Obama’s $860 Billion Stimulus Plan and the Black Church
Rev. Wayne Perryman
Two Questions
Perhaps someone can help me with a couple of questions:
1. President Obama signed an Executive Order providing $460 million for overseas abortions. Instead of giving money to kill babies overseas, how could the black community use that money?
I know that many black pastors are struggling trying find funds to build their churches so they can provide more services in the black community. I know that the $460 million that Obama is sending overseas to kill babies, include the tax dollars of members who belong to black congregations. I know that we talked about affordable health care, particularly in the inner-city and that $460 million could have built some community health care clinics. I know that very few black ministers wrote Obama and protested the signing of the Executive Order nor did they suggest to him how this money could have been better utilized. I also know, that I can find no scripture in the Bible that instructs the church and its members to use any of its money to fund programs that are specifically designed to kill babies (Jeremiah 32:35 and Matthew 2:16-18).
2. A portion of President Obama’s $860 billion Stimulus Program to improve our economy is based on creating jobs by building roads and bridges. When has our nation’s economy been based on building roads and bridges?
I know that the banks that laid off thousands of persons do not base their business on how many roads and bridges are built. I know that Starbucks and Microsoft’s businesses are not based on how many roads and bridges are built. I know that Boeing and the airlines’ businesses are not based on how many roads and bridges are built. I also know that all of the programs that the government is currently considering funding has to be paid for with taxes, because besides borrowing money (which we have to pay back), all of the money that the government receives comes from taxes. If the average household can barely pay for their own bills and debts, why is the government creating another large debt that the members of our congregations will have to pay (or at least their grandchildren and great grandchildren)? How come the Obama administration have refused to detail where the $860 billion dollars will go? Are they afraid that outspoken churches will oppose things like the $400 million going to contraceptives? How does contraceptives create jobs for the car industry, the banking industry, and high tech industry?
I know that we all want a successful black president, but should our desire for blackness cause us to turn a blind eye to God’s righteousness?
Just a few thoughts. What are your thoughts?
I was horrified at the excuses I heard from some blacks when the word of God was present to them. The excuse was ‘well abortion and same-sex marriage did not change while Bush was in office’. I thought, ‘Are we supposed to step back from God’s word because things do not change?’ I was amazed and horrified at this. It appears that some that voted for Obama are having second thoughts because of the issues mentioned here. Maybe the preachers are saying nothing but at least a few of their congregants are taking a look at this. The bottom line is that those that voted for him and consciously ignored and dismissed the moral issues will be responsible for any unrighteous acts that take place because of Obama’s election. Looks like many of them are or will be repenting when they understand the ramifications of their actions.
We in the body of Christ can turn things around with repentance and standing for the gospel. We will be persecuted for it in many avenues but will be blessed in our efforts because of the exploits the Lord will do on our behalf. I sincerely believe this.
It’s so sad, but black folks, especially Black Christians, are in deep denial about Barack Obama. I’ve asked a lot of people to pray that God changes Obama’s heart regarding abortions and same-sex marriage. What did I get in return? Weak excuses and silence. Folks in my church don’t even want to talk about it, and that includes the leadership (pulpit, Sunday School and deacons). I have to admit that it’s difficult for me to go to a worship service or Sunday School/Bible study at my church because it’s clear that making history is far more important than standing firm on the absolute truth of the Bible. Jeremiah Wright caught a lot of grief for his statements about “God
d_ _ _n America.” What’s so ironic to me is that same sermon could very easily apply to Black America. It’s time for black Christians to stand up for the Word and quit all this idol worship of a president who professes Christ, but who also has an ungodly agenda. Check out the White House web page to see what Obama’s intentions are concerning support of a woman’s right to choose and the gay lifestyle. One black pastor who I’ve known since my college days, flat-out refused to pray that Obama repent. Another pastor (who was active in the campaign) declares that Obama being in the White House “is bigger than any other issue.” This is no time for celebration. It’s time to wear some sackcloth and engage ourselves in some fervent prayer. There are so many black pastors who are misleading their congregations about Obama and it needs to stop.