Stuart Shepard, who does videos for James Dobson’s Focus on Family put out a “pray-for-rain” video where he thought it would be a good idea to ask for torrential downpours during the Democratic convention.
Now, Focus has pulled the video from its website and says it was all a big joke. The Carpetbagger has the Mea Culpa video, which is actaully snarkier than the original.
[...] Well…here’s the link to the video that started the thing. Here’s the link to the follow up Letter from [...]
Whoa, Time warp. We seem to have been transported back into the dark ages. Next stop: the renaissance.
First, Lexi, what you are writing is not Biblical. It is just a hard-shell Baptist doctrine that divides the Body of Christ. Remember that when you are criticizing a woman who God has appointed over you, you are really rebelling against God, just as if you were rebelling against any male authority He has placed over you. Same goes for your husband and mine and any man or woman. The Bible is clear that women are called by God Himself to leadership position. Check out Deborah, Huldah, the (working) wise woman of Proverbs, Priscilla, the woman at the well (the first evangelist), and the women at the tomb who were the first to tell the gospel, after being commissioned to do so by Christ. It is not the gender of the vessel, it is the Holy Spirit working through the vessel that carries the authority of Christ. And He is clear that there is no male nor female division (galations) and that God is no respecter of persons. So He can and does call women to preach the Gospel and to lead nations, as He chooses. Also, Palin is running for office, not Mother-of-the-Year so our comments should focus on her political ability, not whether her child is wearing socks. and of course we cannot look into her heart and judge whether she is focused on power more than on her family. With what judgment we judge we will receive, so I want to believe that God has given Palin a gift for leadership just as He has given Obama a gift for leadership.
That being said, I agree with you that only the love of Christ can change someone who feels forced into having an abortion or is attracted to someone of the same sex. Both homosexuality and abortion are sins but that does not mean that we are called only to oppose these things and not to show the love of Christ to those caught up in it and those struggling with making house payments, losing someone in the Iraq war, etc.
I think we need a totally new political party because as a Christian I am very much in favor of equal pay for equal work, affirmative action, helping the poor, protecting our environment and using diplomacy instead of war. I’m against capital punishment and abortion . We should care as much for children as we should care for the fetus, as olelefty wrote. We should also care for criminals and victims of crimes equally. Why?
Jesus Christ really does love every human being, Democrat, Republican, criminal, humanitarian, woman, man, Muslim, Southern Baptist, you name it. He died for all of us and His command to us as believers is to love each other as He has loved us and to tell everyone in the world the good news that He is God, He did die for their sins and He did rise from the dead and that He wants them to enter a relationship with Him. Not an insitution, or a prison of rules, or a church where we will be judged harshly as moms and women or dads and men, but a relationship of love and respect. Faith in Jesus Christ is all that can save any of us from sin and suffering and dying and death. His kingdom is not built by politics, it is built by Him in our hearts. He is the only Way to find peace for everyone, and no political party can do that for us.
Josey, I totally agree. And don’t think Christians stopped praying after they took the video down either. I’m in California and I knew a few who were praying. But, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that when I got up off of my knees after prayer about my choice in a president, a new party and my future that in my saved-by-grace heart that I am a Christian first and know that the fight is not about fetuses and gays alone.
This is about the Republican platform. It is a wolf in sheeps clothing. We republicans will never overturn Row V Wade because it performs for us every 4 years. I just got the first wave of calls about Gay Rights this season. These two issues are their best fundraiser, vote netters, croud pleasers and march gatherers! If either got overturned or became illegal we would have almost NOTHING left!
This year my eyes have been opened. No more lies to get my vote. I’m now a recovering Republican! Nothing but love can turn someone away from killing their unborn baby or lusting someone their same sex! Christians, we have depend on the bride of Christ NOT the government to change them. They’ll just do it in secret. I am SO now ready to have those other bible principles fullfilled in my Government like, feeding, clothing, sheltering the least of these! And now, I’m ready to compromise with the Dems to reduce abortions and gay marriages. I’m a Landmark Missionary Baptist, love the lord and feel peace about my position, finally! There was something before that didn’t feel right. It was like I was part of a dark scam, before.
Please join me in this good fight and get informed about what the Republican party is really about. Greed! The rich folks at the top. I want a tax cut and WILL pray if McCain wins,dies and Palin takes office. She is NOT ready. Women are not supposed to be at the gates of the city, our place is at home. She didn’t even have socks on that poor baby’s feet in that first speech. She needs to be thinking about her family first not her power.
I’m a christian homeschooling mom, wife, and daughter.
It does not help the cause to hear white evangelicals even in jest “pray” for rain. As a Christian, and a registered African American Republican, I share pride with Obama’s accomplishment.
Obama’s speech was needed to demonstrate the changing face of America. This moment is historic and reaches deep into the psyche of many who have felt the sting and rejection of white america.
But I don’t share the values. So, I can honestly say I would not have prayed for rain on the day of his speech. That would be wrong but the day after well that’s open. And it looks like rain did fall but in Ohio, in the form of Gov. Sarah Palin, as McCain’s VP running mate.
Only registered user allowed |
Wow!
You’d these so called Christians would pray for rain in drought ravaged areas where people arte REALLY suffering!
August 17th, 2008 at 10:53 am
What is going to RAIN on the dem covention is MORE SIN!
Bastard making, who’s going to get some off of who.
A who’s who of fornacatin!
Repent all ye democrats!For GOD don’t like bastard makin!
August 17th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Let them pray for rain here, we haven’t had any rain in a long time. And if they get their prayers answered, I hope it feeds the Colorado River. Lake Mead is running dry.
August 17th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Repent, oh ye jerryrollin. For God doesn’t like assholes.
August 17th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
It gets difficult to take human beings and the long-term survival of the species seriously when bumbleheads get in front of video cameras and suggest that an omniscient, all-powerful God, who is beyond human understanding, might become a co-conspirator in frat house pranks.
If I were Shepard’s spiritual adviser, I’d suggest he get down on his knees and ask forgiveness for belittling the Almighty.
August 17th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
RC,
Bravo!
August 17th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
If God had failed to bring down the requested cloudburst on BO, this would have been a tacit heavenly endorsement of Obama.
The Dobson crowd only got wise to the window they’d opened up for the Lord to make his opinion known. By withdrawing their request for rain, they only closed the window and left in place the make-believe nonsense that God is a Republican. The last thing they want is for it to become obvious God’s both liberal and a Democrat.
August 17th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
“Let them pray for rain here, we haven’t had any rain in a long time. And if they get their prayers answered, I hope it feeds the Colorado River. Lake Mead is running dry”
Why dont YOU pray for rain? get your family, friends and have an event where you look at the situation in your area, discuss it, and pray for rain. simple.
August 17th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Anon, you wrote: ” The last thing they want is for it to become obvious God’s both liberal and a Democrat.
”
Then answer why liberals and democrats oppose the bible being made available in public? why do you so harshly oppose the bible in public schools? why do you oppose the 10 commandments from being displayed in public or in courtrooms? why do you oppose Christmas nativity scenes and run propaganda films at the time of Easter to say its all a lie?
I mean, its not like liberals or democrats are known for CARING about God or CARING what God says, the left is the side of atheism and hatred for what God stands for.
while there are hypocrites on the conservative right and some religious fanatics peddling Christianity, at least the right is known for being pro bible, pro God, pro life, etc
the left? its a requirement of your being a democrat that you must endorse abortion, which is the Satanic murder of newly born or unborn children. As a democrat you must take part or partake in the denial that abortion is the Satanic murder of newly born or unborn children.
OH, its a womans right to choose (murder), or one of the newer lies that its for the health of the mother, or as a democrat and mouthpiece of Satan, youre required to say if the womans life was at stake, or in the case of rape or incest it would be okay to proceed with the abortion. Thats a tested one most people just wont argue with.
ok, but if you decide to hold a full on ritual child sacrafice with torches and an altar and drum beats and chanting and candles? then its NOT ok. If you drop the drums and chanting and just carry out the Satanic child murder/sacrafice in a kind of doctors office like setting? then thats more acceptable. And so it goes…
so the claim that God would side with liberals/democrats? ya take it out and run it around the block a couple times, and then you see that it sounds really kooky
August 17th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
You know how jesus said, when i was poor and hungry, you fed me, when i was naked, you clothed me, &etc? Sounds like he might support a welfare state…
there’s a lot more to Christianity than just being opposed to things.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
“Then answer why liberals and democrats oppose the bible being made available in public?”
It is only YOUR opinion, that there is a connection between God and the Bible.
For many there is no connection
I would respect your believe, but you don’t seem to extent the same respect.
Why aren’t you as upset by the deaths of people who are already born, in war as abortion?
Am I REALLY to believe that if men got pregnant, that abortion wouldn’t be available in the drive thru?
Here’s something from the religious:
“An unborn fetus in Jewish law is not considered a person (Heb. nefesh, lit. “soul”) until it has been born. The fetus is regarded as a part of the mother’s body and not a separate being until it begins to egress from the womb during parturition (childbirth). In fact, until forty days after conception, the fertilized egg is considered as “mere fluid.” These facts form the basis for the Jewish legal view on abortion. Biblical, talmudic, and rabbinic support for these statements will now be presented.”
http://www.myjewishlearning.com/ideas_belief/bioethics/Overview_Abortion
If only the conservatives cared as much about the child as they care about the fetus.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
I pray a bastard of Obama shows up about 7 days b4 the election! LOL!
The jews are wrong olelefty,but now I see where Colmes gets from.
abortion kills a human being.PERIOD!Doesn’t mean its wrong in all cases.
It gives bastard breedin dems a way OUT! Thats why they worship it so.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
You don’t know any more who is right or wrong than anybody else.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
I’ll pray for sunshine and warm temperatures during the Democratic convention.
Okay, maybe we’ll leave room on one day of the convention for a little rain shower but only so the rain can be followed with a nice rainbow.
When the nice temps and rainbow appear, we’ll finally know that the Lord is a liberal Democrat and all those nasty Republicans will finally have to realize they’ve been directing their loyalty at Satan all these years.
Satan is a Republican!!! God is a Democrat!!!
August 17th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
“If only the conservatives cared as much about the child as they care about the fetus.”
Excellent point OL. It’s worth repeating.
August 17th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
WRONG lefty! THAT is where liberalizm is flawed!
August 17th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
WRONG lefty! THAT is where liberalizm is flawed!
by jerrysrollin.blogspot.com August 17, 2008 at 9:15 pm
……………………………………….
In YOUR mind!!
August 17th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Jerrysrollin,
If only the Libs cared for the children as much as they cared for Criminals.
They fight for abortion and against the death penalty. That right there should tell you these people are backwards. Lets fight for criminals/murderers right to live and kill babies. thaqts the mentality we are dealing with on the left. Its almost not worth arguing. Almost, I like making them look like dumb asses though.
August 17th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
All this makes little itty bitty baby Jesus cry…
August 17th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
How can we blame this on Islam? …
August 17th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
…
August 17th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
I prayed for a Royals win today over the Yankees in their last game at old Yankee Stadium.
August 17th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
But who knew that Jason Giambi is a tool of Satan?
August 17th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
If only the CONS cared for the children as much as they cared for WAR CRIMINALS.
They fight for WAR PROFITEERING and against the GENEVA CONVENTIONS. That right there should tell you these people are backwards. Lets fight for DICTATORS and SAUDI PRINCES right to RULE and kill their people, as long as PRIVATE CONTRACTORS ARE MAKING MONEY.. thaqts the mentality we are dealing with on the RIGHT. Its almost not worth arguing. Almost, I like making them look like dumb asses though.
August 17th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Phelps won because of Jesus…
August 17th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
When the Yankees win, it’s only proof that Satan can sometimes get the better of God.
The New York Yankees: Satan’s team.
And on a Sunday, no less.
August 17th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it. (John 14:13-14)
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. (John 15:7 )
On that day you will not question me about anything. Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. Until now you have not asked anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. (John 16:23-24)
If there is no rain, was Jesus lying? Perhaps, he prefers Obama.
August 21st, 2008 at 12:35 pm
I think there’s a certain irony that Focus on the Family prays for rain on the DNC Convention then God delivers hurricanes/tropical storms. First Hurricane Fay, dumping record rainfalls in excess of 30″ on the Bible belt. Now Hurricane Gustav, in what could be the coup de grace Category 3 on New Orleans, on Monday the first day of the Republicans Convention up in Minnesota.
August 27th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
[...] fine folks at James Dobson’s Focus on Family put out a video (that they then removed from their website) asking for torrential downpours for Obama’s [...]
August 28th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
It does not help the cause to hear white evangelicals even in jest “pray” for rain. As a Christian, and a registered African American Republican, I share pride with Obama’s accomplishment.
Obama’s speech was needed to demonstrate the changing face of America. This moment is historic and reaches deep into the psyche of many who have felt the sting and rejection of white america.
But I don’t share the values. So, I can honestly say I would not have prayed for rain on the day of his speech. That would be wrong but the day after well that’s open. And it looks like rain did fall but in Ohio, in the form of Gov. Sarah Palin, as McCain’s VP running mate.
August 29th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Josey, I totally agree. And don’t think Christians stopped praying after they took the video down either. I’m in California and I knew a few who were praying. But, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that when I got up off of my knees after prayer about my choice in a president, a new party and my future that in my saved-by-grace heart that I am a Christian first and know that the fight is not about fetuses and gays alone.
This is about the Republican platform. It is a wolf in sheeps clothing. We republicans will never overturn Row V Wade because it performs for us every 4 years. I just got the first wave of calls about Gay Rights this season. These two issues are their best fundraiser, vote netters, croud pleasers and march gatherers! If either got overturned or became illegal we would have almost NOTHING left!
This year my eyes have been opened. No more lies to get my vote. I’m now a recovering Republican! Nothing but love can turn someone away from killing their unborn baby or lusting someone their same sex! Christians, we have depend on the bride of Christ NOT the government to change them. They’ll just do it in secret. I am SO now ready to have those other bible principles fullfilled in my Government like, feeding, clothing, sheltering the least of these! And now, I’m ready to compromise with the Dems to reduce abortions and gay marriages. I’m a Landmark Missionary Baptist, love the lord and feel peace about my position, finally! There was something before that didn’t feel right. It was like I was part of a dark scam, before.
Please join me in this good fight and get informed about what the Republican party is really about. Greed! The rich folks at the top. I want a tax cut and WILL pray if McCain wins,dies and Palin takes office. She is NOT ready. Women are not supposed to be at the gates of the city, our place is at home. She didn’t even have socks on that poor baby’s feet in that first speech. She needs to be thinking about her family first not her power.
I’m a christian homeschooling mom, wife, and daughter.
August 30th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
First, Lexi, what you are writing is not Biblical. It is just a hard-shell Baptist doctrine that divides the Body of Christ. Remember that when you are criticizing a woman who God has appointed over you, you are really rebelling against God, just as if you were rebelling against any male authority He has placed over you. Same goes for your husband and mine and any man or woman. The Bible is clear that women are called by God Himself to leadership position. Check out Deborah, Huldah, the (working) wise woman of Proverbs, Priscilla, the woman at the well (the first evangelist), and the women at the tomb who were the first to tell the gospel, after being commissioned to do so by Christ. It is not the gender of the vessel, it is the Holy Spirit working through the vessel that carries the authority of Christ. And He is clear that there is no male nor female division (galations) and that God is no respecter of persons. So He can and does call women to preach the Gospel and to lead nations, as He chooses. Also, Palin is running for office, not Mother-of-the-Year so our comments should focus on her political ability, not whether her child is wearing socks. and of course we cannot look into her heart and judge whether she is focused on power more than on her family. With what judgment we judge we will receive, so I want to believe that God has given Palin a gift for leadership just as He has given Obama a gift for leadership.
That being said, I agree with you that only the love of Christ can change someone who feels forced into having an abortion or is attracted to someone of the same sex. Both homosexuality and abortion are sins but that does not mean that we are called only to oppose these things and not to show the love of Christ to those caught up in it and those struggling with making house payments, losing someone in the Iraq war, etc.
I think we need a totally new political party because as a Christian I am very much in favor of equal pay for equal work, affirmative action, helping the poor, protecting our environment and using diplomacy instead of war. I’m against capital punishment and abortion . We should care as much for children as we should care for the fetus, as olelefty wrote. We should also care for criminals and victims of crimes equally. Why?
Jesus Christ really does love every human being, Democrat, Republican, criminal, humanitarian, woman, man, Muslim, Southern Baptist, you name it. He died for all of us and His command to us as believers is to love each other as He has loved us and to tell everyone in the world the good news that He is God, He did die for their sins and He did rise from the dead and that He wants them to enter a relationship with Him. Not an insitution, or a prison of rules, or a church where we will be judged harshly as moms and women or dads and men, but a relationship of love and respect. Faith in Jesus Christ is all that can save any of us from sin and suffering and dying and death. His kingdom is not built by politics, it is built by Him in our hearts. He is the only Way to find peace for everyone, and no political party can do that for us.
August 31st, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Whoa, Time warp. We seem to have been transported back into the dark ages. Next stop: the renaissance.
August 31st, 2008 at 10:09 pm
[...] Well…here’s the link to the video that started the thing. Here’s the link to the follow up Letter from [...]
September 4th, 2008 at 12:52 am