Obama Loosing Appeal to Evangelicals

Steven Waldman (editor of Belief Net) had an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal Friday. The premise was that Barack Obama is loosing his appeal to moderate evangelicals. Waldman lists several things to which he attributes this downward trend that include Obama's performance at Saddleback and the nomination of Sarah Palin for VP. But I think Waldman leaves out one very important element from his list.

The main reason I believe that Obama fails to gain traction with evangelicals (and particularly conservative evangelicals) is because we've never heard him describe a life changing encounter with Jesus Christ. He gives the mantra that he's a Christian (although some bloggers are posting about this gaffe over the weekend about his "muslim faith"), but he does so in a universalist way. There has been some writers who have covered this issue previously, and here is a link to an article by Joseph Farah that discusses the subject. Evangelicals know that there is only one way to Heaven, not many as Obama claims. And we know what it means to be a Christian, not just claim the title as Obama does.

On a different note, a friend of mine attended the RNC last week. He said that during Sarah Palin's speech Wednesday evening that NBC reporters David Gregory and Chuck Todd were mocking her, off camera. Does anyone seriously doubt that there is any political bias in the MSM?

Jerome

James Dobson Says Fred Thompson NOT a Christian!

This article released today quotes James Dobson as saying that he doesn't believe Fred Thompson is a Christian. The Thompson camp quickly countered by saying that Thompson is in fact a Christian, and was baptized in the Church of Christ.

James Dobson carries tremendous weight among conservatives and this statement could have a real (negative) impact on Fred Thompson's candidacy. It will be interesting to see how this plays out over the next several days.

Jerome

Christ's Lost Tomb?

There was a report out over the weekend that some archeaologists have found the tomb of Jesus Christ. Not the tomb from which he arose. It is believed that one was discovered long ago and is where the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is located. These archeaologist have found what they claim was the real tomb where Jesus was buried and from which he never arose. It was allegedly found with Jesus' father, Joseph, his mother, Mary, Mary Magdalene and the son of Jesus born to Mary Magdalene (Da Vinci Code?).

It is amazing to me the lengths that people will go to in order to attack the foundation of Christianity. No God fearing Christian will believe that this alleged tomb was really the tomb of Christ, but some unbelievers might be persuaded. And that is sad.

That's why we as Christians must do all we can to carry the message of hope in Christ's salvation around the world. In my writing I try to convey a message of redemption. I realize that I am primarily preaching to the choir because most of Christian fiction readers are Christians. But hopefully some of what I write will land in the hands of non-believers and thereby have an impact on them.

Jerome

Long Lasting Impact of Christianity on Politics

Many try to exclude faith and religion from politics. But where would our culture be without men and women of faith like William Wilberforce? Wilberforce was an evangelical who helped bring an end to the British slave trade. There is a movie out called Amazing Grace about Wilberforce's life. I haven't seen it yet but it might be worth catching. Here is some more information about Wilberforce.

Would someone else have stood up if Wilberforce had not? Perhaps. But the truth is that Wilberforce did. His faith required it. What about today? Are there local, state and national leaders who will allow their faith to impact their decision making? What about the current slate of presidential candidates? Do they apply their faith to how they serve in office? Personally, I find a candidate's faith important to whether I support them or not. I know many disagree with me. But there must be something inside a person that impacts how they will make decisions. If it is not their religious faith, then what is it?

On a different note, I saw an article today that there is a remote possibility that Joe Lieberman might switch to the republican party. And it would be caused by the senate democrats' push for a vote on the war in Iraq. Wouldn't that create entertaining chaos in the senate?

Jerome

Christian Writers Market Guide

When I first began writing several years ago and wanted to learn how to find a publisher or agent, I turned to Sally Stuart's Christian Writers Market Guide. I still have the 2001 edition on my shelf. It contained a gold mine of information.
Sally Stuart is out with the newest edition and the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is blogging about it this week. Here is a link to Sally Stuart's website. And if you are interested in ordering a copy, you can do so here. Like Terry Whalin's Book Proposals That $ell, the Christian Writers Market Guide is a must-have.

Jerome

GOP Searches for True Conservative

The GOP continues to search for a true conservative to run for the White House in 2008. Mitt Romney is trying to become the right's candidate, but I'm not convinced he can fit the bill. This article points out why I'm not convinced. Romney's wife Ann did, however, point out that her husband is the only one among Romney, John McCain and Rudy Guiliani who has only had one wife. Conservative Christians will take note of that fact but is it enough to win their vote. I doubt it since Romney hasn't been consistent on other social issues.

What about Mike Huckabee? Here is a link to his interview over the weekend on ABC News. Huckabee doesn't fit the republican mold on every issue (who does?) but on social/cultural issues he is in line with conservative Christians. That will certain get him significant consideration among that voting bloc.

Lastly (and unrelated to politics) my friend, Terry Whalin, published a "must have" book about the secrets to getting published titled Book Proposals That $ell. It can now be ordered from this blog through the link on the side that reads "Want to get a book published?"

Jerome