According to Novak. Oh boy! Given the state of evangelicalism I’m not surprised. Embarrassed but not surprised:
Nevertheless, reports out of the evangelical community dispute Huckabee’s support. One experienced, credible activist in Christian politics who would not let his name be used told me Huckabee in personal conversation with him embraced the concept that an Obama presidency might be what the American people deserve. That fits what has largely been a fringe position among evangelicals that the pain of an Obama presidency is in keeping with the Bible’s prophecy.
According to this activist, at the heart of the let-Obama-win movement is longtime Virginia conservative leader Michael Farris — the nation’s leading home-school advocate, who is now chancellor of Patrick Henry College (in Purcellville, Va.) for home-schooled students. Best known politically as the losing Republican candidate for lieutenant governor of Virginia in 1993, Farris is regarded as one of the hardest-edged Christian politicians. He is reported in evangelical circles to promote the Biblical justification for an Obama plague-like presidency.
In conversations with me, Huckabee and Farris both denied advocating that an Obama presidency should be inflicted on the country. Huckabee was enthusiastic in his support for McCain, noting how well they had bonded during their primary competition.
OK, if any of you guys think this, give me New Testament support for your position.
posted May 12, 2008 at 3:16 pm
All I will say is that Obama is quoted as saying, “I will campaign in all 57 states.” Odd, huh, well there are 57 Islamic states. Check it out if you doubt.
posted May 12, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Oh, pull-eeze.
All I can say is that many, many people I know think that evangelical Christians are a plague on America. This latest bit of asinine & vicious fear-mongering in the guise of religion will only reinforce that view.
I hope that Christians who criticized moderate Muslims for failing to speak out loudly enough against Islamic extremists will react quickly and vociferously to this lunacy, if only to protect what little standing the church may have left.
posted May 12, 2008 at 4:03 pm
I don’t agree with anything Obama says, but this really is over the top.
posted May 12, 2008 at 4:19 pm
And yet this is the same sentiment that came out in 1996 when Dole effectively ignored the conservative Christians at the Houston convention. Many folks in the evangelical community were content allowing the antichrist, Bill Clinton, to win that election. They believed then that this was God’s punishment for the GOP running away from the abortion issue.
posted May 12, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Michael Farris … of “Home-school Heartbeat!”
Awww, that takes me back.
Don’t think “New Testament,” think “Bible.”
Still, the language doesn’t quite square with what I’ve heard from … hmm … I don’t want to name names, michele, but maybe you can deduce the Bible teacher I have in mind.
Likewise, don’t think “plague” as in Exodus or Apocalypse but think retribution as in Isaiah 3:12: My people— infants are their oppressors, and women rule over them.
And, of course “prophecy” is not eschatology here.
Like so many things, don’t think that because I know the rationale, I subscribe to the view. On the contrary, I found the idea so troubling that, after hearing it, I ran it by our Janet … and she allayed my concern!
posted May 12, 2008 at 9:08 pm
If Obama is a plague then they don’t make plagues like they used to.
posted May 12, 2008 at 10:13 pm
I think I may vote for Obama after all.
posted May 13, 2008 at 11:56 am
Scare-monger much, Michele?
posted May 13, 2008 at 11:35 pm
And yet, if the country as a whole votes for Obama then it kinda deserves whatever that leads to.
posted May 14, 2008 at 12:44 am
“Don’t think “New Testament,” think “Bible.”"
No, no, no! There’s a reason I said New Testament. I know they’ll twist the Old Testament to use verses intending punishment on Israel as punishment on America but they are not the same.
And your quote is a perfect example:
Likewise, don’t think “plague” as in Exodus or Apocalypse but think retribution as in Isaiah 3:12: My people— infants are their oppressors, and women rule over them.
Sorry but America does not equal Israel the church equals Israel so if you want to apply Isaiah 3:12 maybe you should look elsewhere for your answer.
posted May 14, 2008 at 1:05 am
“Scare-monger much, Michele?
WTH?
posted May 14, 2008 at 10:12 am
I’m just telling you where it comes from … you don’t dictate their interpretative methodology, sister.
(and, yeah, I considered my own church’s leadership, weak as it too often is – I see application of the verse there.)