ATL Malcontent posts thoughts regarding the Rick Warren controversy:
Rick Warren won’t be introducing any legislation, and he won’t be lobbying against “Milk” for Best Picture. Just delivering a harmless prayer, nothing more. It’s a symbolic gesture on Obama’s part, one most voters welcome.
Being inclusive, as Obama has pledged, requires actually listening to people that have policy differences.
We shouldn’t give up our fundamental dedication to the values of individual rights for all people, and the Rick Warren choice is consistent with that idea. Warren’s not the Prez, and he’s not setting policy. He’s a man of God who is asking for the Lord’s blessing upon our future president- surely a goal that we could all agree on, right?
LBGT folks- Save your powder. Your attacks are better served on other battles. Obama’s choice of Warren isn’t the enemy.
Democrats often like to turn against their own. This is a prime example.
December 21, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Obama may not be the enemy, but Rick Warren sure enough is.
From Pam’s House Blend:
With all the hub-bub about Rick Warren being a kinder, gentler, evangelical, I thought I check to see what his HIV/AIDS programs have to say about gay folks.
Not surprisingly, it’s not good.
For example, his HIV/AIDS Caring Community site lists this resource under “Recommended Reading”:
“Walking people out of homosexuality
‘More Than Words’ is a compelling one-day conference geared to help you better understand homosexuality so you can minister to a friend or family member. You will learn how to respond to “gay theology,” what the research really shows, and what your church can do.”
Yeah, there’s a bunch of other stuff on the site about loving the sinner but hating the sin, but the bottom line message from Warren’s program is that gay = sin which leads to HIV/AIDS.
Do you have any idea about how much this kind of spiritual abuse — even in allegedly sane, hip or “respectful” or even “loving” clothing has done to LGBT people?
Nope, gonna keep the powder out. Glad Obama’s gonna be the prez? Yep. Glad we kept McCain out? Ya betcha. Happy to have a bigot stand up on a national stage no matter how “symbolic”? Nope.
When Obama deserves criticism during this administration, he will, just like Clinton got, get the justified criticism when it comes to LGBT issues. I’m not going to be told to sit down and shut up. This is not a circular firing squad; this is about standing up for what you believe in.
December 22, 2008 at 10:28 am
I appreciate your comment, even though our perspectives are different on this issue. I agree completely with your views on LGBT issues, and that Warren is a bigot in a church frock. I just don’t want Obama to be tarred-and-feathered with Warren’s views, especially when Obama disavows many of them.
Plus, I think it’s near impossible to find a respected preacher that ISN’T hostile to gays. And since, 90%+ of Americans identify with religion, I think Obama’s in a tough spot.
I like your writing (and blog) though. Keep it up homey.
December 22, 2008 at 10:31 am
Thank you. I am trying more and more not to have an aneurysm these days.