I Think Barack Obama Thinks I’m an Idiot

I carry around this guilt as a Christian, like I’m not supposed to be into what’s going on in politics. And if I am, I’m some sort of theocratic nut-job. But if I was some kind of hyper-atheist communist, it would be OK. I could be into politics all I want. In fact, that would even be cool because I would be against corporate America, big oil, the man, or whatever. Well, I am into what’s going on in politics.

Let me start by saying that I have no idea who I am going to vote for. I may not even vote for the first time in my adult life. I always called people irresponsible who didn’t vote. But I’m just tired of holding my nose and pushing the button when I’m in the voting booth. I’ll be honest, I’m sure not voting for Obama or Hillary. I’m not crazy. But I have no love affair with John McCain, either. Anyway, on to my point.

Barack gave a speech yesterday denouncing his former pastor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, as if it was the first time he ever heard Wright’s comments like this. All this time, Obama’s defense for attending that church with his family for 20 years is that: 1. He never heard those types of statements while he was there and 2. Wright was his pastor not his mentor.

He was his pastor not his mentor? That really bugs me. I find it completely condescending. It implies that a pastor has less influence in the life of an individual than a mentor. Somehow he got a pass by saying this. And I think it has all to do with the media’s low view on all things related to Christianity in general. But over here in the theocratic nut-job world, that defense is weak and flawed.

No one, not even a mentor, has more influence over me and my world-view than my pastor, Andy Stanley. I value his Biblical knowledge and spiritual guidance more than anyone else’s. Even further, by default my pastor is probably the most influential person in the life of my family, too. I realize that may sound crazy to many people. But if your pastor doesn’t have that kind importance in your life than why are you going to that church? I can think of three reasons why: 1. You don’t really go to church. 2. You don’t really believe the Bible or God that much so you don’t really listen to what’s taught. 3. Or it’s just a ritual that satisfies some underlying internal agenda. So thank you, Mr. Stanley, for not being crazy. Then I would have to find another church to influence me and my family.

So Barack, I am not an idiot. When you say he is not your mentor, I believe it is true. But not for the right reasons. A pastor should have more influence than a mentor. Or maybe it would be better to say a pastor should be a mentor. That’s “change I can really believe in.”