Obama's Theology?

[David Graham]

My question is whether the countries who do provide universal care would mind picking up their own defense budgets

I think that many of us are already doing this Jim. My country has the strongest Navy and Airforce in our region. If we were to lift our defence budget as you suggest it might mean going Nuclear, and some Australians advocate that we should have our own Nuclear weapons..... but I'm not sure that the US and other nations would welcome that.

[Jim Chabot]

I think that many of us are already doing this Jim. My country has the strongest Navy and Airforce in our region. If we were to lift our defence budget as you suggest it might mean going Nuclear, and some Australians advocate that we should have our own Nuclear weapons..... but I'm not sure that the US and other nations would welcome that.

Agreed, and I will freely admit that my eye is cast toward Europe when I speak of those who in my estimation have not been good citizens shouldering their share of the burden. While I'm quite glad to be a part of a country who's self sacrifice and largess have made a great difference in this world. And I can understand how some might be unappreciative for such is the nature of man. Still it bothers me that we pay an inordinate price in the way of money and our own precious people while others sit and criticize. Our contribution to NATO has cost us billions and billions of dollars and a tense relationship with Russia. We could save tons of money by pulling out of NATO and deploying missile defense on our shores alone, perhaps this would also stop the Russian nuclear bomber training missions now taking place close to our Western shore? Same goes with our participation in the UN. Who spends the most amount of money carrying out their mission? How much would others have to kick in, should we pull out? If we are guilty of anything it's a concern for the world at large. One thing that Ron Paul was correct about, he claimed that if we would just pull back from any military activity that did not directly protect our soil, we could have free health care in a minute.

Other countries do not have the expenses and responsibilities that we have.

And I'm now reminded that I'm off on a bit of a sidetrack. My premise is that we just plain don't have the money. We are 16 Trillion in debt. And we are taxed and regulated beyond that which many Americans are willing to tolerate.

[Wilson Deaton]

Dan Boone, in his book, A Charitable Discourse, wrote:

"The Republicans seem to lean into the Wisdom Literature best--personal responsibility, a work ethic, just rewards, good decisions, wise rulers. The Democrats live closer to the Prophets--care for the downtrodden, the rich helping the poor, justice for the powerless at the city gate, not going to war."

Of course it is a generalization but I think it a pretty fair assessment.

I also think it sheds light on Obama's theology. I suspect that Wright (and other religious influence in Obama's life) probably preached/taught the "prophetic" side more than the "wisdom" side.

Wilson

[Larry Parsons]

I don't believe Obama theology has anything to do with loving the poor. He is just using the poor to gain more government control. If he real love the poor he would help them become indepent from the government but this not what he is doing.
Thanks
Larry

[John Kennedy]

Well, I guess this thread finally wound up where I thought it would when it began.

[Larry Parsons]

Given Obama's background I think I understand at least the motivations behind his wanting universal healthcare. From a theological standpoint it makes sense if there is care for the poor, the widows and the orphans. Granted there is more to that, but in modern society as it is where better to start doing so on a governmental platform if not universal healthcare? I can't say the whole plan makes sense or that it isn't in need of improvements, but the theological ideal I see behind it makes good sense.

What motivate Obama he believe the state has all the answer to our problem. What ever you need let state provide it. God has given the state certain funtion to carry out but care for the poor is not one them.
Thanks
Larry

[Andy Mistak]

God has given the state certain funtion to carry out but care for the poor is not one them.
Thanks
Larry

You can't sanctify conservative/libertarian political philosophy like this. God has most certainly NOT said anywhere that the state should not care for the poor. If you think it's a bad idea or that an entity other than the state can do a better job, argue for that position. Just don't put words in God's mouth to de-legitimize opposing political views.

[Dan Henderson]

You can't sanctify conservative/libertarian political philosophy like this. God has most certainly NOT said anywhere that the state should not care for the poor. If you think it's a bad idea or that an entity other than the state can do a better job, argue for that position. Just don't put words in God's mouth to de-legitimize opposing political views.

Larry's position is more reasonable than yours. God has given the States specific authority and has not made any comment on the state function in caring for the poor. Christians, however, do have specific commands regarding the poor.

[Craig Laughlin]

Larry's position is more reasonable than yours. God has given the States specific authority and [B]has not made any comment on the state function in caring for the poor. Christians, however, do have specific commands regarding the poor.

What? Larry's post is irrelevant and says nothing. The state does not need Biblical authority to care for the poor and from a Christian perspective if it is not forbidden by scripture or biblical principle then Christians are free to support it. Saying that the state is not specifically given authority by scripture to care for the poor is a meaningless statement. They are not specifically given authority to enforce speed limits either.

[Andy Mistak]

Larry's position is more reasonable than yours. God has given the States specific authority and has not made any comment on the state function in caring for the poor. Christians, however, do have specific commands regarding the poor.

You don't know what my position is (though you could probably guess). I just said that Larry wasn't giving a fair or reasonable argument for his position.

[Greg Farra]

Dan Boone, in his book, A Charitable Discourse, wrote:

"The Republicans seem to lean into the Wisdom Literature best--personal responsibility, a work ethic, just rewards, good decisions, wise rulers. The Democrats live closer to the Prophets--care for the downtrodden, the rich helping the poor, justice for the powerless at the city gate, not going to war."

Of course it is a generalization but I think it a pretty fair assessment.

I also think it sheds light on Obama's theology. I suspect that Wright (and other religious influence in Obama's life) probably preached/taught the "prophetic" side more than the "wisdom" side.


Wilson

Perhaps the problem is that we choose sides rather than both?

[Todd Erickson]

Only Jesus knows the hearts of men (well, and the Shadow). But we all seem to behave as if we can know the hearts and motivations of others, and judge them accordingly.

Ah, the splinters that sanctification allows us. By this love we will be known.