I wrote this small essay several months ago and posted it to Facebook. At the time when it was written I was very irritated with the things people were saying about Barack Obama. Now, I realize that the Health Care reformation has already happened and tax cuts for everybody have been extended, but I still believe that this is a darn good read. I hope you all enjoy it.
I have a seriously hard time understand why President Barack Obama encounters so much opposition from churches and so-called “Christians.” Its one thing to disagree about fiscal or foreign policies, but most of the arguments that I’ve encountered have been outright ridiculous. People act as if it’s the end of the world because Obama is our leader. There are people on facebook joining groups titled, “God you took away my favorite actress…took away my favorite musician…I just want you to know that Barack Obama is my favorite president.” Please, tell me how in the WORLD you can join groups insinuating that you want our president to die, then go out and call yourself a Christian? Jesus taught love and mercy and yet I see so much hate in the world from people who say that they love Jesus. God is Love, and the people who say these things and join these groups are not exhibiting love, which makes me wonder if they really have God in their hearts. These people almost make me ashamed to call myself a Christian. I’m at the point where I feel like I’m going to explode because of the accusations and arguments, so, to keep myself from exploding, I’ll try to provide an outline explaining why I, Christopher Jacob Wilson, a Christian, am happy to have Barack Obama as my president and why I really don’t think he’s a bad guy.
Abortions
First, I suppose I should address the abortion issue. Now, I do not support abortions, with exceptions in special cases (rape/incest). Obama has stated that he is not a proponent of abortions; however, he believes that it is a woman’s rights. The president says that we must better educate our youth to prevent teenage pregnancies and thereby reduce the number of abortions. That makes sense to me. I would prefer abortions be outlawed, but even if that were the case they would still occur by other means. We had George W. Bush in office for 8 years, a Christian leader, and abortions remained legal the whole time. Nothing was done about it. Let me reiterate, I do not support abortions, but if we can’t outlaw them, let’s focus our energy on reducing the number of times that they occur.
Same-Sex Marriage
Next, there is the issue of same-sex marriage. Again, allow me to present my belief first. I do no, have not, and never will support same-sex marriages. Now, this doesn’t mean that I hate homosexuals or that I’m going to join in one of the “Christian” rallies where people shout that the gays are going to burn in hell. I’m going to treat them the same way that I treat everyone else; with love and compassion. If a homosexual is in need, I will help him or her just as quickly as I would help anyone else because God is Love and if I have no Love in my heart, then I’m not truly a Christian and if I’m not for God, then I’m against Him.
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8
I’ve heard many people say that Obama supports same-sex marriage and this is just not true. What Obama supports is a civil union that provides same-sex couples with the benefits of married individuals. Here is a video of Obama stating his opinion:
Well, that makes sense to me, but maybe you don’t like the idea of civil unions. That’s ok as well. I understand that, but maybe you weren’t aware that our last president was also a supporter of civil unions. Here is a video of George W. Bush stating his beliefs on marriage:
So, in this aspect, President Obama and former president Bush believe the exact same thing. No difference. They both support civil unions. So, maybe your argument is “well McCain didn’t support civil unions, he was against homosexuals all the way.” Well, that’s not true. McCain was a bit wishy washy about what he believed. He seemed like he wanted to ride the fence and not offend anyone. When McCain was asked about same-sex marriages he stated that he was against them but went on to say “But I do believe that people ought to be able to enter into contracts, exchange powers of attorney, other ways that people have relationships can enter into.” Sounds to me like he supported some form of a civil union.
Raising taxes for those with high income levels
We’ve heard Obama speak many times about how he plans to raise taxes for the rich. He defined “the rich” as a family making at least $250,000 per year, or an individual making at least $200,000 per year. The money that the federal government made by doing so would, in some form, be given to those with lower income levels. You may remember republicans complaining about the “redistribution” of wealth. I really like this idea and don’t see what’s wrong with it? There are those who say that Obama is “stealing” from the wealthy. My response to that is that we’ve all seen Robin Hood. He stole from the rich and gave to the poor. Every one of us recognized Robin Hood as the good guy. He was the one who we cheered for and suddenly, when Obama tries to make reformations such as this we hate him? I believe that God commanded long ago that his people care for the poor. It was and still is the responsibility of the wealthy. Here are several Bible verses supporting this:
· "If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother." Deuteronomy 15:7
· "There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land." Deuteronomy 15:11
· "If one of your countrymen becomes poor and sells some of his property, his nearest relative is to come and redeem what his countryman has sold. . . . If one of your countrymen becomes poor and is unable to support himself among you, help him as you would an alien or a temporary resident, so he can continue to live among you. . . . If one of your countrymen becomes poor among you and sells himself to you, do not make him work as a slave." Leviticus 25:25, 35, 39
· "Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God." Leviticus 19:10
· "Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy." Ezekiel 16:49
· "Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'" Matthew 19:21
There are many, many more verses that I could quote. Now, some say that it is not the government’s place to distribute money to the needy but instead it is the responsibility of the church. I believe that this was God’s commandment, so why would we be reluctant to accept the government adopting legislation from the Bible? In a perfect world wouldn’t our entire country be operated according to the Bible? If I was starving and the government offered me a sandwich and a church offered me a sandwich I would accept one as quickly as I would accept the other. I feel that most Americans live by the motto “out of sight, out of mind.” If they don’t see the poor, then to them they only exist in theory. I work at Taco Bell, dealing with the public, so I see firsthand the poverty of our area and it’s something that I cannot just ignore.
Healthcare Reform
Here’s a big one; Healthcare Reform. This has probably been the most controversial aspect of Obama’s presidency and, again, I have no idea why. What is wrong with national healthcare? We’ve heard that it will be mandatory that we all have insurance and if we don’t, we can be punished by the law. So, now everyone is mad because we have to have insurance. Well, that’s true, I can’t argue it but I can elaborate on it.
First, healthcare is going to be made affordable. This means that people will be able to afford it on their budget, regardless of what their budget it. That means that we don’t have to worry about big costs driving us into debt. Originally there was going to be a public option, so the poorest could have insurance at no charge but republican opposition forced the democrats to remove that option. So, yes you will have to have insurance, but you will be able to afford it.
Why do we all have to have insurance? Well, I’m glad you asked. The best way I can explain it is with a story involving a friend of mine. One evening I was with my friend (who happens to be a middle aged adult male) when he grabbed his chest. I asked what was wrong and he told me that he had been having chest pains for the last week. I told him that he should visit the clinic to get checked out to prevent a heart attack. He refused to go to the clinic because he had no insurance and couldn’t afford the bill. I thought to myself “wow, that’s absolutely terrible to have to worry about your health because you’re not rich.” Moving on with why must all have insurance. Let’s assume that my friend has a heart attack (that could have been prevented) and is taken to the hospital. Suppose he has a 4 day stay (this is just me guessing, I don’t know actual stay times or prices) with a bill of $30,000. My friend would certainly not be able to afford this, so what happens? Is the bill just magically erased? No, not at all. Premiums go up and we the people end up paying. This could have all been prevented if my friend would have had affordable insurance that would have allowed him to go to the clinic in the first place. A $30,000 hospital bill could have been prevented with a $150 prescription. You can bet things like this happen hundreds of times every day here in America. Under Obama’s healthcare plan these measures (patient’s bill of rights) will take effect this fall:
Maybe you just think that we’re making too big of a deal over healthcare reform. I’d like to inform you that a Harvard study has shown that 45,000 deaths every year can be related to a lack of healthcare (insurance):
I’m pretty sure that God does not want people to die because they can’t afford healthcare. Perhaps you’ve heard about how our system is too much like Canada’s and you think (because of republican propaganda) that Canadians hate their system. Well, this isn’t true. Here’s a fact check on Canada’s healthcare system:
And, if you think that I’m just some dumb kid who doesn’t like republicans, I want you to know that you’re wrong. I don’t disagree with republicans on every issue, I just don’t like it when they try to spread fear in order to get their way. Maybe you missed it, but a 72 page document was intercepted detailing how republicans would use fear mongering as a means of acquiring support:
I would also like to state that the claims that there will be healthcare rationing and that old people will not receive healthcare because they’re not worth it is just preposterous. This is honestly the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. Nowhere is this in the bill. I can’t believe that people honestly think that this would happen. This is America, we have checks and balances. If this were going to happen, I’m sure somebody along the way of those checks and balances would stop this. It’s not true, don’t believe it. And if you do believe it, then stop.
Why do people insist that Obama is a Antichrist???
Obama is NOT the Antichrist. Only a fool would believe this. Any Christian who reads the Bible should know better. Here is some scripture:
· “Then the beast was allowed to speak great blasphemies against God. And he was given authority to do whatever he wanted for forty-two months. And he spoke terrible words of blasphemy against God, slandering his name and his dwelling-that is, those who dwell in heaven. And the beast was allowed to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them.” Revelation 13:5-7
Last time I checked, Obama was not a dictator who blasphemed God’s name and started wars against Israel. Here is some of Daniel’s prophecy of the antichrist:
· “The king will do as he pleases, exalting himself and claiming to be greater than every god, even blaspheming the God of gods…He will have no respect for the gods of his ancestors…for he will boast that he is greater than them all. Instead of these, he will worship the god of fortresses-a god his ancestors never knew-and lavish on him gold, silver, precious stones, and gifts” Daniel 11:36-38
I don’t recall Obama ever claiming to be God or worshiping the god of fortresses.
Another problem with this whole idea that Obama is the antichrist is that the antichrist will come from and rise to power through the Middle East, not in America, although his power will certainly spill over into America. I suppose some Americans are just so vain that they disregard the Bible and assume everything will happen right here in our land. Obama is not the antichrist, that notion is absolutely absurd.
For the last time, Obama isn’t a Muslim
Here’s another one I haven’t figured out. Why do people say that Obama is a Muslim. Remember when the media found those tapes of Jeremiah Wright, pastor of Obama’s Christian church? Obama has repeatedly called himself a Christina as well. So, why don’t people believe it? Ok, so his middle name is Hussein. My name is Jacob, does that mean that I’m automatically a Christian. My last name is Wilson, does that make me owner of Wilson sporting goods? No, of course not. Here’s a fact check on the whole “Obama is a Muslim” thing:
Others have been outraged that Obama said America is not a Christian nation. Well, the truth is, we’re not. Historically, we’ve been a melting pot made up of difference races, religions, nationalities, etc. So, why is this such a big deal? America has never declared a national religion, so Obama just spoke the truth. Until we declare a national religion, then we’re not a Christian nation. I suppose the anger with his statement is because people think that Obama is some kind of secret Muslim who is going to let the Muslims take over America. Well, even if that were true, and it’s not, why do people hate Muslims? Oh, it’s because of 9/11 and apparently every Muslim is out to kill us all. This just isn’t the case. The Qur’an has been taken out of context by extremists to justify murder. If people were to read the Qur’an they would see that the book is much different from what they think. Here are some excerpts from the Qur’an:
· ..Take not life, which Allah hath made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus does He command you, that ye may learn wisdom." (al-An'am 6:151)
· "Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not transgressors. And kill them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, kill them. Such is the reward of those who reject faith. But if they cease, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression. The prohibited month, for the prohibited month, and so for all things prohibited, there is the law of equality. If then any one transgresses the prohibition against you, transgress ye likewise against him. But fear Allah, and know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves." (al-Baqarah 2:190-194)
There you have it, don’t kill. Only fight if someone fights you, and if they stop fighting, then you should stop fighting as well because Allah, which is just another name for God, is “Oft-Forgiving.” Hey, that sounds like my God. Wonder if there’s any chance we all pray to the same God? Muslim extremists take verses out of context such as “And kill them wherever ye catch them,” in order to justify themselves.
Christians are so worried about Islam growing so rapidly and spreading in America. They act like it’s the end of the world and everybody is scared because they think they’re going to be killed. Well, it is alarming, not because I think I’m going to be killed, but because Christians can’t seem to fulfill the great commission, given to us by Jesus, like the Muslims can. I think the Christians need to shift their focus from hate to love.
Conclusion
“Whoever does not know love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8
God is love, and if we do not have love in our hearts, then we do not have God in our hearts. Jesus taught us this:
· “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
How can a person claim to be a Christian and harbor so much hate in their heart towards our president, saying terrible things and slandering his name? It is not possible. If a person is a true Christian they would not brainlessly attack our president over everything he does, but instead pray to God that he has the wisdom and knowledge to lead us in the right direction. I truly believe that a significant amount of the opposition that Obama encounters is because of the color of his skin. Racism is still very much alive in America. Jesus taught us to love all, not just white people.
I’m not saying that everybody has to love Obama, but why hate a man who is trying his best to make America a better place. I’m a Christian, and I pray for President Barack Obama every night on my knees. Make no mistake, Obama was chosen by God to lead our country for this period of time for some divine reason. We can accept that and pray for him, whether or not we like him, or we can spread terrible rumors and lies about him. Remember, God is in control, and if we are not for Him, then we are against Him.
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