Obama on Scripture

Oh, if only Jesus could have a little sit-down with Michele Bachmann and some of those who spew out Christian judgment of President Obama!
by Charlie Leck

"If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother." Deuteronomy 15:7

The President made a STATEMENT yesterday when he appeared at the National Prayer Breakfast gathering in Washington, D.C.. He clearly wanted to send a message that the fundamental and ultraconservative Christians out on the far right do NOT have exclusivity when it comes to spouting scripture.

In his comments, President Obama, made clear that he is influenced by the Judeo-Christian concepts of caring for those who are in need. Very casually he threw out verses from scripture that motivate him.

“For unto whom much is given, much is required!” [Luke 12:48]

“I am my brother’s keeper!” [Genesis 4:38-8]

“Care for the least of these!” [Matthew 25:40)

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves!” [Proverbs 31:8]

“They are values,” he said, “that have made this country great when we live up to them.”

I am not being simplistic here. Yesterday’s remarks were carefully planned. I think the President is tired of fundamental Christians speaking ill of him but not really defending their dislike of his health care innovations and his programs to serve the elderly and needy in relation to their scriptural beliefs.

You know, it is interesting to imagine what it would be like if Jesus were the chief advisor to the President of the United States. Fundamentalists ought to think about this! We would not, I guaranty you, reduce entitlement spending. We would not be cutting our financial aid to needy foreign nations. We would have American technicians working in those places that need to improve their water supplies and their ability to establish a sustainable agricultural system. No American would be turned away from proper health care assistance. All children would be enrolled in outstanding educational environments and teachers would be among the most highly paid workers in the nation.

Oh, my! The high and mighty would be brought low and those of low esteem would be lifted up! Those who pray on the street corners just to show off their religion would be chased away and the meek and fully faithful would be rewarded with God’s blessings.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’  [Mathew 25: 35-40]

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