Christian right leader Dr. James Dobson said he is currently in a grieving process over the presidential election result, which he said is a huge setback for the pro-life movement.
“I want to admit that I am in the midst of a grieving process at this time,” Dobson said on the Focus on the Family radio broadcast on Thursday. “I’m not grieving over Barack Obama’s victory, but over the loss of things that I’ve fought for, for 35 years.”
In particular, he pointed to Obama’s commitment to abortion rights and advancement of the homosexual agenda.
“[H]e’s going to appoint the most liberal justices to the Supreme Court, perhaps that we’ve ever had,” Dobson further predicted. “So, there are many reasons why I’m struggling today over the likely path that the nation has taken.”
However, the well-known Christian leader still congratulated the new president-elect on his “stunning victory,” which he called a historic accomplishment.
Likewise, Coral Ridge Ministries, founded by the late conservative Christian leader Dr. D. James Kennedy, also offered its congratulations to Obama, noting that the election demonstrates that America is increasingly a color-blind society.
But the ministry went on to contend that America has made a “grave error” in its choice for president because of the life issue.
“Still, we, as Americans and as Christians, will pray for God’s blessing, protection, and direction for our new President,” Coral Ridge Ministries pledged. “He will need our prayers – and our loyal opposition, as we call on him to recognize, honor, and follow the moral standards that have made our nation great.”
Despite differences in views, many Christian leaders in the United States have issued statements vowing to support and pray for Obama and his administration as they work to fix the grave problems facing the country.
Some of the church organizations that have congratulated the president-elect include the United Methodist Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, The Episcopal Church, the Assemblies of God, and the National Council of Churches USA.
“Our hope is in the Lord, and we cannot forget that,” Dobson reminded his listeners on Thursday. “He doesn’t make mistakes. He hasn’t lost control of things. He understands our fatigue and maybe our disappointment.”
President-elect Barack Obama and vice president-elect Joe Biden will hold their first news conference since the election on Friday where they are expected to answer questions about the slumping economy.
RSS
I think ender is on to something here. Why do we unflinchingly grant our support to the GOP when it so clearly has no interest in doing anything about our issues after it is done "earning" our votes by vacuously grandstanding on them?
Anyone who didn't notice that Republicans failed to do squat about abortion in 6 whole years of controlling every branch of the federal government is very comfortable with self-delusion.
I'm glad Prophet and SLopez are busy sorting out who is saved or not in this discussion. I'm also glad they and others are so busy letting everyone who voted for one prince of the earth as opposed to the other that they are going to hell.
What on earth is wrong here? Look at how our faith community's allegiance to an earthly political party is poisoning even our ability to fellowship. While I agree with most here that abortion is wrong and homosexuality is a sin, is this all our faith and the gospel we preach should boils down to? I will be praying that our leaders like Dobson will refocus their energies on the message of Christ, not the message of the Republican Party.
Dear blue1018,
Not sure I understand the use of your word "funny".
With a person like Obama becoming our president, I have a sinking feeling that God has handed us over to our iniquities. C'est la vie. I say bring it on. The sooner the world falls apart, which it will with him being in such a position of power, the sooner Christ will come in His glory.
Funny, because I grieve over starving children.. families who flee warfare.. dangerous rebel groups, coercive dictators, persecution, the death penalty.... yeah I grieve over a lot.. not a secret racist-based temperament towards our new wonderfully inspiring president!
What you all are missing is that while the moral values of this great nation are very important to the overall blessings of the Almighty God, and the leadership of BOTH Parties will be held accountable before Him. These sins of the Nation can be remedied if only the Nation would heed 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then will I hear from heaven and will heal their land. Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how oft would I have gathered you under my wings like a mother hen doth her chicks and you would not. What should concern us more than ever at this stage of the game is the fact that our new Prez. said he will not back Israel, on the other side of the world Iran said Israel should be wiped off of the face of the Earth. Keep your eyes on the Middle east. If this admin. is not going to stop or deter Iran from gathering the armies of that region from trying to wipe out Israel, then we might be closer to the end times than anyone can imagine.
blue, we do there called Crisis Pregnancy Centers and Christian Adoption Agencies. Plus, every issue you raised concern about were problems all caused by two things, the sin and greed of people. Putting selfish gain ahead of everything and everyone else.
A country follows it's morals.
Dobson has fought for truth and life for 30 years. It may all be for naught now that Obama's in. I mourn with him. You people that attack him need to reassess your priorities.
byrdele
You have said....
"God can, has and will use anyone."
God can also choose to use rocks. Does this mean that for the sake of change we will elect a rock?
For if we do not praise and honor God, the very rocks will cry out.
There was a time when the Republican party was a third party, and it is now one of the two major parties. The only thing the GOP delivered after its rhetoric on sharing Christian values, were two Supremem Court justices. The unflinching, unquestioning support of Bush and the GOP by Christians, regardless of failing or disasterous policies, scandals, and abuses of power, has resulted in many people wondering what ethics Christians really have. None of conservative Christians would have been supportive or quiet about similar failings in say Clinton. Christians should not have this double standard, God does not. Christians should demand that any political party that wants our support should demonstrate its committment to our values, after elected not just during the campaign period.
God can, has and will use anyone. So as a Christian I have no fear of Obama having been elected. Just pray and stand up for the issues which count. Don't worry about tomorrow, as Christ said, today has enough grief (paraphrase). Just do what you can and then give it up to God.
ender
Many don't remember but back in 1988 the Reverand Pat Robertson, of the 700 Club, ran as a Presidential candidate for the Repubican Party.
I really don't recall if Robertson was truly serious about the run or if, like Ross Perot, he was merely trying to make a point.
Otherwise conservative Christians have been aligned with the Republican Party for several decades.
And up until this election, the Republican Party choice was considered to be as close to Christian values as you could expect.
This year was different and conservative Christians got confused. This led Liberal Christians, and even some conservative Christians to come out and turn the tables for the sake of change.
ender, although I agree Christians should not be locked into either of the two major parties, the reality is that a third party candidate does not stand a chance when it comes to the election of a President and in fact they often times become a hinderance to one of the two major candidates. I believe Christians need to be supporting candidates whose values and views best represent those of us with a biblical worldview and who will make God honoring decisions in order to ensure God will continue to honor our nation.
I don't understand why Dobson would support McCain or the GOP, nor do I understand why any Christian would support the DNC. Both parties feel far more obligations to their financial supporters and special interest groups than they do to any moral principle. I could not bring myself to vote for either party. I chose Baldwin of the Constitution party because his values were ones I could believe in. My friends and family felt that I was wasting my vote or helping whomever they felt was their political opponent, but I felt that I had not compromised any Christian values. I think it is time American gets away from our two party system and the disasterous, counterproductive partianship that has resulted. I am a Christian first and foremost and an American second. The scriptures clearly tell us that we are to love God above all else, anything less is unacceptable. And how are we to demonstrate our love? By obedience to God, and therefore following the principles and teachings that the scripture tell us.
Thanks prophet, your last point is fair enough, the Christian tradition I come from is quite diffrent to the one that tends to be the norm around here so I can see where you are coming from, I'm not offended in the least.
Steve
Well, it's just that that scripture is a staple of most Christians that I know. It's like second nature, because it is one that is used a lot. And from what I've experienced (I know that it's probably not the rule), there are certain scriptures that seem to be foundational, and those who are not familiar with them are either non-Christians or spiritually young Christians. As I said, it's I know it's probably not a good rule to go by, but it is my experience.
Though I have talked with you enough in the past to actually question your Christianity upon other merits.
Hi Prophet
When I was at school we used to sing the prayer of St Francis of Assisi as a hymn at morning assembly in fact its still sung at church normally when the priest is entering up the aisle(the chorus goes ,allelulia allelulia...), you know with cross and candels being held in front of him and insence being swung gently. By echoes I just meant the main theme comes from the gospels not St Francis said it first, could have put that better, but your right to pick me up on that, I for some reason had got it into my head that the two parts did not exactly follow each other, next time I'll go and check.
I'm not sure though you can ask somebody if they are a Christian because they don't remember something correctly from the bible, its a bit like asking somebody if they have passed their driving test because thay make a mistake on the road one day?
As ever prophet, kind regards
Steve
I think the consequences of this election may be much worse then you currently imagine. When I see a story like this:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/08/AR2008110801856.html?nav=rss_email/components
I regain my faith in America. Looks like Obama might return to decision making based upon reason and evidence, something that has been sorely absent these past eight years.
Steve,
It's just that scripture you quoted, and didn't know it originally came from the scriptures...and even said that the Bible "echoed" the sentiment, when the Bible came around long before St. Francis Assissi.
America has lost the concept of democracy. Why? Is it because Obama got elected? Absolutely not. In a democracy our government is a reflection of it's people. So many Christians have focused change on 'fixing the mirror' instead of what is standing in front of it. I believe Obama getting elected is an accurate reflection of our society.
It's time the church in America stopped taking such a relaxed position on right and wrong and started to live the truth.
HI prophet
Thanks for the question, I apprecaite it. I assure you I'm not doging the question, but it intrigues me, what do you think? And why are you asking that (I don't mean because your concerned about my salvation etc..)?
Kind regards
Steve
Steve,
Are you a Christian?
True, Bush may have not been a very good President, but voting in Obama is like going from the frying pan into the fire. I pray for the future of our country...it doesn't look too good.
The intellectually weak censors (flaggers) are at it again, deleting the comments of others. Rather than provide counter arguments, they censor. I wish those that feel the need to censor would at leat identify themselves rather than hide behind the cowardice of anonymity. I will repost:
Lets all sing together:
Happy days are here again,
the skies above are clear again,
singing songs of joy again,
happy days are here again.
This song was popular when a failed president (Hoover) was replaced by a president (FDR) that provided the American people a sense of hope, optimism and unity. History repeats itself, a failed president is about to be replaced with president-elect Obama who will bring a sense of hope and optimism. All Bush brought was fear and division.
Many thanks wb for the correction on the first partmust be the translation I was looking at, coming back to St Francis though....
steve, actually, Jesus said it first.
Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
His life is the model we should follow.
wr
"Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness, and everything else will be added to you."
Whilst this is sentimemt is echoed in the gospels this actual line I believe comes from a prayer by St Francis of Assisi, which is ironic if you think Christians should have voted only Republican to further the kingdom of God, looking at his life.
Steve
I share Dr. Dobson's feelings.
The reality is that the liberal secular media presented and continues to present an agenda that is noticeably counter to the teachings of the Word of God. They hit very heavy during this election season.
And while it is expected that the secular world would eat this all up in the name of change, it seems that many Christians have joined the movement.
This is very disappointing especially at a time when Christians need to stand up and understand who they are and why.
There are radical faith groups popping up and Christians need to be ready to defend the truth.
Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness, and everything else will be added to you.
Hi mathetes
I've re read what I wrote about Dr Dobson and I think that on one point your correct, he does of course care about the aborted and I could have worded that much better, it was disingereous of me and for that I apologise, mia culpa, the rest I stand by.
Its an intereting point you raised about the lives not lived. I would guess though that the figures for miscarriage (many without the mothers knowing they had concieved) must make the abortion figures pale into insignificance, though of course I'm not implying this makes abortion okay, therefore. I wonder how many Beethovens etc..nature has seen to it that never exist, we'll never know, which is the same answer to the point you made.
I atteneded a wake yesterday, I wonder how many peoples wake's I will never attend because they never lived, I'll have a wake when I die because I'm one of the lucky ones who was lucky enough to die because he was lucky enough to have had a life, theres a certain irony in that.
BW
Steve
Lets all sing together:
Happy days are here again,
the skys above are clear again,
singing songs of joy again, happy days are here again.
This was a popular song at the time a failed president (Hoover) was replaced by a hopeful and inspirational president (FDR). We may be witnessing a repeat of history as a failed president is on his way out to be replaced by an inspirational & hopeful president, President Barack H. Obama. Like FDR, Obama speaks of hope & optimism, all Bush had to offer was fear .
ifeelfine, check Psalm 51:5 and Exodus 21:22-23 also.
ifeelfine, as far as abortion try Psalm 139:13-16 to start with and then in Isaiah and Jeremiah, they both speak to being alive while in their mother's womb.
We survived Carter. If the Lord tarries (a BIG if) we'll survive Obama. Sadly, millions of babies won't.
ifeelfine72: Try reading the Bible one more time, because obviously you didn't get it the last few times you read it. The Bible says that Jesus is "life". The Bible also is clear how God designed marriage. There are many Scriptures about these "two" topics. No, I am not a "two-issue Christian", I am a believer in God's Word. And I think His Word speaks for itself. If you voted your "Christian faith", than I challenge you to re-consider what you have read "many times front to back" what the Scriptures truly say about these issues.
SLopez - I've read the entire Bible front to back, more than once, and funny thing is, there aren't but a couple of verses in the entire Bible that can be construed as talking about those two issues. So, are you a Christian or a two-issue Christian. I voted my Christian faith and I voted for Obama.
jirehdesign - Great, then do you want to help me get a couple of folks off death row? The abortion debate may never end (for the record, I'm against it) but we all know folks on death row are alive . . . right before they're executed.
By the way, what is "Do under others"? Did you mean "Do unto others"? Just trying to make sense of your comment.
Wjneill: If we understood what you are trying to point out, you may have made some sense.
So, Christians, which of the following real-world parables will govern your choices in life over the next four and maybe even eight years:
-
1. "American: love it or leave it" (surely those of you age 57 or older will remember that call to patriotism) or
2. "Do under others what you would have others do unto you".
-
Seems like every one of you has a tremendous amount of backtracking to do as quickly as you can so as to not be seen in public as continuing to be practicing and very self-serving hypocrites.
"In spite of his all out free choice agenda for abortion, he can still find repentance if we will pray for him. He is a dynamic gifted spokesperson..." Honesty, I agree that prayer is a definate, but disagree with the use of your statement. How can you say "in spite of his all out free choice agenda for abortion"? That's the problem. We cannot say "in spite of". That's what elected him President in the first place. Because "evangelicals" voted for him "in spite of" what is contrary to Scripture. Yes, he is also a " dynamic gifted spokesperson", but he's a "dynamic gifted spokesperson" for abortion and homosexual marriage. Yes, I believe it is the Lord who puts "leaders in their positions", but this is necessarily not about Obama being President, but that Christians voted "in spite of" his contrary beliefs to Scripture.
Let us not forget to pray for Obama, his family and his advisors. It is God's will that all come to repentance. In spite of his all out free choice agenda for abortion, he can still find repentance if we will pray for him. He is a dynamic gifted spokesperson and if he becomes converted God can really use him. Pray for the healing and health of the Supreme Court justices, for their longevity, because they could live out the next four years. Pray God will awaken the moral conscience of this nation once more. Pray that abortion will become repugnant to the conscience of every Amerian. Pray against the root of the apostasy, the falling away from the faith, that is fed by popular talk show hosts that preach a false concept of God. God is in charge of all things but I believe he has let this country choose their "king" rather than what God is about....and judgment stands at the door. Yet God in His great mercy is able to turn things around if we will pray and seek His face.
It "blows me away" when I hear of so-called "evangelicals" placing their votes on one who supports that which contradicts Scripture. Obama has been a clear advocate and supporter for abortion and homosexuality, and yet "Christians" attempt to justify as to why they would support one that clearly contradicts Scripture. All I have heard is, "he's going to bring change". Or, "as Christians we need to be open minded", and "this is our chance at an ever first black President". You want a black President? Why not get one that has a biblical worldview like Alan Keys? Look, if your OK with having a supporter of baby murder and man on man action, than PLEASE do not call yourself Christian nor Evangelical, since with your push of the "cast ballot" button spoke for itself!
Through out the history of the church, it's been when we are facing adversity, persecution and affliction that we thrive. Is it possible that Obama will be a sing of the times that we're living in? In perhaps steering this country so far to the left that the church may find herself in the midst of a hostile government. Then again, the Lord can use Obama to bring about His purpose for His church. One only has to consider Daniel in the times of Nabuchadnezzar, who had complete autonomy over the kingdom, and was even hostile to those who worshipped Yahweh but in the end, he understood who reigns. As David said: "Yours is the dominion, O LORD, and You exalt Yourself as head over all" AMEN!
Dobson is not alone. This nation is in serious peril. Serious. Grief is appropriate.
Steve,
You know I respect you and value your opinion, but on this one I have to disagree somewhat. I don't know if he wants to be kingmaker or not, but I can believe that he honestly grieves the loss of unborn babies, children who should have entered the world and become productive citizen. I believe him because I grieve them too. Millions have been killed; I wonder which ones might have cured cancer, helped feed starving people, fixed cleft palates in 3rd world countries. It's another holocaust, but one that is justified by a unique interpretation of "right to privacy." The children die, women are emotionally scarred, traumatized really, and still the killing continues. I pray that Obama will change his mind and not pursue the promises he made to Planned Parenthood et al.
I am there with Dobson too. It is hard not to get depressed when many people who profess to be Christian have already given up on the pro life cause. Look, the only people group that has ever done anything to protest and call for the reversal of Roe v. Wade have been Christians. If we abandon our responsibility to the unborn, we lose, folks. Our nation loses. Judgement is on our nation for this, and make no mistake, it will come if we don't turn from it.
Don't make ignorant comments about Dobson's committment to his principles. He has truly given his life for this cause, and I can name more than a couple hundred people in my circle who would give their very lives if it could bring the end of abortion.
Don't underestimate our committment. And don't give up on this issue. Reducing the amount of abortions is all fine and well, but to us, even one life lost is an unspeakable travesty. Now we're going to get 2, possibly 3 more judges appointed who care nothing about the unborn. That is why Dobson and many of us are struggling to come to terms with. Gang, if we don't stand up for the unborn, who will?
McCain wasn't going to do anything about the abortion issue anyway so I don't understand what all the fuss and tears are about. Obama wants to lower the number of abortions so we can all support him in that goal.
"Our hope is in the Lord, and we cannot forget that,†Dobson reminded his listeners on Thursday. “He doesn’t make mistakes. He hasn’t lost control of things. He understands our fatigue and maybe our disappointment.â€Â
Okay, lets be honest, this statement is pathetic in the extreme. What it says is that all those who voted for President elect Obama have got it wrong, your vote goes against God etc...Don't put up with this my friends, this man is a busted flush, he cries over the unborn, RUBBISH, he cries that his influenece is not what it once was, he does not want to be king, he wants to be king maker, which is a much more powerful position. Wake up oh sleeper.....
It is not up to Dr. Dobson who I vote for, it is my responsibility to know about the person I'm voting for and the issues important to me as a Christian. I didn't choose John McCain he was chosen for me before I ever had the chance to vote in the primaries. John McCain would never have gotten my vote if I really had a choice.
Perhaps if early on Dobson supported McCain instead of saying he would stay home rather than vote for McCain the outcome of this election may have been different.
praying, unfortunately you're right, it does appear most people who profess to be a born again believer voted with their wallets and not with their hearts or convictions.
Well, actually the majority of folks, which includes some Christians have forgotten a couple key scriptures,
1) The LOVE of money is the root of all evil (1 Tim 6:10) and
2) Do not be anxious for your life…is not life more than food and the body than clothing?...Look at the birds of the air….the Father feeds them. Are you not more than they are?....Seek first His kingdom and all these things shall be added unto you! (Matt 6:25ff)
I do not believe Dr Dobson is about to not SHOUT. I do believe that it is time we sleeping Christians SHOUT with him though! And perhaps, we see an awakening happening?
Is all people care about is the economy? We really need to Isaiah 58 this one.