “The Faith of Barack Obama” by Stephen Mansfield has a great chapter which details the faith of the “other” candidates at the time (Hillary and McCain), and thus includes in that section how faith has shaped John McCain’s life. The chapter is not “stand alone” however because it does not deal with Obama’s, which for obvious reasons is covered throughout the remainder of the book. Sorry I will miss you at VTS tomorrow night. Though I live (and serve as a priest) across the street I have to get my kids to and from sports activities, so perhaps another time!
Josh said,
October 5, 2008 @ 11:57 pm
A simple search on google for “is john mccain a christian” turned up several videos of him saying he is. Check out the link in my post. The reason Obama talks about it so much on his campaign is to try to win over a few moderates and he is battle his connections to Islam. After all this is politics. Btw I am voting for Obama, I know he is not a Muslim and Mccain is a Christian.
http://www.beliefnet.com/story/220/story_22001_1.html
andrea said,
October 6, 2008 @ 12:45 am
thank you. thank you so much.
Rosa Culp said,
October 6, 2008 @ 1:41 am
I really just do not understand how anyone can think that what we are doing in Iraq will stop terrorism. We live in a free society with the freedom to whatever religion we want to prescibe to. We are involed in a war on the other side of the world trying to push our lifestyle and political agenda on people who just aren’t interested in it. Our being there or not will not stop terrorism, it just gives those people even more reason to hate us. Let’s bring our young men and women home so they can raise their families. Talk about genocide. We are sending a whole geration off to be killed or wounded. Instead of being contributing members of our society they are bombed into hysteria and any other number of antisocial behaviors and psycosis.
As far as abortion goes, women were being maimed and killed before Roe vs. Wade. Yes, it is against our Christian faith to kill. Isn’t killing the women who get abortions or the doctors who perform them also killing? Once again, we live in a free society, let’s allow people to live their lives. You and I will not be the ones answering to God for their sins. I think we will, however have to answer for allowing women to be maimed and judging them for it.
Marriage, as stated by our faith, is between a man and a woman. However, our country and it’s laws are only based on the ten commandments. We must remember that our country gives religious freedom to people. That is the beauty of America the free. We must be more accepting of other people and their right to make the best decissions for themselves. Though I am opposed to homosexuality for myself, I remember that God loves me where I am, how I am, and as I am. So must I love others under those same conditions.
I would like to see a diversity in our government. I would like to see some change in the way people of different color, sexual identity and religious faith are treated by our culture. I don’t think a man who so often feels the need to remind us of the fact that he was a POW will be active in that change. He has a lot of issues which are obviously going to challenge and hinder him.
As for his pistol packin’ sweetie of a vice presidential candidate choice, where do I begin? Does she not frighten anyone else out there? In all honesty, his health is not the best, and I do not think I could sleep at night if she were to be running our government. I do believe we have the right to keep and bear arms in defense of ourselves and our country. I do like to hunt myself. I like to consume the bounty of our wild game. But, she just looks crazy when she has a gun in her hands. She needs a lot more time to become knowledgable about the world in which she lives. I think her little brain has been put in a deep freeze up there in Alaska. Let’s thaw her out in some other arena before we place her in a world arena. With a little time and proper education she may turn out okay, but right now, NO!
Thank you, Don for giving us this opportunity to air our thoughts, and for intelligently sharing yours.
May God bless and keep you, where you are, as you are and how you are.
Matthew Lane said,
October 6, 2008 @ 4:28 am
i just ate three things from taco bell. i totally wasn’t expecting them to be substantial, but then realized they probably would be after they rang me up for 8 bucks! it was pretty filling though, so you got me.
Matthew Lane said,
October 6, 2008 @ 4:29 am
sorry, didn’t mean to add to the political argument.
Dave Groenenboom (Australia) said,
October 6, 2008 @ 6:24 am
Hi Don,
Thanks for your posts. They are informative and challenging.
I cannot speak for the rest of the world (I have tried this, and I suck at it), but I just want to say that people who live outside the USA cannot understand some of the foreign policy mantras of the current administration. We all want terror stopped, but very few are sure that current approaches are warranted, wise or effective.
Personally, I am praying for change in the USA, and that even in these very tough economic times, the USA can be a world leader in grace, humility and justice.
Thankyou for standing up for solid Kingdom values. Stay the course, and may every blessing be yours.
Shalom,
Dave Groenenboom,
Wellington Point, Qld, Australia
Kari Byrd said,
October 6, 2008 @ 10:35 am
You’re a bold man, Don Miller. I like it.
I’d like to offer this thought to the abortion discussion. Both McCain and Palin have said that they would leave the legalization of abortion up to the states. Do we really think that all of the states will make abortion illegal? And if they don’t, how easy will it be to cross state lines? So I’m not sure it’s the best idea to base your vote on this one issue.
liz said,
October 6, 2008 @ 11:51 am
I am wondering what are the importance of the issue of the global war on terror. What is Mr. Miller’s stance in relation to the candidates?
Dan said,
October 6, 2008 @ 2:08 pm
Don,
I’m a BIG fan - you have an incredible mind. I’ve given books away to others to hopefully open them up to - or strengthen - their relationship with Christ.
But I’m troubled by all of this. Please bear with me - here are the simple facts that I can’t possibly see around:
- There are over 1 million babies aborted in this country every year right under our noses. Right now, it’s out of sight, out of mind. That’s like Rwanda happening right in our country. Every year. It’s happening.
- You could add up every other issue in existence (and I do believe Democrats are stronger when it comes to social justice), and for a voter that believes that God creates life at conception, I don’t see how it could amount to anything next to abortion.
- We as Americans react when things are brought to our attention. When 3,000 Americans were killed on 9/11, we moved mountains because we saw graphic detail on our news channels 24/7. We never reacted to Rwanda because we saw extremely little of it.
- There is truly nothing (and I’ve read through the 95/10 plan) that will bring abortion front and center in peoples minds for debate than an overturn of Roe v Wade. It will take someone in office that believes life begins at conception in order to change anything. To Obama, this 95/10 initiative will be one of his lowest priorities in office, because, well, he doesn’t believe that abortion ends a life and he’s not trying to win votes anymore. I’d be the first to line up for Obama if I thought he really believed in ending abortion.
- The comments that you made in reference to Justice Roberts were during a confirmation hearing. You just might expect a pro-life candidate to say such a thing when trying to be confirmed by a largely Democratic Senate. Just sayin. One more vote on the Supreme Court (Breyer and Ginsberg are the oldest too), and it could absolutely happen. The fact is, Obama will not, under any circumstances, nominate a pro-life candidate. McCain at least says he will. I’ll go with that anyday.
- Overturning Roe v Wade will not criminalize abortion. It will simply allow states to legislate against it. Far more importantly, there would be a national debate about it like you’ve never thought possible.
- Knowing what I know about you from your incredibly honest and vulnerable stories, you definitely have a heart for the left - I can’t say I have a heart for either side. With all due respect, it feels like you are trying to justify supporting them. I hate to see churches wade into the political realm because it takes away from their primary purpose. I realize you’re not a church and probably don’t have the same purpose, but I think it’s having somewhat the same effect…
Regards,
Dan
Bill Power said,
October 6, 2008 @ 7:02 pm
Fact - Abortion was legal 8 years ago when George Bush took office and it is still legal now. What is John McCain going to do to change that? Absolutely nothing.
To decry the horrors of abortion while doing nothing to reduce abortions is hypocritical.
How about ending the senseless killing of Arabs? Too much to ask?
Tamara Murphy said,
October 6, 2008 @ 7:20 pm
Hey, Don -
So, my family is on a cable “fast” and we were sitting around bored tonight and decided to read your post together. (no slight intended there…we think you’re pretty great) We’ve got four kids - 10, 12, 14, 17 and four of us have read and been influenced positively by several of your books.
We loved the post because it gave us a lot to talk about (and help us forget how much we’re missing ESPN).
We’re a little stumped though. We started reading your post looking forward to hearing your thoughts about Obama beyond the two issues of gay marriage and abortion. In your writings you’ve encouraged us, as people who call ourselves Christians, to move beyond becoming two-issue political puppets; so we were kind of confused about why you chose those same two issues to support your vote for Obama? And, then, the cous de gras is that you support Obama because he is a man who professes faith in God.
Is this some kind of version of “Punked”?? We’re just wondering because something seems a little fishy. Not neccesarily in your choice of candidate, but in your rhetoric.
Can you enlighten us?
Since NY is never a swing state we won’t get to see you, but we’ll be checking back here at your site often. (or at least every time we’re jonesing for Comedy Central or the Cash Cab)
Thanks,
Brian, Tamara, Andrew, Alex, Kendra and Natalie Murphy
Melody said,
October 6, 2008 @ 8:16 pm
Hey Don,
Thank You very much for sharing your views on these issues! I am voting Obama/Biden too. As soon as I let that be known my faith came under attack from friends and co-workers. I have found Christian behavior in this election to be embarrassing.
As for the pro-life issue… I believe that being pro-life means more than just being anti-abortion. It means making health care available to all Americans (18,000 die every year as a result of having no insurance). It means ending the war in Iraq. It means adjusting our priorites in the budget (Bush’s last budget attempted to cut funding for some programs to needy familes by 5% while raising military spending by about 10% - this is NOT pro-life). It means taking care of the 2 to 3 million homeless people in the United States (many of whom die every year because of violence, malnourishment, and weather).
In the Catholic Church there is a saying, “Feed the people who are dying of hunger, because if you do not feed them you are killing them.” Republicans may be anti-abortion but they are definately NOT pro-life.
Adele said,
October 6, 2008 @ 9:13 pm
Don,
As an African American Christian, I’d like nothing more than to support Barack Obama. I’m extraordinarily proud of his accomplishments and there is no question in my mind that he is a sincere follower of Jesus. While I’m not entirely thrilled with Obama’s tax plan (because I think it’s ultimate effects might hurt the middle class and the poor more than help) and I disagree with his positions on other issues, I might be able to step over those concerns but for the pro-life issue.
I hear your points about the way the Republican Party has exploited the abortion issue without looking at the root causes of abortion, namely, socioeconomic status, and I agree that legislation should be passed that would offer real options to young women.
But it’s deeper than that for me. As an African American, I am keenly aware of the sacrifices that many people made for the principle of racial equality before the law. In that sense, Roe is a lot like Brown v. Board of Education - the law expresses the moral standard of the society and sets the tone. In many ways, it is because of Brown (May 1954) that the groundwork was laid for the Civil Rights Movement. It was Brown that laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1968. If you truly want to usher in sweeping federal legislation that will address the root causes of abortion, I would argue that the best way is to overturn Roe. I hear your appeal to practicality but I fear that you are subverting the principle for the practical, when you must have the legal principle in place in order to accomplish the social shifts.
I disagree with your interpretation of Justice Roberts’ comments concerning the feasibility of overturning Roe and I’d be interested in the source. For one, sitting Justices do not, as a matter of policy, comment on the likelihood of overturning Supreme Court jurisprudence, so it’s unlikely that he made that comment after joining the court. The other, “on the record” possibility would have been when he was testifying at his confirmation hearings. In such settings, it is incumbent upon nominees to express high regard for standing precedents, particularly the most controversial of all - Roe. My belief is that Roberts, Alito, Thomas, and Scalia would be willing to overturn Roe if given the right case (proper set of facts). So, in my estimation, the pro-life movement is closer than it’s been in the 35 years since Roe to a majority willing to overturn it. This is the reason that, despite all of the flaws of the Republican Party, I believe that the coherent pro-life position is to support the pro-life candidate.
Mike said,
October 6, 2008 @ 9:21 pm
As a physician, there is a part of this argument that is impossible for me to ignore. The problem is that it hits Christians where it hurts.
Please recognize that nearly all birth control pills in use today (low-estrogen)use as one of their methods of function, a decrease in the ability of the fertilized egg to implant into the endometrium of the uterus. If we are going to argue that life beings with conception… then some relatively large number of Christians abort their babies every year. It is the reason that a growing number of “pro-life” physicians do not prescribe these types of birth control. In most cases, BCPs limit pregnancy by affecting ovulation and sperm movement PRIOR to fertilization. But it is well accepted that a certain percentage of pregnancies are in fact, not prevented, but in fact aborted by BCPs.
Yep, this is tough info. Yet, it is out there and has been for at least a decade. Well known Christian physicians like Dr. Walt Larimore have changed their prescribing practices due to this information.
I have heard many Christian physicians dismiss this info because it is gut wrenching to think about given our prescribing. This is only a controversial issue in Christian circles. There is no argument in secular circles because they look at it objectively because they don’t care if that is part of the mechanism. We Christians are sickened by it because it means that many of us, albeit perhaps unknowingly, have participated in many abortions ourselves.
I know a lot of Christians who continue to use them feeling that since they don’t “intend” to use them to cause abortion then it is okay. I guess to me this is all just convenient thinking. Is abortion now okay for Christians because it is “unintended”?
The bottom line… lets work on our own issues. Let’s love and help those in need. This is a darn complex issue folks. We need to move past the rhetoric.
If we step up as Christians and make it so incredibly attractive to have a baby in the care of a Christian family who has volunteered to help, we will largely take care of this problem. Lets move this argument to the other side of the spectrum… where we are worried that some women are getting pregnant on purpose, falsely threatening abortion, knowing that the care and love we provide them as Christians is so overwhelmingly wonderful that it would be ridiculous to abort a child. Absurd? What else has worked?
Dang… that takes it out of the realm of the computer and blogging and easy armchair intellectual spewing though doesn’t it? That means we would have to invite “those people” into our homes. It would mean we would suffer further in this economy. That we would have to trust God with our retirement money because we are giving more and more of it away. We would actually have to have tough talks with our kids about real life. We might actually be so busy helping others that we might not get to every soccer game and we might not have time to home school. Our kids might actually have to live in the real world.
All very tough. Very tough. I respect everyone who cares deeply about the issue of abortion. It is a tremendous tragedy. But there are other tragedies that occur every day right in front of us that are even more important. More important because they don’t happen in someone elses lives, but because they occur in our own.
Kim said,
October 6, 2008 @ 10:15 pm
Thank you for opening a conversation at VTS tonight. I greatly value open and authentic conversation where all are welcomed to the table. Your honesty and voice is a voice that we don’t often hear.
Living boldly,
Kim (seeking to reclaim the word, evangelical)
Steve said,
October 6, 2008 @ 10:48 pm
Don,
I am saddened to read of your support of Obama. No other way to say it. It is unimaginable to me that the Senator with the most liberal voting record in the Senate is the one that you believe looks the most like Christ. In speaking with many of my colleagues who work among the poor, they passionately speak that the worst thing we can do is to increase the current federal system, which is money without the relationship of a community that can also restore dignity. This is the place of the church and ceding it to larger government, makes even more difficult for the church to move in the place of its calling. Government, especially as envisioned by the democratic party, limits the ability of the faith community to function. It does not make it easier. Well-intentioned federal benevolence leads to the degradation of a permanent underclass and the tax burden required to Nationalize all the parts of government he intends to acquire will further diminish funds for the faith based private initiatives. Just one issue. I work in health care. Our current system is bad. But, a single payer system will be unimaginably worse. It will also allow the government further power of life and death. Which old people get treated is a governmentally determined reality in Europe and the rural parts of Canada. Big cities will be least affected, but people in rural areas will literally die as services are rationed, as it becomes impossible to provide on demand services to the underserved areas. MD’s will be paid significantly less and will become fewer. They will be fully at risk, and most will move to where there is a larger medical community for both lifestyle and safety from liability. Obama’s promise to move doctors to underserved areas is so empty that it is insulting and it is scary that people would actually take him at his word. A Single payer will exacerbate the problem, not eliminate it.
I will not touch on abortion since so many others already have, other than to say, I find your logic incredibly flawed. You seem to be saying, “Republicans say the right things but don’t produce, so let’s try the people who say the wrong things and don’t pretend to help. I’ll vote for the pro-late term abortion guy, maybe he will make us righteous.” I just don’t get it.
I can’t believe you have lent your voice to this man’s cause. I am saddened.
Obama on Abortion and Gay Marraige « m e a n d e r s said,
October 7, 2008 @ 6:59 am
[...] http://donmilleris.com/2008/10/03/on-the-campaign-trail-in-mi-in-nc-va-and-oh-this-week/ [...]
Larry Shallenberger said,
October 7, 2008 @ 7:25 am
http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/election08/519/john_mccain:_no_god_but_country/?page=1
This is pertinent. Not endorsing the article, but it’s a thorough look at McCain’s stance toward religion over the years prepared by a Fellow at Princeton. The article concludes that McCain MAY be more a disciple of civil religion than he is of Jesus.
I’m still uncomfortable with the public dissection of a candidate’s faith. Barak, Palin, McCain, and Romney have all been on the recieving end rough scrutiny.
Matt D said,
October 7, 2008 @ 8:35 am
Don,
I have greatly enjoyed reading your books and your wanderings here. I was moved by your prayer at the DNC. But this last post has tormented and frustrated me more than anything. Not because of your choice, personally I particularly care for either man and feel both give significant cause for concern when given our trust. But what ails me is me this statement:
“This is not an issue I think much about because I am neither gay nor married, but I understand the evangelicals desire to protect the sanctity of marriage and define it as an exclusive relationship between a man and a woman.”
The first part of the statement specifically. I appreciate the fact there is little difference between the two men in their positions on this point. But consider the potentials of what you have said. I read over half the co