NEW YORK – The barrier-crossing election of Barack Obama did little to bridge the deep racial divide in American churches. In fact, some clergy say it has only served to underscore their differences.
While nonwhite Christians voted overwhelmingly for Obama, most white Christians backed John McCain, according to exit polls. Several black clergy said that criticism of Obama by some white Christians over his religious beliefs and support for abortion rights crossed the line, hurting longtime efforts to reconcile their communities.
"I think in the eagerness to protect the right to life issues, there were some things said, not about that issue, that were not always fair and that were insensitive that need to be rethought," said Bishop T.D. Jakes, a prominent African-American pastor and founder of The Potter's House, a theologically conservative megachurch in Dallas. "I would love to see black and white Christians find common ground, and a deeper understanding of each other's needs."
The Rev. Al Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, the denomination's flagship school, said white evangelicals backed McCain because of his opposition to abortion rights, not because of the race of either candidate.
"White conservative evangelicals, not just in this election, but in many successive cycles, tended to vote on the basis of moral issues," Mohler said. "Those evangelicals will still join in celebrating, very eagerly, that America has elected an African-American president and see it as a cause for celebration and recognize its deep spiritual significance."
According to Associated Press exit polls, 34 percent of white Protestants voted for Obama, while 65 percent went with McCain. Obama won the overall Roman Catholic vote, but white Catholics backed McCain by a slim majority, 52 percent to 47 percent. Among white Christians, the racial gap was most pronounced with evangelicals: 74 percent backed McCain, 24 percent backed Obama.
The pattern is not new and fits the larger trend of white voters overall, the majority of whom voted for McCain. Even so, white Christians were still part of Obama's winning coalition, drawing millions of their votes. However, the racial gaps stood out at a time when African-American churchgoers exulted in the historic first of Obama's victory.
"The contrast between the white religious community and the nonwhite religious community ... is particularly strong this year," said John Green, an expert on religion and politics and senior fellow at the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life.
White conservative Christians are more concerned than ever about reaching out to minorities, particularly as immigration has led to what some call the "browning" of American Christianity. Right now, nearly all U.S. churches serve a single ethnic group.
While white and black Christian conservatives generally share an opposition to abortion rights and gay marriage, they often split over how to end social ills such as poverty and crime.
But the rhetoric this year went beyond the usual differences over worldview, said Derrick W. Hutchins, a leader in the Church of God in Christ. The predominantly African-American group is Pentecostal and one of the largest denomination's in the country. Continue >>
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TheLordIsMyLight, Sir that is a very interesting peerspective, however Mr. Obama shows a view that the majority of Americans wanted and needed. Mr. Obama being an African American along with his historical perspective of the ture American dream where all American can be all that they can be, is what the voters was appealing to. Mr. Bush policies were deceptive and divisive, and the working class was n't getting a fair cut of what they should have gotten with him, and the longer he was in the office the worse things got for the working class,including those who were the working poor. Mr. Obama will be tested of course, but with God, and prayer ,he will prevail.
Good Lord, nobody's said it or will, so I will. If Obama weren't black, he wouldn't have been elected Senator, gotten nominated, OR become president elect. Let's just pray that he doesn't get offed by an angry CEO or racial hate group. My friends, it is VERY likely that the corporations are going to band together against Obama. McDonalds, IBM, Microsoft, the Doctor's Association, and the BAR (I know because I am a part of it) are HEAVILY against Obama. There are a few people in the BAR that support him, but they are far and few. We could easily have a civil war on our hands when Obama becomes president. What with the income and especially CORPORATE tax plans he proposes. In some cases he wants to take away FIFTY PERCENT of corporation profits! I know for a fact that MY taxes will rise about TEN PERCENT! That is a LIFESTYLE change! The Democrats are SO greedy. You may say the Republicans are, but it's the Democrats being all grabby grabby. I am so upset that all those ignorant blue-collars got greedy one day and decided to take it out on the educated and hard-working. But mark my words, Obama's enemies are rich in numbers and money. He's going to have a tough time. Especially if the oil companies and car industries have their ways with the senators.
Mr. Obama represent the best of the Black community, doing the unthinkable in this nations' lifetime. We pray for him and his family well-being while making the tough decisions and May God give him the wisdomto tackle the adversity of the job of governing this nation.
agent, I don't see your question as antagonistic but very valid and yes that very well could happen but it would still be the will of the people and hopefully those voted into power regardless of their political persuasion would still allow for free elections as well as personal freedoms to include freedom of religion.
believer, not to be an antagonist here, but so what if Iraq becomes democratic, does this really follow that they would not elect or support a radical group like how Hamas was elected via democratic process?
"supported a government that supported an unjust war that has led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands"
and America went in and took out those governments!
mc, and our men and women in the military are doing there best to help establish a democracy in Iraq so that won't happen again.
artm,
I am assuming God will also hold accountable those who supported a government that supported an unjust war that has led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands, and still counting. A government that supports torture. A government and a party that over the last 8 years has been as riddled with sinful/unlawful behavior even though they represent conservative values. HAHAHA. A government that makes promise after promise about protecting the unborn and the family, yet do nothing to push for real change. I could go on and on.
Although people might suffer due to their choices and those of others, God determines the times and places of people and nations, that they might seek Him.
Acts 17:26-27
26 From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 27 God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
Sometimes God gives us what we ask for, even if it is not what God wants for us.
1 Samuel 8:6-9
6 But when they said, "Give us a king to lead us," this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. 7 And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. 8 As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. 9 Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do."
We should submit to our leaders, for they are put there by God, regardless if we are being given our desires or not.
Romans 13:1
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
We should pray for our leaders, political and otherwise.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Let us pray that many people come to Christ through being given this president.
Moderator, it's inappropriate to use the same measure of judgement by someone casting a verdict of being racist on Christians? It is the same measure of judgement; put my post back up. A room isn't made clean by sweeping the dirt under the rug, it's got to be brought out.
Prayingforournation, and artm,
Mercy is only effecient for the repentant.
A Minister said the other day, during the election Christians prayed for mercy and not what we deserve, After Obama won, he said, God gave us what we deserve.
We all pray for mercy, But many times God has sent judgment. America is not above the Judgment of God. God will judge sin wherever it is found, and that includes America.
If God does not judge this Nation for it's sin, then He should not have judged other people or nation's.
Yes pray for mercy in America, and yes pray for our leaders, But if there is no repentance on the part of these leaders, God must judge us.
Mercy triumphs over judgement and I would rather pray for mercy. The greatest mercy that can come of this is that our new president falls on HIS face and calls JESUS LORD and lead our entire nation in repentance. In JESUS name amen
This Nation has decided which way they want to go. By voting Obama in office they have declared that God's will does not matter.
They have declared that God is of no concern to them.
America is going to experience the judgement of God for it's rejection of God and His Word.
Homosexual's take to the streets to demand the right of a perverted lifestyle. They are bold in the face of God, and those who reject that lifestyle as sin.
Thousands of unborn Babies are killed everyday in America, And God will avenge their innocent Blood.
No wonder the Financle system in America is being destroyed. You haven't seen anything yet.
Every Christian will one day stand before God and give account for our support of those who made it possible for millions of babies to be killed every year in this Country.
They will give account to God for their support of those who who supported the gay agenda.
Why they do not believe that I cannot say, Are they really that Spiritually Blind.? Are they really that ignorant of Scripture.?
I don't know, But I do know that one day they will give account to God.
DRJ,
"African Americans or Black Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have origins in any of the black populations of Africa.[4] In the United States, the term is generally used for Americans with at least partial Sub-Saharan African ancestry."
Wikipedia
to DRJ - let me see. the original americans here are the native americans. the white folks came from europe, so that makes you a european american whose origin came from europe & not a 'real' american unless your parents are original native americans.
For everyone's information: The term African-American applies culturally to a person born in America whose ancestry can be traced to an African slave living in America. Obama's African ancestry can only be traced to African slave owners and slave traders in Kenya! Therefore, he is NOT an African American. In other words, someone from African descent who relocates to America is NOT an African American even if he is the product of a racially mixed marriage. It is especially not true of Obama whose mother was an American caucasion and whose father was a Kenyan native (negro). The term is only applicable if his Kenyan father was the descendant of African slaves in America. Do the research!
"I think in the eagerness to protect the right to life issues, there were some things said, not about that issue, that were not always fair and that were insensitive that need to be rethought. said Bishop T.D. Jakes.......................................................................
I find it offensive that protecting the unborn is being used as
a racial devide. I believe that Obama's pastor and some of
his friends oww the USA an apology. God, please protect our
soldiers and keep them from being treated in the way the
Obama team has planned.
Amen, I actually am excited that we voted in an African-American President. But at what cost? I don't care if Obama was black, white, red, yellow, or orange. It's his stance on certain issues that steered me from voting for him. If McCain's and Obama's policies have been reversed, I would have been checking the Obama box at the polls.
In our congregation, we are blessed with African-American families. One dear soul confided to us, that, while she could understand our misgivings about Pres. Obama, she was overjoyed that Obama had broken through what had been to her an impossible barrier. Our family, who loves her dearly, are happy in her happiness.
Such should it be with all of us Christians. We all will experience/endure Barack Obama for the season, as we endured/experienced George Bush for the time that God entrusted him. Let it be done with as much Christian charity as possible, and with as little politics as possible.
After all, Paul had some affirming words for the powers that be in Romans 13. It believe at that time it was Emperor Nero.
Believing the teachings of Christ and practicing them makes a person a Christian, not sitting in church. I attribute the divide "Christian" vs Christian - black, white, Methodist, Baptist all to the same issue. Some believe, most don't - but a lot go to church.
Chip said:
"The racial divide is manifested just as much in how each group views the role of the federal government as the actual racial differences themselves! As a black pastor, I and others refused to simply follow the Obama mystique like many of the most prominent pastors. This reveals even in them that there are hidden priorities that have betrayed other spiritual brothers and sisters hat even T.D. Jakes has fallen to: Matthew 24:24 and 1 John 4 says it all!"
THANK YOU, THANK YOU , THANK YOU, MY BROTHER!!!
I am black and DID NOT vote for Obama. Thank you Chip for that encouraging post!!!!
Blessings to all. Continue to pray for our new president.
Personally, I can't tell how many blacks voted for Obama because he's black and how many voted for him because he's democrat. doesn't really matter. Obama's president. I don't like it, but I know there is a plan that belongs to one who is greater than I. I only pray this nation was not given our president because we've been given over to our sinful desires. We'll see. All we can do is pray for God's will to be done, pray for the President, and wait.
As for who determines when life begins, God has already done that. He knew us before He formed us in the womb.
As for being involved in politics, we're to resist evil. period. It is our responsibility to be involved and help pass laws that resist evil.
Christ is our Lord and Savior, but God puts rulers in place for His purposes. We are to respect them and pray for them, but in a democracy we are also used by God to help put leaders in place.
Read an article in our local paper that said pollsters believe that race was NOT the primary reason why the majority of whites who did not vote against Obama did not. They said it was indeed where the candidates stood on issues that determined who those they polled would vote for.
Thanks. Ive been out of school a while
Prophet-Pretty much
It is spelled D-I-S-C-I-P-L-E
Why is EVERYONE so focused on race? Is it to detract from the obvious issues? I mean, come on, what about the plight of the homeless, the foreclosure crisis? What about the war on terror, or the Iraq War? I guess maybe because the issues are so overwhelming that the general attitude is just to dismiss. At least we still have prayer. If we ever needed prayer more, it is now.
I have been reading some of these comments and so far I read that blacks voted for President Elect Barrock Obama because he's black, white people voted for McCain because he's white, Obama is unsaved, If you voted for Obama you are not a true Christian and my favorite African Americans have started Idolizing Obama instead oF God. What is wrong with you people. I am a 52 yr old white American made up of German, French, English, Irish, and yes 2 kinds American Indian. Almost every President we have had has been mixed race of one kind or another. What I saw this election was that the American finally lost his color. Since the beginnings, America has been seen by the world as the rich white man controlling events for his own benefit. Today the American Dream is a fact and the American will be seen as a multicolored people who have joined together under under the idea of absolute real equality for everyone regardless of race color or religion. It took alot more people than one race or just one issue to elect Barrack Obama as our 44 President. Wether we are Christian or not, we are Americans, everyone of us and the majority voted for Obama. I assure you it was not to support Gay marraige or to promote abortions. I seriously doubt Barrack Obama believes in killing babies. On this issue, as a Christian in a perfect world there is no place for abortion, but as an american can I force my beliefs on those who do not think as I do? So setting spirit aside, there are laws in the books to protect life. It is time for the medical society to establish a point of life so that we as christians can quit fighting politics and get on with teaching people why they shouldn't have an abortion or just teach them Christ so that he will keep them out of that situation. As for gay marraige I don't believe the Gay communinty has the right to change the religious perspective of marraige. I do believe in adopted family and that the love of that family unit is very real, so I do not have a problem of a family unit contract vs a marraige contract, but this can not be indorsed or sanctified by the church.
Let us remember that the word Christian means diciple or student of the teachings of Jesus. It does not mean Christ like. Thank God. If it did we would all be destined for Hell and final death. We can not help who we are because it is from the teachings and influences of our lives that has made us that way. Only the teachings of Christ can change us. Let us each give our brothers time to grow as we did and stop judging each other. If you judge your brother by the law then we are all condemed by the law, but Christ through grace allows us to change from where we are to where he wills us to be.
United Body of Christ ****comming soon****
In reading this article, it seems that white Christians were voting their morals, and black Christians were voting their color.
Mercy triumphs over judgement and I would rather pray for mercy. The greatest mercy that can come of this is that our new president falls on HIS face and calls JESUS LORD and lead our entire nation in repentance. In JESUS name amen
A.S. Matthew is absolutely correct! In fact, Jesus himself directs us to "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all of these things shall be added unto you." Look at Acts 4:35b and compare it with Karl Marx's slogan, "from each one according to his ability, to each one according to his needs." This social gospel requires government's prying open the hands of people to force redistribution, and racism has been a necessary component in order to bring this to its manifestation. A great book to read is "Overcoming Racism Through the Gospel."
asmathew: yes yes yes judgment is coming swiftly.
There is no question that the color divide is narrowing
every day, and this election did speed up the process.
Still, there is a long way to go because we can learn
how far the problem is, by looking at the segregated
Churches. We are one in Christ, in that statement,
it is inclusive of all colors and social background.
When 63% of the people are concerned with the economic
crisis of this nation, it reveals a greater fact that
survival and paying the bills are far more important than
any other social problem we are faced with. God's
masterplan for humanity can't be changed, God will
shake nations to teach a lesson about their sins, and
America can't escape from that testing. God will speed
up His ultimate plans, whether we like it or not.
prayingforournation: I agree. There shouldn't be a racial divide. But it just goes to show the condition of a person's heart.
There should be no racial divide. Once you come to Christ in Romans it states that Law of the Spirit of life has set you free from the law of sin and death. SO I have been free since I was saved , and constantly renewed in the spirit of my mind . I do not understand why this win would cause a divide. We are one in Christ and HE is the King of Kings. So let's just pray that Obama and his BOSS have a meeting..lol Afr-Amn brothers and sisters please understand that JESUS is our only way of hope, and Obama is not. He is just a man and he has a long way to go so let's pray for him and not get caught up in the Euphoria of it all or idolize him. Normally biblically speaking, idols crumble and fall in the Presence of Our GOD.
disciple, perhaps I should have said social needs as opposed to social justice.
disciple, I am by no means a proponent of the social gospel and that's why I didn't use the term in my post. Many of the denominations who were and are involved in the social gospel movement unfortunately lost much of their evangelistic thrust as a result of allowing the means to become the end, meeting physical needs took precedence over meeting the far more important spiritual needs of people. The ministries I mentioned that evangelical Christians are involved in still see meeting physical needs as a way of providing an opportunity and earning the right to present God's plan of salvation to the hurting people they help.
The racial divide is manifested just as much in how each group views the role of the federal government as the actual racial differences themselves! As a black pastor, I and others refused to simply follow the Obama mystique like many of the most prominent pastors. This reveals even in them that there are hidden priorities that have betrayed other spiritual brothers and sisters hat even T.D. Jakes has fallen to: Matthew 24:24 and 1 John 4 says it all!
Believer,
"on the frontline" is a bit of an overstatement. True, evangelicals have been involved in social justice programs. But there is a huge difference between the evangelicals of the nineteenth century (Charles Finney and the like) who participated in social work to fulfill their post-millenial aspirations, and evangelicals of today who are deeply affected by fundamentalism.
Second, it would be more correct to say that "Christians" not "evangelicals" were involved in social justice programs. The Social Gospel movement and the Catholic Social Work movement have a broader application than mere "evangelical" Indeed, Catholics like Dorothy Day were responsible for a lot of the social justice programs. This is not to say evangelicals were not involved in such programs, but only that historically it is more correct to say "Christians."
cog, you must be rather young since it appears you are a victim of revisionism when it comes to the history of the Christian Church in America, we have constantly been on the frontline when it somes to issues of social justice. Look around even today and see the number of evangelicals working in and operating ministries that are seriously helping people in need, rescue missions, crisis pregnancy centers, and so on.
cog, if should be even, sorry about that.
cog, if abolitionists were opposed to John Brown, he was the equivalent of a person who shoots abortionists or blows up abortion centers.
summathetes, I never said scripture supports abortion of same sax marriage. I said that they are not specifically addressed in the didactic passages of Scripture in as much detail or volume as care for the poor.
I also never said that all evangelical Christians have been on the wrong side of history. But unfortunately, the majority of Christians have. The abolitionists were a minority of Christians who were viewed as radicals and were condemned by my many churches. Example the abolitionist John Brown
I am also not whining simply pointing out the facts were we Christians have acted arrogantly and insensitively regarding race. Our evangelical churches and institutions are examples of our errors.
spiritual divide, not racial
With all do respect, I'm so tired of blacks acting like they were the only race to ever be enslaved. In the history of man there is not a people group who at one time or another were not oppressed or enslaved by another people group. So please stop with the we were slaves and the white man did it.
Believing that Scripture supports same sex unions or abortion is wrong. If you do consider yourself a Christian and do not think sam sex union or abortion is wrong and its okay to support anyone who is in favor of these immoral issues should seriously reconsider where you have acquired your biblical understanding. I'm not trying to be arrogant or condescending, but in all seriousness, your thinking is incorrect.
I also believe throwing insults at any person because of their beliefs is also unbiblical. We should call sin sin, but to become unkind and arrogant is unChristian. The purpose in exposing sin is to maintain the purity of the church and also for the spiritual health/purity of the believer in question.
To say that evangelicals as a whole have always been pro-slavery is just not true either. Once again, I would encourage all people before claiming to know the truth about any issue, to search the truth and do some research without trusting or believing someone else's personal bias. Case in point, just do a little reading on the Underground Railroad and the white evangelicals who helped save slaves (abolitionists).
There is a lot of misguided and bad teaching in many churches. Do the hard work before you decide to point the finger.
Mike: Welcome back! We missed you.
cog, speaking of racists, you might want to do a little research on Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood.