May 2009
Would Jesus Kill an Abortion Doctor?
05/31/09
I feel an emptiness and sadness at the news that an abortion doctor in Kansas was shot at his church today. There are many pro-lifers who are publicly calling this a tragedy, while inwardly saying, “Well, at least he won’t be able to kill anymore babies.” I can’t help but believe that Jesus would have us work these things out through the public square and the government. This issue is not going to be resolved via occasional acts of violence. In fact, I believe it only hurts the cause of Christ and life. Don’t you think success here will only come by transforming hearts and minds? Isn’t the Gospel the only way that truly happens?
Both on the radio and in person I am regularly roped into discussions about abortion. Often I’m chastised by fellow evangelicals and even pro-lifers who are not religious because they say I don’t take the issue seriously enough. They say I don’t understand the gravity of what’s going on because I would consider voting for a pro-choice politician. I’ve never picketed outside an abortion clinic, so obviously I just don’t care enough. Am I going to have to shoot an abortion doctor in order to please these people? Justifying that action in your mind happens only when you process your righteous anger at sin in this world through a non-Biblical filter. Jesus never tells us to sin in order to stop sin. Make no mistake: murdering an abortion doctor is sin.
The wide acceptance of abortion in this nation is an outrage. I believe this wholeheartedly. But some people allow themselves to get worked up into a fury that can have sinful consequences. Maybe someday when I’m in heaven I’ll be dressed down by Christ for not doing enough. I’m willing to take that risk to avoid being an “ends justify the means” Christian.
The only way we’re going to change hearts and minds in this country is by lovingly presenting the Gospel to people and living it in front of them, as well. That’s my response to abortion doctors, homosexuals, gossips, liars, those who lust, the greedy, and people engaged in any other sin you can name. Every Christian is nothing more than a recovering sinner saved by grace. That should move us to love and not condemn. It’s only when we get rid of our judgment and lovingly offer the Gospel to others that real change takes place. Not a single person will become pro-life as a result of what happened today. But some will be less likely to listen to Christians.
Both on the radio and in person I am regularly roped into discussions about abortion. Often I’m chastised by fellow evangelicals and even pro-lifers who are not religious because they say I don’t take the issue seriously enough. They say I don’t understand the gravity of what’s going on because I would consider voting for a pro-choice politician. I’ve never picketed outside an abortion clinic, so obviously I just don’t care enough. Am I going to have to shoot an abortion doctor in order to please these people? Justifying that action in your mind happens only when you process your righteous anger at sin in this world through a non-Biblical filter. Jesus never tells us to sin in order to stop sin. Make no mistake: murdering an abortion doctor is sin.
The wide acceptance of abortion in this nation is an outrage. I believe this wholeheartedly. But some people allow themselves to get worked up into a fury that can have sinful consequences. Maybe someday when I’m in heaven I’ll be dressed down by Christ for not doing enough. I’m willing to take that risk to avoid being an “ends justify the means” Christian.
The only way we’re going to change hearts and minds in this country is by lovingly presenting the Gospel to people and living it in front of them, as well. That’s my response to abortion doctors, homosexuals, gossips, liars, those who lust, the greedy, and people engaged in any other sin you can name. Every Christian is nothing more than a recovering sinner saved by grace. That should move us to love and not condemn. It’s only when we get rid of our judgment and lovingly offer the Gospel to others that real change takes place. Not a single person will become pro-life as a result of what happened today. But some will be less likely to listen to Christians.
Powell a Republican?
05/25/09
After being mocked openly by Rush Limbaugh and Dick Cheney for no longer seeming to be a Republican, Colin Powell took to offense on Face the Nation. He claims he is indeed still a Republican and he can prove it based on his past. He cited his work for three GOP Presidents in military and diplomatic capacities. Powell also went on to talk about needing a broad party in order to win a governing majority and how he wants to make that happen. There’s one question that remains unanswered in part because Bob Schieffer didn’t ask it and I just can’t get past it. How does he square his endorsement of Barack Obama with his claim to still be a member of the GOP?
Colin Powell didn’t try to settle his disagreements with the party from within the party. Instead he decided the best choice for the country was a Democrat. He didn’t keep quiet and simply cast his vote for Obama. Instead he formally endorsed him and scathingly critiqued the GOP in doing so. He even brought up how fearful he was of a Republican nominating more Supreme Court justices! How can you consider yourself a part of a political party when you actively work to remove that party from power? At least Joe Lieberman had already become an independent before he spoke at the GOP Convention.
Powell also told Bob Schieffer that he hopes the Republicans can emerge as an important force in American politics again because we “need two parties.” If he truly believed this then supporting John McCain would have been even more important because of the Democrats control of both houses of Congress. Instead he helped to secure Democrat control over both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue.
Right-leaning independents can flop back and forth from election to election on which party they cast a ballot for. But party membership inherently means you support the party’s candidate even if you don’t like him or her. Powell violated this. And every other Republican will never forget it. He may say he is still a Republican, but what does that matter when just about everyone else in the party considers you a traitor?
Colin Powell didn’t try to settle his disagreements with the party from within the party. Instead he decided the best choice for the country was a Democrat. He didn’t keep quiet and simply cast his vote for Obama. Instead he formally endorsed him and scathingly critiqued the GOP in doing so. He even brought up how fearful he was of a Republican nominating more Supreme Court justices! How can you consider yourself a part of a political party when you actively work to remove that party from power? At least Joe Lieberman had already become an independent before he spoke at the GOP Convention.
Powell also told Bob Schieffer that he hopes the Republicans can emerge as an important force in American politics again because we “need two parties.” If he truly believed this then supporting John McCain would have been even more important because of the Democrats control of both houses of Congress. Instead he helped to secure Democrat control over both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue.
Right-leaning independents can flop back and forth from election to election on which party they cast a ballot for. But party membership inherently means you support the party’s candidate even if you don’t like him or her. Powell violated this. And every other Republican will never forget it. He may say he is still a Republican, but what does that matter when just about everyone else in the party considers you a traitor?