focused on hate

I’ve been driving around a lot this week so I thought I would take a break from the iPod and scan the radio to see what I could find. I didn’t take me long to find the not so good Dr. Dobson. He was particularly incensed this day because of legislation in California that would require public schools to teach about important contributions made by GLBT people. Dobson reported that this would mean that kindergartners would be taught that it is good to be sexual deviants. I believe that the bill focuses more on teaching our children that many different people do great things for society and it is important to recognize them no matter their race or sexual preference. Dobson was particularly insightful when he told his listeners that bi-sexuals have at least two partners. This is the kind of hate I expect to hear from Dobson but what caught my attention was when he singled out certain evangelicals, the National Association of Evangelicals was implied, for their recent outspokenness about “creation care”. Dobson said these evangelicals care more about saving our environment than protecting our children. This oxymoronic statement spread a little fuel on my fire and I found myself amazed at how closed minded and unwilling to engage in any dialogue this man is. Dobson went on to say that the proof of global warming is still scientifically up in the air. In the latest Sojourners magazine, Jim Wallis reported that in January, Dobson, Charles Colson, Richard Land, and Louis Sheldon sent a letter to the NAE to prevent them from taking a stand on environmental issues. In Wallis’ article he writes that a month later in February a full page ad appeared in The Times with the headline: ‘Our commitment to Jesus Christ compels us to solve the global warming crisis”. This ad announced the formation of the Evangelical Climate Initiative.

I believe that it is time to educate other Christians and implore them to stop getting their information from men like James Dobson who uses his influence to advance his personal agenda. I agree with Rich Cizik, the NAE Vice President for Governmental Affairs, who told the New York Times, “I don’t think God is going to ask us how he created the earth, but he will ask us what we did with what he created.”

Raising our children in the way of the kingdom means teaching them to love God and love neighbor. If James Dobson is truly focusing on the family why isn’t he equipping the saints for the work of the kingdom instead of spewing hate for neighbor?

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

stick to the ipod dude.

if you care to spend any time with the landing place community in the following week or two, molly and i would love to visit with you. we´ll be in the states for a few days to be present at a fundraiser for montaña de luz. maybe we can talk about the possibility of a trip? either way, it would be nice to share some time.

peace

Anonymous said...

What is the "personal" agenda of James Dobson that is so anti Christian? I think both political sides need to be very, very careful about calling personal Christianity into question, not to mention throwing personal and sarcastic insults. Judge not that you are not judged cuts both ways; both liberal and conservative Christians need to be ultra careful with their handling of those fellow brothers and sisters with whom they disagree, because ultimately, they too are co-laborers in the kingdom of Christ.

David said...

James Dobson's personal agenda, whether intentional or not, is replacing Jesus' kingdom gospel with the gospel of politics and America. I think he should stick to being a psychologist instead of manipulating conservative Christians to do the things he wants done. I have never judged James Dobson, I have judged the fruits of his labor. I believe the fruits of his labor are increased fear and hate of those who do not fit into his idealogical framework. I have no plitical side, I am on the side of Christ and whenever I hear those who speak in his name poclaim a gospel that I believe is contrary to Christ's then I have no problem calling it out. I am grateful for those wh have done the same for me.

peace

Anonymous said...

Let's agree to disagree. But drawing conclusions about Colson, Dobson et al based on areas of personal conviction is certainly an unbalanced assessment of their lives and ministries for which they have given DECADES and reaped much fruit.

David said...

I never drew any conclsions on their body of work. I think what Colson does in the prisons is fantastic and I believe Dobson would be much more effective on psychology rather than being a policy advisor for the religious right. If you read my post it is clear that I am commenting on their latest short-sighted attempt at pushing thier anti-gay agenda. I believe their ministry would be much more effective if they stopped telling people who and what to hate and start teaching fellow Christians to love their neighbor.
I repeat my original question, if James Dobson is truly focusing on the family why isn’t he equipping the saints for the work of the kingdom instead of spewing hate for neighbor?

peace

myoldblog2009 said...

Let us never agree to disagree.

Reconciliation is the gospel.

James said...

I know this post is old, but I never read the comments on it, so I felt inclined to chip in my deep thoughts:

Anonymous commentors suck.
If you can write it, you can sign it Mr. Anonymous. It is like finding someone's journal and writing random notes of dissonance. Who does that?
Answer = No one normal

T. Bickle- Amen again my friend.

Dave- I am sorry that my comments above were not peaceful.