President- Elect Barack Obama Chooses Pastor Rick Warren to Give the Inaugural Prayer

In a move that was sure to upset both traditional conservative Evangelicals and liberal Democrats, president-elect Obama chose Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church to give the inaugural invocation. Rick Warren, also the author of the very popular book, The Purpose Driven Life, has hosted the president-elect in his church twice.

Why the Liberals are Angry at Obama's Choice of Warren

The liberal left sees Obama's choice as a slap in the face, particularly with regard to gay, transgender and abortion rights. Warren's support of Proposition 8 in California earlier this year angered many in the gay rights community. Warren spoke to his congregation about Proposition 8, an amendment to ban same-sex marriages, "For 5,000 years, every culture and every religion -- not just Christianity -- has defined marriage as a contract between men and women. There is no reason to change the universal, historical definition of marriage to appease 2 percent of our population."

President of the People for the American Way, Kathryn Kolbert told CNN news that "there is no substantive difference between Rick Warren and James Dobson." James Dobson is the founder and president of Focus on the Family, a very socially conservative group. Kolbert also went on to explain that she was disappointed Obama did not choose a pastor who was more in tune with "mainstream America."

Why the Conservatives are Angry at Obama's Choice of Warren

There are a few reasons why conservative evangelicals are suspicious of Obama's choice in Warren. For years, many have thought that perhaps Warren was an opportunist, looking to be the next Billy Graham. He is more widely accepted in the mainstream culture due to his advocacy for AIDS and poverty issues and many feel that he is trying to lay Democrat issues over the more traditional conservative values.

Devout pro-lifers are also wary of Warren now. They feel that aligning himself with Obama will give the appearance that he accepts or condones Obama's views. Pro-life advocates already take issue with Obama's broad views on abortion on demand and his support of infanticide. (Click here for more information) They feel that if a supposedly conservative pastor stands in support of a radically liberal president-elect, then support for pro-life causes erodes.

Why this is a Brilliant Move on Obama and Warren's Part

Spokeswoman for Obama, Linda Douglass responded to the uproar by saying, "This is going to be the most inclusive, open, accessible inauguration in American history." She noted that Obama disagrees with Warren on many issues, including gay rights, but defended the choice by continuing, "it has always been his goal to find common ground with people with whom you may disagree on some issues."

Many applaud Obama's choice as a first great step toward bi-partisanship and recognizing that more Americans (roughly 70%) are evangelical Christians. Others also argue that this will quell any remaining rumors that Obama is Muslim.

For Rick Warren, this could be the opportunity to influence the most powerful position in the free world. Christians are rejoicing that perhaps he will be able to use this as a springboard into a friendship with the president-elect.

Why Liberals and Conservatives Should Not be Overly Concerned

This is a prayer, not a cabinet appointment or legislation. It is one way that Obama can appear to be bi-partisan without actually having to do so. It is one short prayer which most will not even remember a week later.

As a social conservative, I personally will watch Rick Warren's prayer with great interest. I wonder how diluted the normally outspoken minister's prayer will be.

Sources:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/17/obama.warren/index.html

http://news.aol.com/political-machine/2008/12/17/rick-warrens-inaugural-invocation-angers-some-conservatives/

Green, John C.. "The American Religious Landscape and Political Attitudes: A Baseline for 2004