Kim Lawton: Palin, Theology, and the Role of Women

I am an evangelical who is voting for Obama. I believe that Christ taught caring for the poor, the ill, the elderly, the weak among us. The Republicans want to remove programs that help all of these people and continue tax cuts for the very wealthiest in our country. I believe that if Republicans were truly patriotic they would not mind sharing some of their wealth to make our country strong in its infrastructure, our inner cities, etc. That would be patriotic AND Christian. Without raising taxes for the wealthiest, they will try to balance the budget by taking these programs away from the weakest people in our wealthiest country on Earth. How is that Christian? The elections are about more than just 2 issues. And those issues are currently critical -- the economy, the wars, the energy program. Obama wins on all for me.

I am an evangelical who is voting for McCain... For many reasons.. First my husband is active duty military.. Second I don’t expect other people to share their wealth... I think we need less government so that people are not relying on government but go out and do the best they can. It’s amazing what people can do when they have too. I also understand that things are not going to be fare for everyone... It’s not meant to be. We have a hard time making it from paycheck to paycheck with our 4 kids. But my husband works hard. I need some one that is going to give him them equipment he needs to come home to us. Third we need someone who is going to appoint judges that will not make laws... and judges that will see all life as precious.. One day we will look back on abortion the same way we look back on blacks being slaves and the slaughter of Indians... With disgrace... I know a lot of people think that Obama is going to save America and is going to turn things around... I don’t think he is going to save any one... McCain has my vote...

Commenting on the evangelical who is voting for Obama... I believe that Christ taught us it is the job of the CHURCH to care for the poor, the ill, the elderly, weak and widowed among us, NOT THE GOVERNMENT. Statistically, Republicans tithe and give more to the church than Democrats. The Bible also teaches that the borrower is slave to the lender. Taking money away from us (by raising taxes) and giving it to the government sponsored programs takes control away from us. I don't want Obama making any decisions for our family, especially ones that are "above his paygrade."

I am no denomination, i do believe we have a creator/a god, and i am voting for Obama. What is wrong with people helping people, whay would anyone want to see his fellow man hurting. There is such "an abundance of everything" there is no need for one person in this world, to be hungry or go without shoes on there feet, or a roof over there head. What is wrong with having "COMPASSION" we are all connected, we are all human, it is just so sad that not all of us are humane, being benignant, charitable, gentle, kind, merciful, sympathetic and tender. We still live in a world that is preoccupied with "love of self", inhumane, being brutal, callous, cruel, heartless, merciless and sadistic.I would love a world where COMPASSION and LOVE are worldwide!

I am of no denomination but I strongly believe in God and I am voting for Barack Obama. I don't want a Big Brother government who is dictating my every move and that is not what Obama is offering. He does understand that as members of a community we have obligations to other members in that community. We are all stronger and less vulnerable to the temptations of terrorists when we have our basic needs met. Obama constantly refers to offering service (civic or military) in repayment for this help. What's wrong with that? As to the woman who's husband is in the military- Your husband is honorably giving his all for this country and I respect him and his fellow soldiers. However it was Bush and McCain who agreed to overthrow a sovereign nation that had not attacked us and put these lives in peril without adequate armor or direction. Obama will rout Bin Laden in Afganistan but will end the occupation of Iraq and make every effort to bring your husband safely home.

I found Kim Lawton's analysis to be interesting in that many Christians with whom she talked found no inconsistency with Sarah Palin becoming president or vice-president while still being reluctant to promote women to positions of leadership in their church.

I believe it stems from words attributed to Jesus Christ:“Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s." While they can be separate, I personally support both - Sarah Palin as vice-president and women playing a more significant role in church life.

I want to comment on the "evangelical", k burr, who is voting for Obama. You said, "I believe Christ taught caring for the poor, the ill, the elderly, the weak among us." I'm sure you remember then how Jesus loved children. Therefore, how can anyone who calls themselves a Christian vote for Obama or any other Democrat who supports abortion ? If a candidate does not care about and will not protect a defenseless, innocent baby, what makes you think he / she cares about you ? Talk about hypocritical.

I am a Christian! I am not happy with either choice for president but I was ready to vote for McCain until he chose Palin for VP. It's clearly a "stunt" to try to get votes from groups of people he could NOT get. They both are very comfortable lying. That makes him a untrustworthy phoney.

Palin is not the sweet girl next door, she's the loud mouth beauty queen that will do and say anything for power and attention!

Palin SAYS she believes abortion should be illegal, even in cases of rape incest and regardless of the mothers health. That is extreme. I am pro life and don't support abortion as birth control but I also believe there are situations that should be considered.

Giving birth to 5 kids doesn't make you a good parent. Ask any social worker that deals with child abuse and neglect. Just because children are clean and attractive or their parents have money and prestige does not mean they are well cared for.

If you profess to have conservative values you would support the belief that, if at all possible a mother should stay home and care for her young children.

It is very ironic that the "secular" world wants to bring up religion when they think it will benefit their cause. In this case, twisting Christian doctrine to deter people from supporting a woman as an equal in society is just more indication of their true bias and feelings about women. If they truly knew anything about the bible, they would realize that Jesus defied the laws that devalued women in the current society. But everytime the "secular" world tries to dictate how the church should feel or who the church should support, they are back tracking on their understanding of separation of church and state. They in turn become the hypocrites!

k. burr,

In the same measure that you make your statements and judgements on fellow christians regarding their work for the poor, you ought to look at the giving records for republicans vs democrat. Registered republicans, rich or poor, give more to local charities and churches than registered democrats. The top 1% of income earners pay 50% of the country's taxes, the bottom 40% do not pay taxes at all. Republicans give more and want to give their money, the problem is that republicans do not want to give money to the government to support programs that they are not in favor of. For example, abortion, stem-cell research, etc... Republicans want the money they give to go to programs they support, that allow the gospel to be spread while they are providing food and clothes to the poor. Rightfully so, the govt cannot force a particular religion on our culture, therefore the programs they create do not offer spiritual help with their giving. Private Christian organizations do, therefore we should not be forced to give our money to govt organization that fund abortions, which we do not support. We should not be forced to give money to programs that do not provide the gospel. Christian Republicans give their money, even after we pay taxes. I will never support Obama, as long as he supports abortion, therefore as a fellow Christian, I don't understand how you could.

Catherine,

First of all, Big Brother is Big Government and that is what Obama is all about. Obama wants to dictate where your tax dollars go, he wants to tell you which charities you should support and which organizations you should depend on. He wants to regulate healthcare, which by the way, will diminish your choice of facilities and competition within the medical community. Eventually the dollars will run out as they have in every govt sponsored organization and our healthcare will dissappear as it has in Canada. People are dying because the govt can't afford the number of operations needed to save lives. The older generation is being passed up for medical treatment because they are near the end of their life anyway. You have it backwards, the people fund the govt, the govt doesn't fund the people. Eventually govt programs will diminish the funds available and then more taxes will be required, this will in turn lower the income of the wealthy, their incintive to succeed and work hard, creating a lazy, dependent nation and then where will the funding come from? The people are no longer aloud to keep all of their money because those who make $200,000 and give over half to the govt end up making as much as someone who doesn't pay taxes(redistribution of wealth) then they will say, why should I bust my butt to give it away!! This will discourage work ethic and then the amount that the wealthy makes dwindles (Now who is funding the poor? we will ALL become poor) Then who is funding the military which keeps us strong? The more and more govt programs, the poorer our nation becomes. Wake up people! Stop being so jealous of the rich. You are richer, because of their ability to get rich, not in spite of it. Take away the incentive and you take away the wealth of the nation. plain and simple.
By the way Iraq was not a "sovereign nation". They were under a dictator.

There is nothing COMPASSIONATE or CHARITABLE in using money collected through the force of government so that people can feel good about themselves. That is why we have churches, aid organizations, service organizations etc. Having the government do these function requires no sacrifice on the part of the self-rightous lawmakers who pass these laws, while every dollar I give to charity is one less dollar I have for my family, and so makes the charity a sacrifice. Obama only seems to be charitable with other peoples money, having given way under 1% of his income to charity from 2000-2005.

I have never felt complelled to comment in my life..Republican or Democrat...Do you want a leader who graduated approx 5th from the bottom of his class or someone who graduated with honors and who's CV includes international relations? alongwith a JD and has implemented grass roots programs to help the working class? You can only trot out that war hero stuff for so long. Who will have the ability and skill to actually deal with the economic issues of this country? Would you rather have a Vice President with a law degree and working class roots who stays in touch with his people, commutes everyday,Or would you rather hire a Vice President who went from college to college to finally obtain a degree in communications ending up as a reporter? And is now being called upon to answer some questions about her dealings which the "spin gods" are doing their level best to keep the facts under wraps. Well I think I would rather have substance than talk. If you were HR for a Corporation whose CV would you even consider??? Haven't you all suffered enough? Think of your children, would you take them to a doctor who has no credentials? Sorry kids we signed you up for the McCain/Palin team it sounded like less pain at the time we didn't realise that they couln't make you well...they told us they could!! Arrgh....

How can any intelligent person believe that a candidate with so little political experience is qualified to run the most powerful nation on earth? Only 143 days in the Senate?? Come on, people! Wake up before it's too late!!!

This is nothing but a left wing hit page. Barrack Obama is an empty suit, a front man for a bunch of American haters like Bill Ayers (terrorist), Rev. Jeramiah (God damn America) Wright, Mrs Michelle (Never been proud of my country) Obama among all the radical Hollywood lefties who spent 31,000 dollars on dinner last night whilst America is suffering. Obama has no qualifactions, no experience and no accomplishments. Unless of course you think taking 85,000 dollars from Fanny Mae towards his campaign is worth a mention.

Thought you mind find this article interesting:
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/09/17/charitable-gifts-by-politicians-add-up-for-some/

This is especially for Cathy: Jesus taught us to live by the Beatitudes. He did not say whether that would be by the Church or by the government. In my view it takes both to care for the diverse groups of people and the number of problems that we have before us. Can you imagine if the church took care of my retirement (i.e. social security, my health care (i.e Medicare, etc. etc. Which candidate really CARES about all of us and wants to make sure our social problems are taken care of and wants to live in peace Jesus asked? I am not even a Jesus fanatic, but this seems to make sense.

"I am an evangelical who is voting for Obama. I believe that Christ taught caring for the poor, the ill, the elderly, the weak among us," so writes K.Burr. The weakest among us are the unborn who have no voice but ours to speak out on their behalf. A vote for Obama is a vote for death for the unborn. With more than 50 million abortions since Roe v. Wade, the last thing we need is more of the same. Want change? Vote for McCain & Palin. That's what I'm doing.

LizG,

If you get what you think you want, you will be sorry. I want to be the first to warn those who think they want the govt to take care of them, all of you people who foam at the mouth when you hear that there are other countries out there that give money to their people for nothing, you will be sorry. These socialist/communist govts produce people who are "dying" to get out and enter our current system. Once we become the govt you desire, you will be trying to leave and get to a free nation that will allow you the freedom you used to have.

Just an analogy, but think of it this way. As a parent, your children are subjected to your values, your rules, your beliefs. You provide the means for them to survive and they are dependent on your care. If they break the rules there are consequences. If the govt is in control of our assets, our roof, our food, our profits, our income, our transportation, our healthcare, our religion etc... it will no longer be our choice of what to buy, where to go, where to live, what to eat, where to get the best healthcare - it will now be about where the govt tells you to live, eat, drive, work, get medical treatment, worship, etc... therego your freedom forever. So if you get the amount of govt control you so desire, you will eventually regret that vote! The more govt programs, takeovers, and diminishing free markets, the less freedom we have. I hope you get it. I hope you see that our country is being taken over by fat politicians that are using your ignorance and laziness and entitlement behavior to manipulate you and control you. They will eventually declare someone a dictator as what happened in Russia. So get ready, you are going to get what you ask for... it is coming!

Unless we take our country back!

I think there are a few facts about Sarah Palin that often tend to go unsaid. The first being that this first woman governor of Alaska has carried an 80-90% approval rating in her state. That is almost unheard of. The second being that she managed to maintain that support while exploiting corruption in her own party. We need leaders who are TRULY for the people of this country, who aren't afraid to draw the lines within their own party and say, "enough is enough". We need servants, not politicians. We need reform, not partisanship. We need honesty, accountability, and ethics... traits rarely found in politics or the media these days. We also need America to remember that Christians are peaceful, prayer warriors for our country who believe that the blessings of this country are God given. I think there is so much hostility in this world today "in the name of religion" that people sometimes associate Christians as extremist. Sometimes we get frustrated and defensive and probably come across as extreme. This nation will heal when we humble ourselves before God and ask it of Him. We, as our leaders, need to have a servants heart, and a prayerful attitude. It is time to get back to basics.

I'm sorry, but i can't understand why so many people are making a decision about how to vote for President based on the issue of unborn babies- an issue the President has no control over- rather than considering the individual's qualifications for the position the election is about?
And, why attack fellow Christians who support a different candidate charging them to be 'unchristian' because of this same issue? This kind of irrational behaviour is exactly what causes ridicule and in many cases, people to turn away from the idea of Christianity- and thus, Christ! This seems far more important, especially to evangelicals who claim to desire to bring all to know Christ. So, why not stay focused on the actual issues that relate to power & position of president of the USA, and skip the tangents and trips of into areas of special concerns that are unrelated...

Charity should never be defined as taking money (in the form of taxes) to support those who choose to not take care of themselves. Charity is a personal responsibility. We should voluntarily contribute our time and money to those in need. Those who support candidates because they will spend one person's income to support another person, probably is not so willing to spend their time and money on an individual level to do so. Taxes should go to support the national defense, education, and infrastructure. 40% of the citizens of this good, prosperous, generous country do not pay any taxes. The people who are making the most noise about charity are doing the least to support the needy.
I am appalled that this Public Service information source has used my contributions and support to continually present a one-sided view of politics. It's high time any Public Service organization divest itself of bias.

Susan,

Apparently you are very ignorant of the role of the president. The president appoints Supreme court justices and it is important that they appoint people that will interpret the law as it is written and not legislate law from the bench, As in the case of Roe vs Wade. this was a matter that was settled in the court that should have been left to the legislature. Judges should interpret law as the law was written. They are not supposed to write new laws, that is not their position, but more and more judges make it their business to overrule law they disagree with. They way our system works is we have a legislature(congress and senate), judicial branch, (Supreme Court) and an Executive branch (president). The legislative branch writes law (based on the voice of the people they represent). The judicial branch interprets the law and upholds it through the courts, the executive branch enforces the law. The president also has the power to veto bills that come across his/her desk that they feel are not in the best interest of the people. Therefore it is very important to me as a Christian that the rights of the unborn are protected and that is why I vote for the candidate that protects the rights of those who cannot defend themselves. Abortion is a form of eugenics and is used as a form of birth control. As a Christian, I believe that life begins at conception, therefore abortion represents murder and I will not ever support a candidate that sees this issue as small.

The comments made on this blog were in direct response to k burr who accused people of being non-Christian and unpatriotic because they didn't want to "share their wealth" through taxes and govt programs. I believe as a Christian your first priority should be protecting the voices of those who cannot defend themselves. Would you put a person in jail if they killed one of their children because they decided one day that they were growing up in a poor society and didn't have a chance for a good life, or because they thought that child was doomed for a life of crime? Or the parent decided that that child was all of the sudden hindering them from succeeding in life? I think you would want that parent to serve a life sentence in prison, yet when the child is in the womb, you think nothing of ending it's life.
Christians give to the poor and they pay taxes. They don't have to give to the govt to give to the poor. That is a ludicrous argument.