But there I sat, front and center, listening to them say some of the things I had been thinking for years.  Even taking some hits from some dude channelling the spirit of Roger Moran until interrupted and chastised by both Hunt and Floyd, being further corrected by Mohler.

How did I get here?  Am I dreaming?

Some will complain that these guys are just classic middle adopters, attempting to lead from the middle.  Others will say that they’ve offered nothing new.  I’ve heard others say they are simple politicians, finding the flow of the crowd and getting out in front.

Those things may be.  I can’t tell you, but you see, the thing about a middle adopter is, he’s adopted.

These guys seemed pretty genuine to me.  If not, time will tell.  The telling of their sincerity will be in Orlando and it is something for which they asked.  Judge us by Orlando.

Fair enough!

Before I quit blogging about the SBC, I said that if the statesmen of the SBC stood against the wall while I stood to the mic, then the SBC will fall away into decline and there would be no stopping it.

The big deal about the principles and ideas being put forth by the GCRTF is that those speaking are not on the fringe of power within the SBC, but they are the leaders and statesmen.

About time.  Well done.  Thank God.

Comments

• August 27, 2009, Michael writes: If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 May it be so in our convention leadership but may it be more so in the pews of our local churches.
• August 27, 2009, Gary writes: Michael: Amen!

Related posts:

• GCR Task Force Listening Luncheon Today
• GCR Task Force Listening Luncheon Videos
• The Great Commission Resurgence, MissioScapes and Partnering with the Unholy
• Transitions: Deconstruction… Yes
• So I’ve decided to be a blogger

If you had told me 3 years ago that I would be sitting, at Ronnie Floyd’s invitation, in his church listening to him, Johnny Hunt and Al Mohler talk about the SBC as being in decline and the need for us to deconstruct that which is complex and bulky to get to what is efficient in accomplishing God’s Mission – I would have thought you insane.

But there I sat, front and center, listening to them say some of the things I had been thinking for years.  Even taking some hits from some dude channelling the spirit of Roger Moran until interrupted and chastised by both Hunt and Floyd, being further corrected by Mohler.

How did I get here?  Am I dreaming?

Some will complain that these guys are just classic middle adopters, attempting to lead from the middle.  Others will say that they’ve offered nothing new.  I’ve heard others say they are simple politicians, finding the flow of the crowd and getting out in front.

Those things may be.  I can’t tell you, but you see, the thing about a middle adopter is, he’s adopted.

These guys seemed pretty genuine to me.  If not, time will tell.  The telling of their sincerity will be in Orlando and it is something for which they asked.  Judge us by Orlando.

Fair enough!

Before I quit blogging about the SBC, I said that if the statesmen of the SBC stood against the wall while I stood to the mic, then the SBC will fall away into decline and there would be no stopping it.

The big deal about the principles and ideas being put forth by the GCRTF is that those speaking are not on the fringe of power within the SBC, but they are the leaders and statesmen.

About time.  Well done.  Thank God.

Comments

• August 27, 2009, Michael writes: If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 May it be so in our convention leadership but may it be more so in the pews of our local churches.
• August 27, 2009, Gary writes: Michael: Amen!

Related posts:

• GCR Task Force Listening Luncheon Today
• GCR Task Force Listening Luncheon Videos
• The Great Commission Resurgence, MissioScapes and Partnering with the Unholy
• Transitions: Deconstruction… Yes
• So I’ve decided to be a blogger

I’m not sure if I’ll bother live blogging, but I might tweet.

If you are interested follow my twitter or the MissioScapes twitter feeds.

I’ll probably write a post event perspective for later in the week.

Related posts:

• GCR Task Force Listening Luncheon
• GCR Task Force Listening Luncheon Videos
• The Great Commission Resurgence, MissioScapes and Partnering with the Unholy
• Principal for the Day
• Transitions: Deconstruction… Yes

Yep, I’m going.

I’m not sure if I’ll bother live blogging, but I might tweet.

If you are interested follow my twitter or the MissioScapes twitter feeds.

I’ll probably write a post event perspective for later in the week.

Related posts:

• GCR Task Force Listening Luncheon
• GCR Task Force Listening Luncheon Videos
• The Great Commission Resurgence, MissioScapes and Partnering with the Unholy
• Principal for the Day
• Transitions: Deconstruction… Yes

Comments

• July 29, 2009, Mike Woodward writes: While there might be an inclination to throw out anything he says due to his open theism, I gotta say I think he hits the nail on the head with why Christianity is so weak in the West. Following Christ is, or should be, inherently counter cultural. We're ineffective when our idols do not look much different than those around us who are lost. I particularly liked his discussion of the title of his book, "The Myth of a Christian Nation". We are a home schooling family, so we tend to run into a lot of Christian nation restorationists. I've held a contrarian view for some time, but my wife was somewhat neutral. One day after a good unit study of American history, she saw the emptiness of the argument that we are a Christian nation. The shallow "history" that glorifies every move our country has made has done us a disservice. I've always wondered what makes a Christian nation. Shouldn't there be a covenant involved? When exactly did God meet our leaders and proclaim us to be His people? I liken it to someone just deciding one day that they are a Christian, without truly getting the input (read redemptive, life transforming power) of Christ.
• July 30, 2009, david writes: i have long struggled with the idea of america as a christian nation. i love the quesiton you pose - "shouldnt there be a covenant involved?". in our fluffy almost laughable approach to being Christ followers in america, we find more comfort in the power of the flag than in the saving power of Christ. we find more motivation in the sacrifice represented on the flag than the redeeming sacrifice offered on the cross. i love america. i love the "troops" and the sacrifice that friends of mine have given to our country. it is, in my heart, heralded as a great nation, but it will in the end pass away. shane claiborne puts it this way (in regards to a seeker sensitive church that didnt want the cross to offend someone) "It is a dangerous day when we can take the cross out of the church more easily than the flag." that has a special meaning for me. in many churches, i have seen the flags and americanism exalted high above the God i hold so dear. arent we aliens in this world any way...
• July 30, 2009, art rogers writes: Mike, Good catch on the Open Theism. I almost commented on that in the post, but decided to see if anyone else caught it. David and I discussed it for half an hour yesterday morning. Obviously, I think you're right. While I consider Open Theism to be heresy, it doesn't change the truth he proclaims here about our tying national politics to God. I know that during the WWII era, many Lutheran churches in Germany hung Nazi flags in their Sanctuaries. The difference between Nazi Germany and America is significant, and I'm not comparing them. However, the similarity between those church's approach and our own is sometimes frightening. I love America. I would die for my country. I love the Kingdom of God more. I would, and hopefully have already committed to, give everything for it.

Related posts:

• Read and Compare
• The Myth of the Majority
• Baptist Conference on the Holy Spirit 5
• The Myth of the Majority, revisited
• How do you pray for Barack Obama?

Interesting what this evangelical pastor has to say about the church’s involvement in the political process.  All three videos = just over 20 mins…

Comments

• July 29, 2009, Mike Woodward writes: While there might be an inclination to throw out anything he says due to his open theism, I gotta say I think he hits the nail on the head with why Christianity is so weak in the West. Following Christ is, or should be, inherently counter cultural. We're ineffective when our idols do not look much different than those around us who are lost. I particularly liked his discussion of the title of his book, "The Myth of a Christian Nation". We are a home schooling family, so we tend to run into a lot of Christian nation restorationists. I've held a contrarian view for some time, but my wife was somewhat neutral. One day after a good unit study of American history, she saw the emptiness of the argument that we are a Christian nation. The shallow "history" that glorifies every move our country has made has done us a disservice. I've always wondered what makes a Christian nation. Shouldn't there be a covenant involved? When exactly did God meet our leaders and proclaim us to be His people? I liken it to someone just deciding one day that they are a Christian, without truly getting the input (read redemptive, life transforming power) of Christ.
• July 30, 2009, david writes: i have long struggled with the idea of america as a christian nation. i love the quesiton you pose - "shouldnt there be a covenant involved?". in our fluffy almost laughable approach to being Christ followers in america, we find more comfort in the power of the flag than in the saving power of Christ. we find more motivation in the sacrifice represented on the flag than the redeeming sacrifice offered on the cross. i love america. i love the "troops" and the sacrifice that friends of mine have given to our country. it is, in my heart, heralded as a great nation, but it will in the end pass away. shane claiborne puts it this way (in regards to a seeker sensitive church that didnt want the cross to offend someone) "It is a dangerous day when we can take the cross out of the church more easily than the flag." that has a special meaning for me. in many churches, i have seen the flags and americanism exalted high above the God i hold so dear. arent we aliens in this world any way...
• July 30, 2009, art rogers writes: Mike, Good catch on the Open Theism. I almost commented on that in the post, but decided to see if anyone else caught it. David and I discussed it for half an hour yesterday morning. Obviously, I think you're right. While I consider Open Theism to be heresy, it doesn't change the truth he proclaims here about our tying national politics to God. I know that during the WWII era, many Lutheran churches in Germany hung Nazi flags in their Sanctuaries. The difference between Nazi Germany and America is significant, and I'm not comparing them. However, the similarity between those church's approach and our own is sometimes frightening. I love America. I would die for my country. I love the Kingdom of God more. I would, and hopefully have already committed to, give everything for it.

Related posts:

• Read and Compare
• The Myth of the Majority
• Baptist Conference on the Holy Spirit 5
• The Myth of the Majority, revisited
• How do you pray for Barack Obama?

He’s just released a new single paralleling the desire of homosexuals’ to marry and the struggle to do so in America with the 1960′s era struggle of a white man’s struggle to marry a black woman detailed in the 1967 Supreme Court decision from the suit “Loving v. Virginia,” in which Chief Justice Warren wrote, “Marriage is one of the basic civil rights of man, fundamental to our very existence and survival.”

You can read the lyrics, hear the song and read what Boltz has to say about it on his blog:  Ray Boltz Blog.

I’ve heard it several times predicted, and Ray seems to agree, that this issue will be the next great civil rights struggle in America.

*NOTE:  No bashing in the comments.

Comments

• February 5, 2009, Kevin Bussey writes: no bashing. I just feel sorry for him.
• February 6, 2009, Bob Cleveland writes: If ".....fundamental to our very existence and survival” is the explanation offered for “Marriage is one of the basic civil rights of man...", I'd observe that's hardly the case with homosexual or lesbians unions. Bob Clevelands last blog post..Is The Curtain Rising?
• February 7, 2009, Quinn Hooks writes: There will be no bashing from me. I just have a sincerely sadness for the direction he has taken. Quinn Hookss last blog post..Funny Animation
• June 16, 2009, Bobby writes: No where in scripture does the Bible say that it is wrong for a black to marry a white (Check to see who Moses married). However, scripture does say that relations between men and relations between women are wrong. If Ray Boltz wants to live the lifestyle of a homosexual that is his business. He should not, however, try to make it compatible with Christianity. There is no way you can reconcile homosexuality and scripture. To try to is theologically dishonest. If Ray wants to be religious, he can be as religious as he wants but don't call that religion Chrisianity because it is not.

Related posts:

• Ray Boltz confesses he is gay
• Don’t waste your… Business Card
• Leveraging your job to share the Gospel
• Mark Driscoll on Evangelism: Not Imposing but Proposing
• Don’t buy Duren’s Book, Journeys

You may recall that Ray Boltz “came out of the closet” last year and openly confessed that he is living a homosexual lifestyle in Florida now.  You can read my article and the link to the Washington Blade magazine that carried the news in an interview with the singer:  Ray Boltz Confesses He Is Gay.

He’s just released a new single paralleling the desire of homosexuals’ to marry and the struggle to do so in America with the 1960′s era struggle of a white man’s struggle to marry a black woman detailed in the 1967 Supreme Court decision from the suit “Loving v. Virginia,” in which Chief Justice Warren wrote, “Marriage is one of the basic civil rights of man, fundamental to our very existence and survival.”

You can read the lyrics, hear the song and read what Boltz has to say about it on his blog:  Ray Boltz Blog.

I’ve heard it several times predicted, and Ray seems to agree, that this issue will be the next great civil rights struggle in America.

*NOTE:  No bashing in the comments.

Comments

• February 5, 2009, Kevin Bussey writes: no bashing. I just feel sorry for him.
• February 6, 2009, Bob Cleveland writes: If ".....fundamental to our very existence and survival” is the explanation offered for “Marriage is one of the basic civil rights of man...", I'd observe that's hardly the case with homosexual or lesbians unions. Bob Clevelands last blog post..Is The Curtain Rising?
• February 7, 2009, Quinn Hooks writes: There will be no bashing from me. I just have a sincerely sadness for the direction he has taken. Quinn Hookss last blog post..Funny Animation
• June 16, 2009, Bobby writes: No where in scripture does the Bible say that it is wrong for a black to marry a white (Check to see who Moses married). However, scripture does say that relations between men and relations between women are wrong. If Ray Boltz wants to live the lifestyle of a homosexual that is his business. He should not, however, try to make it compatible with Christianity. There is no way you can reconcile homosexuality and scripture. To try to is theologically dishonest. If Ray wants to be religious, he can be as religious as he wants but don't call that religion Chrisianity because it is not.

Related posts:

• Ray Boltz confesses he is gay
• Don’t waste your… Business Card
• Leveraging your job to share the Gospel
• Mark Driscoll on Evangelism: Not Imposing but Proposing
• Don’t buy Duren’s Book, Journeys

The opposite perspective among evangelicals is represented most famously by Donald Miller, who prayed during the Democratic National Convention and tends to represent a great number of younger evangelicals by most observations.

So…  You are called to pray for the leaders of our nation.  How do you pray for Barack Obama?

Side note:  what did you think of Rick Warren’s Inagural Prayer?

Comments

• January 20, 2009, Rick Boyne writes: Art, Here is what I've put on my website and the church site as well:

  As our country experiences another peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next, let us commit to pray for our new President. President Obama will need God’s direction and God’s wisdom as he leads our country. We must be diligent to pray for him and the decisions that he makes, that they would bring glory and honor to God. Pray for him to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to surround himself with wise counsel. The honor of leading our country is no easy task and our new President will need our prayers!

  I think it is nonsense to pray that Obama will fail. I think it is better to pray that God would guide him! PS: are you going to the Ev Conf next week? We need to meet! Rick Boynes last blog post..Pray for our new President
• January 20, 2009, art rogers writes: Rick, That's a good prayer and a good answer. No, I'm not going to the Ev Conf next week. We'll have to look for another time and place.
• January 20, 2009, Debbie Kaufman writes: I was very impressed with Rick Warren's prayer and thought it powerful, especially how he invoked the name of Christ. Debbie Kaufmans last blog post..The Inaugeration: What Do You Expect
• January 20, 2009, Joseph M. Smith writes: I was not happy with Warren's prayer. At the beginning he tried to embrace Christians, Jews, and Muslims with phrases each group could identify with. Then he wandered over into lecturing God. One or two lines seemed calculated to draw a response from the crowd, and it did -- applause! He ended up invoking the name of Jesus in several formats, presumably to include everyone -- but the name of Jesus in Hebrew and in Arabic is probably quite offensive to those groups in that context. Then to conclude with the Lord's Prayer, presumably expecting others to follow, is again an assertion that the crowd is essentially Christian. With Lowery, of course I responded well to the quotations from "Lift Every Voice and Sing", but he too began to lecture, and the ending about blacks no longer staying back, brown stick around, etc., was offensively cute to me. I do not do cute in prayer! But I liked his ending, doing what African-American preachers often do, rising to a climax that calls for an "Amen" without necessarily invoking a particular name. And he knew enough not to say, "Let the church say 'Amen'" because this was/is not a church. It all makes me feel, as one who has tried too many time to do public formalities like this (university graduations), that we do a disservice to people and their understanding of prayer with this sort of exercise.
• January 20, 2009, art rogers writes: Cute like this:

  Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around... (LAUGHTER) ... when yellow will be mellow... (LAUGHTER) LOWERY: ... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen. AUDIENCE: Amen. LOWERY: Say Amen. AUDIENCE: Amen. LOWERY: And Amen. AUDIENCE: Amen.

• January 20, 2009, Kevin Bussey writes: I didn't see Rick Warren or any of the Inauguration for that matter since I was working. :) However, I will be praying for our President and yes he is my President even though I didn't vote for him. I pray he will seek God and that God will use him. If he fails we all fail. Kevin Busseys last blog post..‘Horrified’ by ‘Aggressively Christian’ Prayers?

Related posts:

• Carter Quandary
• Election Special
• Race Relations and the President Elect
• “On Mission Pt. 3″
• No Phriday foto… Pray for Caelan, Please

Interesting clash of ideologies among evangelicals.  I read one report where a man was calling for prayers for the new president to fail in his aspirations and agendas.

The opposite perspective among evangelicals is represented most famously by Donald Miller, who prayed during the Democratic National Convention and tends to represent a great number of younger evangelicals by most observations.

So…  You are called to pray for the leaders of our nation.  How do you pray for Barack Obama?

Side note:  what did you think of Rick Warren’s Inagural Prayer?

Comments

• January 20, 2009, Rick Boyne writes: Art, Here is what I've put on my website and the church site as well:

  As our country experiences another peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next, let us commit to pray for our new President. President Obama will need God’s direction and God’s wisdom as he leads our country. We must be diligent to pray for him and the decisions that he makes, that they would bring glory and honor to God. Pray for him to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to surround himself with wise counsel. The honor of leading our country is no easy task and our new President will need our prayers!

  I think it is nonsense to pray that Obama will fail. I think it is better to pray that God would guide him! PS: are you going to the Ev Conf next week? We need to meet! Rick Boynes last blog post..Pray for our new President
• January 20, 2009, art rogers writes: Rick, That's a good prayer and a good answer. No, I'm not going to the Ev Conf next week. We'll have to look for another time and place.
• January 20, 2009, Debbie Kaufman writes: I was very impressed with Rick Warren's prayer and thought it powerful, especially how he invoked the name of Christ. Debbie Kaufmans last blog post..The Inaugeration: What Do You Expect
• January 20, 2009, Joseph M. Smith writes: I was not happy with Warren's prayer. At the beginning he tried to embrace Christians, Jews, and Muslims with phrases each group could identify with. Then he wandered over into lecturing God. One or two lines seemed calculated to draw a response from the crowd, and it did -- applause! He ended up invoking the name of Jesus in several formats, presumably to include everyone -- but the name of Jesus in Hebrew and in Arabic is probably quite offensive to those groups in that context. Then to conclude with the Lord's Prayer, presumably expecting others to follow, is again an assertion that the crowd is essentially Christian. With Lowery, of course I responded well to the quotations from "Lift Every Voice and Sing", but he too began to lecture, and the ending about blacks no longer staying back, brown stick around, etc., was offensively cute to me. I do not do cute in prayer! But I liked his ending, doing what African-American preachers often do, rising to a climax that calls for an "Amen" without necessarily invoking a particular name. And he knew enough not to say, "Let the church say 'Amen'" because this was/is not a church. It all makes me feel, as one who has tried too many time to do public formalities like this (university graduations), that we do a disservice to people and their understanding of prayer with this sort of exercise.
• January 20, 2009, art rogers writes: Cute like this:

  Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around... (LAUGHTER) ... when yellow will be mellow... (LAUGHTER) LOWERY: ... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen. AUDIENCE: Amen. LOWERY: Say Amen. AUDIENCE: Amen. LOWERY: And Amen. AUDIENCE: Amen.

• January 20, 2009, Kevin Bussey writes: I didn't see Rick Warren or any of the Inauguration for that matter since I was working. :) However, I will be praying for our President and yes he is my President even though I didn't vote for him. I pray he will seek God and that God will use him. If he fails we all fail. Kevin Busseys last blog post..‘Horrified’ by ‘Aggressively Christian’ Prayers?

Related posts:

• Carter Quandary
• Election Special
• Race Relations and the President Elect
• “On Mission Pt. 3″
• No Phriday foto… Pray for Caelan, Please

Nevertheless, I have heard some skepticism on this issue.  That President Obama will not be able to meet the expectations put on him by minorities and frustration will grow.

Do you think that race relations will get better or worse in the next few years?

Why?

Can the church help?  If so, how?

Comments

• November 6, 2008, Joe Kennedy writes: I think the relationship will take the direction the church leads it toward. For too long evangelicalism has reflected its political counterpart: fat, white, with a penchant for abusing power. This I write knowing it's a broad generalization, but one based on truth. Joe Kennedys last blog post..A Prayer for the President…
• November 6, 2008, Rob Westbrook writes: Yes, they will and they are already changing. As the pastor of my church, I told them that there will be NO politics talked, from the pulpit, in meetings, none. So I'm finally using this as my forum to go political. I'm proud of myself, our country, and Obama. I'm proud of myself, a lifelong resident of the Old South, primarily Mississippi. I did not vote for Obama, but his race never was an issue with me. It was not because I disliked him. It was all on principles. I'm proud of myself that I've been able to eliminate race completely. I'm proud of our country because they used the system to bring about change. Tomorrow I'll begin two weeks on another continent where change only comes by brute force and the guys with the biggest guns. Most of the world still marvels at how we can change leaders, wake up the next morning, and continue to be the greatest country God has yet raised up. And I'm proud of Obama. On the issues, he and I would probably agree on less than 1%. But he handled himself exceptionally well. Considering all things, he has had to probably accomplish more to get to his position that almost any other person who's ever reached the presidency. My initial reaction to his acceptance speech is reconciliation. Not only race, but the also red/blue thing. I'm ready to give him a chance. I have many African-American friends, and for them this is monumental. For them, Obama's election validates their race as American. They now feel part of the process. My one concern is that Obama will receive tremendous pressure from those groups that worked to get him elected. We've seen what pressure can do to white presidents. I feel Obama will receive much more. That's where my prayers are targeted. I pray that Obama will not succumb to pressure that could potentially reverse any racial gains we see right now. Rob Westbrooks last blog post..Gearing Up
• November 6, 2008, art rogers writes: I, too, am glad the race barrier is finally broken. I never thought it would happen. I'm concerned about the future. I would have been just as concerned if John McCain had been elected - just in different areas. As Rob said, the real problem will be with unrealistic expectations. I think Obama is spinning this already though. In his acceptance speech he said, "we may not see it in one year, or even one term..." Already running for his second term on election night... Now that's a smooth operator.

Related posts:

• More Presidency News
• Sutton Is Back In!
• Race for the Cure, Tulsa – 2009
• McKissic Mania
• Another 1VP Candidate

One of my great hopes for race relations in America is that there will be healing now that someone that is not a full blooded white dude has been elected.  The best case scenario is that minorities will feel that they are included in the leadership of America and that minority children will really believe the saying, “In America, you can be anything you want to be.”

Nevertheless, I have heard some skepticism on this issue.  That President Obama will not be able to meet the expectations put on him by minorities and frustration will grow.

Do you think that race relations will get better or worse in the next few years?

Why?

Can the church help?  If so, how?

Comments

• November 6, 2008, Joe Kennedy writes: I think the relationship will take the direction the church leads it toward. For too long evangelicalism has reflected its political counterpart: fat, white, with a penchant for abusing power. This I write knowing it's a broad generalization, but one based on truth. Joe Kennedys last blog post..A Prayer for the President…
• November 6, 2008, Rob Westbrook writes: Yes, they will and they are already changing. As the pastor of my church, I told them that there will be NO politics talked, from the pulpit, in meetings, none. So I'm finally using this as my forum to go political. I'm proud of myself, our country, and Obama. I'm proud of myself, a lifelong resident of the Old South, primarily Mississippi. I did not vote for Obama, but his race never was an issue with me. It was not because I disliked him. It was all on principles. I'm proud of myself that I've been able to eliminate race completely. I'm proud of our country because they used the system to bring about change. Tomorrow I'll begin two weeks on another continent where change only comes by brute force and the guys with the biggest guns. Most of the world still marvels at how we can change leaders, wake up the next morning, and continue to be the greatest country God has yet raised up. And I'm proud of Obama. On the issues, he and I would probably agree on less than 1%. But he handled himself exceptionally well. Considering all things, he has had to probably accomplish more to get to his position that almost any other person who's ever reached the presidency. My initial reaction to his acceptance speech is reconciliation. Not only race, but the also red/blue thing. I'm ready to give him a chance. I have many African-American friends, and for them this is monumental. For them, Obama's election validates their race as American. They now feel part of the process. My one concern is that Obama will receive tremendous pressure from those groups that worked to get him elected. We've seen what pressure can do to white presidents. I feel Obama will receive much more. That's where my prayers are targeted. I pray that Obama will not succumb to pressure that could potentially reverse any racial gains we see right now. Rob Westbrooks last blog post..Gearing Up
• November 6, 2008, art rogers writes: I, too, am glad the race barrier is finally broken. I never thought it would happen. I'm concerned about the future. I would have been just as concerned if John McCain had been elected - just in different areas. As Rob said, the real problem will be with unrealistic expectations. I think Obama is spinning this already though. In his acceptance speech he said, "we may not see it in one year, or even one term..." Already running for his second term on election night... Now that's a smooth operator.

Related posts:

• More Presidency News
• Sutton Is Back In!
• Race for the Cure, Tulsa – 2009
• McKissic Mania
• Another 1VP Candidate

If you haven’t, you should.

I am concerned about our process, though.  I walked up and just told the registrar my name, though I had my registration card and driver’s license in my hand.  I had seen several before me just say their names and he simply let them sign and vote.

No id required.

*sigh*

No wonder Indianapolis has 105% of its eligible population registered to vote.

My prediction is that Oklahoma will vote Republican and Barack Obama will receive the majority of the electoral college and become president elect.  That seems pretty clear to me, though I confess some anxiety over the issue.

What was not so certain is the two tax initiatives for citizens of the City of Tulsa.  A few months back, Tulsa wanted to develop its riverfront area in the fashion of suburb, Jenks.  The additional tax to fund the project was shot down by the voters, primarily because of the failure of the city leaders to maintain the infrastructure (mostly the streets) with the tax money it had already collected.

The cry went up and the vote came down.

So the leaders said they learned their lesson.  They came up with not one plan, but two, to fix our streets.  If one initiative passes, only its projects are funded, so the new slogan is, “Vote Two for Tulsa.”  The promise?  This time, WE PROMISE that all the tax money we raise for streets will actually make it to the streets.  Really.  We promise.

Ahem.  You have not learned your lesson.

The solution is not that you will raise a new tax, in a floundering economy, when your people are concerned with the future, in order to provide what you promised before and have yet to deliver.

Tell you what.  Reduce the size of local government and make room for the improvements from monies diverted to projects less necessary and you’ll have both the improvements and support of the citizens of Tulsa.

Sheesh!  How hard is this?

Comments

• November 4, 2008, Michael writes: Art, You skipped a couple of steps...first we must form a committee to look into the ramifications of such a change. Then we can form a committee to research the cost and necessary steps to completing such projects. Oh...wait...we have to decide what projects should be undertaken to bring about such an outcome. Hmmmm. I wonder if the first committee can do that or if we should formalize a plan of action in a different manner? Of course you know we cannot expect these folks to donate their time for the greater good. We are going to have to reimburse them for incurred expenses as well as their time and efforts. Hmmmm. We'll have to raise funds somehow. Those benefitting will have to pay these folks. Hey...were we talking about secular government or church?

Related posts:

• Non-Raptured: Politics
• Presidential Election
• BGCO – Presidential election pt. 2
• BGCO – Presidential election
• Dr. Dockery Interview and Live Blog

I voted today.

If you haven’t, you should.

I am concerned about our process, though.  I walked up and just told the registrar my name, though I had my registration card and driver’s license in my hand.  I had seen several before me just say their names and he simply let them sign and vote.

No id required.

*sigh*

No wonder Indianapolis has 105% of its eligible population registered to vote.

My prediction is that Oklahoma will vote Republican and Barack Obama will receive the majority of the electoral college and become president elect.  That seems pretty clear to me, though I confess some anxiety over the issue.

What was not so certain is the two tax initiatives for citizens of the City of Tulsa.  A few months back, Tulsa wanted to develop its riverfront area in the fashion of suburb, Jenks.  The additional tax to fund the project was shot down by the voters, primarily because of the failure of the city leaders to maintain the infrastructure (mostly the streets) with the tax money it had already collected.

The cry went up and the vote came down.

So the leaders said they learned their lesson.  They came up with not one plan, but two, to fix our streets.  If one initiative passes, only its projects are funded, so the new slogan is, “Vote Two for Tulsa.”  The promise?  This time, WE PROMISE that all the tax money we raise for streets will actually make it to the streets.  Really.  We promise.

Ahem.  You have not learned your lesson.

The solution is not that you will raise a new tax, in a floundering economy, when your people are concerned with the future, in order to provide what you promised before and have yet to deliver.

Tell you what.  Reduce the size of local government and make room for the improvements from monies diverted to projects less necessary and you’ll have both the improvements and support of the citizens of Tulsa.

Sheesh!  How hard is this?

Comments

• November 4, 2008, Michael writes: Art, You skipped a couple of steps...first we must form a committee to look into the ramifications of such a change. Then we can form a committee to research the cost and necessary steps to completing such projects. Oh...wait...we have to decide what projects should be undertaken to bring about such an outcome. Hmmmm. I wonder if the first committee can do that or if we should formalize a plan of action in a different manner? Of course you know we cannot expect these folks to donate their time for the greater good. We are going to have to reimburse them for incurred expenses as well as their time and efforts. Hmmmm. We'll have to raise funds somehow. Those benefitting will have to pay these folks. Hey...were we talking about secular government or church?

Related posts:

• Non-Raptured: Politics
• Presidential Election
• BGCO – Presidential election pt. 2
• BGCO – Presidential election
• Dr. Dockery Interview and Live Blog

Many suppliers cut their margins to keep their products as close as normal when rising fuel costs increased the cost of everything.  For them, the fall of prices brings their margins back to a more comfortable place.  For those who did not cut their margins, they are facing larger than normal profits.

All of this is based on the presumption that the prices that went up quickly following the fuel costs will not fall as quickly as they are dropping.  Anyone think that is an unrealistic assessment?

If not, then small businesses should stabilize somewhat and some may even flourish.

Related posts:

• Stimulus Checks?
• The Right Fight 2
• Making a difference among the impoverished
• Small Groups
• Phriday foto 01-18-08

One of the smaller and not often noted additions to the economy is the increase of margins with the decrease of fuel costs.

Many suppliers cut their margins to keep their products as close as normal when rising fuel costs increased the cost of everything.  For them, the fall of prices brings their margins back to a more comfortable place.  For those who did not cut their margins, they are facing larger than normal profits.

All of this is based on the presumption that the prices that went up quickly following the fuel costs will not fall as quickly as they are dropping.  Anyone think that is an unrealistic assessment?

If not, then small businesses should stabilize somewhat and some may even flourish.

Related posts:

• Stimulus Checks?
• The Right Fight 2
• Making a difference among the impoverished
• Small Groups
• Phriday foto 01-18-08

You should read it:  Thoughts on “Pulpit Freedom Sunday”

Comments

• September 30, 2008, Marty Duren writes: Thanks, Arthur. Marty Durens last blog post..Thoughts on “Pulpit Freedom Sunday”

Related posts:

• The Power in Preaching
• Q&A with Dr. Frank Page 2
• Despising none
• Preaching with Power 3
• Non-Raptured: Politics

My friend, Marty Duren, has a really good post on the mix of the four topics mentioned in the title.

You should read it:  Thoughts on “Pulpit Freedom Sunday”

Comments

• September 30, 2008, Marty Duren writes: Thanks, Arthur. Marty Durens last blog post..Thoughts on “Pulpit Freedom Sunday”

Related posts:

• The Power in Preaching
• Q&A with Dr. Frank Page 2
• Despising none
• Preaching with Power 3
• Non-Raptured: Politics

RealClearPolitics – Articles – A Feminist’s Argument for McCain’s VP.

and

The Dr. Laura Blog – Sarah Palin and Motherhood

The most interesting section to me, was from Tammy Bruce:

There is a point where all of our issues, including abortion rights, are made safer not only if the people we vote for agree with us – but when those people and our society embrace a respect for women and promote policies that increase our personal wealth, power and political influence.

This is all absolutely fascinating.  Especially when you look at the latest polls:

Gallup has McCain up 49% to 44%

and Zogby has McCain up by almost the same numbers over Obama in a poll released yesterday.

[HT:  Tammy Bruces article Thom Rainer via his Twitter feed, Zogby poll Ed Stetzer via his Twitter feed.]

Hmmm.  Twitter is more useful than I thought.  Mine’s twitter.com/artrogers.

Related posts:

• The Myth of the Majority, revisited
• Many Concerns

Fascinating confluence of ideas and events in politics this last year, wouldn’t you say?  Tammy Bruce, a liberal feminist is for Sarah Palin’s nomination for what seems to be the reason Dr. Laura is against her.

RealClearPolitics – Articles – A Feminist’s Argument for McCain’s VP.

and

The Dr. Laura Blog – Sarah Palin and Motherhood

The most interesting section to me, was from Tammy Bruce:

There is a point where all of our issues, including abortion rights, are made safer not only if the people we vote for agree with us – but when those people and our society embrace a respect for women and promote policies that increase our personal wealth, power and political influence.

This is all absolutely fascinating.  Especially when you look at the latest polls:

Gallup has McCain up 49% to 44%

and Zogby has McCain up by almost the same numbers over Obama in a poll released yesterday.

[HT:  Tammy Bruces article Thom Rainer via his Twitter feed, Zogby poll Ed Stetzer via his Twitter feed.]

Hmmm.  Twitter is more useful than I thought.  Mine’s twitter.com/artrogers.

Related posts:

• The Myth of the Majority, revisited
• Many Concerns