PoliBlog
June 02, 2009
Reagan Red
As I watched the network news today I was touched by the moment between President Obama and former 1st lady Nancy Reagan as they symbolically celebrated President Reagan's 100th birthday. She looked very comfortable, extremely elegant, and very charming in her "Reagan red" as usual. I appreciated the inherent tension in the moment, considering the chasm between Reaganomics and Obamanomics, as well as the wonderful spirit of "meeting in the middle" that the president continues to portray and indeed pursue.
My thoughts got to wandering back a bit and I thought about how many Christians are so willing to look beyond Mrs. Reagan's faults [i.e. consulting fortune-tellers right alongside scripture] to accept her into "the fold," while we take one or two issues and bludgeon Mr. Obama, refusing to accept his own public confession of Christ as his savior.
I acknowledge that Christ was clear in saying that many will "call me Lord, Lord," to whom He will ultimately respond, "I never knew you. Depart from me." But in the context in which Matthew spoke on behalf of Jesus, he was definitely NOT speaking about abortion (pro-life or pro-choice). He was speaking about SERVING THE POOR AND WEAK. Hmmmm... does that sound like a litmus test or something? Anyway...
Also He inspired Matthew (in Matthew 25) to write that:
32All the nations will be gathered before him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats." (my emphasis)
Why are we in such a big hurry to do the goat-separating? Could it have anything to do with our own fears?
The only one I know for sure is a believer is me––and that, just BARELY and only by the lavish grace and saving power of Jesus my precious Redeemer. Far be it from me to judge you, or Nancy, or Barack, as being or not being in "the fold."
Let's face it; God is pro-life... and pro-choice (doctrine of "free will")
And so are the large majority of folks like myself who are now classified (very narrowly and shallowly speaking at least) as pro-choice! The issue is not nearly as black and white as many of us would like.
Confusing huh! So glad I'm finally thinking!
Reagan red? The color purple is looking better and better to me these days.
What think ye?
" "I never knew you. Depart from me." But in the context in which Matthew spoke on behalf of Jesus, he was definitely NOT speaking about abortion (pro-life or pro-choice). He was speaking about SERVING THE POOR AND WEAK. Hmmmm... does that sound like a litmus test or something? "
Wow! Very interesting! I wish we could've gotten into some of this Sunday.
Good stuff, Kirk!!
Posted by: Derrick L. Williams | June 02, 2009 at 07:39 PM
I'm glad you are back with one of these posts!!!
With a few of your observations, I couldn't agree with you more. Although "conservatives"/evangelicals worked feverishly to elect Reagan, many would say he took us for granted and failed to advance any of the “conservative Christian’s” agenda. And for the attentive, there were many troubling characteristics of certain key individuals in Reagan’s inner-circle. But until we “sheep” are guided by the perfect Shepard, I think we will always experience problems from ANY man-Shepard (or woman-Shepard…politically speaking).
I am curious, are you aware of any prominent ‘evangelical” questioning whether Barrack is in the fold? I’m not but if I heard it…I would tune them out.
I will however, hold (in the voting box or whatever legitimate method) any of my President(s) and elected officials accountable for policies which are inconsistent with our Constitution…etc.. and biblically significant based (my view) standards.
Matthew 25 - let me ask, what do you think is the proper view of verse 45? I can’t think of a better example than the unborn > child > the invalid….Even if other…umm..more conservative voters, agreed with a GREAT theme of yours, a heightened concern (with personal ACTION) for the care of the less fortunate, whose Primary responsibility should the care fall to??? And for the big picture, if you were Pres (I’d vote for you) how much of this country’s budget would you allocate for this, what policies should this country pursue???? Is there a country you think is doing a better job than ours (and I‘m not suggesting we are the best)????
BTW - I don’t understand what you mean by you and a large majority are now Pro-Choice? [I think that many more sensible conservative righties (like me) don’t think that just because you and other self-proclaimed BO “evangelical” supporters continue to support our President it equates to pro-choice.]
And till I get to Heaven (I like my time on earth but I am looking forward to joining our Savior) I want to practice more inclusive behavior than the exclusive behavior of so many “evangelicals” of the past.
Posted by: George | June 03, 2009 at 12:18 AM
As usual thanks so much George. I'm encouraged again that dialogue is possible when relationship is in place. "And till I get to Heaven (I like my time on earth but I am looking forward to joining our Savior) I want to practice more inclusive behavior than the exclusive behavior of so many “evangelicals” of the past."
This is the key. It applies to me too so I have to be careful throwing it around!
Blessings,
Posted by: Kirk whalum | June 03, 2009 at 01:01 AM
Good afternoon! Regarding Obamanomics and/or Reaganomics, me, etc..., "As the scriptures say: There is no one who always does what is right, not even one." Rom. 3:10. "The person who belongs to God accepts what God says." John 8:47. Everyone's soul needs to be transformed not patched up, by the Word of God. Our free will - a gift from God; the ability to obey or disobey God with consequences.
Purple is my favorite color, sadly, it is not used much in the clothing industry; black and white is much more prevalent.
Posted by: Tammy | June 03, 2009 at 04:38 PM