Obama Vs Jesus: The Black Evangelical's Dilemma

In the wake of the Saddleback presidential forum, many black evangelicals are faced with a very big choice to make. Rick Warren, the pastor of Saddleback Church and the author of the Purpose Driven Life, hosted the forum. McCain had an edge over Obama at Saddleback mainly due to the fact that the audience had a proclivity towards McCain's views than Obama's; especially on controversial social issues like abortion, marriage, and the role of religion in politics.

McCain had an opportunity to woo the evangelicals to his side with his succinct response to the questions. When asked about when his when life began, McCain answered with only five words, " at the moment of conception". His answer was followed by such a loud applause. Abortion.

Obama was asked, "At what point does a baby get human rights in your view?" He stated, "I think that whether you are looking at it from a theological perspective or a scientific perspective, answering that question with specificity, you know, is above my pay grade." Contrary Obama seemed to equivocate the question although he remained adamant about his position, "I believe in Roe vs. Wade".

Most evangelicals consider abortion tantamount to murder. Thus, a candidate who embraces abortion is against the core beliefs of evangelicals. McCain's wavering position cost him the approval of James Dobson, a very prominent figure amongst evangelicals. Earlier, Dodson had promised not to vote for McCain because of his position on abortion until recently. He stated on his program that he is reconsidering his position and might vote for McCain, who to an extent, promotes values that Dobson identifies with.

Obama is considered to be the most liberal senator in the senate. Obama has spoken at various Planned Parenthood meetings, an organization that is incessantly opposed by many evangelicals for carrying out so many abortions. Obama said he supports civil unions, but is opposed to same sex marriages.

Obama is the only African American with a good shot at the most powerful office in the world, the White House. During the primaries most black people voted for Obama. However, the typical black person has deep roots in the church. The church opposes abortion and gay related issues. These acts are clearly stated in the bible as abominations. The black evangelical has been plunged on the horns of a dilemma. Great prominent black evangelical leaders like Tony Evans, a pastor of a church in Dallas, T.D Jakes, the pastor of The Potter's House, just to mention but a few - all stand on their pulpits and inculcate the horrendous acts of abortion and homosexuality to their congregants. Ironically, the first African American with a clear shot embraces these recusant views. Will the black clergy encourage their congregants to change their position as championed by Dobson? Dobson in his words said "This has been a very hard decision for me." If Jesus were a voter, whom would he have chosen to be his leader? He is the one that said, "Give to Ceaser what belongs to Ceaser and to God what belongs to God". Indicating that he was not opposed to politics. Will he vote though for presidential candidates like Obama and McCain who are apt to not consider the fate of the unborn child?

Many evangelical leaders have come out and endorsed McCain but there are very few black clergy who have come out to endorse Obama. McCain has received endorsements from preachers like John Hagee, Rod Parsley and others. Some evangelicals have been critical of Obama's views on things that are important to people of faith. Hank Hanegraaff, the president of the Christian Research Institute, has criticized Obama on his misinterpretation of scripture. Jay Sekelow, the chief council for the American center for law and justice, questions Obama's position on a variety of social positions. Ironically, none of the prominent black leaders have come in the open to endorse Obama. The Only black clergy that would have inevitably endorsed him after being his pastor for 20 years became a nightmare to his campaign, Jeremiah Wright. Recently, Cameron Strang, an evangelical and editor of Relevant, a hip magazine about faith and culture, was given an opportunity to pray at the democratic convention but he has decided to decline the offer stating, he does not want to be seen as endorsing Obama.

To vote for someone means one embraces the positions of the candidate. The question then becomes can one separate their beliefs from politics? Some evangelicals may identify with McCain on some views just like Dobson and Richard Land, the leader of the Southern Baptist Convention, who happens to be a strong McCain supporter. Black evangelicals have to choose between their faith and there pedigree. Some may feel they are betraying their heritage by voting for McCain but again will feel they are voting against their conscience if they vote for the liberal senator. In the bigger scheme of things it is not an easy decision to make.