Fallen and Flawed

Why I Support Obama (By a Guy Who Shouldn’t)

Pardon me.

But was I out sick the day Christians were ordered to hide from Obama?

I mean, we’re to despise Obama?  Hex him? Snarl and sneer at him?

But they tell me were not drawing the line there…

Let’s accuse him of being the anti-Christ. A wicked darling of the abortion clinic. A ferocious monster who will drag this country to the pit.

In a word, some evangelicals I know don’t think Obama can can do any good.

What I Want in a President

But whether these things are true or not, is beside the point. These same things were said about Bush 4 and 8 years ago.

Listen: I’m always skeptical of a Christian President. As much as I would be of a Islamic, Jewish or atheistic President.

Indeed, what I want is a leader who will use wisdom. Who will seek wise counsel. Balance the conflict of interest that simmers in our nation.

Obama doesn’t have to be a Christian to do that. He could be Mormon and still qualify as President.

Bullrush. Pervert. Twist. 

Granted, our nation is built on Christian principles. And while I agree that an absolute law of the land must reign (every individual, group or cult shouldn’t be able to do as they please), our nation is also built on religious freedom.

That means Obama is likely to support laws and interest groups that make my skin crawl. 

In fact, he may bullrush the innocent. Pervert justice. Even twist Christianity. But that’s to be expected. Especially in a democratic nation.

Barack Obama Versus God 

Frequently in history God used non-Jewish, non-Christian, non-religious leaders to pave the way for redemptive history.

The same applies to Obama.

Even if he becomes the worst nightmare evangelical Christians have ever seen…he’s not thwarting God’s will. 

He’s fulfilling it. 

My Central Point

Yes, I think Obama is a religious leader. I suspect he believes in the soul and that it lasts forever. And–this is a stretch–he agrees souls either terminate in heaven or hell.

But I’m skeptical of his claim to Christianity. [Just as I was once of mine.]

Regardless, I still have to support him. For no other reason that Christ insisted I obey legitimate authority.

That doesn’t mean I can’t disagree with, debate or flat-out oppose him. Doesn’t mean I can’t fight him. 

I can do all these things. As long as in the end I support Obama. Especially in prayer. 

What I Want from Barack Obama

Here’s what I want from Obama: I want Obama to protect my life. My family’s life. My neighbors’ life. The nation’s life…if for no other reason that I have room to spread the Gospel.

Augustine insisted capital punishment was wrong because it robbed someone of the opportunity to repent. Jim Elliot promoted something similar.

Naturally, I want Obama’s legacy to be one of preseving life so that the eternal soul has an opportunity to repent and trust in Jesus.  

My Legacy of Adoration

Yet, if I don’t get that room…if Obama leaves a legacy of oppression and violence (and I’m not suggesting he will)…so be it.

Persecution grooms the Christian heart to adore Christ even more. 

See, the legacy I want to leave is one of adoring Christ more. And if Barack Obama makes that happen through evil, idolatrous ways, spread out…

I’m adoring Christ.

And supporting the President I didn’t vote for whether my Christian friends like it or not.

What Do You Think? 

So, am I a crackpot? Have I lost my evengelical marbles? Are you a conservative evangelical bewildered by those who despise Obama? Do you even care?

Leave a comment. I’m interested in what you have to say.

Tags: Obama, President