Brian McLaren Wants You to Vote for Obama…
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Wed, August 20, 2008
- Viewed 129
- (51) comments so far
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Peter Hamm on Wed, August 20, 2008
I was even more troubled by the Catholic theologian endorsing Obama. She won’t be one for long. Endorsing a pro-choice candidate? That’s a big no no for them.
GregB on Wed, August 20, 2008
Agreed. Endoring a pro-choice candidate should be a big no no for any leader in the Body of Christ who has been entrusted with influence by God.
andy on Wed, August 20, 2008
I have to admit that I’ve loved most of what I’ve read by McLaren but I feel like he’s lost me on this one. I’m not sure that I want any Christian/Pastor endorsing any candidate. It’s like putting a holy stamp on a guy who is sure to disappoint. I’m not sure how this is any different than Dobson stumping for Bush 4 & 8 years ago (and maybe that’s the point).
Why can’t we focus on Kingdom issues, even in the political arena instead of placing our hope in one man/woman to represent our Kingdom hopes and dreams.
This just feels like it will end with a bunch of Christians disappointed that they put their name (and Jesus’ name) behind another candidate.
Dennis on Wed, August 20, 2008
This was irresponsible on Brian’s part. Why any church leader to put their influence on the line by supporting any political candidate after what we saw with the “evangelical” Bush is beyond me. Whether or not Obama wins or even does a fantastic job, making a statement like this only causes division. Support Obama (I do) but keep it to yourself!
Seems like a rookie mistake to me. Learn from leaders like Billy Graham.
Wendi on Wed, August 20, 2008
I agree with Andy, I think it’s a bad decision for a pastor to endorse any candidate. Seems to me to be an abuse of the role.
Wendi
Jerry on Wed, August 20, 2008
From my perspective, Brian has the right to endorse anyone he thinks can do the job. And, like any celebrity who does the same, take the heat (or praise) for his endorsement. He is doing this as an individual, not as the pastor of a church. As a pastor, though, I’m sure he understands the inevitable connection to the church and how it reflects on his reputation. But McClaren has never backed away from controversy, has he? Though I don’t agree with him, (I’m a good family man, but does that qualify me for president?) kudos to him for having the courage to express his opinion.
Peter Hamm on Wed, August 20, 2008
About the “as a pastor” observations… McLaren’s not a pastor (or even a local church leader anymore) supporting a candidate (and he has never, I think, been an ordained pastor either—not that I think there’s anything wrong with that… on the contrary). Anyway… He’s a private citizen/celebrity. (He is no longer a pastor at the church he founded, although I think he still attends and occasionally speaks there.)
My problem is with any Christian leader of that ilk supporting a candidate. Since they all break their “promises” eventually, it makes us, I think, look foolish, and I’m thinking that we’re dangerously close to the leaven of the pharisees…
I think it’s funny that Brian normally tries to almost HIDE his true opinions, or express them in sometimes cryptic fashion… but not in this case.
Leonard on Wed, August 20, 2008
Interesting. The firestorm Dobson’s refusal to endorse McCain created and the gentle nature of this response… “not a good idea” not sure I agree” kudos to his courage… lead me to believe our double standard undies might be showing.
The whole video sounded like an elementary school campaign for class president….. Vote for Brian cause he is really neat.
David on Wed, August 20, 2008
well, there’s no way I can vote for Obama now, is there?
Mark D on Wed, August 20, 2008
What issue or value in Obama’s platform is so important or profound that Brian was able to (with a straight face) lay aside the pro-life cause for the unborn?
Wendi on Wed, August 20, 2008
Okay Leonard, I see you looking my direction with your last post. Touché. In my defense I’d say that what bothers me about Dobson’s endorsements is that he seems (IMO) to have to vilify the opposing candidate or position. He also too often seems to imply that he is presenting the “Christian” position.
I didn’t realize that McLaren was no longer shepharding a church, which changes my position a bit (I’ve not been following him very will I guess. Is Caldwell still pastoring?) I’m not all that concerned with the fact that people in public positions fail, or at least show that they are fallible. My issue is that when a local pastor endorses someone, he/she is using their God-given position for purposes that are not of the kingdom. IMO, an abuse of power. Outside of that role, I’d say be cautious, and for heaven sake, and if your guy (or gal) messes up, don’t spin the story or make excuses to make them (and you) look better.
Wendi
Leonard on Wed, August 20, 2008
Wendi, it might have been a fleeting glance but in reality it the overall tone here. Brian McLaren left pastoring to speak, write and influence the emergent leaders around the country and world. He still wields a lot of influence and many emergent leaders read his books like the bible and quote him like Jesus. He is still considered a pastor to pastors. His endorsement is different that his stumping. He is now telling me why I should vote this way not only he is voting this way.
I have no trouble with a pastor saying, I am voting for this person, here is why. But the Matthew 25 network is a political action organization, intended to unite christians for causes that fit compassion and Justice.
It was not an “i am going to… message “ in this video. It is a you should because we believe this about him.
Paul J. on Wed, August 20, 2008
Above all that, I think it’s a pretty cheesy commercial. Not very well done.
Scott on Wed, August 20, 2008
Wow… POMO comes to POTUS politics.
See, it’s all about that Saint O is a “good guy” - being POTUS doesn’t require experience or leadership skills - those are sooo modernism - it requires things that are ephemeral and intangible and can’t be nailed down with ANY certainty… You know, like our faith.
Well, since I usually find out what McLaren thinks/feels/believes and then move in the opposite direction, my choice is a lot clearer.
Daniel on Wed, August 20, 2008
I think this is one of McLaren’s worst ideas ever.
Of course he’s not supporting Obama as a private citizen. Private citizens don’t get stuck on commercials because of their recognizable mug. No, McLaren is trading in his influence, gained through legitimate means, for political influence. I’m very saddened by this.
Obama’s imagination of the abortion issue is desperately anemic. He plans to bulk up the military and send more troops to Afghanistan.
McCain’s understanding of evil is arrogant and blasphemous. His enthusiasm for war and defeating ‘the enemy’ is as unChristian as it gets.
The ‘Christian’ vote? There is none.
As an aside, Matthew 25 is about a metaphorical judgment of the nations on the basis of their treatment of Jesus’ disciples. It has nothing to do with ‘social justice’ (except perhaps by imaginative extrapolation). The parable of the sheep and the goats (key word: parable) is Jesus’ way of telling his disciples that he’s with them, that he won’t abandon them, and that their lives are accounted for.
The Church is God’s plan for the world. Not the democrats, not the republicans.
Peace,
-Daniel-
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