Good Luck, Mr. President
by Ted Slater on 01/20/2009 at 1:37 PM
I've never understood good luck charms. Sure, I had a rabbit's foot when I was a kid (how gross is that!) and a rock that we'd run through our rock polisher. But I can't think of any other items that I religiously carried around to help me through the hard times.
I'm relieved to know that President Obama doesn't have a rabbit's foot. He does, however, carry around a number of lucky charms, including a tiny Madonna and child, a gambler's lucky chit, some coins ... and a tiny statue of a monkey god (likely the Hindu god Hanuman).
Why a monkey god?
The tiny monkey god has been interpreted to be none other than the Hindu god Hanuman. Why would he choose this lucky charm? It is widely reported that Obama, whose father was a Kenyan and mother a white woman from Kansas, spent initial days of his life in Indonesia where Hinduism is a popular religion. So is this an influence from his Indonesian childhood?
Hanuman is the god that Hindus, especially young children, are taught to turn to when they are afraid of something or get bad dreams at night. Hanuman is said to be the protector who keeps evil away. This extremely powerful son of the wind god is said to be incredibly strong, invincible, the most intelligent being on earth, and immortal. Known as the "remover of distress" Hanuman is especially known for relieving difficulties. In Hindu mythology, Hanuman is also considered the incarnation of Shiva, the destroyer of all evil.
Usually the image of Hanuman is seen with only two arms, but as with Obama's charm, the monkey god is also represented with four arms in some regions of Southeast Asia, like Thailand. The Chinese also are reported to have a monkey god. But while neither Obama nor his aides have said anything about this or his other good luck charms, all inferences assume his little monkey charm to be Hanuman.
I just have to say that I find this disturbing, a grown man carrying around a tiny four-armed monkey statue for good luck. And I'll leave it at that.
1. P&P said the following at 1:45 PM on Jan 20:
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Oh, goodness. If you looked more deeply into the story, all the candidates carried lucky charms that were given to them and I'll bet former president Bush has a couple as well.
As for the monkey, President Obama did live in Indonesia and it's probably a reminder of a happy time from his childhood.
I can see this as the beginning of a lot of anti President Obama rants. After eight years of Bush, this is gonna be fun.
2. Dr. Ransom said the following at 1:55 PM on Jan 20:
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(Initially written elsewhere in response ...)
Aw c'mon, Ted, where's your hope for change? For that matter, where's your hope for progress, for the hope of changing cynics into progressives who hope for change and can change hope into change and hope for changing changes that result in hopeful changes leading to hope and progress and progressive change?
Also, Obama's a Christian. This I know, for this website tells me so: http://faith.barackobama.com. Case closed. ;-)
3. Louise from Chicago said the following at 1:59 PM on Jan 20:
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I don't find this situation nearly as disturbing as a grown man calling women "frisky!"
:)
Mr. Slater, you've just broken your own record.
4. (The Canadian) Andrew R said the following at 2:11 PM on Jan 20:
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Sentimental value? Certainly would make sense to me.
5. Adam said the following at 2:14 PM on Jan 20:
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But everybody loves monkeys! Combine this with not wearing a flag pin though... it's clear we're dealing with the anti-Christ.
6. Cassandra said the following at 2:15 PM on Jan 20:
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So our new president carries around an idol? Oh dear.
7. Nicole said the following at 2:29 PM on Jan 20:
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We get it. You don't like our new president. How about getting your point across in ways that have more journalistic integrity? On second thought, we've heard enough already.
8. Jessi said the following at 2:31 PM on Jan 20:
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haha! Ted, I agree with you! Are you sure it's not a keychain that he got out of a machine for a quarter? I also find it a little disturbing that he carries multiple good luck charms. For all of his pretended calm and collectedness, I don't think he is as self assured as he wants the public to believe...
9. Turbopun said the following at 2:33 PM on Jan 20:
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Not gonna lie. Definitely weird in my book.
If anything, as a professing Christian we are suppose to live above reproach. Why?
Because in everything we do we are to glorify God. Is there anything wrong with having a little monkey thing-a-ma-jig in your pocket? No. Is there anything wrong with having a statue representing a hindu god in your pocket? Yes.
Who knows?
10. Christina (in green) said the following at 2:41 PM on Jan 20:
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I can see this as the beginning of a lot of anti President Obama rants. After eight years of Bush, this is gonna be fun.
After 8 years of anti President Bush rants?
Yeah...probably will be fun. Especially since every anti-Obama sentiment is going to be pounced on and torn to shreds as rascist.
I love how double-minded we Americans can be.
11. Dr. Ransom said the following at 2:41 PM on Jan 20:
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Sometimes I carry around a sonic screwdriver. But it has no religious or "lucky" significance for me. Rather, there's a pen and even small blue flashlight in there. And it makes great sonic-screwdriver sound effects.
No. 5, the straw-Beast "you think he's the Antichrist haw haw" assertion is already a little inaccurate, and old. Just because someone criticizes the new president, even in something small like this, doesn't mean they're wacky and think he's "the Antichrist."
Even according to the pre-Everything eschatological viewpoints, Obama can't be the "real" Antichrist anyway, so may I suggest either side avoid such silly accusations?
12. rachel said the following at 2:45 PM on Jan 20:
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What a sophomoric post!
13. Aurora said the following at 2:49 PM on Jan 20:
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Ted, do you just live in grumpyville? I'm not objecting to you commenting on President Obama's habits, quirks or other leanings but timing is everything! To echo Candice, let's celebrate today. Our country, for the 44th time, has peacefully transferred power to a new leader. There is no rioting in the streets, we all have power to our homes and we are moving forward. You'll have a minimum of four years to grumble and complain about what the President has done, hasn't done, says, doesn't say, believes or doesn't believe. Rest up today and just bask in the moment that we live in an amazing country!
14. BDB said the following at 2:54 PM on Jan 20:
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Hmmm...one of my comments didn't make it...I'll try again.
I keep hearing from people on TV that feelings are never 'right' or 'wrong.'
I'm serious - I feel less safe than I did yesterday. :(
When I look closely at what just happened in Gaza: yes, Israel chose to act before GWB left office, knowing that he would support military action against terrorism. But they were also careful to make sure they quoted Obama from six months ago, speaking about how if someone was launching rockets into the home where his daughters lived, he'd respond.
That op-ed in the Wall Street Journal is one of the "tests" that Joe Biden was talking about. They made it clear they were assuming Obama's blessing on their policy by getting his comments published in a national newspaper to see if he backtracked. If Obama backtracked, Israel would still finish by inauguration day. Note that Hamas also accepted the cease-fire by inauguration day.
Many wars have started because of offhand comments made by high-ranking U.S. officials. Both the Korean War and the 1st Gulf War involved high-level U.S. officials who hinted that the U.S. wouldn't get involved in a conflict.
Gaza is just the first conflict that was initiated based on a comment by Obama. Any hint of weakness will be interpreted as an opportunity to be exploited. Many of Obama's supporters make extremely irresponsible statements on national security during the campaign. If the new President doesn't get them under control, there will be more conflicts based on offhand comments.
15. Lauren said the following at 3:00 PM on Jan 20:
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Just for the record, I think this post was rather immature. We do all know that most of you at Focus on the Family are not Obama fans, but why would you pick this silly issue to post on when there are a myriad of other important things to note on this day. This blog usually generates intelligent conversation, but this post is a little off and sort of makes me think of fear-mongering. We all know the intent of the post. . .and I think it's no way to begin a new presidency, whether you are or are not in favor of the president himself.
16. Allan said the following at 3:00 PM on Jan 20:
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Hmm...I didn't really want to post anything because there are things about Obama I don't like especially on moral issues. Either way the Lord has allowed him to be President. We should honor the Lord's decision and like He tells us in scripture, submit to the authorities He has placed over us. So that we maybe be blameness before man and glorify our Father. Now concerning Obama and his monkey pray for him. Stop pointing the finger. If God doesn't point the finger at you why point the finger at someone else. We're all sinners far short from grace and judicially we stand under God's wrath if we don't accept Jesus in our hearts. So on that case pray for Him. I know we all struggle with immaturity in certain areas of our walks with the Lord but be cautious on how one's attitude may end painting the whole picture for someone else. As a christian I disagree on Obama with many things yet I don't judge the man. That's Jesus' role when he returns. Keep it in His hands and you do what you know best...pray to God for his salvation and for the future of this country.
17. Elise said the following at 3:09 PM on Jan 20:
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I am so excited to have Obama as President I can't hardly stand it.
18. farmer Tom said the following at 3:10 PM on Jan 20:
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He does, however, carry around a number of lucky charms,
Me too, mine says Smith and Wesson on it.
Never had to use it, must be a great good luck charm.
Nothing quite like a little lead dispenser to ensure "good luck".
19. Simon said the following at 3:17 PM on Jan 20:
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What Obama carries as a good luck charms is none of my business. But if his agenda is to increase the intrusion of government into our lives and reduce individual liberty and continue the shredding of the Constitution, I sure hope he has little luck!
20. Cassandra said the following at 3:20 PM on Jan 20:
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"What a sophomoric post!"
I disagree. One of the major themes of the Old Testament is God's abhorrence of idols. Obama claims to be a Christian. It doesn't compute. Evangelicals voted for him in droves and arguably put him in office.
And not just a good luck charm. A MONKEY GOD?? Really???
21. Caroline said the following at 3:28 PM on Jan 20:
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Aurora,
Thanks for articulating my sentiments *exactly!*
I didn't vote for President Obama either. But as I watched the inauguration ceremony today (from across the Atlantic, in France), I was choked up during the National Anthem to think of the splendor of this historic moment.
This is not the time for petty critiques of a couple of tokens.
22. JB said the following at 3:28 PM on Jan 20:
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Wait, is this parody? It is, isn't it?
23. Sara said the following at 3:57 PM on Jan 20:
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For any given event, there are so many ways you can direct your attention... this choice here seems kind of immature.
My Mom gave me a Buddha charm a few years ago, which I sometimes wear around my neck. If today was the day that I became the first female president of America, I couldn't imagine a daily blogger using up their post to talk about my jewelry!
24. rachel said the following at 4:00 PM on Jan 20:
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Cassandra (#20): I argue that the idol worship of the Old Testament, when idols embodied political and religious power in direct, violent competition with the deity of the theocratic Israelites' God, is in no way equivalent to an individual's belief in "good luck charms".
If President Obama uses his office to promote belief in or worship of a Hindu monkey god, I will strongly oppose him.
25. daydream11 said the following at 4:15 PM on Jan 20:
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Well, to be fair, I'm sure there are millions of people who would you ask you, Mr. Slater, why you carry around a cross (I'm assuming), and would also call it disurbing. From a secular's perspective, it's no different than a statue of a Hindu god, and a lot more gruesome, considering what death by cross was. *shrug*
Anyway, it's probably just sentimental value. He spent a lot of his childhood in a Hindu land, so why ever not? It's not a big deal, really. I don't think him any less of a Christian (which is, *ahem*, not my business anyway) for it.
26. Lisa said the following at 4:15 PM on Jan 20:
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This post annoys me.
I am a Christian, Obama is a Christian and You Ted are a Christan.
Just because someones 'version' of Christianity is not the same as mine or yours or does not meet our list of 'what makes a true Christian' does not mean we have the right to play God and determine whether or not they are 'in' or 'out' e.g. carrying a monkey's foot.
As Christians regardless of what sins we have obvious or hidden we are united in a common bond of Christ and as such we are called to pray for each other rather than throw stones at each other , how petty.
Secondly on this day of great political significance do you not think it would have been much more influential, powerful and altogether unifying to ask us to *Pray* for the incoming leader of the Free world as is asked of us in Scripture?
27. Kari said the following at 5:02 PM on Jan 20:
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Hear Hear Ted! I'm not cool with people carrying around monkey god charms either.
I don't see how that is somehow acceptable. You know... reminds me of that little story about how Rachel took her father's household idols, and while it seems that no worship is implied or explicitly stated in the text, she wanted them for comfort, and the LORD our God commanded them to be put away and a ritual cleansing to be done by the family.
I'm just gonna say methinks the Lord may not be down with little idol charms (what a novel idea, making them travel size!) and If Bush/McCain/any other Christian or conservative did in fact have similar charms, shame to them in the same amount as to Mr. Obama.
28. Kari said the following at 5:06 PM on Jan 20:
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lol parody or not it's still silly of him!
29. Jethro said the following at 5:06 PM on Jan 20:
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Something to consider for those who are saddened to see Bush leaving office: the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Manfred Nowak, has publicly stated that the US has a positive obligation under the Convention Against Torture to pursue Bush and Rumsfeld for torture.
Now that would be an act of Presidential courage I'd love to see from Obama.
Wonder if this will get published...
30. Glenise said the following at 5:12 PM on Jan 20:
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I found this interesting.
Looks like there wouldn't have been a way to escape the reign of an president who placed his trust in shiny objects instead of God.
How frail is mankind...
31. Nicole said the following at 5:13 PM on Jan 20:
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And this is the sort of thing that makes FotF sound absolutely retarded.
Digging much?
32. Liln said the following at 5:25 PM on Jan 20:
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The main reason I'm bothered by this is that Mr. Obama claims to be a Christian. Yes, most kids have a "good luck charm." And the linked article showed others good luck charms. But there were two major differences. 1) most items were given to the candidates by someone else and 2) no one else had a religious item of a religion they do not claim as their own. And that's what bothers me. Does Mr. Obama believe that this idol is more then a good luck charm? That's what I would like to know.
33. K said the following at 5:35 PM on Jan 20:
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I don't read your website very regularly, but I understand that it is for Christian young adults (like myself). I found this post extremely embarrassing, especially considering it was one of only two about the inauguration. I would think that any ministry-based blog should serve as a witness to those who read it. Can you imagine if a non-Christian were to read this, what kind of message it would send about Christianity--that we are witch-hunters, sore losers obsessed about petty details? That we are unable to grasp the historical enormity of the events today because we're too busy seeking ways to discredit the authority which, as the previous poster astutely mentioned, God has instituted in our country? As I read I was thinking about the words in Philippians 4:8, and also the verses that speak of building one another up. This blog posting does none of those things; rather, it smacks of bitterness and anger and fear, and borders on gossip. It's one thing to feel that way, but to post the outpourings of such feelings on a ministry-based blog is quite another. I would hope that your blog is about more than this, and I also hope that, mindful that we are called to witness to the world, you remove this post.
34. Jonathan Sarfati, Ph.D. said the following at 5:36 PM on Jan 20:
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Allan (#16):
"Either way the Lord has allowed him [Obama] to be President. We should honor the Lord's decision and like He tells us in scripture, submit to the authorities He has placed over us."
The Lord also allowed Adolf Hitler to become Führer, and he was also democratically elected. Unfortunately far too many Germans followed your advice and submitted to his anti-Jewish and pro-euthanasia rulings.
35. Katie P. said the following at 5:36 PM on Jan 20:
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Or...he likes monkeys and has no idea that it could possibly be a figure of a Hindu god. Benefit of a doubt here, people.
I didn't vote for Obama either, but I hope he does a great job as president. Without any "but..." add-ons. Let's all move on and get over this grumpiness! :)
36. Ted Slater said the following at 5:39 PM on Jan 20:
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Hm. I merely confess that I find it disturbing that a grown man carries around lucky charms -- a monkey god among them -- and I'm denounced as ranting, as lacking journalistic integrity, as writing a sophomoric post, as being grumpy, as being immature, as facilitating fear mongering, as pointing the finger in judgment of Obama, as writing a petty critique, as being annoying, as questioning Obama's faith, as being retarded, as being embarrassing, as smacking of bitterness and anger and fear, as bordering on gossip....
Please accept my apology for not being more gushing in my praise of the Lord Obama on his big day. Please accept my apology for tarnishing this historic moment, for not joining the throng in casting palm branches before his holy feet.
OK, *that* was petty and immature. My original post, in contrast, was neither.
BTW, Katie P. (#35), a monkey only has two arms. And daydream11 (#25), no, I don't carry around a cross or any other token. OK, I do carry around a few tokens: my cell phone, my iPod and my wallet. And my glasses. And my wedding ring. And clothes. And sometimes my keys. But no monkey, no lucky coins, no crosses.
Seriously, our readers need to lighten up. And I need a nap. See you in the morning.
37. Brendan said the following at 5:49 PM on Jan 20:
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When I was studying in Australia, I sent back a gift to my girlfriend that was a little jar of Vegemite and a keychain koala. That koala is really beat up by now, but I've been back for six months and she still keeps it around.
Were she inaugurated today, would you post about her koala, noting that koalas had spiritual significance to the Indigenous Australians?
Click 'Next' on that Time article, and you see that Sen. McCain carried a different sort of idol. Do you find it equally disturbing to find that another grown man carried a tiny bit of copper for good luck?
Look, I didn't vote for the President, so I know that there are plenty of concerns and reservations that you have. So why would you pick this?
38. Michelle (of Kansas) said the following at 5:53 PM on Jan 20:
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I find it interesting that President Obama clearly embodies the postmodern mindset of American culture. He's a Christian...no, he grew up Muslim...no, his beliefs have been influenced by Hinduism. No, all of the above. And now, a man who claims to have faith, but supposedly relies on good luck charms.
Though Obama's beliefs contradict themselves, Americans have no problem with that because differing beliefs coexist in their minds and hearts, as well. And since the Bible is all Truth, and whatever goes against what the Bible says is a lie, problems will inevitably occur.
So I have to agree with Ted. I am disturbed, as well.
39. rushncap said the following at 5:54 PM on Jan 20:
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And this is different from hanging a cross around one's neck.... how?
You're not "disturbed" that he carries a "monkey statue" as a good luck charm, Ted. You're just upset that he doesn't carry the good luck charm of your particular religion.
40. SheWhoIsConcerned said the following at 6:00 PM on Jan 20:
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While I agree that, unless President Obama says as much that he believes these objects give him luck, we do not know that he carries them for that purpose -- I do disagree that he is a Christian. If he truly believes that any and all religions are valid and that people who do not accept Christ as Savior and Lord will still go to heaven (and it is purported that he does believe this), then he is not a Christian in the true, orthodox sense.
A person who truly is born again will NOT believe that there is any other way to the Father than through Jesus Christ. The Spirit will not testify to that which is antibiblical.
(Please see John 14:6 and Acts 4:12.)
41. Brendan said the following at 6:02 PM on Jan 20:
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Liln (#32) -
If Pres. Obama claims to be a Christian, then is this how we treat our brother? If I had something that could be construed as spiritually incorrect, I'd certainly that someone would ask me about it personally before he or she wrote an expose based on conjecture (note the use of the word 'likely').
42. Irene M. said the following at 6:24 PM on Jan 20:
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"I merely confess that I find it disturbing that a grown man carries around lucky charms"
Yes, it's incredibly disturbing that the US President carries around a bracelet belonging to a deployed soldier. Or a picture of our Lord and Savior. How weird.
Sorry for the sarcasm, but if you look at the Times article, all/many of these "lucky charms" seem to be incredibly meaningful items that were given to him. Maybe the Hanumen statue belonged to a soldier (like the bracelet)? Or an immigrant with an exceptional story? It is possible that it is his personal idol or good luck charm, but that doesn't seem consistent with some of the other items.
43. BDB said the following at 6:29 PM on Jan 20:
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Jethro (#29) wrote:
>>Now that would be an act of Presidential courage I'd love to see from Obama.<<
If any country were to detain a former U.S. president, the proper act of courage from a sitting U.S. President is to send an aircraft carrier battle group to give him a ride home...
44. BDB said the following at 6:37 PM on Jan 20:
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My grandmother, age 92, has promised to live to be 100 (if necessary) so that she can mercilessly tease certain family members about "their" president for the next 8 years...
45. dana111 said the following at 6:38 PM on Jan 20:
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Sorry, Ted, but I have decided not to "lighten up".... I guess we couldn't have ONE DAY without someone drumming up something trivial about our new President. Does he pray to the monkey?? If he did, that would not negate his role, thank goodness. I can't wait to see how we will react when the first atheist or Muslim is elected President of the United States. Because this is NOT a Christian nation (though founded on godly principles), I guess that could happen sometime in the near future.
If you think this is bad, Ted, you should wait for his actual policies. There will be plenty of time for complaints, I believe.
To Christina (in green),
Not everyone who voted for Obama will play the race card when someone disagrees with his policies. There is no need to be afraid of saying he's wrong. In my opinion, the real racists are the individuals who try to pander and appease, afraid of hurting our fragile, oppressed, minority feelings. We secure black people really HATE feeling patronized by white liberals. Ah, the soft bigotry of low expectations.... been dealing with that all of my life.
46. JB said the following at 6:56 PM on Jan 20:
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Well, it sounds like *someone* is a PUMA!
47. Louise from Chicago said the following at 7:08 PM on Jan 20:
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Mr. Slater, I realize that I am probably the last person on earth whose advice you would follow, but regardless I am going to give it anyway.
If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.
Enjoy your nap.
48. Jethro said the following at 7:21 PM on Jan 20:
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Johnathon Sarfati (#34),
The Lord also allowed Bush to become President, causing the deaths of thousands of innocent Iraqi's and the torture of many other innocents.
Are you seriously comparing Obama to Hitler?
49. EKB said the following at 7:34 PM on Jan 20:
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This is starting to cross the line into ridiculous. It seems almost as if you are trying to imply that Obama is secretly Hindu. As much as I disagree with many of President Obama's opinions, I don't think for a minute that he worships a "monkey god" or truly thinks it gives him good luck. Most likely the monkey has sentimental value from his childhood, and the "good luck" charms are merely a part of his routine.
I was a competitive swimmer and I had all sorts of rituals I completed before a race, for instance repeatedly tightening my goggles jumping up and down a certain number of times. It had nothing to do with superstition; it merely calmed my nerves.
Admittedly the charms seem a bit childish, but I don't find it "disturbing," and I don't think this is what we should be focusing on today.
50. Andia said the following at 7:36 PM on Jan 20:
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Wow, typical body of Christ WWE Smackdown. You know as much as everyone hated when people bashed Bush and how every little thing about his life was made to look like a big joke, now the tables are reversed and some of us are doing exactly what we hated the other side for doing. I didn't vote for Obama. By society's standards I should have because he and I share a similar ethnic background, but I didn't due to my own convictions. I did not tear up at the inauguration nor did I nod my head in approval or clap my hands in agreement as if all is right in the world and Obama is our Messiah.
I voted for Bush in the last election, and granted he has had his ups and many downs, but he was my president and I prayed that the leadership of God would shine through. Obama is the new president and he carries a four armed monkey that possibly has some pagan religious ties and may correlate to him being afraid. SO WHAT? Don't tell me that some of you grown men and women have never been afraid of something. You may not cling to a monkey or lucky charms (not the cereal, but then again we all handle things differently) outwardly, but that still doesn't mean you're not trembling on the inside. There is a reason why he's in office whether or not he TRULY serves the same God that we do and as a body of Christ we should be praying that God be revealed. I'm not disturbed by his security blankets he chooses to carry with him. I'm not disturbed because God is still in control whether or not Obama is. I'm just tired of seeing blogs like this, poking fun at a man for his flaws, just to spite the liberal Jocks who put us into lockers for the last eight years. Lets move on and grow up, for seriously.
51. Samaria/daydream11 said the following at 7:51 PM on Jan 20:
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Ted (36), you need to get over yourself. So he carries around a Hindu charm. That has no bearing on whether or not he is (1) the leader God has placed over our nation (God has), (2) whether or not he is more than capable to lead us (Obama is!), and (3) whether we should put aside petty concerns - like, I dunno, Hindu charms - and instead concern ourselves with larger issues - like the economy, Iraq, and public education (we should!). If Obama worships a Hindu god or Jesus, well, that's none of my business; it's only his. I only care that he will be a great leader. Everything else is irrelevant.
Seriously, you're making a big fuss over nada.
52. Anthony said the following at 8:27 PM on Jan 20:
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Morality and Christianity returned to the White House today.
For this, I praise the Lord.
53. Keith said the following at 9:15 PM on Jan 20:
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If his monkey with 4 arms is able to slowly but gradually help him recognize the evil in abortion, I am all for him carrying it........
54. Russ said the following at 9:28 PM on Jan 20:
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I used to be a Christian, until my eyes were opened to how hate-filled and exclusionary Christianity (and just about any organised religion, for that matter) is, and how absolutely divisive its adherents can be - of course, the narrow gate can only let in a chosen few.
Yet, I still from time to time come back to places like FotF to make sure I haven't gotten it wrong. Reading this inane drivel of a blog post has confirmed that, in fact, I've gotten it right. So thank you all very much for settling the question in my mind once again.
55. Katie Hart said the following at 9:48 PM on Jan 20:
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Hmm, that monkey thing reminds me of Tash. (Weird - I've been saying since the election that I'm going to Narnia for the next four years.)
56. TINA said the following at 10:06 PM on Jan 20:
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OH MY...I might agree Ted could have waited a day before this article was posted.Candice had the right idea and I might ad scriptures to back her up...What I find to be so interesting January 15,2009 Ted wrote a heartfelt prayer out to the Brown family and only 11 people responded!!only 11??? I have been looking at it everyday in amazement because i have seen so many people complain about articles not being christian worthy yet i dont think i saw one of their names in agreement in prayer..now correct me if i am wrong are we not suppose to pray for one another? I thought there would be a flood gate of AMENS...interesting....
57. Charlotte C. said the following at 10:42 PM on Jan 20:
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I don't understand.
I mean I find this post very interesting. Think about it for a sec. Before anyone says that Ted's been mean, I want everyone to think about it in accordance to the Scriptures (since Obama is Christian-- it says on his site).
Barack Obama is a committed Christian and believes the people of all faiths have a place in American public life. Through an unprecedented grassroots effort, the Obama campaign is working with thousands of you to build an America rooted in compassion and a government that, in Barack’s words, ‘reconciles the beliefs of each with the good of all.’
Okay.
If someone says they are a Christian yet are acting against the Scriptures, then we do have a responsibility to 'rebuke' them. Look at Paul and Jesus in the Bible.
We're not doing that because we consider ourselves 'right' but because we have to do the right thing in Christ. God called us to Him and we should obey God.
(Don't think I'm taking the charms thing way too seriously. Mull over it for a while.)
I find the charm thing very disturbing. I have never read anyone about anyone in the Bible who have been blessed why carrying around 'charms' or 'small idols'.
It's even more disturbing because it's a Hindu god.
If you're a true Christian, then this shouldn't be. Are you truly Christian if you carry around 'mystical charms'?
I want to tell some people who don't really get the cross thing in Christianity.
I've been asked by people about the symbolic 'cross'. They say if God is almighty and everything why do we have a crosses in churches. They say 'Is this wooden cross something we have to bow down to? Isn't it the same as a charm?'
This is nonsense. It's a completely different matter. The cross is a reminder that Christ died for our sins. It's not something we should bow down to and it's not something to idolize. We should only be worshipping God.
So you might say, then what about the charms? Aren't they a reminder? Then let me ask you this: What do those charms mean to him? Is he trusting it to protect him? (Is this what Christians should be trusting in?)
Whether it's a small charm or a big one. If it has anything that's making us wanting to 'trust' or 'believe' or do whatever then I'd say that God wouldn't be so pleased.
If you're Christians out there. Then read the Bible again and you'll find a lot of things on the topic about 'idolizing other gods' and 'mystics' etc etc and what God thinks about it. It's not a pretty sight.
On the brighter side, I'm actually quite pleased that Obama has become the President of USA.
Don't think I'm putting him down because of the 'charms' thing. I'm just upset because he says he's a Christian yet .. it doesn't seem right about him to do that. I wouldn't care if he wasn't a Christian and he carried around charms.
Before any feelings are involved, please think about it in accordance with the Scriptures.
58. lala said the following at 11:19 PM on Jan 20:
58
I think it's disturbing. I'm hoping that we've been wrong about Obama and that he's going to turn out to be a wonderful President. I hope he proves me wrong. But I have to say he makes me nervous. Very very nervous.
59. Reno Panther said the following at 11:56 PM on Jan 20:
59
"Lord Obama." Wow. Your response to comments was kinda junior - the self-defense, dripping with sarcasm. I don't carry a cross so I'm so much better LOL. This does look kinda silly. Of all the issues, what bothers you is his trinkets? You have no idea what they mean to him, who gave them to him etc etc. Instead you write this stuff. This sends a message of sour grapes, lack of graciousness that is befitting Christians, and speech that simply does not edify in any way. Well critics will find something to criticize.
60. Michelle (in the UK) said the following at 4:37 AM on Jan 21:
60
WOW! I love this--bring a little debate into this and see what happens.
I'm not going to give my opinion here but I'll offer this. It's rumoured that Mr. Obama (rumoured because I live in the UK and heard it from one of my friends) that you can email the President and ask questions. Has anyone, who cares that much, thought of asking him WHY he carries instead of speculating why he does this?
I'm not a big fan of trinkets, lucky charms or for that matter even wearing crosses, although I have a few--mainly they're in my jewellery box. J. John once spoke a message where he recalled a story asking a supermarket cashier why she wore torture devices around her neck? (the conversation was talking about the meaning behind why people actually wear crosses)...and that got me thinking too...
But the point of this is solely--why don't we just ask WHY?
61. Chris said the following at 5:50 AM on Jan 21:
61
Was anybody able to find out how Obama got the monkey god trinket? From what I can tell, most, if not all, of the good luck items were given to him by others.
I searched around and can only find references to the monkey god item itself, but not how he obtained it.
I'd wager someone gave it to him and he kept it as a reminder of someone who supported him.
What, then, would be troubling about this?
62. Maggie said the following at 6:24 AM on Jan 21:
62
Ted, we understand that you do not like our new president. You have made that abundantly clear. ...actually you can stop now.
I'm not sure that at this point, making fun of him is the most effective, or mature way of dealing with the inauguration. Regardless of our political opinions, prayer is obviously in order for this family that just took on the responsibility of a country.
63. John said the following at 6:40 AM on Jan 21:
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For those of you who consistently fall back onto this: God is sovereign and chose him (Barry) for us, you're seriously misapplying scripture.
We are a republic. We elect our officials. God did not elect Barry, 66 million I mean 66 million citizens did that, through the process we have set up.
When kings were anointed and set up as leaders, it could be said that God placed them there, but that is simply not the case for our nation. Ours was the first to put that power in the hands of the people.
We the people put him there. (Well the majority did anyway).
It's a common mistake we all make to either give too much credit or too much blame or too little credit to God's sovereignty and providence.
By the way, a Christian doesn't believe in luck, he believes in and believes God.
64. Leah said the following at 6:48 AM on Jan 21:
64
Ted,
I say "kuddos, to you!" Both for the original post (which I found more informative than judgemental or rant-filled), and also for your post to defend what you said (which I found humorous :D). It's refreshing to see someone give facts then stand behind those facts. (But I would expect nothing less from Focus on the Family!) :) And I want to thank you for the information. I, for one, had no idea he carried around anything for luck, much less what the small trinkets stood for. (Now I know "the rest of the story".)
65. IMO said the following at 7:16 AM on Jan 21:
65
#31 Nicole,
Parents of "special needs" children would be insulted by your use of the word retarded.
Do you use this word on a daily basis?
Maybe if your boss or supervisor had a "special needs" child, you would reframe from using that word around him or her?
66. Christina (in green) said the following at 7:27 AM on Jan 21:
66
Something to consider for those who are saddened to see Bush leaving office: the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Manfred Nowak, has publicly stated that the US has a positive obligation under the Convention Against Torture to pursue Bush and Rumsfeld for torture.
So I guess 8 years of Bush-bashing ISN'T over.
You do realize he WAS your president, right?
That he does deserve some respect?
*FYI* I'm all in favor of being respectful of my president. And I intend to be. Yes, I find some of Obama's planned policies rather frightening, but I'll cross those bridges in more productive ways than bashing him. I wasn't a fan of Bush, either. I voted for him both times because alternatives were more heinous than he was (lesser of two evils?) and I considered him someone who appeared to be pretty bad at politics and would be forthright and honest about all his actions - even if we didn't agree with them. However, I will still give him the respect he's due for being a president and a former president.
I truly am sick of all the people coming onto this post accusing Ted of Obama-bashing and when he writes a post about abortion and single-issue voting, it somehow turns into a mud slinging fest of how retarded Bush has been on the issue.
You want some respect for yourselves and your party leader? Than do what your asking your republican brothers and sisters to do. Stop mud-slinging, bashing, and showing all-out disdain for a president/leader who you disagree with. There are ways to discuss differences without resorting to name-calling, hearsay, and mockery.
67. obewan said the following at 7:39 AM on Jan 21:
67
">>I just have to say that I find this disturbing, a grown man carrying around a tiny four-armed monkey statue for good luck. And I'll leave it at that.<<" (Ted)
-------------------------------------
I think you are reaching for reasons to bash Obama. Come on, do you really think he takes this "charm" seriously? It may be that it just has a special value because of WHO gave it to him. Looking at it is probably mostly a reminder to keep the faith and that things may turn out well if he remains optimistic. Soldiers in a war carry all kinds of strange things into battle in their pockets. I don't think he sees any real "occult" value or significance in this charm. It is mostly tongue in cheek fun for him I am sure.
I have to ask if it were Bush or Reagan and they had a charm, would you be as disturbed? Nancy Reagan was into astrology you know.
68. rachel said the following at 7:41 AM on Jan 21:
68
My sense of humor is pretty healthy, and yet I thought the post was sophomoric.
After finally getting a chance to watch the inauguration replayed last night, I was impressed by its overall tone of reverence and gravity. And now I find the post even more so.
69. Andy said the following at 8:12 AM on Jan 21:
69
this post is silly.
70. Brian K said the following at 8:14 AM on Jan 21:
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I’m struck by a few things
* - Mr. Slater, I agree with your post, but it would have been better to have said this during the campaign (I think it was highlighted back then…..or so I’m told). Or at least a day or two after the inauguration.
* - For people who say (or imply) “lighten up”, folks sure do take things seriously.
When first read, I thought the intent of the post was light. Just a raised eyebrow of “hmm, how odd”. Then I read the furor that returned. Thus,
* - I think the comments do highlight a lack of “take every thought captive”.
I think the main thrust is the cavalier attitude towards a just God who will judge all. I think we should find idol worship abhorrent. From bowing down literally to Gautama to forgoing a relationship with God to sacrifice at the altar of greed (see our credit card bills). Each is offensive to God. Every one of us (beginning with me) at one time or another enjoys putting God on the shelf and minimizing who He is and exactly what He thinks. And (given satan’s help) we are really good at justifying and minimizing things. Acting that something isn’t really a big deal. As far as this goes, I don’t know what President Obama thinks when he reaches for and grasps that chit or that little statue. I (very fortunately) do not know his heart. I wish that he would tell us. As a fellow believer, it seems that he should be accountable for something as conspicuous as this. First, since he was the one who opened this dialog (so to speak) with the picture (this isn’t a telephoto look onto a private secluded beach, folks). But second because we are to be accountable to our body (the Church). We enjoy thinking things not as sin but as a preference and that it’s nobody’s business anyway. We Christians in America in particular delude ourselves this way. I get to conceal my life because it’s private and nobody’s business. But that which is spoken in the dark will be brought to the light. Sometimes that will happen to us before Christ returns. Am I happy when that happens to me? Not at first. But it is a necessary process that demonstrates patience by a supreme God with a self-centered, me-first sinner.
Unlike Mr. Slater’s post, mine was more of a rant.
71. (The Canadian) Andrew R said the following at 8:29 AM on Jan 21:
71
Jon Sarfati (34):
"The Lord also allowed Adolf Hitler to become Führer, and he was also democratically elected. Unfortunately far too many Germans followed your advice and submitted to his anti-Jewish and pro-euthanasia rulings."
Godwin's Law FTW!
Ted, 36:
Here's the problem. This is (supposedly) a respected blog run by a professional organization with the intent of "Bringing Focus to the Single Years". Your post was an attack on the man- who happened to be inaugarated the same day- on a trinket that he carries around with him. In fact, I looked through those articles, and there was nothing to suggest he carried it for good luck- the BeliefNet article simply SUGGESTED what it could be for.
Don't put the blame on us and say we need to "lighten up" (what do you mean by that? Not challenge what you say?). You attacked him on something petty and insignificant and the commenters here called you out. Had your post instead been a question towards discussion ("Hey, what do you guys think about the four-armed monkey charm President Obama carries around?"), you would have seen a different response from us. But if you're going to attack a man whom many of us support, don't expect us to let you get away with it.
Hope you enjoyed your nap.
72. Christina (in green) said the following at 8:58 AM on Jan 21:
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rushncap...carrying a cross around one's neck as a good luck charm WOULD be a problem.
However, I personally don't know anyone who wears one for that reason. I know they exist...and I'm pretty certain they'd be afraid of black cats, too.
I wear mine as identification, sentimentality, and because they can be very pretty pieces of jewelry (vanity side coming out!).
To me, its kind of like how ancient Christians used the fish symbols to identify themselves to other Christians. Its my ID tag...not my good luck symbol =p
73. Mike said the following at 9:03 AM on Jan 21:
73
Well, isn't this the shape of things to come?
Didn't the dragged-out campaign season teach us anything? Obama is untouchable. And if you DO dare to criticize him, well, prepare yourself, buddy.
We aren't allowed to question his professed Christianity, no matter what foreign idols he carries around and no matter what his views on killing the unborn may be.
We ought to acknowledge that any criticism of this man is bigoted, while simultaneously ignoring his close association to racist religious zealots--not to mention a basketful of his own words.
We ought to realize that if we have anything negative, doubtful or non-worshipful to say about this man we will be set upon by those who hold him up as their icon of hope and change, regardless of the fact that he has never accomplished anything in his public service other than to promote himself.
Shame on all of us.
74. Michelle Plett said the following at 9:13 AM on Jan 21:
74
I have a further comment actually...
Whilst I'm all for debating and discussion do you really think that time spent on trying to decide if someone is a Christian is actually going to help them be a Christian?
I am struggling to find the verse (I am at work), where Paul talks about it being God's job to judge and not ours.
I think that trying to decide if someone has made Jesus Christ Lord and Savior over his or her life; whether they believe that Christ died for their sins and that they are forgiven because not what they have done or said; but because of what He did for us, a decision they made in their heart, is really necessary? If anything, Pray for the President, pray for your friends, your family who you don't know the condition of their hearts.
Jesus when on earth did not spend time asking people if they believed in Him, instead he befriended them--spent time with them--was a friend to them. He loved them.
Pray for our leaders-I believe that is what the Bible says...
75. debiam said the following at 9:14 AM on Jan 21:
75
*shaking head back and forth* my, my, my.
76. Mike said the following at 9:26 AM on Jan 21:
76
#50) "...now the tables are reversed and some of us are doing exactly what we hated the other side for doing."
Ted's post hardly equates to what "the other side" has done for the past 8 years.
All I see is a post with a thought and a question--albeit slightly critical--in response to a personal quirk of the new president's.
I didn't realize this could amount to a "smackdown." Good to know the dissent police are up and running again.
77. Kristi said the following at 9:53 AM on Jan 21:
77
The biblical way is to bring sins directly to someone's attention. However, I also believe that there is a place for discussing questionable sins with trusted friends prior to bringing it up. Since nobody here actually knows Obama (that I'm aware of), neither really applies.
When a trusted leader has inconsistency, though, that is reason for concern and that is the job of a free press: to bring that to attention. Direct attacks on the character and christianity of the author and his intentions are not helpful in discussing the issues. The counterpoint that he is Christian based on a website saying that he is, I found more helpful. Thoughtful discussion on what a Christian is would be even better. Does he love his enemies? Turn the other cheek? He talked about reconciliation and reaching out to poorer countries. To me, that honestly sounds more like Jesus than bombing the heck out of them. That would be my counterpoint to say I think he may be a true Christian.
And I still have the concern that I don't really know what God, or Christ means to Mr. Obama. (another reason to pray for him). I think it obvious to anybody (atheist or Christian) that actually praying to idols is (stupid or wrong). Carrying them is... at best... pointless. And this is the man we elected president!
The larger issue here is: Is there anyone who struggles with believing in a good-luck charm, especially one that's an idol? I would consider this an educational discussion based on current events (I have talks like this with my kids all the time). It is always helpful to clarify that a certain behavior is not right. The price of fame is that people will talk about you, both good and bad.
And another issue: should somebody bring this up to Mr. President? Is it a sin? Bringing this out into the open does allows exploration, but the only way to truly know is to ASK.
I'm not that committed to the issue. But I will pray for him and I hope you do too.
78. Ryan said the following at 9:54 AM on Jan 21:
78
I guess it comes down to truth.
If He's carrying the item for any reason that could distract him or pull him away from God, such as idolatry, lucky charm, anything that would imply he has faith in something apart from God, then yes, it would be wrong and sinful to have such a thing.
To me, that's really all the truth I need: Does it separate or bring me closer to God? What purpose does it serve?
But we don't know Obama's heart. That's between him and God.
But if he's calling it a good luck charm, I will not refute the validity of Ted's statements.
I am alarmed by how many people have said "Obama is a Christian in his own way." Because there is only one way to be a Christian; and even though I can't live up to these standards - which makes me ever more thankful for God's Grace - the inescapable truth is that God wishes us to Love Him, and worship Him, and fellowship with Him in every moment of every day, and to live our lives as Christ would live: In Love.
We should pray that Obama, if this lucky charm is tripping him up in his relationship with God, would be convicted to the point of getting rid of it so he could better serve the Lord.
79. IMO said the following at 10:00 AM on Jan 21:
79
#56 Tina,
I assume it's easier to be negative and post hateful and insulting comments....would such posters speak like that in person? I hope not!
80. IMO said the following at 10:07 AM on Jan 21:
80
#54 Russ,
How come you didn't make any comments on the Prayer for Motte Brown thread?
And here's a little fyi: You are either a Christian or you are not. Apparently you were never a Christian...you just practiced stuff that Christians do (church, etc).
I just wanted to clarify this for those (not you, per se) that actually do struggle with whether they have salvation.
If anybody wants, I will be more than happy to provide Scriptural evidence.
81. Brendan said the following at 10:11 AM on Jan 21:
81
Charlotte C. (#57) -
Your comments are even-handed and well thought out. You're right, we are called to challenge our brothers and sisters in the Lord, and questioning the President is the right thing to do because we need to be held accountable.
But if it was me, and if I was a public figure, and if someone had a picture of me with an item that seems questionable, I'd be righteously angry if I saw rumor and speculation going around on the Internet about it. We have no public statement from Pres. Obama about the charm, so it could be anything. Anything! He might have a perfectly rational explanation, which would make this a slanderous post. He might admit to ignorance about the issue, in which a confrontation could bring about a change in heart more than a blog post in some corner of the Internet could ever do. Or, he could be unrepenting, in which case a rebuke like this might then be justified.
I used to wear a necklace I got at a fair. I was told it was St. Brendan's cross; it had dolphins on it and the tails formed a cross. I love the cross, I like Brendan as a historical figure, I like Brendan because he shares my name, and I loved the aesthetics of the necklace. But as soon as someone said they believed it to be a pagan symbol, I haven't worn it since. All I needed was for someone to tell me.
I am certainly glad that I stopped wearing it before someone found a picture of me and connected me to paganism. And I suppose that experience in my life is a big reason why I don't like the nature of this post.
82. Kyle R said the following at 10:33 AM on Jan 21:
82
Hey, if this were true of Bush or McCain or anyone in that kind of position, I'd question it as well, just as Ted has with Obama. It's the principle, not the person, that matters.
83. Mac said the following at 10:39 AM on Jan 21:
83
Mamma always said, "Never trust a monkey!".
But seriously, there's just not enough info here to think one way or the other about Obama's charms. Some of us have our heads so far up our politics that we can't see clearly.
Farmer, your "Smith and Wesson" comment was hilarious!
84. Alex C. said the following at 10:53 AM on Jan 21:
84
What? didn't you know? Everything's better with Monkeys!! Just ask tvtropes.
Seriously though, I agree with others who have found this topic to be a little unfair.
Ted, you said that you find it "disturbing that a grown man carries around lucky charms", but you only mentioned Obama in your topic despite, as others have pointed out, the fact that the other candidates also had "lucky charms". Are you disturbed by adults carrying around stuff like this *in general*, or is it only Obama that bothers you? If McCain had won instead, would you have posted a similar topic about the charms he carried?
And none of us seem to have any idea why Obama even carries these things around. Do we know if he actually believes these objects bring good fortune? Or maybe he carries them around for sentimental value, or because someone gave them to him. Since we don;t know for sure, is it fair to get freaked out about it?
I do however, have to take issue with something a few other posters said, specificly that its none of our business who Obama worships or whatever. Normally I might agree with you, but the fact is, Obama MADE it our business when he told the American public, many times, that he is a Christian. If Obama is not a christian, if he worships Hindu Gods or is really a closet Muslim like so many people seem to think, then that means he lied to and misled the Amercan people about his religious faith, for political gain. And that would definitly be something serious.
85. Brian K said the following at 10:57 AM on Jan 21:
85
Charlotte C (#57): Well put, I wish my browser updated and I could have read it before my original post (to avoid the redundancies).
86. Melissa S. said the following at 11:07 AM on Jan 21:
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rushncap #39- "And this is different from hanging a cross around one's neck.... how?"
Well, assuming you're not literally worshiping either the cross or the monkey god, I'd say there is a lot of difference.
The general impression I get from all these comments is that "President Obama is definitely a Christian, carries a monkey-god charm to remind him of his childhood, and who are you to question what he carries??"
So here's the difference: for a Christian, carrying a cross reminds you of Jesus' death on a cross to save you from your sins and give you an eternal relationship with Him. Carrying a monkey-god derived from Hindu religion is a reminder of the false gods and religion of Hindu. If it truly is a reminder of your childhood in Africa and nothing more, as a Christian, isn't there something more appropriate you could carry? How as a Christian and one of the leaders of the free-world, and example to millions, do you carry a monkey-god?? If it's simply a superstitious charm and has no associations with Hindu for Obama, again-- as a Christian, why are you superstitious and carrying good-luck charms?
Obviously I used rushncap's comment as a jumping off point and and speaking to the whole thread rather than just the one comment. Here's my last point: This isn't a petty blog post about a stupid piece of jewelry. Little things have great significance. Best case scenario-- we have a Christian president who is superstitious and just happened to select a monkey-god charm to wish on. Worst case-- we've got a Hindu president who prays to his monkey-god charm. Whatever.
But I'm getting really tired of people asking how this or that blog post is relevant or something worth writing about. This isn't a site just about strictly "Christian things", dating, etc. It's about living out your thinking Christian faith in today's culture, and you see more posts about "issues" that our broad age-group faces. The thing about having Christian faith is that it should inform ALL of life and everything you take in with all your senses. So if you can't figure out how something is relevant or worth posting about, think again.
87. BDB said the following at 11:11 AM on Jan 21:
87
dana111 (#45) wrote:
>>We secure black people really HATE feeling patronized by white liberals. Ah, the soft bigotry of low expectations.... been dealing with that all of my life.<<
See, I think there's some opportunity here if the Republican party can find its way out of the wilderness.
I do think Obama has broken a barrier: anyone who is a Harvard Lawyer can be elected President, regardless of skin color. It may motivate more people to become lawyers!
88. Melissa S. said the following at 11:13 AM on Jan 21:
88
Obewan #67- I don't know about Ted...but yes, I would still be seriously disturbed. No matter how close the person was to me or how much I loved them, if the person was carrying around lucky charms, was superstitious, into astrology, or carried a monkey-god I would be seriously disturbed.
89. BDB said the following at 11:13 AM on Jan 21:
89
Anthony (#52) wrote:
>>Morality and Christianity returned to the White House today...<<
...to pick up the last of his boxes and turn out the lights, before boarding a 747 for the trip back to Texas.
90. IMO said the following at 11:23 AM on Jan 21:
90
#73"Jesus when on earth did not spend time asking people if they believed in Him,"
Wrong!
Matthew 16:15-17
Luke 12:7-9
John 10:35-37
John 11:26-28
I can keep going.
Also, which "people" are you referring to? He interacted with people differently.
91. TINA said the following at 11:54 AM on Jan 21:
91
#78 IMO-???? You clearly misread the intend....sorry if you took offense..... I dont find it hateful or insulting...the comment was not just based on facts because as we know fact is not always truth..it was based on truth.....if my comment honesty offended anyone i truly am sorry ,however i am not sorry for being honest God knows what my heart was saying...and i am sure so do other people who looked deeper into it..Truth sometimes puts us all in defense mode.... Why??? because we have to look in the mirror......I look everyday and sometimes i scare myself....however this was not one of those times...
92. IMO said the following at 12:17 PM on Jan 21:
92
Tina, I was in agreement to your post #56...and I added my own 2 cents to it.
I was saying how people would rather take the time to post uncivil comments rather than supporting, encouraging comments.
93. Cassandra said the following at 12:19 PM on Jan 21:
93
Michelle #74
Perhaps you're looking for this verse? Although Paul isn't saying that we should leave the judgement entirely up to God. Paul is saying, don't worry about judging non-Christians, worry about people who profess to be Christians.
1 Cor 9:12-13
For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. "Purge the evil person from among you."
94. TINA said the following at 12:46 PM on Jan 21:
94
To anyone that thought I was being judgmental please, please ,please... again please pardon me.. that was not what i was saying nor was i saying the 11 people who did are better insightful Christians..so now i hope my comment is cleared up..as i comment on these post i have had a few that didn't make it and the ones that do God allowed..if i take this farther i have seen comments that were very judgemental and few other things i might ad...however i believe we talk out of lack of knowledge,our hurts,sometime opinion,or education (me included).....I have sure learned a lot about global warming do to some peoples education and some were opinion that really made my mind expand in that area....i am thankful for that yet still very uneducated in that arena....Imo---you sure took my comment personal,my intent was not to hurt or offend anyone...
95. TINA said the following at 1:05 PM on Jan 21:
95
#92Imo-LOL... well ya see that did cross my mind..and then flew out because i wanted to make sure....i dont want to offend anyone..so in case anybody felt that way i figure just address it... so thank you ...sorry having a hormonal day :).
96. Brian K said the following at 1:15 PM on Jan 21:
96
Michelle (#74) (in addition to the 1 Cor 9), were you thinking of 1 Cor 4 –
Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God.
And yes, an excellent thing to remember.
97. Anna said the following at 1:41 PM on Jan 21:
97
I wear a St. Christopher (patron saint of travelers) medallion on the same chain as my cross. I'm not Catholic. I don't pray to St. Christopher, and some Protestants consider praying to saints to be idolatry. So why do I wear it?
I like the symbolism, and the reminder that God cares about me and my travels. I like identifying with the Christian expat community in Switzerland, since travel is the one thing we all have in common. I bought the medallion in Vatican City, and I enjoy remembering that trip. All completely innocuous reasons for my choice of jewelry, and none of them remotely related to superstition or idol-worship. Could we extend the same benefit of the doubt to President Obama?
98. IMO said the following at 1:48 PM on Jan 21:
98
"Imo---you sure took my comment personal,my intent was not to hurt or offend anyone..."
?????
I'm sorry but I honestly have no idea what you are talking about.
[I did not take your comment You did not offend me.]
99. Kristina said the following at 1:51 PM on Jan 21:
99
I agree that we should all lighten up a bit. And I do understand why one might be concerned with this four armed monkey idol keychain. If Obama is a proclamined and loyal Christian, it seems odd that he would carry such a thing around. However, as other's have said he spent a significant amount of time in the east as a child and I think possibley it's why he's held onto this trinket. Just as mentioned it's a god that was prominent in children's circles there. Just as Santa Claus, or teddy bears, or Disney princesses are prominent things in children's lives here in the U.S. I see this monkey thing he carries as a trinket of endearment, a reminder of past times, and childhood. At any point, should he start worshipping it, or forcing worship of it... I think then would be the time to start being deeply concerned.
100. Kit said the following at 3:10 PM on Jan 21:
100
Oh my here we go again. #7, spot on, I agree with you.
I get very tired of the political posts on boundless because they are all slanted towards the extreme right. I understand that is what most of the readers on here lean, but, I work for a small non-profit organization staffed entirely by professing evangelical Christians and our office voted for Obama about 4 to 1. I just wanted to say there are Christians out there who do lean the other way and I would love it if once, just once, this might be recognized by the authors on Boundless. IT is not a sin to vote democrat, contrary to popular belief.