Southern Baptists and the General Culture: Marching to a Different Beat – Part II
- May 30, 2008 - 30
The Casting Stones blog is hosted by Beliefnet.com.
LifeWay Research, a division of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, has released some interesting results from its in-depth surveys of Southern Baptist pastors across the nation.
Eighty percent of Southern Baptist pastors say that they currently support and plan to vote for Senator John McCain (R-AZ), the presumptive 2008 Republican nominee for president. Conversely, only one percent expressed their intention to vote for Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) and zero percent supported Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY).
This column originally published at Casting Stones, a blog hosted by Beliefnet.com.
Fifteen percent of the Southern Baptist pastors surveyed said they were still undecided about their presidential preference, while four percent said they intended to vote for a third-party candidate.
These pastor presidential preference numbers are probably skewed slightly by the fact that only pastors were surveyed, and not non-ordained church members. Over recent history, surveys have shown consistently that Southern Baptists pastors are slightly more conservative on most issues than rank-and-file church membership.
Still, these poll numbers are radically at odds with the general public, where polling shows a tight race between Senator McCain and either Senator Obama or Senator Clinton.
When it comes to presidential preference, Southern Baptists are marching to the beat of a different drum than their non-Southern Baptist neighbors.
This column originally published at Casting Stones, a blog hosted by Beliefnet.com.
Further Learning
Learn more about: Citizenship, Christian Citizenship
30 comments (post your own) feed
1 On Jun 3rd, 2008, at 3:26pm, Emilie McLaughlin wrote:
I plan to vote for a third party.
2 On Jun 3rd, 2008, at 6:10pm, D. Stutts wrote:
quote; When it comes to presidential preference, Southern Baptists are marching to the beat of a different drum than their non-Southern Baptist neighbors.
As a non-Southern Baptist but a Free Will Baptist I hope that the 80% holds true for all rank-and-file church membership. Even a quick read of the Dem Platform shows support for abortion as well and gay marriage and a host of other issues that are contrary to Bible teaching. Race or gender is not the issue, it is moral believes and practices, of which John McCain could be stronger on.
3 On Jun 6th, 2008, at 2:09pm, ROLLY MALINCON wrote:
My family and extend family has always been voting for Republican no matter who the candidate is.
But our experience with President Bush has downdgraded our interest not just in presidential politics but in all of politics.
The issue now is do want to cast our votes or not. We seems to be at a lost. But never the less we do pray that God would preserve this nation from falling out of grace.
In Christ who cares for our national well-being,
Rolly
4 On Jun 11th, 2008, at 11:29am, Steve Dwinnells wrote:
I guess I’m not sure why this is noteworthy. I would have been far more surprised had the results revealed that 80% of Baptist pastors would support Obama or Clinton! But whether the segment is Baptist pastors or Baptists in general, it would be difficult to support a Democratic platform whose planks include quality and sanctity of life issues in contradiction to Scripture as well as support for special homosexual rights in an environment where Christian rights are constantly being challenged. I would not consider myself far-right (theologically or politically) but even so, the Democrats are proposing one of the most left-leaning platforms in recent history, harkening back to McGovern’s candidacy. If a person’s political leanings are honed by their faith, then it seems a little difficult to reconcile moral issues with a Democratic stance in opposition to them.
5 On Jun 12th, 2008, at 11:17am, Gerald Turner wrote:
I and my whole family will reluctantly vote for John McCain because the alternative is not acceptable at all. I know this is what the McCain camp is counting on and is the reason they are not trying to appeal to their conservative base. We have pledged to never knowingly vote for anyone of any political party that supports abortion and special rights for an evil behavioral choice. I pray every day that God will help our nation come back to Himself. Otherwise we are risking the hand of God being taken off our nation and we are headed for terrible times ahead. I fear more for our children and grandchildren than for myself.
6 On Jun 12th, 2008, at 12:41pm, D. Stutts wrote:
Well Said Gerald! I agree 100%
7 On Jun 25th, 2008, at 8:57am, Richard B wrote:
I believe that there is only 1 real choice when you look at the platforms of the candidates. The democratic platform is a direct contradiction to the Bible in several areas. Although McCain was not my 1st choice of the republican candidates, he is head and shoulders above Obama. The 3rd party option is not viable and not voting is not good option either!
8 On Jul 12th, 2008, at 2:52pm, Scott wrote:
We must support McCain, like it or not, it certainly beats the alternative. The country is at a crossroads, not unlike the church I believe. We must think of the future of our country, such as the next generation of Supreme court judges.
Scott
9 On Jul 16th, 2008, at 7:17am, Austin wrote:
As a Christian, I am voting for Obama and I believe he will be an excellent president. As a responsible Christian voter, I consider a whole host of issues at stake not only the two hotbutton issues of abortion and homosexuality. I respect my fellow Christians desire to support McCain, but I think it’s unfortunate that he’s seen as the presumptive Christian vote.
Austin
10 On Jul 16th, 2008, at 10:32am, Scott wrote:
I don’t see how a genuine believer could support any individual person or party that supports the killing of unborn babies or the sinful lifestyle of homosexuality.
We have been called to a different drum beat as Christians, it’s high time the church repents and walks to the high calling of which we have been called. I am not a supporter of McCain because of his religious beliefs, nor Obama! Of course he claims to be Christian, but so do most people.
11 On Jul 17th, 2008, at 12:31pm, Wes Taylor wrote:
I too will vote for McCian although he was not my first choice of the original candidates. My rejection of the other candidate is not based entirely on the “hot button” issues, although they certainly play a major factor as they should with any Bible believing Christian. God’s Word is clear and plain on those issues!Rather, my decision is based on the entirety of the platform of the opposing party, the past record of the other candidate, and the ideals he is currently presenting. While I respect the opinion of every person, it is very difficult for me to understand how any evangelical Christian could accept those. Remember, the original deception and fall of mankind was achieved with just enough truth to make it palatable and just enough error to make it unacceptable.
12 On Jul 18th, 2008, at 11:15am, Austin wrote:
I think it’s sad that we’ve come to associate these two political issues so strongly with the Christian Gospel, that we can’t even understand fellow Christians who don’t vote a very specific way. Following good Protestant tradition, believers have the right and responsibility to follow the leading they receive from God to live out their lives as obedient Christians and follow Christ in earthly matters as best as possible. I don’t understand why, during election season, one’s faith is doubted based on the candidate they choose.
If we assume that a Republican is the Christian vote, and if we assume that the only issues at stake are homosexuality and abortion, and if we question the faith of others who don’t vote our way, then we are missing a great deal of potential and fellowship. In fact, I think it’s vital for Christians in America to get past the hyper-partisanism that divides us from sharing with each other as the body of Christ.
13 On Jul 18th, 2008, at 3:49pm, Scott wrote:
Dear Friend, if abortion and homosexuality are political problems you would have a case. But you are attemting to divide these issues into categories. They are not political issues or problems, but moral-behavioral problems that God calls sinful! I in no way assume that a Repulican vote is Christian, but by no means will I support a party that openly promotes and upholds behavior that is offensive to the Lord. If you can do that, please by all means support Obama and the Dems. I will give an account to the Lord someday, but only for my life and so will you. By the way government is’nt the answer for America’s problems, the answer lies in the truth that the church and Christians alike claim to know and have. The church needs to repent from her unrighteous living and perhaps then, God will heal this land.
14 On Jul 21st, 2008, at 5:17am, Leah Robinson wrote:
If we are talking about the sanctity of life (abortion), and we are talking about sinful lifestyles (homosexuality) as being the two issues to consider then we should examine what Obama does stand for. Removal of troops from Iraq, (check out any news website to see their desire at such a removal). I would say that is upholding sanctity of life wouldn’t you? Also preventing them from having to kill, and as someone who has had a brother serve in iraq, i can say he definitely saw that as being a sinful lifestyles of killing and hatred while he was there. This is only one example, with my overall point being this. Do not choose a canidate based on two issues that are present in many other areas of life then just babies and gay people. (continued)
15 On Jul 21st, 2008, at 5:31am, Leah Robinson wrote:
(continued)
Bush vetoed a bill that would allow a growing number of children to healthcare and raise taxes on cigarettes. Sanctity of life? Sanctity of life of children? Plus McCain has stated before that he believes in stem cell research. Abortion exists with a republican president, also it is now legal to get married as a gay couple in california, this is all under the administration of a republican. Therefore, I just dont understand why, it has to be an automatic jump to McCain as the ‘lesser evil.’ It is time Christians, like myself, understand that these issues (abortion, homosexual marriage) have not been revoked, and instead have flourished under a Republican. Perhaps, we should look at the rest of the issues to determine our vote. Really examine the facts and see who is working as a loving Christian to heal what the Republicans have destroyed the past eight years.
16 On Jul 21st, 2008, at 1:16pm, Scott wrote:
Please, if every person held that philosophy we might as well stay at home and stand for absolutley nothing. Matter of fact that’s why we are in the shape we are in, apathy! I don’t see how you can compare war with the murder of unborn babies. The reason we can do what we are doing right now is because men and woman sacrificed their lives for what America stands for, in particular freedom. I certainly respect your opinions and thankful we can have opinions. What,by the way does Obama stand for? The fact he is the most liberal, inexperienced candidate there is right now. As I have stated before God is sovereign and His will, will be accomplished. I just rather be on His good side instead of His wrath. PTL
17 On Jul 26th, 2008, at 9:00am, Matthew Brant wrote:
I will support John McCain because I cannot support the Democratic party. We must also remember the state and local elections in Nov. and also the Senate and House elections. A president is important, but if Congress is solidly Democrat, we will still lose.
18 On Aug 7th, 2008, at 10:36am, Joe wrote:
If we really believe in the Sovereinty of God, we must realize God will allow the person He wants to be elected. As this nation pulls further away from God’s commands, ( into immorality, homosexuality, abortion, and so on) we will be judged and repremanded. All the great and powerful nations in time past have suffered the results of sin and unless we repent and get back to where we should be, it will be the same for the United States of America.
19 On Aug 7th, 2008, at 1:05pm, Leah Robinson wrote:
Although I dont really considered “Please” at the start of the sentence to be “respectful of others opinions.” I will say this. “I dont see how you can compare war with the murder of unborn babies.” I want you to really think about this. What do you think is happening in Iraq? Do you think that people aren’t dying, that innocent women, men and children aren’t perishing? Or is because they are our ‘enemies’ they are just casualities of war. Yes, they had a chance at life, and many of them are losing that chance at a rapid pace. The phrase sanctity of life, which is thrown around so often, is not just for those who do not get a chance at life from the womb, but those who do not get a chance at life because it was violently taken from them. My overall point, however, is that the right in the United States constantly focuses on two issues: abortion and homosexuality.
20 On Aug 7th, 2008, at 1:13pm, Leah Robinson wrote:
continued..
Constantly. Everyone knows it, the canadates know it, everyone. These issues are simply not the only ones to be looking at. Foreign relations, the war in Iraq, education, these are important issues as well. These issues are not even the ones that are talked about the most in the Bible. It is a socially developed focus from leaders of the far right. I am, in fact, getting my Phd in sociology and theology, there is an almost historical time line you can see to this development, and it makes Christians look one-dimensional and irrelevant in the public arena. And Austin, I completely agree with you, this should not be a division in the Christian body of faith. And one should consider the entire spectrum of Christian issues, not just the two ‘hottest topics.’
21 On Aug 14th, 2008, at 10:52am, Art Helms wrote:
Listen to yourselves! You are in one deep political rut! Believe it or not, you do have another option in November. Why on earth would you not even consider the platform of the Party of the Constitution, or of their candidate, Chuck Baldwin? Why continue voting for the “lesser of two evils”, when you should be voting for the “greater of two goods?” (Dr. Ron Paul is the other of the two “goods.") These two are true family values candidates. Dr. Paul dropped out simply because of this boxed-in thinking of the Church.In general, I see the Pastors of this survey, except for those who can think “outside the box”, in Jeremiah 25:34-37, preaching “peacable habitations.” Can you not see that the Demopublicans are leading our country to destruction? Rise up Church! As Jeremiah teaches, be “valiant for truth!” As Isaiah teaches, “call for justice, and plead for truth!”
22 On Aug 14th, 2008, at 3:12pm, Scott wrote:
I appreciate your zeal for the underdog, but if you think we are in a political rut you need to get out of the hole you have dug for yourself.There is no way on God’s green earth any other party will be elected and you know it!Ron Paul is no friend of the church that I can tell.Thinking out of the box in such a crucial time in our history can kill this country and the values we should be standing for. Remember dear friends the next electable President will more than likely be recommending the next Supreme Court Judges. It will not be Ron Paul or Chuck Balwin. It will be Obama or McCain!
23 On Aug 15th, 2008, at 9:58am, Art wrote:
What makes it “such a crucial time in our history”, is that we are all putting too much faith in our politicians, and in the branches of our government. None of them can save us, not even Chuck Baldwin, or Ron Paul. Even the “Supreme” Court, under either of the dominant parties, can’t save us. In fact that branch has made the specific difference, in my opinion, that makes this time in our history so “crucial.” I refer you to II Kings 24:1-4. Verse 4 speaks of a national sin, “which the LORD would not pardon.” That national sin, the shedding of innocent blood, is the single most important factor that is now causing our national death throes. If only we could learn from that history, of those two Old Testament Hebrew nations, and overcome that national sin! With God blessing our nation again, no enemy on earth would stand a chance against us. But, what we have learned from history is that men refuse to learn from history.
24 On Nov 3rd, 2008, at 10:29am, Sue wrote:
I have been a Southern Baptist for fifty years. I’m voting values. I value life and human dignity, I’m tired of seeing rich get richer and the middle class struggling. I’m tired of the poverty that abounds. I’m sad for soldiers dying in a war we provoked. I’m voting Democrat. I’m tired of some sanctimonious Southern Baptists inferring that our Great God is equalivant with the Republican Party. God is too great for either party to lay claim to him for their personnal use.
25 On Nov 3rd, 2008, at 3:42pm, granny wrote:
Art: You are a clear thinking young man. The most repeated question by grannys and papas everywhere is “Why won’t you learn from our mistakes”. And, it is so true,”...what we have learned from history is that men refuse to learn from history.” It is so true, we keep hearing just enough truth to make it palatable and just enough error to make it unacceptable. As a Christian, I believe the bible is all the truth this world needs. Why is it so hard to accept?
26 On Nov 4th, 2008, at 2:16pm, Jane Doe wrote:
I agree with you Sue 100% PLUS>>>>>>>
I too think it is a shame to the Late Martin Luther King
that this Country and the SBC would vote on REP Party too and not on equality in America for Americans.
Greed is Driving this Country to its knees, WAKE UP America!
Let God be God and not the Church Judge Others. Stop ruining his GLORY.......................
He is Out There, the Lost will find him soon, If they don’t Oh well Back to the days of Noah and LOT, Homosexuals have existed in this world since the Great Book of Genesis. There will always Be Sinners and Saints in the REALITY OF THIS WORLD>>>>
27 On Nov 5th, 2008, at 8:36am, Joe McEachin wrote:
I think the truly appalling aspect of this posturing is to recognize that the role of our churches in America have lost sight of their mission. Jesus did not come as a politician or to change the political arena. Our churches are not serving people where they are, instead our churches are positioning themselves with pride and judgment. God help us understand the difference between being a good American and a good Christian.
28 On Nov 6th, 2008, at 10:09pm, Mo wrote:
Regardless of the issue as Jane Doe said, let God be the judge of us all. No 1 person on this earth has the right to judge, criticize, or put down anyone else. I don’t care how Godly you think you are! I will only be judged by my God!!! and so will everyone else. We are acountable for our actions and will answer for them on our day of judgement. I’m so fed up with narrow-minded, hypocritical, “Christians” who will not hesitate to put someone down who doesn’t agree with their “ideals” or way of living. I live in the deep south and have seen and heard extreme prejudice come directly from so called “Southern Baptist Christians”. If I recall correctly, we do live in a country where there is a freedom of religion and the right to believe and do what you want. We will all be held accountable before God, but the venom spewed toward others who don’t share your beliefs only undermines the Christian philosophy to reach out to your brother, to offer help, and offer fellowship.
29 On Nov 8th, 2008, at 9:06pm, Bryan wrote:
Its troubling to me when i see the republican party has adopted the gay marriage issue and abortion as part of their platform. im not so sure the leaders of the party are that concerned about either issue. the history of the party would indicate they have other priorities. maybe we should focus on getting these issues on the ballot so political parties cant take advantage. i think whats more important is educating people. most people who dont read the bible, dont realize they are not saved and that just being a good person is not enough
30 On Nov 11th, 2008, at 4:59am, richard talento wrote:
observations on american politics from the philippines.
in our country, politics in the US matters,for us filipinos, obama or mccain really matters)
we are also observing the “post-christian” development of the american society which has been founded in strict christian principles. your country’s choice of a liberal president with less-than biblical stand on moral and social issues further displays the malady i am alluding to. the society that has been looked up to by filipinos, specially filipino baptists were so dismayed by this trend. we feel (God forbid) that sodom and the “city of babylon” is now the hegemon of the US society.
yet we are happy reading posts from conservative christians such as the ones i read in this website, for it gives us a hope that the “salt” of the american society does not lose its savor.
like you we filipino christians are praying for your society. may your lights brethren continue to shine.
God save America!