One of my closest friends is a graduate of Bible-College, and an educator of young children. She is a life-long Republican voter; that is, until this very election.
Because she is a life-long Republican, she receives a lot of emails about Barack from some of her closest friends - ones that call him a terrorist, a Muslim, and shockingly The Antichrist himself.
After receiving the "Is Barack the Antichrist?" email from a close friend from Bible College, she forwarded this response to me. I think it is fantastic.
Here it is: A Response to the "Barack is the Antichrist" Email:
Dear Friend,
I am really sad that you chose to pass this on. What a huge jump and character assassination people are making...to link Obama to all those other events.
How much have you really read about Obama? He only met his father once. He did go to public school in Indonesia for a few of his early years, but he certainly had no Muslim extremist upbringing.
His name, Barack, means blessing [in Swahili] - same as in Hebrew. His middle name, Hussein, was his grandfather's name...too bad that it's the same as Sadaam's, but how is that a correlation? I hope everyone named Adolf doesn't get accused of being aligned with Hitler?
If you've bought into the internet forwards saying otherwise, I hope you've discovered the truth about the attacks. There are credible websites that have de bunked all of that long ago, yet they still continue...amazing.
I've spent the last 16 months gathering information and reading pretty in depth. I'm so disheartened that good people still flock to these internet attacks and then draw Christianity into the mix. I'm trusting the Lord for His sovereignty and protection regarding what happens.
I recently read that it's been preached by some pastors that the only "righteous" choice is McCain.
I find that incredible to believe. As far as a record of integrity in office, there is a serious scandal in McCain's past - his conviction of fraud in money scandals in the 90's IS a concern. His extreme wealth (13 cars, 7 homes and his second marriage...to the heir of a fortune in the alcohol industry) makes me uncomfortable, but it doesn't discredit him...I just think it puts him pretty far out of touch...remember his answer to Rick Warren, when asked to define someone who is wealthy was...'how 'bout 5 million?'...and it has been estimated that Cindy's earrings at the RNC cost $280,000 dollars...making her outfit over $300,000. Not something that discredits them, but interesting to note.
As for Palin, she's probably a lot more in touch with the common folk, but certainly doesn't have an impeccable moral record...having eloped when she was pregnant...now that's not something that would discredit her either, but I doubt that the people who declare only one party to be righteous are discussing this aspect much either.
Of course I greatly respect McCain's heroism in the Vietnam War. I read about him years ago, and was impressed. I also greatly like his stand against torture of POW's...the enemy included.
Yes, McCain/Palin have a pro life voting record and I truly respect that...I wish all the candidates stood against abortion. That issue alone kept me voting for certain people for many, many years. Finally my conscience had to look at a more consistent view of what it means to be pro-life...it is more than just being anti abortion.
It involves the ethics of also CARING for people who are vulnerable. It does not involve unjust wars, torture or turning one's back to genocide. It does not involve letting people die unnecessary deaths due to a complete lack of health care reform or a lack of response to the tragedy of Katrina.
I'm not saying abortion isn't a huge issue. But it is not the only one. When the rubber meets the road in day to day life, abortions are down in this country and these other issues continue to persist. Maybe if our parties weren't so incredibly polarized, largely due to the religious right's one sided influence, we could make gains for the greater good. The polarization has gotten us nowhere. I think when we build bridges instead of walls, we have the hope of reconciling in this country.
There are dedicated Christians who are staying the course in BOTH parties and ministries who are fervently trying to bring this terrible polarization to an end. Yes, even evangelical democrats who are working with influence on abortion reduction...as well as reduction in poverty and injustice.
I just cannot and will not listen to only one side any longer. We are in a much worse place than we were before the current administration and it has to change.
I need to act responsibly with the convictions that God has placed in my heart as I wrestle fervently - and I do mean fervently with these issues. If you sent the email to open my eyes, I'm sorry. I have been putting heartfelt hours, days and months into this election and will make my decisions based on that.
I love America. I love diversity. I love the Lord with all my heart.
I love you too, my friend. I just cannot agree with this mailing, and deleting it without a response did not feel right.
