Saturday, October 6, 2012

DOES GOD HATE DEMOCRATS?

I know that this would appear to some to be a strange question and most persons I know would answer it with an “Of course not!”  (Although some would probably add a “However …” to their reply.)  And I don’t suppose that there’s a church somewhere whose members picket funerals with signs claiming that He does.

But from some of the correspondence I’ve received and the conversations I’ve heard, I have reasons to suspect that many of those who claim to be God’s followers really believe that He does hate Democrats.  It’s not just that these folks disagree with the Democrat party and what it stands for, it’s that they really hate Democrats and believe God does too.

I suppose that I hear more of this because:  I am an evangelical Christian and most of my friends are as well.  Because of our mutual religious convictions they assume we have mutual political convictions.  So I get to hear and read their fears and loathings and prejudices.

Here’s a sample, an e-mail I received not long ago from a Christian friend who is involved in an evangelistic ministry:

”_____ and I are fed up with the President, his Democrat colleagues, and those who hold to or vote for the Democratic Party. Why? Because they are in open rebellion against God’s Word and principles and are leading our country away from God.

How? They support killing of babies, support the homosexual lifestyle (including same sex marriage), make government the god, steal from people who have earned it and give it to those who refuse to work, lie and deceive, and support Islamic countries over Israel, God’s chosen people. (And woe be to those who curse Israel, said God in Genesis 12.)

_____ and I are both sickened over this and many other things, as I imagine the majority of you are. But what we both fear is that some will feel that they cannot support a non-Christian for President and not vote at all. That would be like a vote for Obama. … Having a non-Christian with good morals and character is better than having a ‘so-called’ Christian president and party who are openly defiant against God’s Word and the principles this country was founded on.”

Please notice that the first paragraph not only attacks our “President and his Democrat colleagues,” it also attacks me as one who “vote(s) for the Democratic Party.”

Our President has been the object of slanders and half-truths since even before he was elected.  I realize that to a certain extent this goes with the job, although sadly much of the slander has come from those who claim to be followers of Christ and it usually has a tone of (self-) righteous moral indignation.

I have felt very strongly that those on the religious right were sliding farther and farther from anything that looked like a Christ-like manner of dealing with disagreements, whether religious or political.  I have defended our President and tried to clarify some of the issues and my positions from a biblical perspective.  I have also rebuked some of the slanders I’ve read and heard.  And as I have done this I’ve alienated a few “friends.”

But this e-mail pointed out to me something that I should have realized before.  The folks who say such things aren’t just angry and hateful toward Barack Obama – they have the same feelings toward me for voting for him.  According to them, I and all who vote for the President and/or the Democrat party are guilty of the evils – real or imagined – listed in the second paragraph quoted above.

And, of course, this makes complete sense.  If the claims about our President are true, then I am a supporter of this evil conspiracy.  My Obama/Biden bumper sticker might as well be the mark of the beast!

There is much discussion about why people “drop out” of church.  I believe more thought should be devoted to this matter.  If people are stigmatized and condemned or at best “tolerated” by their supposed brothers and sisters for holding political views which they have conscientiously arrived at, how can there be any fellowship?

Have we forgotten Paul’s exhortation to the Romans:  “Therefore receive one another, even as Christ received you” (Romans 15:7)?

11 comments:

Unknown said...

Bill. I just logged onto FB to send you a message and you are already addressing the subject of my concern. Great minds, and all that! I have become increasingly concerned about my Christian friends who think nothing of voicing vitriolic accusations against our President, the Democratic Party and me personally. Most times I do not reveal who I support but I do voice my concern about their complete lack of respect for the President and seemingly blind allegiance to hatred on whatever they are not. I was wondering what your thoughts are on how they get to this point. It seems so diabolically apposed to their beliefs. Then again, Christianity is a system of belief that is exclusive if a person does not believe per the dogma. At least main line, Bible believing, you are with us or against us doctrine. The latest incident involves someone we both know who has requested that I unfriend her if I find her hatred so violent. WTH! Her words, not mine.

Bill Ball said...

Thanks, Barbara. It's nice to know that we're not alone.

Sandy Kendell said...

Bill, this post brings to mind a quote I ran across on Facebook just yesterday from Anne Lamott: “You can safely assume you've created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.”

I am truly still in an undecided camp regarding the upcoming election, but I am also concerned about the hatred being spewed so easily. Can't we all agree to disagree on the non-essentials (which most political issues are) while following Christ's instruction to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and loving our neighbor as ourselves? (Remembering your neighbor might be someone from the "other" political party...)

GENE COOK said...

Thessalonians II 3:2

Pray that the LORD that He deliver us from unreasonable and wicked men: for all have not faith.

BROTHER GENE,

Pastor Bob said...

Bill your thoughts are interesting, thanks for sharing. I for one am concerned about both parties of American politics. Neither candidate is appealing to me as a Christian. Be assured I don’t hate them nor does the God I serve. I do not think that America will fall to Sharia law because of President Oboma but I am concerned and amazed that America and Evangelical leaders are putting a new face on a fast growing cult. (Mormonism) Mormons are friendly, loving, and kind people; however they are deceived by a false religion that distorts the very nature of God, the Person of Jesus Christ, and the means of salvation. We have moved to an age of what Pioneer Preacher Peter Cartwright often called universalism where every religion is ok and everybody ends up in heaven.
Ps: God does not hate Mormons nor do I.
Thanks for listening Bob.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful commentary, Bill. I am tired of hearing about cultural wars and need to hear and learn more about the Lord and how I can live the Christian life better. When I hear about the homosexual issue, I want to puke because I see the list of sins in Romans 1 including homosexuality and wonder if our society is like it is because of pride, envy, maliciousness and the other sins listed. But the only sin harped on by some is the sin of sexual immorality. And they talk about homosexuals as if they are horrible people - or Democrats! No, they aren't. And God loves them all.

Anonymous said...

Hello! I realize this is kind of off-topic however I needed to ask. Does operating a well-established website like yours require a massive amount work? I am completely new to blogging but I do write in my diary every day. I'd like to start a blog so I will be able to share my experience and feelings online. Please let me know if you have any kind of suggestions or tips for new aspiring blog owners. Appreciate it!

Bill Ball said...

A: I'm sorry but I really can't give you much advice on blogging. A friend set this up for me, my daughter helps me with the layout and my wife does my typing and publishing. All I do is write (the easy part).

Anonymous said...

Bill. My relationship with God is direct and personal. I find it hard to believe that anyone would focus on religion, or their beliefs when making a decision on will run the country. First, I have been alive for many years, and there is yet a President that has kept me from believing in God, and what I feel that means, Republican or Democrat. Frankly, I haven't found many who I feel qualify to be an outstanding President. For the most part history has proven that to be true. What I look for during an election is a person who has a grasp of the current needs, and proven skill sets to solve them. Those needs change from term to term, often by what is happening int he world that we don't control. In this case I do believe Obama has an understanding or skill set to solve our economic situation. I don't think either of them have a good grasp on foreign affairs, and what it will take to make us into the super power we were. I just know Obama is a little too passive for me, when it comes to protecting us from our enemies. All-in-all, I don't get wrapped up in what our government believes or doesn't believe relative to homosexual marriage, right-to-life, or other moral issues. I know where I stand and I will act according to my convictions, and know that my ultimate judge is God, not the President, government, or any parties. I wonder how all these people deal with judging, loving your enemy, and loving your neighbor, as Christians. Can you imagine Christ doing a negative ad campaign against the pharisees. Hey, I love you as a brother in Christ even though you are a democrat. Hate, nope, that is not how I want to spend my short time on this earth. Good blog by the way!

serena said...

Vic Vogel you took the words right out of my heart. Yes to all.

Trent said...

We need to remember that regardless of this worlds politics, and our disagreements, we are brothers and sisters in Christ first! I personally am not an Obama fan at all.. HOWEVER, I will give credit where it is due, and when he does something right(in my opintion) I draw attention to it as well.. When Mitt came on the scene, I quoted dozens of flip flops and problems with him. I admit, that were I to choose between Obama and Romney, I would pick romney, but I had way to many problems with both of them to pick one. I refuse to not fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ who disagree with me. Bill, I don't know you, but consider visiting and checking out some of my posts at http://sola-scriptura-truth.blogspot.com/ and perhaps we can mutually link to each other if you feel it would be beneficial.

Grace and Truth
Trent