Now before I go too much further, I want to clarify something. I am in no way attempting to discredit, badmouth, or belittle President Obama in this blog - so for all of my left-wing friends who I know read this blog... read carefully. This short discourse concerns only the theological aspect of the President's thought processes and program/legislative implementations. That being said... here we go -
The quote I'm addressing is this one, made about 1/3 of the way down as you read his speech:
"...our individual salvation depends on collective salvation. Because thinking only about yourself, fulfilling your immediate wants and needs, betrays a poverty of ambition. Because it’s only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential and discover the role you’ll play in writing the next great chapter in America’s story."
When I heard this on the radio, and then when I read it in the speech, a light bulb went off. President Obama's sociology, legislative implementations, and general ideology is based on what theologians in recent history have named, "liberation theology." This kind of theology has roots in the humanizing and socializing of the gospel. It started as a Latin concept and expanded quickly to a more wide-spread, diverse crowd including blacks, women, and the homeless population. Liberation Theology derived from conversations between the church and the "state," so to speak, about the connections between the gospel and the impoverished - the person of Jesus and the oppressed. Jesus came to "set the captive free" (Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:18-19) and for the benefit of the poor, the lame, the afflicted, and the oppressed.
The problem with liberation theology, as with many other theologies, is that it takes out one portion of scripture - and no doubt, an important one - and ignores the rest of scripture. The bible obviously teaches social justice - but it does not teach that this justice leads to collective salvation.
Back to the President now... for every person, I hold that whatever you believe spiritually directly influences the way you act and the way you interpret your surroundings. In the conservative Christian world, we call this a "worldview." Your core spiritual beliefs are the glasses through which you view the world. Obama's spiritual glasses have "liberation theology" written all over them.
How do you get this, Tony? Allow me to explain... whether you want to call it "socialism" or not, it is obvious that President Obama has instituted laws and programs that redistribute the wealth in America. Who benefits from these laws and programs? The poor. Am I for helping the poor? You bet I am - but voluntarily, through willful giving... and only to those who honestly cannot earn an income for themselves. The Bible does not support helping those who are able, but refuse to work (2 Thessalonians 3:10-13). Benevolent assistance is always best administered through the church body. When the government demands it, it is not benevolent. It is mandated.
In this shocking statement that Obama made (the one quoted), it is obvious that he believes each of our own spiritual "salvation" is dependent upon the amount of social justice we exhibit. We must work collectively, even if by force, to provide for and liberate the oppressed. Only then can we achieve the salvation of our souls. This viewpoint is NOT supported by scripture.
Can you see it? Can you see how President Obama's ideology is based on liberation theology? If so, and if you are brave enough, comment with an example. How does the President exhibit liberation theology in his actions, implementations, programs, speeches, etc? BUT REMEMBER - This is not an Obama bashing session. This conversation is to produce spiritual reflection on ideologistic and theologistic viewpoints and implementations. If you are anti-Obama, please be respectful of the office of President and honor his role while communicating truthful, but humble information.
Grace and Peace,
Tony
Amen!
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