Did you see the most recent attempt of James Dobson trying to prove his political prowess? In a 27 minute segment, Dobson accused Obama of "deliberately distorting the traditional understanding of the Bible to fit his own world view, his own confused theology." Jon Stewart put it a bit more comedically.
Now I am not a blind follower of Jon Stewart theology. The truth is, the Old Testament and New Testament talk about homosexuality, so the issue can't simply be written off as if Leviticus is the only place this is discussed. And I did listen to Barack's whole speech back in January and it was brilliant.
But I am not here to discuss political speeches or debate Jewish comedian exegesis. What I think needs to be addressed is what I think Dobson's legacy will be: dividing our culture to the point where sincere and loving relationships are impossible except in cases where you agree with every opinion.
This past week I met someone who I thought might be a new friend here in Atlanta. We both shared a huge interest in aviation. So I was excited since most of my friends make fun of my aviation curiosity. I could tell from his Facebook page that he was gay. But didn't think anything of it.
So we started talking online and he instantly wants to know about the radio show I produce. He asks are we right wing. I say nope. We are moderate. Next question, "so do you think all homosexuals are going to hell?" Thank you James Dobson.
I, of course, try and explain my thoughts on the issue; probably not very eloquently. But I could tell, it was a loss cause.
Nevermind that last weekend I said on the air one of the three celebrities I'd like to have coffee with is Ellen DeGeneres.
Nevermind that I have defended gay marriage from a legal perspective in other blogs.
Nevermind that I have had lunch with a porn producer.
Nevermind that I sincerely consider Erik of AllenHuntShowSucks.com a friend and genuinely care for the dude.
Thanks to the Dobsonion worldview, a Bible-believing Christian and a homosexual just can't be friends.
It brings me back a little to high school. There was a gay boy at my high school named Jason (not real name). Jason was a year younger than me, and while I am sure there were other gay individuals at Homestead, he was the only one who was "out." I primarily met Jason because he was good friends with my girlfriend Theresa.
I liked Jason. He was a good guy. I can remember one specific night when I was at the school after 10pm working on the yearbook by myself in the pub room. Jason was there for something related to show choir. I don't know what brought him to the pub room that night, but we had a great conversation. Towards the end, I remember saying, "you know Jason, we aren't very different." To which he replied, "No Andy, I don't think that is the case."
The truth is, most of us aren't very different from one another. We just choose to allow the few differences to get in the way. Thanks James.







Bravo Andy,
This is what I like to hear! I know the "Jason" that you speak of. And well lets say back then I had a different opinion of things. Now that I have worked with/for the public I have interacted with so many different types/races/and backgrounds it would amaze you. After doing so I have come the realization that I should have been doing what my parents taught me when I was a child "treat others as you want to be treated". Now this does not say that I don't have political or biblical beliefs that may go against anothers beliefs but I do have to say, you must think of things a little different when choosing friends you should choose them because you enjoy their company and friendship. There is no reason for such seperation just due to personal views.
Just as a side note: I have a friend who has "locked" out CNBC,CNN, and other "Liberal" channels out of his cable. Why do they do these things? Can we not see both sides or agree with "the other side" on a certain subject? Isn't this kind closed minded?
It was an interesting show, in that I had wondered how someone can be a Christian and support all forms of abortions. Obama doesn't seem to have a very good understanding of the Bible. He didn't seem to understand the difference between the old covenant and the new covenant. Maybe it's because his lack of Biblical understanding that he can support things that are contrary to Biblical teaching.
Dr. Dobson isn't dividing people, if believe in Jesus as Savior and what he taught, there will be division. If you believe what the Bible says is true, there will be people who don't like it.
Dobson's been on sabbatical because he has realized he has become totally irrelevant in the mainstream discussion.
We all do this. It is why we cling to references about homosexuality (which is where Obama is wrong), but completely ignore the 2,000 verses about taking care of the poor (which most evangelicals seem to miss).
Totally agree with you there.
"...Mr. Obama, in Washington, mentioned passages from the Bible that he suggested were in conflict with present-day practices. "
You expect them to be in conflict with today, it was thousands of years ago! However, the message God was trying to teach hasn't changed. God would not ask a father to sacrifice his son on a rooftop today. First of all, there are legal problems and God knows and acknowledges that, second, God had Abraham go to a secluded place. It was about trust.
For me, Obama seems to pick and choose what he likes. You either believe it or you don't. He picks and chooses about a lot of things. I really don't know where this man stands in all aspects of life because I truly believe he doesn't know either. Or he's trying to please too many people at once.
I have one more thing to say: I'm not a John McCain fan either. Or Hilary.
I agree and confess. I liked Obama now I don't. But the thing is, I know where I stand on Iraq, what I will or will not allow my children to get into, what I think about abortion, and I could go on. Of all people, he should know where he stands. He will be leading the country. It's kind of important. And if he's not sure, maybe he should run for president when he is. He's trying to please too many people at once. What kind of leader is that? He's supposed to lead. Not follow whatever is the fad of the moment.