I resent this allegation, KFC. I know you didn't write it, but it is ridiculous.

Ecology? We were left as stewards of the earth. Do you think God doesn't care that we have done such a poor job? I think He does, and that it is our responsibility to have a certain amount of respect for the environment.

Racism? I don't think I have to elaborate here. You and I are probably on the same page on this one.

Poverty? I'd say God's been pretty clear on His instructions for us to care for the poor and needy. This position, again, is not contrary to any Biblical teaching.

AIDS? Do we not have compassion for the sick?

In trying to create a sound bite, Tony Perkins inadvertently gave all kinds of ammo to those who would unfairly paint the SBC as an organization of racist bigots. Clinton and Carter are, ironically, trying to encourage these churches to advocate for TAXPAYER FUNDING for these issues, a different matter than advocating on these issues entirely. We won't even address the fact that these two men, who have long insisted that the church should have nothing to do with the state, are now lobbying the churches to (ahem!) pretty much use their pulpits to preach the state's doctrine.

What these pastors SHOULD do is look Bill Clinton in the eye and remind him that it was on his watch that the IRS threatened to remove tax exempt status from churches who preach politics from the pulpit (a threat they have followed up on), and that these churches would not want to endanger their status by advocating for these issues. Unfortunately, they'll be so starstruck, they'll eat out of his hand.

In trying to create a sound bite, Tony Perkins inadvertently gave all kinds of ammo to those who would unfairly paint the SBC as an organization of racist bigots. Clinton and Carter are, ironically, trying to encourage these churches to advocate for TAXPAYER FUNDING for these issues, a different matter than advocating on these issues entirely. We won't even address the fact that these two men, who have long insisted that the church should have nothing to do with the state, are now lobbying the churches to (ahem!) pretty much use their pulpits to preach the state's doctrine.

I think that is the problem.  Carter and Clinton only are religious when the religions are advocating their agenda.  When they are advocating against it, they immediately claim the religions are trying to tear down the wall between church and state.  While the quote of Tony Perkins may be incinderary, the hypocrasy of Carter and Clinton are more so.

Unfortunately, they'll be so starstruck, they'll eat out of his hand.

ahahahah probably.

There's nothing wrong with those issues as you so rightly pointed out Gid. The problem coming from the stance of the church is it's not supposed to the main focus of what the church is all about. The church's job is not politics but the Good News. Why are they going to these particular churches and not the SB?

I took Tony Perkins as saying, let's not forget what the main and plain issues are. When Jesus left, he didn't say go out and take care of the earth, take care of the poor, and be kind to the minorities. That was a given. No, his last words to us before he left planet earth were to go and tell and make disciples. When we do that.....first.....everything else should fall into place. Matt 6:33. We don't want to get off track.

When we concentrate on other issues, we're actually working against the will of God. Leave the churches to the Pastors. Keep the politicians far away from the church. They've already got Washington and that's a mess. They don't need to take over the churches.

I think that is the problem. Carter and Clinton only are religious when the religions are advocating their agenda.

I think so too.

While the quote of Tony Perkins may be incinderary, the hypocrasy of Carter and Clinton are more so.

Bingo. But maybe that's what's needed. A fire to put this plan out. Let Carter and Clinton go to the environmentalists and their fellow political people and leave the churches alone.