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Christianity Today, February, 2008 |

The Megachurch Primaries

How the leading Democratic candidates are trying to win evangelical votes.

Sarah Pulliam | posted 1/09/2008 09:05AM

South Carolina pastor Ron Carpenter was a popular guy as the 2008 presidential candidates geared up for the primaries. After he gave seven minutes of pulpit time in October to Sen. Barack Obama to talk ...

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Franco

Posted: January 22, 2008 12:13 PM

It does not surprise me that Rick Warren aka (Multimillion seller PDF) (Never misses the opportunity to tell all he reverse tithes) (Fox - "Can Rick Warren Ave the World"), does not miss an opportunity to be in the Lime Light. Shame on him and churches that give candidates a forum under the guise of "Aids". Bottom line - They support "Killing Babies", "Pro Gay & Lesbian" and they do not give a hoot about the Sovereignty of the United States, "open the Borders and Let Anyone In." It when the Mega Churches teach "Christianity Light", the Willow model of lets's entertain the folks in the pews, this is what you get. Christ told the apostles to "Feed my sheep." Two thousand years have passed and the pew sitters are as iqnorent as day one. If not dumber. They do not know the difference between grass and astro turf. How the Great Deceiver has woven his way into our churches and or prideful spirit let pastors keep feeding them satans deceit. The word of God & the Holy Spirit!!!

Strauch Family

Posted: January 17, 2008 8:28 AM

We voted for Bush, ironically in Ohio, last election. We were excited that our vote made a difference at the finish line. We balked at Kerry because of the gay marriage issue and abortion. What we got from Bush is a devasting war with the wrong enemy of Twin Tower Tragedy and a National Debt and State of Economy that is breaching debauchery. Did we save our babies by killing our older children and the poor? Is it a party issue or was the individual (Bush) the wrong choice? Faith-wise, what are we not gonna get with Hillary Clinton, that we got with George Bush?

Rrahman

Posted: January 15, 2008 6:09 AM


hi you are so good god bles you all en jesus your brodhe gretengs you.

Walk Watcher

Posted: January 11, 2008 10:15 AM


Clintons's Burns Stider says all three (leading Democrat candidates) have profound faith. My question is faith in what? Maybe the ability of thier spin masters to decieve.

the gospel is not only for republicans

Posted: January 11, 2008 8:36 AM


"Mega Church Hucksters" is obviously a genius with all the answers

Mack Hall

Posted: January 11, 2008 6:46 AM


Excellent article. No church should ever allow divine services to be employed for any purpose other than worship -- no politicians, no clowns (but perhaps I repeat myself), no look-at-me musicians on the altar, no plays, no liturgical dance. Those may be fine things, but in the parish hall, please.

Linda Picard Moreno

Posted: January 10, 2008 8:46 PM


I agree with steadyrock. I really find the kind of spirituality represented by the 3 frontrunning democrats questionable and don't feel we have the same shared values... I would vote for any republican to avoid having one of these democrats making policy for me and mine.

Greg Zenitsky

Posted: January 10, 2008 8:25 PM


Christians may take differing positions on many issues but all issues should be filtered through the lens of scripture and when scripture clearly speaks, there should be no differing from the inerrant Word of G-d.

Middle Aged White Male Republican

Posted: January 10, 2008 1:32 PM

Many Christians, and particularly Evangelicals have fallen for the Democrat view that the State must provide the charitable needs to the hungry, poor and disadvantaged. Jesus made it clear that this burden should be borne by the Church, and individual Christians. To delegate this responsibility to the State enables Christians to shirk their duty, not to mention that the State will attach strings to the benefits that are ultimately provided. As far as abortion and gay marriage, I don't see how the Democrat position on these issues can be reconciled with Biblical doctrines. Finally, I don't believe that Christianity requires military surrender, as the Democrats advocate. David was a mighty warrior, and God blessed him in his military challenges. To let others sacrifice for our right to be free, while condemning their sacrifices is hypocritical. Yet, this is precisely the Democrat position. The bottom line: No amount of feel-good rhetoric from Democrats should fool anyone.

Me	Posted: January 10, 2008 6:18 AM


It is time the church stopped assessing the faith of a candidate before voting with the hope that Presidents somehow have a role to play in the spiritual life of a nation. Has Bush changed America because he claims to be a christian? Presidents are elected to deal with the economy and defence. Don't turn them into priests.

Graham UK

Posted: January 10, 2008 3:14 AM

Amid the whirring wheels of your Presidential election process retreat into the heart of you! Be still and aware of God in you; the 'I' that observes the 'me'. In this contemplative time you will instinctively know how to vote; nothing fools the 'I' if the 'me' gets out of the way! Sceptics try this. Imagine someone asks who you are. You may say 'I am Jim and I am a unique child of God'; you may state something more of this world's work such as 'I am Jim and I am a teacher'. Note how the 'I' can observe the 'me'; Anthony de Mello in his book Awareness shows us more on this. God told Moses 'I am' when he asked who was talking out of the burning bush that he noticed was not being consumed. May your intuition be your guide in selecting a leader in truth and in spirit. God be praised!

Jason

Posted: January 10, 2008 1:20 AM


US politics today is so clearly corrupt, with politicians directed by lobbyists rather than the nation's interests or their contituents, that all the planet's people can say is 'God help us all'. Churchistic 'Judeo Christian' Republicans are clearly as rotten as the atheist Democrats.

THOMAS ORTIZ

Posted: January 09, 2008 9:21 PM

American Christians by and large are co opted by the right. We need to stop being 2 dimensional in our political worldview and realize that republican politics/ideology has the capability of being just as evil and a force for the common good. For instance, this administration entered a war that was based on an intentional lie so it could secure it's corprate interests.( see: scooter libby trial, contracts being distributed to companies like haliburton others without competitve bidding, that are embeded with politicians who get campaign kick backs ect.) Granted the democratic party has major evils as well, but we need to trancend partisan politics and use our leverage as a voting block. How about voting enmasse for a democrat, donate some money and then put massive pressure to try and overturn roe vs. wade! At the same time we check the republicans with there war mongering. Let's not forget the babies,women and children in Iraq who suffer from the fallout of war. Please!

Jim of Bentley

Posted: January 09, 2008 9:06 PM

At our last election here in Australia, I spoke not on "who" we should vote for (which is none of my business), but "why" are we voting the way we do. Are we voting in line with the teachings of Jesus, and for candidates whose views are consistent with the teachings of Jesus, or are we voting in self interest, and for reasons which are contrary to the teaching of Jesus. I did not/would not endorse any party or candidate (although I have my preferences) - but I did endorse the reality that our vote - as also our lives - should reflect the values that Jesus set for us.

Brent

Posted: January 09, 2008 8:12 PM

Big-party corruption in American government is being challenged by Ron Paul and others, and those in power are fighting dirty to maintain their hold on power. What are Christians doing about the voting 'discrepancies' in New Hampshire showing repeated zero percentages for Ron Paul and the 'amazing' swing to Hillary Clinton from Obama where Diebold machines were used? In the town of Sutton, New Hampshire, 31 people voted for Ron Paul but the official result was Paul 0%. It was 'human error', an official said, but early results are showing this has been repeated in other locations. Come on Christians, wake up!

Jfern

Posted: January 09, 2008 7:36 PM

I feel for the dilemma this pastor placed himself in by letting the first political member get up and speak. It is one thing to ask for testimonies and this guy who just happens to be attending church provides a testimony of how his/her faith is a blessing in dealing with daily trials or how it has been tested and the power of God helped the individual to remain strong, etc. But to allow a politician pulpit time just because this person is running for office (even if he/she is a strong faithful christian) is inappropriate. In fact if the individual was that devout he/she would not mix polictics and the Sunday message. This puts the church in a real predicament of losing non-profit organization status for one and for another leads to a question of the individual's true religious convictions. This is not to say that our political leaders lack faith. I truly believe to be an effective leader one must have strong moral convictions and a belief in the heavenly father.

Mr. Just a guy

Posted: January 09, 2008 6:58 PM


Great article. I think it is both sad and telling that politicians need to hire expensive consultants to help them engage the church. IF YOU NEED A CONSULTANT TO HELP YOU ENGAGE WITH THE CHURCH YOU PROBABLY DON'T DESERVE THEIR VOTES!!!! Sorry, got a little excited there...

George

Posted: January 09, 2008 6:02 PM


How convenient for Ron Carpenter to allow elected officials running for office to speak in his pulpit but not out of office candidates to speak. He claims not to be foolish and knows what politicians want. He claims he isn't going to subject the church to political pandering -- unless, apparently, the panderer is in office. I wonder if his flock is as gullible as that.

cc biggs

Posted: January 09, 2008 5:19 PM

We Christians are not necessiarly stupid. We are like sheep though and sometimes follow the leader off a cliff. That has been the case ever since Jerry Falwell who was very sucessful in selling the false notion that a Christian must also be a Republican. I am a Proud Democrat and proud to be Liberal on most Social issues. That does not include Abortion nor Gay marriage though, as the Rove's---Limbaughs---Hannitys of the world would want us to think. Some Democrats are just plain wrong about some issues but when it comes to what real morality is, it's the Dem's who apparantly have it right. Morality is about making sure that every one has health care, enough to eat, a dry place to lay his/ her head, and the other stuff that the "Original Liberal" (Jesus) taught. There are lots of issues when it comes to our duties as Christians. The greatest of these (according to Christ) is love. We Christians are not stupid---thats why some of us will not be voting Republican this Nov.<><

steadyrock

Posted: January 09, 2008 5:09 PM

The poll associated with this article, "Are you more likely to vote for a Democrat for president in 2008 than in the past?", is biased. I will be voting for the Republican candidate this November because I simply can't stomach the thought of any of the three Democrat frontrunners at the helm of our nation. However, the poll does not give me that option. It gives an option for not liking the Republican candidates but does not give one for disliking the Democrats. True to form, CT - you're as liberal as a Christian publication can be.

tlh	Posted: January 09, 2008 5:00 PM

As a Christian middle-aged male, these decisions are usually quite simple. First, we are at war and we need a candidate who is unafraid to wage war while still seeking peace, but not being duped into believing that a treaty or agreement means peace. Second, the fundamental morality that we Christians hold is essential. Issues such as abortion, gay rights, etc. figure in here. Third, I want a sincere man or woman who is believable. Frankly, I do not care that much about the man's faith per se. A quiet Christian faith, like Ronald Reagan's, is fine. It does not have to be openly on display like Gov Huckabee or President Bush. I expect my President to be first and foremost a President and leader, not a pastor. I'll seek out the impeccable pastoral qualities, including matters of faith and Bible teaching, at church and not at the White House.

Joyful Christian Dem

Posted: January 09, 2008 4:32 PM

Dianna, do you really believe that Barack Obama cannot be a Christian because of his vote on this issue? Have you seriously not met other Christans who struggle with their positions on issues like abortion and their walk with the Lord? To make these assumptions is simply naive; many of us have struggled. It is this naivety that Republicans have played on for far too long. As someone who is pro-life, I am also troubled when issues of life such as Children's Health insurance is vetoed, but I do not assume that Pres. Bush is not really a Christian. I believe he should have examined his faith more as I believe Obama needs to continue to examine his faith on the abortion issue. Republicans also hold "sinful" positions on issues of money and poverty, healthcare for the widow and orphan, and in caring for the earth God has given us. We will elect a failed leader either way, PTL that they are openly seeking the Lord as each of us does must when we are called to lead along our faith walk.

Naomi

Posted: January 09, 2008 4:18 PM


I am so tired of these stories about the "Faith" of politicians. When, oh when will CT or some other journalist analyze what they really mean by the word "Faith"??? It is just a meaningless word if left undefined. I'll bet dollars to donuts they don't believe that only the blood of Jesus saves a soul from sin. Why are journalists afraid to ask them about doctrine?

Paul Goddard

Posted: January 09, 2008 2:46 PM

It is interesting to me that, though the article is about the Democrats and their effort to reach out to Evangelicals, comments are picking on Huckabee. What is that about? - William Jennings Bryan was the Democratic candidate for president three times, but considered being a preacher his enduring calling. I think it is wonderful that candidates are talking about their faith. But, let’s not just get sentimental, let’s hear about issues as well. For instance, if a Christian candidate or their party has supported abortion on demand, I want to hear how does they justify that.

strut2k

Posted: January 09, 2008 2:38 PM

It's high time we recognized the old stereotype of the so called Godless Democrats was just a cartoon. There is plenty of room to critique Obama or Clinton about their positions on single issues, but it is preposterous to deny they are people of faith. Every Democratic Presidential nominee in my lifetime, going back to JFK, considered himself a believer. There are godless secular partisans in the Democratic camp. Just like there are plenty of church going folks in the GOP who are indifferent to the consequences of cowboy diplomacy, global warming, or the plight of the poor and the opressed. We can argue politics back and forth, but let's agree Christians take differing positions on many issues. And many folks choose not to wear their beliefs on their sleeve for all to see. Let's debate the issues, but don't anybody dare attack the faith or style of a political opponent to score debate points. It's the Lord's job to judge, not some partisan's or pundit's.

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