Obama And Rick Warren: Good!

December 18th, 2008, 11:06 AM EST

Inauguration Program


Liberals are upset that Barack Obama is having Rick Warren give the invocation at his inauguration.  I disagree with Rick on a number of issues, but he is one of the few evangelicals who stresses issues like poverty and the environment.  I empathize with gay rights advocates (and I consider myself one of them) who are disturbed by this choice, but it shows a willingness on the part of Obama to reach out and include divergent views.  


We are coming out of an administration where there was a “my way or the highway” attitude.  It’s refreshing that this will not be the case going forward.

Responses to this post...

  1. Like this pick

  2. No matter how much our president-elect tries to reach across the isle the neocons will never be content, but I’m still glad Obama does try. Awesome contrast to the current administration.

  3. Nope. His views are based upon what? That there is some magical superior supernatural being deciding who we can love? I voted for the guy, but am sorely disappointing in his choice.

  4. DIEGO,atleast he trying and i find myself agreeing with T.MASON once more. This nation needs to heal. DIEGO,just getting many from the right to bring this country togather is better than none at all. I am quite sure someone from the right will irk me before the day is over.

  5. Typical of extreme Gay Agenda so Obama has to pick someone who is for Gay Marriage when he himself is against it?

    Yea gay agenda is so open minded

    NOT

    Posted by denny Smith
    December 18th, 2008 at 11:46 am
  6. Steve,

    That’s not my point though. I agree with the pick and am proud of the president-elect in making it. What I’m saying though is that some of the radical right-winged neocons out there will still not be content that Obama is President (to be), even though he does take into consideration fellow Republican individuals for his Cabinet.

  7. This is more of the same old tired power-hungry religion that believes it has a monopoly on truth and which in the end preaches division and hate.

    Someone who could preach morality and peace without reference to religion or yesterday’s gods would have been a far superior choice.

    Posted by Rocky the Liberal Rottweiler
    December 18th, 2008 at 11:51 am
  8. Obama can piss off the left as well. He needs to reach out on the gay issue. It seems he wants to run this country from the center where most of the country is at.

  9. Not picking at you DEIGO,we are on the same page. If you get T.MASON to say that,s a good pick. The earth moved backwards for 1 second. You are right. RUSH and SEAN will blast Rick Warren before the week is over. I never had anything againist this pastor for some odd reason. The way he presents hiself i guess.

  10. Steve,

    Im glad we’re on the same page. You’re right, Rush and Sean aren’t going to be very happy. I’m glad.

  11. He could of picked his old paster of 20 years, that he didn’t hear anything bad from.

  12. Hey Alan when you say “I’m one of them” when did you come out openly gay?

  13. Mark, most people understand that a person doesn’t need to be gay to be an advocate for gay rights.

  14. Lighten up Joel, Why all the tightness? I could care less that you and Alan are gay. At least you admit your faults unlike a majority of you libs.

  15. Hey! Being gay is a “fault”? Wow! I didn’t know that.

  16. SEPERATE MAN,if you listen to REV WRIGHT and look at what he said from a black persons point of view,he is right. It,s way he presented it. His ancestors and mine where brought over here in chains for a cheap labor force. For years have been treated as 2nd rate people and in some segments they still are. Yes, Rev. Wright has crossed the line. You can not go forward spewing hate. You have to used reason. What about all the hate hangings,burnings,name calling,can,t get the job because of color and white pastors spewing hate preaching in church?

  17. Let us all have a “GAY INTERRUPTUS” in this country for a while. Let the gays be! and the purists should get off their high horses.

  18. Liberaland notice:

    I am changing my liberaland name to PFKAM (poster formerly known as mark) so not to be confused with the homophobe at 12:24 and 12:41.

  19. “like the pick” by T Mason.

    SURPRISE!

  20. PFKAM,did you like the movie dazed and confused?

  21. Hi Steve. I enjoyed your earlier post. I saw that movie but it’s been so long I forgot what it was about. I’ll chime in later. I’ve got an appointment in a few minutes.

  22. Hey, Steve rev.Wright got descredited at the National Press Club where he taunted and mocked the moderator. So CNN network which started to air some of the rev. Wright sermmons in their entirety (not as sound bites as Fox sean hannity did) the sunday just before the press conference, did not have a chance to finish the series. Therefore, the american people did get to hear and analyse those sermmons in full context.And if you do listen to those tapes entirely(as I did in the internet), except for the AIDS comment, rev .Wright revealed a lot of truth.But you can’t make people in power to feel too much guilt.

  23. People, Sean Hannity just said (12-18-2008 at 3:15 PM) that WARs cost less than BAILout. So what does he mean or whom is he speaking for?

  24. And when 2 crappy administrations result in BOTH, the effects are even more costly.

  25. Re: Rev Wright. Said it before and I’ll say it again, he wasn’t right about everything. But, he was right when he said: “This country is run by rich white men.” And I’ll add to that, look at the economic mess they’ve made!

    Posted by Susan March
    December 18th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
  26. Wow, a politician who compromises the rights of a minority group in order to pander to the anti-gay majority? I never would have imagined…

  27. He may have well chosen Pat Robertson to give the invocation. Or maybe Bill O’Reilly.

    Reverend Wright, for all his faults, is a much better choice than Rick Warren.

  28. I didn’t vote for obama, but I like his pick of pastors. He has definately angered a lot of far lefties and the members of the gay movement.

    So what? I am tired of everything having to be PC.

  29. Steve and Diego,

    You are both wrong on Rush’s take on this. He isn’t condeming it. In fact he doesn’t have a problem with it. He was talking about it today and the media were asking Rick Warren about his stand on gay marriage. Obama and Rick both are on the same page on this issue. The media were raking Rick over the coals about his stance but refuse to do the same with Obama. Rush was pointing this out.

  30. Warren is a Christian, Obama is a Christian – so what is the big deal? I’m a Christian and don’t agree with Obama on abortion and some other issues, but, if he asked to come pray with him, and for him, I would in a hearbeat!

  31. I am with Jim on this. If Rick Warren refused to do this what would it say about christianity. If asked I would to, go pray with him and for him.

  32. What would it say about Christianity??? This man equates homosexuality with beastiality, pedophelia and incest. Very Christian of him, I must say!

  33. TDRO—One small correction. Mr. Warren does not do this. God does. In both the Old and New Testament.

  34. wow you people ARE nuts. It’s an invocation for crying out loud! half of you imply or state you don’t believe in God, so why are you giving us your vaunted opinions?

  35. Mike,

    don’t you know it is an atheist’s job to give Christians their opinion on everything that has to do with God?

    The atheist group is using one of the 10 commandments to condemn someone for allegedly removing one of their signs. Imagine that. All of a sudden “thou shalt not steal” means something to them.

  36. Ignorance deserves no place at THIS inauguration. The choice to put Warren on the podium — in a crisis-ridden year when we need clear thinking rather than evangelical claptrap — will stun Obama’s hope to revitalize education. The insult to gays is only part of the calamity — a part, yes, which is beneath contempt.

    Posted by Henry Pillsbury
    December 18th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
  37. Oh dear Lord. This is an insult to gays? I have never seen any group who claims to be so “put upon” inflict so much discomfort and try to force their ideaology on anyone until this mess started.

    I am sorry to sound harsh, but I am really sick and tired of the majority being told they have to pander to a minority just to make them “feel better”.

  38. Tra;
    So God hates the gays. Thank you for clearing that up for me.

    T. Mason:
    If you are so sick and tired of the majority being told they have to pander to the minority just to make them “feel better”, I suggest you leave the liberal sites and indulge yourself in all the righteous indignation on the right wing sites. There are plenty out there to choose from.

  39. Henry:

    Good post but it’s not going to stun Obama’s hope to revitalize education.

    I don’t for a moment believe that he buys into all that nonsense. He’s too smart and too strong. I can only hope the christianity act is a big front to get everyone on board. If that’s what it takes, I think it’s worth it.

  40. TDRO:

    Don’t let T get under your skin.

    Trust me… she’s not going anywhere. I think she has found the discussion on this board much more intellectual than the right wing sites.

    Instead focus on making good arguments to her easily debatable points. Um Cara has already softened her up quite a bit.

    We’ll have her voting for Hillary by 2016.

  41. You’re right Pfkam. I’m usually pretty tolerant. I must be getting old and impatient.

    I’d just like to elaborate on my post above regarding Warren equating homosexuality to incest, beastiality and pedophelia.

    This is a somewhat hypocritical of me, considering I equate intolerant Evangelical preachers with adultery, extortion, homosexuality and coke snorting.

  42. Hah!

  43. Why not invite the Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan and really be inclusive.

  44. L Brown:

    Alright. You make a good point.

    Truth is I don’t know all that much about Rick Warren. Somebody gave me his book, I read about 2 pages and I didn’t need to go any further. I don’t know if you would put him in the same category as the “Wiz” but I’m not a fan of Warren anyway.

    My point is that I think Obama is trying something that is unprecedented. And that is to reach out across divides. Let’s face it, Warren has a tremendous following. Maybe if we can get a few of them to see Obama as something other than the enemy, they’ll give him a chance.

    Dream world? Probably. But I’m interested in trying something new. I hope you can agree the old way hasn’t worked so great.

    Mark

  45. so this is liberaland? more like dumbfukistan, amirite? more ignorance, nonsense, and homophobia than alabama klan meeting. lets get this straight. obama is basically a right wing hack. people who argue about the differences between r and d are idiots. they are two heads of the same military corporate monster that needs to be slaughtered. obama sold out those lefties that brung him to da dance to secure the idiot right. he figures the left has no where to go and he can woo them back later with a few crumbs. the hysteria and celebrity culture in this country means any goof who voted for this fool will take him back with the most minor gesture like a stockholm syndrome battered wife.

    republicans and democrats all need to be destroyed. 3rd party candidates for the win.

    btw. warren is a p.o.s. homophobe and anyone who takes this guy seriously is someone who i dont take seriously.

  46. Hi WILLY, AND SEASON GREETINS. Rush still spin it his way thou. I might be wrong,but i think Obama wants to run the gov,t just a little left of center. I know alot of libs are mad and some on the right as well.

  47. To support Rick Warren, you have to find homosexuality a perversion in some way. I’m really disappointed in Alan on this one. Straight people feel like they feel. It just comes as a complete surprise how homophobic (and yes, defending rick warren is homophobic)people on the left are.

  48. Why is everyone acting like every preacher who teaches that homosexuality is a sin is making it up? Like some modern day minister invented the concept.

    this has been around for over 2,000 years folks. This isn’t new.

    Believing that homosexuality is a sin does NOT, I repeat does NOT make you a homophobe. It means that you have a set of beliefs that dictate to you how to live your life. It is no different that believing you should wait for sex til you are married, or that you should abstain from drugs and alcohol, or that a monogamous marriage is the way you should live, not swining around town.

    Just because you think a lifestyle is okay doesn’t mean it is. Just because you think a lifestyle should be socially acceptable, does not mean it will be. I am tired of people trying to force THEIR beliefs on me…meaning YOu telling ME that because I don’t agree with homosexual marriage that I am wrong.

    The majority of folks on here think the word evangelical is a dirty word. You think they are all hypocrites and you don’t like it when they mention the word hell. Guess what? They don’t like it when the far left tries to tell them how to live either.

  49. I might add that since you only want to throw barbs at Christians, maybe you should take the time to research and see Christians are not the only religious group who believe it is a sin.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_and_homosexuality

  50. He is not making Warren some religion Czar or something. I don’t like Warren positions but I don’t take anything anyway from the man for it.

    It’s called bipartisanship. I think Obama might be a fan of it too. We’ll see…

    Read my blog that is bipartisan if you think it’s impossible and made up by Peggy Noonan to sell books.

    http://americapress.wordpress.com

  51. Gee, if this is a typical demostration of liberal “big-tent-ism” and acceptance of others that disagee with them, I can’t imagine what conservative intolerance looks like!

    Posted by Michael Dooley
    December 19th, 2008 at 9:21 am
  52. I can,hate,division,being unreasonable. Hell bent on not using logic. Making a wrong right. I could say more.

  53. The local KKK in my town has annual food drives, road cleanup, visiting the sick, and youth programs. Invite them! This is just a pathetic excuse to justify having a homophobe speak. If gays and lesbians already had confidence in Obama’s support, this would not raise an eyebrow. But he has already burned too many bridges. But he knows he can dump glbt people without hurting his reelection hopes. Sad, but true. Just look at all of the “apologia” by heterosexuals across the web. If a GOP president invited someone like this, liberals would be in an uproar. http://dissentingjustice.blogspot.com/2008/12/new-obama-drama-glbt-groups-upset-that.html

  54. I can’t imagine what conservative intolerance looks like!

    Posted by Michael Dooley
    …………………………………

    It looks like Larry Craig coming out firmly against gays marriage while tapping around in the mens room.

    It looks like Newt Gingrich with his multiple divorces portraying his party as OUR moral betters.

    Or:

    Glen Beck: “Cindy Sheehan. That’s a pretty big prostitute there, you know what I mean?”

    Fox News host Sean Hannity ,two months before the November midterm elections:
    “This is the moment to say that there are things in life worth fighting and dying for and one of ‘em is making sure [Rep.] Nancy Pelosi [D-CA] doesn’t become the [House] speaker.”

    Rush Limbaugh on the kidnapping of peace activists in Iraq: “I’m telling you, folks, there’s a part of me that likes this.” [The Rush Limbaugh Show,

    Rush Limbaugh calling Iraq war vet Paul Hackett a “staff puke,” claiming he went to Iraq “to pad [his] resume,” and attacked him as “a liberal hiding behind a military uniform.”

    Just imagine if McCain had won, and chose Al Sharpton or Jessie Jackson.

  55. Freaking GOOD GREIF ! It,s a major difference in being gay and paying taxes trying to fit in than having a bunch hate minded rednecks preaching stinking muck. I am open minded,are you? You are way off base to compare the freaking people who wesr clown suits to people that are atleast trying to do positived things in life. Get a life.

  56. The only way not to be considered a hater these days is to stand against nothing yep moral relativism

    Funny the group the wants what they think is ok to do in the bedroom not to be put upon and want there sexual views respected don’t respect anyone else point of view.

    OK WORLD LETS ALL VALIDATE AND HOLD UP GAY SEX OR WE ARE all HATERS

    Talk about McCarthy like tactics…

    Posted by denny Smith
    December 19th, 2008 at 10:04 am
  57. [...] I applaud Barack Obama for his inclusiveness by inviting Rick Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration,  it should not go without note that Warren’s [...]

  58. Thanks, Denny Smith,

    It’s mutual, I’m sure.

  59. If this were the 60’s and the President elect chose a preacher who was vocal and aggressive in his stance that interracial marriage was “unnatural and unholy” as was a popular position from the majority then…

    and Obama’s mother lived in a neighborhood who bought into that strongly…and had to walk down streets of that neighborhood…at night…daily

    How would Obama feel about the President making the one choice for a religious figure to represent moral authority for the new administration…giving that podium to that preacher.

    and what if Obama and other inter racial children from that interracial “unholy” or unnatural unions had gone door to door in those neighborhoods…at night…daily

    fighting for that president…

    yes this is a big deal

    Ricjk warren even this mornign was being broadcast calling good people…on par with pedophiles…and that they were “unnatural” and should resist those urges.

    Imagine he was saying that about you all and how you all feel toward your wives and husbands.

    I do not think you would be okay with this man speaking at the Inauguration of a President that you fought for.

  60. IT,S 12/19/08. Can,t change the hands of times.

  61. TDRO—You said, “So God hates the gays. Thank you for clearing that up for me.”

    Please point me to where I said God hates gays. Please, please, please do this. I dare you. I triple dog dare you!!!

    This is where people miss the boat. GOD DOES NOT HATE THE PERSON who practices homosexuality. GOD DOES NOT HATE THE PERSON who commits murder. GOD DOES NOT HATE THE PERSON who commits adultery.

    God only hates sin. Of which, homosexuality, murder, adultery, lying, pedophilia, and beastiality are all considered sins. So God does hate those BEHAVIORS.

    Basically, God hates the sin, not the sinner. If He hated the sinner, He would not have sent His son as a perfect sacrifice to be the payment for everyone’s sins.

    TDRO, if you can’t make this distinction, or won’t make this distinction, that is fine, but I can’t sit back and let you twist words.

  62. Denny Smith said,

    OK WORLD LETS ALL VALIDATE AND HOLD UP GAY SEX

    It’s really great to see you turning around on this issue, Denny! Your next step is to just accept gay folks w/o being obsessed w/ sex.

    I’m sure you accept heterosexuals, but I doubt when talking about the fact that you accept them you say things like: Ok world, lets all validate and hold up heterosexual sex.

    Everything isn’t about sex, dude.

  63. Tra,
    The difference is many people don’t believe that God thinks that homosexuality is a sin.

  64. DENNY SMITH, My my my,my son.It,s not that simple. Being heterosexual i will not hold up a sign saying i want to buff,CINDY,MARY AND LINDA. I would not do the same if i where gay. I am quite sure thou,i could place you at those SALEM WITCH HUNTS.

  65. NEW RULE:
    Until you personally obey EVERY rule and prohibition laid out in Leviticus, you cannot use it as justification for discriminating against gays.
    (with apologies to Bill Maher)

  66. TCNY,

    I can’t stand Maher, but gotta admit, that is a good way to look at it!

  67. TCNY—If anyone were capable of following every part of the Law, Jesus would not have needed to come and sacrifice Himself for us.

    However, just because someone struggles with one part of the law does not give them the authority or the ability to break other parts. Neither does it mean that we have to condone others breaking it either.

  68. I listed a few of the other prohibitions, weird that folks are as upset about breeding cattle or reading horoscopes as they are about who folks fall in love with. Surely those things are at least as ‘bad’ as falling in love with someone of the same sex? It sounds like to some folks homosexuals are even as bad as shellfish!

    I am glad that incest is not allowed (too bad father daughter incest is not off limits according to these rules, however).

    Anyway, here goes:

    Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you. 11:10-12

    Eating animal fat-Leviticus 7:25

    Adultery-Leviticus 20:10

    Incest-Leviticus 18:6-18 and 20:11-21 please note that father-daughter incest is NOT specified as an offense

    Eating sacrificial meat while in a state of uncleanness-Leviticus 7:20

    You shall not breed together two kinds of your cattle

    you shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed

    nor wear a garment upon you of two kinds of material mixed together.

    For Christians to have their fortunes told, to use spells and charms, or the like, is a sad affront to God.

    Blasphemy-Leviticus 24:10-16

    Ingesting animal blood-Leviticus 3:17 and 7:26-27 and 17:10-14

    Touching Mt. Sinai-Exodus 19:12-13

    Brides found to be not virgins-Deuteronomy

    Persons with leprosy or gonorrhea eating holy things-Leviticus 22:4

    Eating sacrificial meat on the third day-Leviticus 7:18 and 19:5-8

  69. STEVE I think I saw you commiting violence against many churches throughout america going against tehre constitutional rights YEA that was you

    carra-Stiil running from the sex issue/question because you have no foundations

    Nice try……………

    When the plumbling fits call me……………..
    But I think nature is set

  70. Uma so now your telling Christians how they should interpret there faith yae taht is what teh constitution was founded on.

    And you have no clue between the difference between the moral code and the ceremonial law

    And the difference between two covernants….Moral code was held up.

    Take a theology cause please………….

    When the plumbing fits equally call me

  71. When the plumbing fits equally call me

    I’m just not interested, Denny. You’ll have to find another dude to chat anal sex with, sorry man.

    Seriously, it’s nothing personal – it’s just that I am into chicks.

  72. Uma so now your telling Christians how they should interpret there faith yae taht is what teh constitution was founded on.

    Man, you are really het up. Can’t spell the, you, or that when you are in this condition.

    Maybe if you got your mind off of anal sex for a day you would mellow out a bit (or maybe if you found that special someone to draw pictures and ‘talk’ anal sex with you).

    Good luck man, I know there is someone out there for you!

  73. Who cares about plumbing?

  74. It fits right with your logic. Your logic needs a plumbing job. On another note, you are DENNYSMITH not GOD.

  75. DL -Again you are making the mistake between race and sex they are two different issues

    The bible mentions nothing about Skin Color

    Skin Color is morally neutral it tells me nothing about persons behavior just pigmantation…

    If I told you some one was black and then told you this was a person that cheated on his wife and was not home wth his family you if against adultery have a moral issue with thst person you would know his skin color and behavior which of cause you would be against his lifestyle. He has a right to live it but we do not have to validate it…..

    It would not make you hater………..You sexual family morals would be just that yours .

    Skin Color is morally neutral

    A black woman and white man married is just that skin color

    The plumbing fits God made male and female…….Only in the west did color become an issue…

    Like Malcom X found out in Mecca this is a western issue

    So you have no historical physical biological Constitutional bases for trying to force people to belive as you. On iterracial marriage there was plenty of grounds Man and woman yea thats a match.

    Now if warren put two consenting adults on the same level as the things mentioned I would totally disagree with Warren on that…There is no comparrison We may view booth as sin but different levels altogether A gay Person can be a beautiful loving person and live in a relationship I disagree with But not a rapist or pedophile that is evil.

    When the plumbing fits call me

  76. Steve

    Attacking churches fits with your Logic

    Uma- man still can’t prove gay sex is natural just admit defeat

    Who should he have name Ru Paul hahahhahahahahhaha

  77. Uma- man still can’t prove gay sex is natural just admit defeat

    What is unnatural about it? All sex acts that do not lead to procreation are unnatural? I still don’t get your point – but why don’t we continue the discussion in the other thread, instead of filling up another thread w/ what must be a quite tedious discussion to most.

  78. Dennysmith,

    We will not discuss straight OR gay sex acts with you.

    We will not discuss it with a dog,
    We will not discuss it on a blog.

    We will not discuss it with a homophobe in ANY way,
    We will not discuss it with a self loathing gay

    You can all keep having your fun,
    As for the sex talk, I am done.

  79. yea oldlefty!!!!!

    And because the poem was SO PERFECT, I’m going to follow it’s advise!

    good, good, good stuff, Oldlefty!

  80. Great old left admits defeat as well

    if you want to compare to straight people interacial couples but then ignore the obvious lack of compatability sexully go right ahead

    But you comparisons are defeated because this.

    THEN STOP CAMPARING

    WHE THE PLUMBING FITS WHEN YOU CAN REPRODUCE NATURALLY

    CALL ME WHEN YOU HAVE A PENI VAGINA COMPATABILITY CALL ME

    GO WARREN

  81. UMA DIAGRAMS PLEASE IF NORMAL THE COMPARISONS SHOULD BE EQUAL AND OBVIOUS

  82. CALL ME WHEN YOU HAVE A PENI VAGINA COMPATABILITY CALL ME

    I’m not calling you, and I’m not responding to any of your silliness until you come up with a new shtick (since I have responded a hundred times, and you have ignored every response).

    However…

    My ‘peni’ is perfectly compatible with every vagina I have tried it out with. If yours isn’t, maybe that is why you are obsessed with anal sex.

    Cheers!

  83. UMA COME ON LETS DO A COMPARISON IF NORMAL WHAT IS THE PROBLEM
    ITS LIKE PRO ABORTION ADVOCATES WHO WILL NOT DISCUSS HEART BEATING AFTER 10 WEEKS GROWING EATING ETC.

    EVEN IF NOT A FULL LIFE YOU ARE STOPPING A HEART BEAT

    A fetus is not a decayed tooth it is in the least a potiential life with many attributes of life but of cause the avoid films on the fetus etc because the logical coclussion is obvious abortion is immoral in most cases

    and you gays (Uma come on it is obvious) You love to use words like normal and make comparisons to male emal relationships but when push comes to shove refuse to prove it on any biological scientific or physical level

    Again you run

    When the plumbing fits let me know

  84. Well, this is a new schtick, I must admit. Congrats.

    Unfortunately, I have stated several times that I don’t debate abortion, sorry dude.

  85. Old left love the term homophobe

    So if I don’t agree with Gay sex McCarthy like terms cum out

    Typical…So waht is an anti-Adulterer called or anti-Fornicator? Or ant-Smoking etc

    All behaviors and part of ones lifestyle…

    So you prove me right one must be a moral relativist

    not to be labelled but then agin you cannot go against me if a moral relativist

    You see the logic of the extreme left is”The are no absolutes except the fact thre are noo absolutes which means you argue against any morality you disagree with but are realtivists on ones you support but have no argument for….

    It os twisted and dangerous

    Let me know when plumbing fits

  86. Uma

    You don’t debate anything except on a superficial level

  87. ant-Smoking

    As long as they are fire ants, considering they are non native species to the US, and horrible pests which are displacing native species, I’m all for ‘em smoking. Hate the nasty little critters. If they die early of cancer, I won’t shed a single tear.

    But the indigenous ant populations have enough problems with pesticides, habitat loss, etc… They don’t need something else to cause them to die early.

    So, I’m pro fire ant smoking, but anti indigenous ant population smoking. I’ll admit it, I’m a fireantphobe.

  88. Ye your so evil to be anti smoking

    I mean Jazz Artist Hubie Blake smoked heavy till he died lived over 100 years old (Exception to rule argument)

    How could you be such a moralist man that is so Puritian of you (HEHE)

    Posted by dennysmith
    December 19th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
  89. Main Entry: ‘Pot Calling the Kettle Black’
    Pronunciation: \ˈpät\ \ˈkȯ-liŋ\ \thə\ \ˈke-təl\ \ˈblak\
    Etymology:
    * Miguel de Cervantes in Don Quixote — “said the frying-pan to the kettle, get away, blackbreech”[6]
    * Henry Fielding in Covent Garden Journal — “Dares thus the kettle to rebuke our sin!/Dares thus the kettle say the pot is black!”
    * William Penn in Some fruits of Solitude – “For a Covetous Man to inveigh against Prodigality… is for the Pot to call the Kettle black.”
    * Margaret Mitchell in Gone with the Wind — “The pot’s calling the kettle black.”

    1: see DENNYSMITH posting at 12:49 PM

  90. Man how things go over your head…

    That was my point……………….HEHE

    Posted by dennysmith
    December 19th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
  91. Your point was that you only debate at a superficial level? OK, cool – we agree. You only debate at the most superficial of levels.

  92. UM CARA—Denny, despite his typing difficulties, has a point about moral law vs ceremonial law. Things in the old testament that were considered unclean didn’t necessarily mean they were immoral. Only that it made a person unclean, or unfit, for worship at that time.

    You really took a lot of the verses you posted out of context. For instance, Lev 7:25 does not ban eating animal fat. It only animal fat that has been designated as an offering to God, because that would be stealing directly from God.

    As to anything related to food, Jesus settled this matter. In Matt 7:18-19 (KJV), “And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?” Basically, there is no clean or unlcean food.

    Your claim that incest between a father and daughter is not prohibited is a quite disturbing. One of the very verses you posted as reference speaks to this very issue. Lev 18:17 says “Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son’s daughter, or her daughter’s daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness.” If a man were to commit incest with his daughter, then he MUST have uncovered the nakedness of a woman and her daughter.

    Please, Um Cara, if you are going to quote scripture, please do so honestly and accurately.

  93. MAN YOU ARE LOST

    Normal=Prove don’t claim what you cannot prove
    Since I have asked 15 times for a foundation of Normal outside of just feelings and you give nothing but ANIMAL life (that is a joke)no Physical or scientific prove

    If you want to accept it fine enjoy wish you ayour partner the best but stop making it equal
    when no foundation for it

    You want your cake (or should I say Romp Roast and eat it too LOL)

    Waiting for Diagram

    When plumbing fits let me know

    You state-However…

    “My ‘peni’ is perfectly compatible with every vagina I have tried it out with….”
    Are you trying to prove something? The vagina was made as a perfect match for the Penis so thanks for proving my point again….hehe

    Posted by dennysmith
    December 19th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
  94. Tra,

    I’ll never post scripture again. Everybody interprets it differently anyway, and it drives me nuts to see other folks post it (clutters up the blog, just posting the chapter and verse would be enough).

    And you point is well taken <- sincere statement alert

  95. TRA

    You are asking Cara for Honesty and Knowledge of the Bible forget it

    But nice try…..

    WRONG AGAIN CARA MUST GET TIRED of being wrong

    Posted by dennysmith
    December 19th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
  96. Are you trying to prove something?

    I was just responding to your request:

    CALL ME WHEN YOU HAVE A PENI VAGINA COMPATABILITY CALL ME

    I never claimed the two organs didn’t work out well together, but there you go. There are of course other things one can do with one’s penis, that are also natural (even Warren said so), but we’ve hashed, rehashed, and rerehashed all of that.

  97. Um

    No more rehasing when you have a compatatbility Diagram that matches stRAight sex biologically physically scientifically has you calim I will call it normal so far you refuse to do so because obvious it is not the same or a fit in any natural sense. You cannot compare the Anal Penis relationship with Vaganial Penis sperm egg relationship

    So until we can compare Diagrams and the marvelous creation God has made there is no point….in going on
    Unless nature changes creation we never will have an equal diagram so stick your penis anywhere you want call it normal if you want …….I won’t

    Thanks

    Posted by dennysmith
    December 19th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
  98. UM CARA—Thanks for the compliment.

    I try not to post direct scripture too often, as there are many who don’t believe in it and just close off when they read it.

    Thanks for not doing that with my post.

  99. Denny,

    Some homosexuals do not like anal sex, so presumably you have no problem with them receiving the same rights and responsibilities with their marriages as heterosexuals?

    What about heterosexuals who do like anal sex? Should their marriage licenses be revoked?

  100. Being effective at administering at open tent policy is establishing minimal entry requirements. I assume Obama doesn’t want drug dealers or convicted child molestors in the tent. I think bigots should be added to that list. And if obama doesn’t want acknowledged racists on the podium, why is he okay with other kinds of bigots. Once you go down the road of condoning some kinds of bigotry and condemning others, you’ve condoned all. And, candidly, I found the way Rick Warren told you (alan colmes) that you were condemned as a Jew unless you abandoned your religion and followed his religion highly offensive.

  101. Uma

    You are still arguing the exception to the rule and not the rule

    Stop looking at the the small picture and look at the whole picture

    You still do nor compare and contrast the issue mpatabilities

    I am against anal sex no matter who has it but sinc ethere is sexual compatabilty and a natural match between a man and woman which cannot be said of Gay sex. For all prior reasons given no I would not revoke it. Anyone think the Anal was built for sex PLEASE.

    Would you put your **** in shi* Yea thats natural

    Any other type of sex gays have still does not compare with the male female sexual realtionship. Not even close

    Again a diagram is needed…

    You know the truth…

    Posted by dennysmith
    December 19th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
  102. Barbra

    Believing Jesus died for everyone and we are all sinners
    and need a savior and he is the savior of the world is not bigoted. If Warren believed it was some kind of Birth Rate and not a choice yes it would be bigoted. Or if he believed only jews are sinners yse that would be bigoted. But he believes we are all sinners who need a savior all in the same situation…..All separated from God

    The Torah talks of a coming savior we believe it to be Christ

    Again this need to believe in everything therefore nothing is scarey.

    If a Jewish/Islamic ETC religious person told me his faith was not the real one I would have no respect for his faith.

    And if he did not want to share his faith of great value that is true bigotry. If as a christian we are all sinners and need a savior and Jesus loves us all equally and is the only way to heaven but did not share this faith that would be bigoted Period. That would be sending people down a dead end dangerous road and not saying anyting because they may get offended…

    I see man of the Jewish faith handing out phamplets on a Jewish Rabbi who died about 10 years ago they believe he is the messiah prophessied. But before they hand it out they ask “Are you Jewish” If you say no they do not hand out the material to the non jew…

    So he is only savior for Jewish People?

    Now that is bigoted..

    I disagree with some of warrens comparisons but Saying all men need jesus is equality not bigoted…..

    Jesus died for all loves all

    Religious relativism is quite dangerous I want all different religions and secular view to flourish so we can have dialog

    Posted by dennysmith
    December 19th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
  103. uma carrea

    Lets call a Christmas Truce

    Can we agree we beleive in people to leve freely religious or not

    That gays should have all healtcare benefits rental and insurance etc etc..that married couples have.

    And we can disagree without calling each other haters

    I know where we disagree on marriage etc but lets hope in America there is always room for disagreement

    Freedom is the key

    I did vote for Obama because I want a liberal but not a secularist.

    A man who can see all sided so far he has not disappointed me.

    Merry Christmas happy holidays

    Posted by dennysmith
    December 19th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
  104. Merry Christmas

  105. Um Cara ~

    Your listing of other “no-no’s” in the Bible is pointless to Evangelicals. Remember they ALWAYS cling to the Scriptures that support their views, while completing ignoring the one’s that don’t!

  106. Danielle,

    The same way those of you who condemn evangelicals for their beliefs disregard the scriptures that SAY it is a sin?

  107. Unbelievable! To think that something as innocent and non-partisan as a prayer could be made into a political spectacle. All of you who are bad-mouthing Obama for asking a pastor to pray over him, his family and the country are either delusional or just plain dumb.

    While I do not agree with Rick Warren on a number of issues, at least I can have the intellectual honesty to say that he has done more for social issues than any other person in recent history. I’m not talking about raising awareness and giving speeches, he has physically gone to places where most of us would not dare to go in order to bring gifts of medicine, change, and most importantly, hope.

    He is the right choice to make the invocations…why? Because he is a pastor, and that’s what pastors do. Would the minority, gay rights movement have preferred Jeremiah Wright give the prayer?

    It’s high time the minorities of this country understand that, while their cause may be important, and sometimes righteous, they cannot continue to make the majority cow-tow to their every whim.

    Neither Barack Obama, and Joe Biden are supporters of gay marriage, but they helped vote them in anyway. Did they expect, when he was elected, that they’d change their minds?

  108. It’s high time the minorities of this country understand that, while their cause may be important, and sometimes righteous, they cannot continue to make the majority cow-tow to their every whim.

    Does that mean we should just sit back and shut up?

    Neither Barack Obama, and Joe Biden are supporters of gay marriage, but they helped vote them in anyway. Did they expect, when he was elected, that they’d change their minds?

    You’re not that naive are you? If either one of those guys even waffled on that issue, they’d never be able to even sniff the white house.

    Mark

  109. You have the right (1st Ammendment) to say what you want to say freely and without predjudice, and I encourage you to be as loud and boisterous and you can be…in fact, it’s because of your determination the gay rights movement has made great strides in this country. As far as I know, the US is, so far, the most accomodating country in the world when it comes to recognizing your lifestyle.

    However, you, as a social minority, do not get to tell the majority how things are done (ref the outcome of Prop 8 in Cali).

    “If either one of those guys even waffled on that issue, they’d never be able to even sniff the white house.”

    Politicians will be politicians and will say what they need to in order to get elected…that’s been a tried and true method of success since the birth of democracy. Otherwise, are you suggesting both Obama and Biden ARE supporters of gay marriage, but instead, sold out their beliefs in order to get votes?

  110. Never trust politician. Reguardless of party.

  111. I don’t understand why folks are so upset about Obama asking Rick Warren to speak at his inauguration. IMHO, Obama is practicing what he has preached for two years -civility. I see many people today who are so nasty and rude because they have decided their opinion is all that matters. I avoid folks of that mindset. Personally, I would rather have a dialog with someone with whom I don’t agree with on the issues but, will conduct themselves in a civil tone.

  112. Terrible choice. In the name of inclusiveness, Obama and his team have picked Pastor Rick Warren. Evangelicals, after all, have tradtionally favored the Republicans. Visit the Saddleback Church web site, however, and you’ll find a message of exclusiveness. Gays need not apply for membership:

    Because membership in a church is an outgrowth of accepting the Lordship and leadership of Jesus in one’s life, someone unwilling to repent of their homosexual lifestyle would not be accepted at a member at Saddleback Church.

    http://www.saddlebackfamily.com/membership/group_finder/faqs_smallgroup.asp?id=7509#q_49

  113. [...] woman she is hell-bound, reports Americablog via TNR. The Rick Warren piling on is because of Obama’s choice of the pastor to deliver the invocation at his [...]

  114. Moral diversity and cultural diversity are two separate aspects of society

    What the extreme left wants is Moral Duversity more them Ethnic or racial diversity. We all must have the same Sexual views for example. That is why in Most Multi Cultural School progtams religious groups are left out. Because with Religion comes absolutes. The ter Multi Cultural is just a mask. By trying to force this Agenda must Americans don’t want they are insulting the three major religions of the world. Is that multi-Cultural?

    Sexual orientation is not a pigmantation or etnic group it is a group that implies or infers may be better that same sex couples commit sexual acts together. This is a behavior not neutral morally as stated before.

    I agree with equal rights like civil unions but Marriage is not a right but Government Validation which would Lead to the Governments going against any group with different points of view. It will be called “HATE SPEECH” Being Black I cannpt change my color a Gay person no matter the reason they are gay does not HAVE to give into tendencies. Black is in no way a choice or imply any moral act just color.

    Society is not going to become moral realitivists to satisfy the extreme gay movement. And the anger and Violence coming from this agenda will cause a backlash.

    Color ethnicity is one thing forcing tax payers to agree with you on this issue is moral facism. The same Government that will validate you we pay taxes as well.

    Equal Benefits yes Euality on all basic human rights

    But Government and Church validation that is a choice You have heard of choice CORRECT?

    And the idea the left gay agenda is going to tell religious people what to believe and what scriptures to look at is typical of an extreme Secular agenda that can lead to Facism. I cannot tell someone or force someone not to be Gay that is up to them and I would fight for them to live there lives Freely but Forcing Validation is Facism

    You admith some churches will marry you and most Americans agree with Civil Unions so what is the issue?

    The issue is you want acceptance and you will take it by force if you have too. But you don’t realize you are running way ahead of where America is today and instead of accepting civil unions and progress you condemn=backlash.

    Black is a Color implies no lifestyle-neutral. Gay is a lifestyle if you do not see the difference there is no hope.

    Funny many of you want to qoute scripture and tell Religious people waht they should believe but hate when the same is done to you.

    I hope you see the contradiction…..

    Posted by Brian Michaels
    December 20th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
  115. It seems that the extreme right wants is to dictate morality to everyone else.

  116. Indeed it does, lol, but the funny part is how poorly they lead by example…

    The statistics for divorce, infidelity and serial monogamy, for instance, are the same for the “right” as anyone else…although it DOES always seem worse when another “christian” leader is caught with a mistress, or like recently, a mantress…

    The problem with Alan’s contention is that no matter how much a church ‘gives’ to charity (usually a small percentage)…in order to justify their existence and do “good work”, it is cancelled out when they vote for politicians that continue to break promises made.

    I wonder how many folks here realize just how poorly the US has been on keeping it’s committment to the Milleneum Development Goals. You are LAST, by far, when it comes to percentage of GNP.

    Bush promised .07%, and has delivered .02%.

    That, for the record is 20th out of 20 of the g20. Only Greece comes close to as poor a record.

    Posted by badmrfrosty
    December 20th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
  117. BADMOUTHFROSTY – normally, I wouldn’t justify a horrible entry such as yours with my time, much less a response; HOWEVER, how quickly you dismiss the US as the last place in the list of contributors to the MDG, without giving us the credit we deserve, and never receive. What country are you from that you feel you can make such a remark against the world’s #1 contributor to global aid programs?

    And, your research isn’t accurate at all about who the largest contributor to domestic aid programs…churches!
    http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-06-25-charitable_N.htm

    Get your facts straight before you badmouth the US.

    Posted by Jared (I) - Texas
    December 20th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
  118. Pastor Warren and Fred Phelps are very similar and you woudn’t invite Fred much less let him give an invocation. You don’t need to throw Republicans a bone – we won.

  119. Yes its much better he offend the three major religions of the world and pick a Pro Gay marriage Pastor.

    That’s true diversity……

    Since we are just a majority of the population…

    Validating Gay Marriage is more important

    To disagree on Sexuality is a no no

    We MUST all think the same on sexual values

    Oh wait taht si what the righ is accused of

    What a funny twist LOL

    Posted by Brian Michaels
    December 22nd, 2008 at 10:09 am
  120. Whiny democrats. “we won, they didn’t” we should get our way, our way, our way. Sounds like a bunch of 2-year-olds who want another cookie after mama says no.

  121. Posted by T. Mason, December 19th, 2008 at 7:56 am:

    “I might add that since you only want to throw barbs at Christians, maybe you should take the time to research and see Christians are not the only religious group who believe it is a sin.”

    Waaaaaaaah!!!!

    Poor, pitiful, persecuted Christians! They really have it all over the Jews for suffering, don’t they.

    Why can’t everyone be more understanding of their P.C. (Politically Christian) culture?

  122. Sarah

    You hate Christians at least Christians that believe in the Bible

    You mock Christian Persecution because you do not know your history.

    If your studied early Rome or what happened in Communist countries ESPECIALLY CHINA YOU WOULD KNOW THE TRUTH.

    No one is downplaying Persecution of the Jews.

    Both groups have been persecuted for there religious belief

    One sign over a concentration camps said: “The Jews created the conscience (The the Law) We will destroy the conscience.”

    Any group that makes a stand on Moral issues will be persecuted that is just the way it is.

    Way you demand religious validation I do not know….

    The truth is you are going to lose the African American community who are religiously conservative but politically liberal if you continue to force your values-the backlash will be hard.

    Equal rights yes equal validation no….They are not teh same thing.

    I could not care less if My marriage was recognized by the state we got married in church and God recognizes it…

    Why you want more I don’t know

    God made man and women….

    Perfect match…In all areas unlike oh nevermind if I have to explain it…..

    Its like I landed on Mars and have to explain basic biology chemistry and natural law…………

    It is so basic so obvious

    Thanks

    Life on Mars for sure

    Christians have been persecuted greatly throughout History

    Posted by Brian Michaels
    December 22nd, 2008 at 3:24 pm
  123. Watch it, Brian, or T Mason will accuse you of whining, too. :)

    My point is, Christians have done more persecuting to others, than they have ever dreamed of being persecuted. And with Jews, it’s especially true, although you don’t hear them whine NEARLY as much as conservative Christians.

    You claim to be a Bible-loving Christian? Then you’re right– I do despise so-called “Bible-loving Christians” of today’s ilk, who pervert the faith and give Hate more credence than the Love that Jesus Christ proclaimed in the Gospels. Well, at least what Man allowed to be shared in the Gospels. Frankly, most of the “Bible-loving Christians” have never read the book in the first place, it would appear.

    As for hating Christians– don’t look at me. T Mason is the one who denounces others’ Christian beliefs. Check out her recent posts that nullify the Christian belief that wine and wafer ARE the true body and blood of Christ, which she insists are symbolic, not literal. She’s decided that only what SHE believes in, is the TRUE Christian faith, and that the other denominations of Christianity are full of “misinformation.”

    (Actually, to be honest, I’m not totally in lockstep anymore with Missouri Synod Lutheran– I question a lot of the beliefs– but I do consider myself a Christian. My fear is– and I think you and T prove it beautifully — so we make Christianity the official religion in the U.S. Which denomination takes precedence? Point: Let’s keep things as secular as possible.)

  124. Jared – would you feel the same if a local grand wizard was invited? People can always dismiss things that do not affect them personally. That’s one of the main reasons why change is so sluggish. People are just naturally selfish, callous and hypocritical. The same people telling glbt folks to “be quiet” would make a completely different argument if, say, McCain were inviting someone from Bob Jones University to speak. Or if Obama had invited an outspoken sexist or racist. But because the majority of Americans do not support same-sex marriage in the first place, it is easy to dismiss glbt as whiners. The more things change, the more they stay the same… http://dissentingjustice.blogspot.com/2008/12/fallacy-of-obamas-diversity-defense.html

  125. For fifty years most of Europe was run by a secular state where communism/State was God. Religious Freedom was not allowed neither was free speech of any kind that was anti-Government.

    That is extreme Secular state you seem to be promoting. If so what are you doing here China and Cuba would fit your idealogy better

    As for Religious the truth is much harm as been done in the name of Jesus I do not deny. The religious killed Jesus. Religion is mans way to get to God not God’s way…God’s way is through Jesus….

    You refuse to admit the Good that has come from Christianity.

    that many that have been feed. The mant taht have been freed from Addiction. etc…..

    But to deny the Moral Code Jesus upheld throughout his teaching is not being genuine.

    Telling the woman caught in adultery she needs to “Go and sin no more.” Or the woman at the well that the man she is with now is not her husband.That she had benn with many men and this one was not her Husband…

    He spoke against Divorce hate murder adultery and upheld all else…

    Or the many times he spoke about upholding the law which in the Jewish faith does not just mean the Ten Commandments but all the moral Code…(New Covenant)

    Jesus knew the Torah well and never changed anything in the Moral law. Quoted from Leviticus the book that condemns Homosexuality. He did say a lot about the heart of the Torah and the need for more then just words but a full faith. The religious had become removed form society and MISUNDERSTOOD THE HEART OF GOD Mercy Justice Good Faith…

    Jesus upheld love with justice with a holy living.

    If he had any issue with Adultery, Homosexuality Fornication has it was taught throught the torah he would have mentioned it.

    instead he did the opposite.

    We have older texts today then ever before Dead Sea Scrolls etc that to the dismay of Liberal scholars failed to contradict and of the Moral teaching or prophetic language of the text. We have better versions today.

    You make Jesus sound like some Lifetime channel Jesus Cotton candy with all love and no moral issues….

    That is not Scripture.

    You also make scripture sound complicated when it is not on its basic purpose mans salvation and guidance to a moral life. these things are clear man has messed it up But that does not change the truth….

    You are ignorant of Church History here have always been periods of great persecution… The first 300 years of the church were filled with killing by Rome etc. And the later part of the 20th century Communism oppressed Christianity. And it still goes on in Islamic states and those Secular states you so desire.

    Study and learn…..

    Posted by Brian Michaels
    December 22nd, 2008 at 4:42 pm
  126. You say you are a a Christian but hate how does that realte to the teaching of Christ?

    Some just teach one part of the woman caught in Adultery “Let him without sin caste the first stone.” And forget the later
    “Go and sin no more”

    But even with out the Bible the very nature of things talk against Homosexual Behavior. Again unless you are from Mars

    Posted by Brian Michaels
    December 22nd, 2008 at 4:49 pm
  127. [...] Obama And Rick Warren: Good! [...]