Comments on: Why I’m Voting for Obama http://www.ryanbolger.com/?p=170 Exploring what it means to be the church in contemporary culture Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:51:45 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: RyanBolger.com » Would Jesus Vote? http://www.ryanbolger.com/?p=170&cpage=1#comment-999 RyanBolger.com » Would Jesus Vote? Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:02:29 +0000 http://www.ryanbolger.com/?p=170#comment-999 [...] friend of mine asked this in a previous post of mine. My answer? Well, Jesus didn’t live in a democracy, so that wasn’t a real option for him. I [...] [...] friend of mine asked this in a previous post of mine. My answer? Well, Jesus didn’t live in a democracy, so that wasn’t a real option for him. I [...]

]]> By: Ryan Bolger http://www.ryanbolger.com/?p=170&cpage=1#comment-997 Ryan Bolger Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:29:39 +0000 http://www.ryanbolger.com/?p=170#comment-997 Kris -- great question - would Jesus have voted? well, he didn't live in a democracy, so that wasn't an option -- So, we need to argue from the way of life he lived in Palestine - Jesus was about creating a community of the outcasts and marginalized and giving them a voice. So, I don't think we can argue about voting in the abstract -- is it always good or bad? We need to ask what it is doing in that particular context, whether voting is liberating or oppressive for that particular event. Was voting a kingdom-like activity in South Africa when blacks voted for the first time in 1994? I would say it was. Is voting a kingdom-like thing when a one-party govt has 99% support? Probably not -- it reinforces the illusion of support that those in power hold. So, the question must be asked -- is this a time to vote, is it an empowering thing for people or not? I think for many it is. I believe we have, in this election, an opportunity to reverse the tide in this country on several levels. But I completely respect those who believe they must refrain from voting -- I've been there too. Kris — great question – would Jesus have voted?
well, he didn’t live in a democracy, so that wasn’t an option —
So, we need to argue from the way of life he lived in Palestine -
Jesus was about creating a community of the outcasts and marginalized and giving them a voice. So, I don’t think we can argue about voting in the abstract — is it always good or bad? We need to ask what it is doing in that particular context, whether voting is liberating or oppressive for that particular event.
Was voting a kingdom-like activity in South Africa when blacks voted for the first time in 1994? I would say it was. Is voting a kingdom-like thing when a one-party govt has 99% support? Probably not — it reinforces the illusion of support that those in power hold. So, the question must be asked — is this a time to vote, is it an empowering thing for people or not? I think for many it is. I believe we have, in this election, an opportunity to reverse the tide in this country on several levels. But I completely respect those who believe they must refrain from voting — I’ve been there too.

]]> By: Ryan Bolger http://www.ryanbolger.com/?p=170&cpage=1#comment-996 Ryan Bolger Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:19:32 +0000 http://www.ryanbolger.com/?p=170#comment-996 Willie, So, abortion could be erased by the stroke of a pen, and not poverty? Wasn't 700B given to rescue the economy by a stroke of the pen? Do you think 700B would have made a difference to the poor? So, it is a matter of priority - preserve capitalism or end the conditions that give rise to abortions...I think we know which one our current leaders chose... Willie,
So, abortion could be erased by the stroke of a pen, and not poverty? Wasn’t 700B given to rescue the economy by a stroke of the pen? Do you think 700B would have made a difference to the poor? So, it is a matter of priority – preserve capitalism or end the conditions that give rise to abortions…I think we know which one our current leaders chose…

]]> By: Ryan Bolger http://www.ryanbolger.com/?p=170&cpage=1#comment-995 Ryan Bolger Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:16:00 +0000 http://www.ryanbolger.com/?p=170#comment-995 Page, I have no interest in the govt. taking the church's job. Feeding the poor is sharing Jesus, as well as talking about him. Very cool about the Katrina help -- heard the same from many that churches really made the difference. I don't think that excuses the government's incompetence in that area, however. I believe abortions will be reduced, not by passing a law but by reducing poverty. So I do care for that person next door! My hope is in Christ as well -- I don't know if a govt is to be big or small, but I would rather one be closer to the kingdom of God than the other one! Peace, thanks for posting such a thoughtful comment. Ryan Page,
I have no interest in the govt. taking the church’s job.
Feeding the poor is sharing Jesus, as well as talking about him.
Very cool about the Katrina help — heard the same from many that churches really made the difference. I don’t think that excuses the government’s incompetence in that area, however.
I believe abortions will be reduced, not by passing a law but by reducing poverty. So I do care for that person next door!
My hope is in Christ as well — I don’t know if a govt is to be big or small, but I would rather one be closer to the kingdom of God than the other one!
Peace, thanks for posting such a thoughtful comment.
Ryan

]]> By: Page http://www.ryanbolger.com/?p=170&cpage=1#comment-993 Page Sun, 02 Nov 2008 13:06:46 +0000 http://www.ryanbolger.com/?p=170#comment-993 Your number one reason bothers me. If Jesus asked us to share, it is with a cheerful heart. Not because we are forced to by the government. Just this week, Obama called McCain selfish because McCain doesn't want to raise taxes. Obama compared it to sharing his sandwich with a classmate. It would be more fair to say that the principal came in the lunch room and took half of his sandwich and wouldn't tell Obama where he was taking it. I like to have a "say" in where my money goes. Do you really trust that the government will make better decisions than you on where the money should go? Have you ever served in a faith based soup kitchen? Don't you believe that a church based program will do better than a government based program? Your number two reason is wrong. Nobody likes war. I don't believe that either side is a warmonger. Both sides want "out" but they way they get out is the difference. Iraq is building a free country and is needing our assistance. Our military is training them to help themselves. If we leave too early, it could collapse. Why would you want to do that to them now that things are starting to go well. You wouldn't set your 10 year old child out on their own in NYC? Your third point, you are probably right. He will make concessions that would make them like us. Many of these terrorist organizations have been hoping that Obama will be elected. I have seen their quotes. Your point four... what? He shut out a TV station that asked legitimate questions and gave three newspapers the boot off his plane because they didn't endorse HIM. It doesn't sound like he wants any "sit down at the table." Your point five, McCain has a more detailed plan for the environment http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/News/Speeches/Read.aspx?guid=0b381abd-e573-459d-8716-fbd83ab62d8d as well as plans to reduce our dependance on foreign oil. Your number one reason bothers me. If Jesus asked us to share, it is with a cheerful heart. Not because we are forced to by the government. Just this week, Obama called McCain selfish because McCain doesn’t want to raise taxes. Obama compared it to sharing his sandwich with a classmate. It would be more fair to say that the principal came in the lunch room and took half of his sandwich and wouldn’t tell Obama where he was taking it. I like to have a “say” in where my money goes. Do you really trust that the government will make better decisions than you on where the money should go? Have you ever served in a faith based soup kitchen? Don’t you believe that a church based program will do better than a government based program?

Your number two reason is wrong. Nobody likes war. I don’t believe that either side is a warmonger. Both sides want “out” but they way they get out is the difference. Iraq is building a free country and is needing our assistance. Our military is training them to help themselves. If we leave too early, it could collapse. Why would you want to do that to them now that things are starting to go well. You wouldn’t set your 10 year old child out on their own in NYC?

Your third point, you are probably right. He will make concessions that would make them like us. Many of these terrorist organizations have been hoping that Obama will be elected. I have seen their quotes.

Your point four… what? He shut out a TV station that asked legitimate questions and gave three newspapers the boot off his plane because they didn’t endorse HIM. It doesn’t sound like he wants any “sit down at the table.”

Your point five, McCain has a more detailed plan for the environment http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/News/Speeches/Read.aspx?guid=0b381abd-e573-459d-8716-fbd83ab62d8d as well as plans to reduce our dependance on foreign oil.

]]> By: Cynthia Opines: Day 40 « A Life Profound http://www.ryanbolger.com/?p=170&cpage=1#comment-992 Cynthia Opines: Day 40 « A Life Profound Sun, 02 Nov 2008 12:44:59 +0000 http://www.ryanbolger.com/?p=170#comment-992 [...] today, moving on, Ryan Bolger writes his reasons for voting for Obama: 1) The poor will be better off with Obama. I believe this to be the first question we must ask of [...] [...] today, moving on, Ryan Bolger writes his reasons for voting for Obama: 1) The poor will be better off with Obama. I believe this to be the first question we must ask of [...]

]]> By: Kristofer http://www.ryanbolger.com/?p=170&cpage=1#comment-988 Kristofer Fri, 31 Oct 2008 20:07:03 +0000 http://www.ryanbolger.com/?p=170#comment-988 Since you are basing your decisions off of your understanding of Jesus, I have one question: Would Jesus have voted? Since you are basing your decisions off of your understanding of Jesus, I have one question:

Would Jesus have voted?

]]> By: Thomas http://www.ryanbolger.com/?p=170&cpage=1#comment-987 Thomas Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:08:00 +0000 http://www.ryanbolger.com/?p=170#comment-987 Thanks Ryan...I have been wondering who to vote for, and decided last night that in good conscience I could not not vote, but neither could I vote for Obama or McCain (for too many reasons) so I wrote in a candidate, and I feel amazinlgy at peace. I am sure he will not win, but that does not matter, I voted my conscience. Thanks for your mentoring and voice. One small suggestion, change the font on this reply page, hard for an old 40 something to read.... Salaam/Shalom, T Thanks Ryan…I have been wondering who to vote for, and decided last night that in good conscience I could not not vote, but neither could I vote for Obama or McCain (for too many reasons) so I wrote in a candidate, and I feel amazinlgy at peace. I am sure he will not win, but that does not matter, I voted my conscience. Thanks for your mentoring and voice. One small suggestion, change the font on this reply page, hard for an old 40 something to read….

Salaam/Shalom,

T

]]> By: i’m not political… « serial youth pastor http://www.ryanbolger.com/?p=170&cpage=1#comment-984 i’m not political… « serial youth pastor Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:26:53 +0000 http://www.ryanbolger.com/?p=170#comment-984 [...] blog and thought it was worth linking to.  Boneman’s post is in response to this post.  You really should read both posts actually.  I can’t tell you who to vote for.  I have [...] [...] blog and thought it was worth linking to.  Boneman’s post is in response to this post.  You really should read both posts actually.  I can’t tell you who to vote for.  I have [...]

]]> By: Dave http://www.ryanbolger.com/?p=170&cpage=1#comment-982 Dave Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:27:32 +0000 http://www.ryanbolger.com/?p=170#comment-982 Rod Dreher put it well I think : “Withdrawing in disgust is not the same thing as apathy.” http://www.amconmag.com/article/2008/nov/03/00008/ "I can’t vote for Barack Obama. He is a pro-abortion zealot and wrong on all the issues that matter most to social conservatives. Mind you, one should not be under any illusion that things will markedly improve under another Republican administration. But there is no question that on issues related to the sanctity of life and traditional marriage, an Obama administration, with a Democratic Congress at its back, would be far worse." "While it is foolish to look forward to a decisive electoral defeat for one’s side, I can’t say that the coming rout will be a bad thing. The Right desperately needs to repent, rethink, and rebuild—and only the pain of a shattering loss will force conservatives to confront reality." Or as Mark Shea puts it: we're faced with a choice between "The Stupid Party" and "The Evil Party" . Not much of a choice , but in rejecting the GOP = "The Stupid Party" doesn't mean I'm going to embrace "The Evil Party" . Rod Dreher put it well I think :

“Withdrawing in disgust is not the same thing as apathy.”

http://www.amconmag.com/article/2008/nov/03/00008/

“I can’t vote for Barack Obama. He is a pro-abortion zealot and wrong on all the issues that matter most to social conservatives. Mind you, one should not be under any illusion that things will markedly improve under another Republican administration. But there is no question that on issues related to the sanctity of life and traditional marriage, an Obama administration, with a Democratic Congress at its back, would be far worse.”

“While it is foolish to look forward to a decisive electoral defeat for one’s side, I can’t say that the coming rout will be a bad thing. The Right desperately needs to repent, rethink, and rebuild—and only the pain of a shattering loss will force conservatives to confront reality.”

Or as Mark Shea puts it: we’re faced with a choice between “The Stupid Party” and “The Evil Party” . Not much of a choice , but in rejecting the GOP = “The Stupid Party” doesn’t mean I’m going to embrace “The Evil Party” .

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