Obama's Explanation on Warren Choice

"It's important for America to come together . . ." Barack Obama has been widely criticized for choosing Rick Warren. Like many, I'm not thrilled by the choice, but Warren is an important religious voice, one whom I have major differences with. His views on homosexuality are far from mine. I've not seen the interview, but apparently he suggested it's okay to assassinate a head of state. These aren't the kind of views I hold dear. But, as Steve Waldman points out, he has taken important stands on issues like poverty that are clear improvements on what is found in much of conservative evangelicalism. At the same time we must call Warren to account for the areas with which we disagree -- but as Obama says, can't we do this without being disagreeable.

I find Obama's choices and statements to be an immense improvement on the overwhelming and deeply destructive partisanship of the Bush years. So, give him time to help shape the future discussion in ways that are positive.

Here is Obama's take on this choice. I think he makes clear his rationale.




Comments

Anonymous said…
It doesn't work. You reach out to folk like Warren, but you don't reward them with a platform.

He wouldn't do this with any other minority group. Suppose Warren had made anti-Semitic statements (the way he compared gays to rapists, pedophiles, polygamists, and incest practicioners). Would his response to Jewish groups be about reaching out--and don't worry because a rabbi is giving the benediction. (Actually, this isn't even that good: Lowery is an ally of GLBT folk, but not gay himself. So, this would be like having an anti-semite give the benediction and then have a pro-Jewish Christian give the benediction "for balance.") No matter his policies, no Jewish or liberal groups would let Obama get away with then claiming that he is a "fierce advocate for Jewish equality."

Obama is still the most gay-friendly president we've ever elected--but that says much about just how bigoted we are as a nation.
Anonymous said…
If one takes the Bible seriously, it is quite rational to conclude that God is the greatest bigot in existance. God's rejection and condemnation of homosexuals is undeniable in Scripture. Given the Biblical evidence, the very idea of "same-sex marriage" as something God would endorse is laughable.

It follows that to defend and endorse something that God has condemned, in this case homosexuality, is to place oneself in opposition to and rebellion against the God who has judged sodomy to be evil.

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