Paganism & Presidential Politics
By James Montalto

Judging by the amount of media coverage of the 2008 presidential campaign, one would believe that the election is closer than 20 months away. Regardless, it seems that the mainstream media has already chosen its “darling,” Illinois Junior Senator Barack Hussein Obama.

According to the latest polls, Obama is the second most popular Democratic hopeful for the 2008 presidential election trailing only Senator Hillary Clinton, but quickly gaining ground.

After just two years in the U.S. Senate and eight in the Illinois State Senate, is Obama qualified to be Commander-in-Chief? His relative inexperience isn’t deterring the left from jumping on the “Barack Bandwagon.” Nor is his experience the problem. Outwardly, he is a smooth talking, clean-cut, fairly attractive, charismatic orator.

Should we choose our leaders based on outward appearance? “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7b)

Since only God can look at Obama’s heart, we, as believers in the Messiah, Jesus Christ, must discern by the fruits. (Matthew 7:16-17)

Jesus also warns us to be on guard against wolves in sheep’s clothing. So, what are the fruits of this politician? Is Obama a wolf in sheep’s clothing?

Obama on Abortion

As a member of the Illinois State Legislature, Obama worked to preserve the availability of abortion during all nine months of a pregnancy, vehemently opposed a ban on partial birth abortion (partial delivery up to the head; forceps used to open the skull; brain matter suctioned out and then the skull crushed) and voted against parental notification for a minor who seeks an abortion.

What does the Bible say about this issue? Psalm 139 says God knew us before we were formed in our mother’s wombs and that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Jeremiah 1:4-5, Isaiah 44:1-2, Job 10:8-12, Psalm 22:9-10, Psalm 119:73 and Luke 1:39-44 all clearly state that life begins at conception. Exodus 21:22-25 explains the penalties for causing a woman to give birth prematurely - causing harm to the infant - thus proving that God values the life of an unborn child as much as fully formed man.

In Exodus 20:13, the Bible also clearly warns we are not to murder, and since life begins at conception – those who commit abortion are committing murder.

The Lord hates hands that shed innocent blood. (Proverbs 6:17)

According to statistics provided by The Center For Bio-Ethical Reform, 46 million babies are murdered worldwide every year. Their innocent blood cries out to God, just as Abel’s did in Genesis 4:10.

Their innocent blood is on anyone who has an involvement in the process: doctors, legislators, judges and anyone in between, including the voters. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)

Obama also opposed the Born Alive Infant Protection Act (BAIPA) on three different occasions. BAIPA is a bill designed to protect babies born alive after a botched abortion requiring them to receive proper medical attention.

Obama said in last year’s “Call To Renewal” address, that although he “may be opposed to abortion for religious reasons,” he would not seek a law to ban the practice because abortion isn’t offensive to all faiths or those with no faith. He is either a liar or does not have the courage to stand on his own convictions. Either choice is frightening.

A member of the United Church of Christ, Obama does not believe in the inerrancy of the Bible; believes in abortion, homosexual marriage and the rights of same sex couples, promotes the fallacy of “separation of church and state,” (a term that appears nowhere in the Constitution and has been reinvented by liberals), supports embryonic stem cell research, social and environmental justice, sex education for elementary school children, distribution of condoms, etc. He is the epitome of a secular humanist.

Obama on Marriage

The presidential hopeful repeatedly voted against bills upholding the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman, including the Marriage Protection Amendment. Jesus said He created them male and female from the beginning of creation, that marriage is between one man and one woman and that homosexual activity of any ilk is an abomination to Him. (Leviticus 18:22)

Romans 1 says women burned with lust for women and men for men, “committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.”

The penalties occurring from homosexual sex are venereal diseases, broken hearts and ruined families. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

God gave the gift of sex to be enjoyed in the sanctity of marriage between a man and his wife. “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” (Hebrews 13:4)

Our children need to be taught that abstinence and moral sex is the only answer for AIDS. 1 Corinthians 6:9 tells us that those who participate in homosexual sex, fornication (sex outside of marriage) or any type of immoral sex will not inherit God’s kingdom.

Speaking of social issues such as AIDS, Obama has allied himself with Saddleback Church Pastor Rick Warren and Bishop T.D. Jakes of prosperity doctrine fame.

On the surface addressing AIDS seems a noble task. However, what is the purpose of addressing it when God’s laws are not involved? The only way to truly stop the disease is to follow His word.

Warren, the self-proclaimed America’s pastor, even went as far to lend his pulpit to Obama to speak at a Global Summit on AIDS. What does a pastor of a so-called Christian church have to do with a man with the track record of Obama? We are not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. (2 Corinthians 6:14)

Warren should never have allowed Obama to speak from his pulpit. Although it’s not surprising considering Warren is a forerunner of the seeker-friendly mega-church.

Obama and Israel

As State Senator, Obama attended pro-Palestinian fundraisers. Ali Abunimah, a Chicago-based Palestinian activist who supports a two-state solution said that Obama was “progressive regarding Israel and Palestine.”

God warned about dividing the land given to the Jews in the Abrahamic Covenant as told in Genesis 15:18.

In Joel 3, the Lord clearly states that He will judge the nations that divide and plunder His covenant land and protect the remnant of His people, Israel.

God also told Abraham that through his seed, He would bless all the families of the earth and that whosoever blesses Israel will be blessed and whosoever curses Israel will be cursed. (Genesis 12:1-3)

As Christians, it is vital to cast our ballot for a candidate who understands that the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable and that He has not cast aside Israel. (Romans 11)

When prayerfully considering who to vote for in this and every election, compare each candidate’s statements and voting record against the Scriptures to see if he or she measures up. In so doing, you can make the proper choice by electing a God-fearing, God-honoring representative.