The leader of the world’s largest Pentecostal denomination denounced a cartoon that mocks Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, Pentecostalism, and Christianity as “despicable.”
“The cartoon is despicable,” decried Assemblies of God’s chief executive officer, George O. Wood, in a statement Friday. “Millions of Christians today follow the example of first century Christians who prayed in other tongues.
“The Washington Post would not think of printing a cartoon that mocked members of the Muslim or Jewish faiths,” he charged. “It should be ashamed.”
In the cartoon, posted online Sept. 9, Palin is illustrated talking on the phone at a podium in an incomprehensible language. Republican vice presidential nominee John McCain stands near Palin and says with a grin, “She’s a Pentecostal and speaks in tongues, and only God can understand what she’s saying. But it gives my campaign a direct line to the Almighty.”
The next drawing shows “God” in heaven holding a phone saying to an angel, “Peter. What’s wrong with this phone? All I can hear is some dam’ right wing politician spouting gibberish!”
AG superintendent Wood criticized the political cartoon for not only revealing the cartoonist’s lack of understanding of Pentecostal beliefs, but of God.
The cartoonist portrayed God as cranky, befuddled, a user of profanity and not omniscient.
“Since God is multi-lingual, I'm sure He doesn't have problems understanding any prayers – whether they are articulated in a known or unknown language,” Wood said. “He looks for prayers that come from the heart."
Furthermore, the Pentecostal leader noted that Palin, to his knowledge, has never said she prays in tongue.
Palin was raised in a Pentecostal church and attended one until six years ago, when she and her family switched to a non-denominational evangelical church. She now identifies herself only as Christian, and a spokeswoman for the McCain-Palin campaign says Palin does not consider herself Pentecostal.
Still, the Republican vice presidential candidate and her ties with Pentecostalism have been subjected to scrutiny and commentary by secular reporters, who mainly portray the religious body as peculiar and unconventional.
According to Washingtonpost.com representative Deborah Howell, Washingtonpost.com received some 350 complaints from readers about the cartoon by Pat Oliphant, which they said lampooned their faith.
"Readers were right to complain," she said, according to AG News, the news service of the 5 million-member Assemblies of God. "I will deal with political cartooning in another column."
She also noted that Oliphant’s cartoons are automatically posted on the washingtonpost.com site without anyone editing or reviewing the material prior to its posting.
RSS
Did Obama support the murder of Christians in Kenya? Aparently he raised $1 million dollars to his uncle who did.
Did Obama support the murder of Christians in Kenya? Aparently he raised $1 million dollars to his uncle who did.
Re. the cartoons by the Post are offensive...therefore, we should... protest in mass? ask that laws be passed to make it illegal to make fun of Christianity?!
This is not in the interest of Christ. Even while on the cross, Christ prayed for those who were skeptical of His Word.
It is wiser to discuss and to clarify the issues, rather than ask for the curtailing of speech. Ultimately, there is no free speech, if speech is not allowed to offend...
As you all may or may not be aware, the WashingtonPost.com posted a cartoon of Sarah Palin, McCain and "God". This cartoon was very offensive and showed how the Washington Post is bias and Anti-Christian. Although the Post states that they are fair and non-political and tolerant of religions, this cartoon shows and proves that they are not. Many letters have been sent to the Editor who has responded with a formal "canned" response about the Washington Post 5th amendment. The Washington Post stated last year that they would NOT post the Muslim cartoon (click link below). This is why the Washington Post is not a reliable source and this should be pointed out in the media.
Protest the Post is now organizing a media blitz to bring this cartoon and the Washington Post's actions to light. Many of the talk shows have been contacted as well as Christian organizations around the US. We are asking for Christians to sign up on our site and post your views. We will be organizing a protest on the steps of the Washington Post Headquarters in DC in the near future.
It is time for the Christians to unite with one voice and stand up to the media to protect our values and faith in this crucial time in our country.
Please sign up today!
www.protestthepost.com
info@protestthepost.com
Media Inquiries: Please call 1.703.609.7709
As you all may or may not be aware, the WashingtonPost.com posted a cartoon of Sarah Palin, McCain and "God". This cartoon was very offensive and showed how the Washington Post is bias and Anti-Christian. Although the Post states that they are fair and non-political and tolerant of religions, this cartoon shows and proves that they are not. Many letters have been sent to the Editor who has responded with a formal "canned" response about the Washington Post 5th amendment. The Washington Post stated last year that they would NOT post the Muslim cartoon (click link below). This is why the Washington Post is not a reliable source and this should be pointed out in the media.
Protest the Post is now organizing a media blitz to bring this cartoon and the Washington Post's actions to light. Many of the talk shows have been contacted as well as Christian organizations around the US. We are asking for Christians to sign up on our site and post your views. We will be organizing a protest on the steps of the Washington Post Headquarters in DC in the near future.
It is time for the Christians to unite with one voice and stand up to the media to protect our values and faith in this crucial time in our country.
Please sign up today!
www.protestthepost.com
info@protestthepost.com
Media Inquiries: Please call 1.703.609.7709
Dan, This is probably an old quote. The Democratic Party has changed over the years as it has pandered to special interest groups.
"In the United States, the working class are Democrats."
Not here. Most everyone is Republican around here.
"New Evidence that Demand a Verdict "
Thanks for the info! I'll have to see if we have it in our bookstore.
"You don't understand the class structure of American society," said Smetana, "or you would not ask such a question. In the United States, the working class are Democrats. The middle class are Republicans. The upper class are Communists."
Whittaker Chambers, Witness, p. 616
While it may be that Obama is not an official card carrying communist, he certainly has been groomed by loyal reds.
It seems Obama has had numerous companions who hate America.
Breaking news:
"WND has learned that a renowned disciple of the late socialist agitator Saul "The Red" Alinksy wrote a letter of recommendation for Obama when he applied to Harvard..."
"Obama approached Northwestern University professor John L. McKnight - a loyal student of Alinsky's radical tactics - to pen the Harvard letter in the late 1980s. McKnight serves on the boards of radically anti-American groups in Chicago, including one accused of thuggery."
"McKnight, who enforced affirmative action for Attorney General Robert Kennedy, was far more than that ['my friend'] to young Obama. He helped train him in the agitation tactics of Alinsky, who wrote the organizing manual, 'Rules for Radicals,' which he dedicated to mankind's 'very first radical, Lucifer.'"
"Before leaving for Harvard, Obama wrote an article published in a journal titled, 'After Alinsky: Community Organizing in Illinois,' in which he praised McKnight and his organizing strategies. He also decried 'institutional racism' and called for more 'power' to put in place 'a systematic approach to community organization.'"
"Under the tutelage of McKnight and other hardcore students of Alinsky, Obama says he got the 'best education I ever had, better than anything I got at Harvard Law School.' He made the remark last year while campaigning in Iowa."
"Alinsky dedicated the first edition of his book, 'Rules for Radicals,' to Satan: 'Lest we forget at least an over-the-shoulder acknowledgment to the very first radical known to man who rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that he at least won his own kingdom - Lucifer.'"
For the full story:
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=76170
Stan,
Here's the difference, for Wright and Cone it is an ideology!!!
Obama has been shaped by this ideology. Does this sound like unification in brotherly love or divisiveness? There has only been one politician's sign that I have placed in my front yard, it was the man who ran against Obama for US senate: Alan Keyes. Obama is not a patriot, he is not even a true Democrat. He's radically left of Hillary and Bill.
Wake up America!!!
Another Berkely graduate...
I guess with the left having taken over our educational system, we must expect more of the same ...
stanj,
the hypocrisy is with those who think that the exception should become the rule...and the rule the exception.
so stanj, let us not use the exception to defend someone who has made it a rule and an ideology to hate this country.
The founders of this country knew the greatest threat to the people would be its own corrupt government. That's part of the reason we have free speech in the Constitution. Rev. Wright was being critical of the government for what he believed to be an overly aggressive foreign policy. His for mistake was his over the top presentation. I hear old folks saying "this country is going to hell in a hand basket" all the time. How is that not being critical of the country? Have any of you never lost your temper on a loved one or friend or did something you regret? The hypocrisy is very great here.
As per dongard, with all due respect what I brought to the table is already out in front of you.
There is a major difference between someone's religion that is based on a specific spiritual heritage and someone's religion that is based on a specific ethnicity (not to be confused with cultural traditions) that is not only hostile toward whitey, but toward America itself.
Which I have already demonstrated on prior posts.
Hey Daniel, not to steal your kudos but if you haven't gotten a hold of the new updated version titled The New Evidence that Demand a Verdict I would highly suggest you do. It is a much better format and better type font than the previous editions.
"given that it is the number one ranked research university in the world, i would like to know what you are bringing to the table."
I would bring Josh McDowell back to his alma mater. Since Berkley has such a good reputation with you I'm sure you would accept the data from one of your own.
Evidence that Demands a Verdict Pts I & II
More than a Carpenter
OOOh checkmate!! He got ya!!
dongard, you can bring Berkley, the number one ranked research university in the world, and I'll bring God's Holy Spirit and God's Word to the table and I believe that would be checkmate!!!:)
I don't understand why everyone wants to defend muslims. It seems, the only thing you have to do to get American support is to drop a bomb on this nation. Why is it, that after a group of muslims got together and decided to drive a plane (several planes) into different targets, America falls head over heals in love with the Muslims. They're teachings are in our public schools. For crying out Loud, we can't even recite a prayer anymore in school, but we can teach our children muslim traditions and dress, and even recite muslim prayers. Anyway I don't know if Obama is muslim or not, but I do believe he is anti-American. This is clear from the pastor he sat under for 20 years. You CANNOT attend a church for 20 yrs and not believe what the pastor teaches. What cought my attention was when his wife Michelle said "for the first time in my life I'm proud of my country". Get real, so the only accomplishment this country has made is a black man can run for president. I am proud of my country, have been for as long as I can remember. I know she may have faults, but she is still the greatest nation on earth. Don't agree, MOVE. No one asked that you stay here. Obama could very well be the one to give away our sovereignty as a nation.
Perhaps its fear. We embrace what we are scared of. Because just maybe if we become a muslim nation, they will not attack us anymore. Is that it!!! I have just had an epiphany!!! Does no one else realize this? We embrace the very thing that wants to destroy us. "Kill the Infidel" as quoted out of the Koran. If you study the Koran at all you'll know the too are looking for a Messiah. Comparing the two books (Bible vs. koran) It would seem the Muslim Messiah could very well be the anti-christ.
...christian...is not a copyrighted term...
I see, what impressive logic ...
Hence, you too can set yourself up as a Christian, and by that logic, call anyone else a Christian...whether they like it or not...and of course...it would all be fine for people lie yourself..
hey, dragondust,
from looking at your posts, cheese and crackers is better than what you have, or will ever have.
seedplanter
i will be happy to respond. but first stop the sophomoric ad hominem put downs. for the record, i did not just go to berkeley, i have taught there. given that it is the number one ranked research university in the world, i would like to know what you are bringing to the table.
or green...
Christian Post has total permission to draw up this little cartoon and put it out there for viewers to reflect on.
Some details can be changed. For example the chain could be golden ..the ball could be a big rock...
She could be stepping on the American flag, or burning it, or colouring it black...
SInce 2 people didnt lie my cartoon, Ill just change it a little:
What should be done re. the media?
publish a cartoon showing the media in a burka, totally covered from head to toe; in the background lie crushed pens, pencils, while in the foreground the shrouded figure hugs (in adoration style) an exceedingly huge ball and chain as it exclaims...I have no masters! I am free to do as i please!
The chain should contain the writing: ideology of the left.
And the ball should contain the writing: Islamic Fascism.
On guard dongard,
My post was specified as a response to Agentorange's comment.
You don't sound very tolerant dongard, what are they teaching you guys in the liberal academies these days?
I have a right to compare Palin's innocent beliefs to that of "obmana" and his involvement with the black liberation theologian pastor Wright (incidentally even Oprah left Wright's church over these issues).
dongard, I noticed that you seem to have only read my last post. Next time read the whole argument before you reply; it will help you to reply with more clarity and persuasion knowing your opponents position.
Again, notice the subject of my comment; I was comparing the nature of Obama's religious beliefs with that of Sarah Palin. There is no comparison!!!
Palin bases her beliefs on the Bible and Jesus Christ of which the founding fathers of America also did. Obama bases his faith on a spiritual smorgasbord of ideas of which includes a twenty year grooming by his mentor and friend Jeremiah Wright.
dongard, so what you say to the very thing that will determine where a person spends eternity and apparently so does Obama.
seedplanter
first of all so what. second that's your spin,didn't christians fight more than a few wars over this? christian is not a copyrighted term. and most importantly those of you who have attempted to define "central" terms have not faired well in the history of christian faith or church history.
dongard, yes he says that he is a Christian who doesn't believe the chief tenet of the Christian faith, that when Jeus said I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life and no one can come unto the Father but through Me, He meant it.
seedplanter
actually obmana has come out and clearly declared his religious beliefs. the problem is that you do not respect him. you and many others want even demand that he must worship according to your preconceived rules. even if, and i don't believe it for an instant, he wanted to be some version of a christian muslim. that is his right as an american. he has tried to explain where he stands. it is you that has the problem. you want him to be pushed into some corner that makes you feel good. well so sorry no one should have to justify their faith to make you feel that yours is the right one.
In his 1970 book A Black Theology of Liberation, Cone advanced the notion of a deity that sided with blacks, and against whites:
"Black theology refuses to accept a God who is not identified totally with the goals of the Black community. If God is not for us and against White people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him. The task of Black theology is to kill Gods who do not belong to the Black community ... Black theology will accept only the love of God which participates in the destruction of the white enemy. What we need is the divine love as expressed in Black Power, which is the power of Black people to destroy their oppressors here and now by any means at their disposal. Unless God is participating in this holy activity, we must reject his love."
In his landmark 1969 book Black Theology and Black Power, Cone wrote:
"The time has come for white America to be silent and listen to black people.... All white men are responsible for white oppression.... Theologically, Malcolm X was not far wrong when he called the white man 'the devil.' ... Any advice from whites to blacks on how to deal with white oppression is automatically under suspicion as a clever device to further enslavement."
http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/individualProfile.asp?indid=2315
Dr Wood did not even insinuate that the cartoon should be censored. He merely asserted that it is dispicable and rightly so. Considering the fact that 90% of Americans believe in God in one form or another, it was not a mere political attack against Palin.
Atheists can rest at ease, Christians are not rolling out the Old Testament theocracy. It was Bible translator and reformer, William Tyndale who first recognized the personal right for everyone to have the freedom of belief and freedom of conscience.
To Agent and other critics,
The difference is that Obama has never really genuinely come out and declared his religious beliefs. He claims Christianity, but holds very liberal beliefs. He also has strong connections to Islam. The church that he attended also has strong connections to black Islam.
If you study black liberation theology you'll discover that their faith and acceptance of God is directly related to their culture, not their beliefs. According to Obama's 20 year pastor, Jeremiah Wright God should damn America. If you think that this was a misinterpretation or being taken out of context, one must only turn to Wright's mentor, Rev James Cone:
"This country was founded for whites and everything that has happened in it has emerged from the white perspective. What we need is the destruction of whiteness, which is the source of human misery in the world." - James Cone
"What we need is the divine love as expressed in Black Power, which is the power of Black people to destroy their oppressors here and now by any means at their disposal. Unless God is participating in this holy activity, we must reject his love." - James Cone, A Black Theology of Liberation.
This is quite a bit different than Palin's religious beliefs which include glossolalia. Keep in mind that not all Pentecostals participate or claim to have been given this gift. In either case, Pentecostalism is not based on culture, ethnicity or nationality, quite unlike black liberation theology.
What should be done re. the media?
publish a cartoon showing the media in a burka, totally covered from head to toe; in the background lie crushed pens, pencils, while in the foreground the shrouded figure hugs (in adoration style) an exceedingly huge ball and chain as it exclaims...I have no masters! I am free to do as i please!
DP
Yeaaah, -
http://blogs.venturacountystar.com/greenberg/qqxsgObamaPieces.jpg
Are you serious though? How long have people been blogging and lying or insulting Obama? I could've swore you and others on here did everything from say he was a Muslim to question his Chrisitianity. Too much hypocracy, can't compute!
This is just another example of the militant anti-Christ attitude taken by the liberals in our society. Please note there are no such cartoons about Obama and his former pastor that were anything like this. So much 'fun' could have been had but the liberal media wouldn't do that. After all, we can't insult the democrats now can we....
"Nothing shall offend thee" and I believe God means nothing. Remember brothers and sisters, this world is fallen and is reserved for fire and God is quite capable of defending Himself!
HE is our Defender and people are free to believe what they wish.
I know in whom I believe, Jesus Christ, The Hope of Glory!
It is all about Jesus Christ, it is not about man. Without Jesus Christ, there is no life; and for those who do choose to live without God, well, that will be a choice they live with for eternity.
I believe that Sarah Palin is a woman of faith, and she is being raised up for "such a time as this" and I thank God that HE has heard the cries of HIS children in our nation, who have been praying for many years for HIS intervention! Thank you Jesus! and I pray for this cartoonist, who obviously doesn't know God! In Jesus Name, Amen!
pvlman: "Every one has the right to complain, no one has the right to throttle Oliphant and the WP. "
So it's OK to insult someone, but it's NOT OK to defend someone being insulted?
Is that what free speech means?
excuse me, God's way of thinking.
tpique1,
I agree with you. Who would have ever thought that believing the Bible cover to cover would make you a fanatic. As you said, I simply thought this meant you were a Christian. There are those who would disagree with our way of thinking.
jhumfle,
I for one think if you believe God's Word and trust Him in everything you do, that doesn't make you a fanatic, it makes you a Christian. Imagine having to differentiate and defend that among people who call themselves Christians, huh. :)
You know, on second thought I would not mind to be called a fanatic for God. I would actually consider it a compliment. So, by all means call me a fanatic if it makes you feel any better. It still does not change the meaning of God's word.
Thereâ
blue1018,
Where do you people get your ridiculous accusations??? Where are Christians killing ANYONE?? As a matter of fact in those muslim nations you speak of hundreds of Christians are being murdered, starved, and imprisoned for their faith - not to mention what is happening in atheist China and North Korea.
Holier than thou against politicians?? Politicians ARE NOT JESUS CHRIST - they are irrelevant in the economy of eternity! Most politicians are blinded by one thing - power.
True Christians test EVERYTHING against God's Word. They test politicians against God's Word, they test their schools, churches, pastors, human life, lifestyles, even reality itself AGAINST GOD'S WORD.
Morality is not dictated by some blind naturalistic consensus. Naturalists have no basis for morality anyway. They have to borrow from the Christian worldview to even arrive at a moral worldview.
Christians HAVE a basis for their belief system and it hasn't changed in 2000 years. If we are hated for standing up for justice and what's right - and not what's popular - so be it.
I am a pentecostal Christian. I believe in the " Speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance."
I have seen this cartoon, it does not offend me in this sense. It is not about me, It is all about God.
This man in his enemity against God has offended God.
The Christian, Those who believe the Bible is the Word of God, Those who believe that homosexuality is sin, who believe that Abortion flies into the face f God's love.
Are a threat to he aenda of a one world order.
I've never commented on a story here before, but something struck me as I was reading through the comments previously posted. Though I do not think this cartoon rises to the level of "persecution" Jesus talked about, I think as Christians we would be prudent to remember the following verses:
Matthew 5:10-13 and Matthew 5:44:-45.
We would also do well to remember the words from Peter when we defend our faith:
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." (1 Peter 3:15-16)
I see that the ACLU was mentioned. I'm at a loss as to whose civil rights, where violated with the toon. Oliphant had every right to create the toon, the WP had every right to post/publish it. Every one has the right to complain, no one has the right to throttle Oliphant and the WP.
Hunted down the toon expecting to find something outrageous, this is not. Why does the most powerful group in the US, always have to make themselves the victim? America's leader trying to pick a fight with the Russian bear. Only God's know if America consumption base economy, built on a house of cards will put us in the poor house. Move on, there are more important things to be concerned about, than some silly toon
abb3w,
You said "If God is omnipotent, why couldn't he be asking a rhetorical question? (cf. Gen 3:9-11, by the way)"
God did know where Adam and Eve were, and what they had done. He was simply giving them the option (as He still does today) for them to come to Him on their own accord and confess their sin. That's kind of like asking "Well, if God knows everything, why do I need to confess my sins to Him?" Because it's a love relationship. God wants us to love and trust Him enough to be able to come to Him and share our faults with Him, and ask His help. God doesn't force us to ask for forgiveness, He allows us to come to Him from our own free will. It actually is quite a lesson of love we can learn from just those few scriptures. Because you also could ask "If Adam and Eve had a deep, true relationship with God, they would have known He was omnipresent and omniscient. And knowing that, why did they try to hide themselves from a God that knows everything?"