Dr. David Barton is more of a historian than a Biblical speaker, but very famous for his knowledge of historical facts as well as Biblical truths. Barton was Vice Chair of the Texas GOP for six or eight years. At each state convention, he played videos he had produced which purported to show that the Founding Fathers had meant for the U.S. to be a Christian nation. His interpretation of American history is not factual. Writings at the time the Constitution was written show very clearly that the people then were very concerned that there be freedom of and from religion. At that time, the Baptists and the Quakers were being treated harshly by the other religions. Some of them were exiled from towns. In a few instances, they were killed for adhering to the wrong religion. Jefferson himself was a deist -- acknowledging there is a God, but not adhering to any particular religion. Some far-right conservatives subsequently placed Barton and at least one other so-called expert in a small group of experts to determine what should be in the government textbooks for Texas for the next ten years. Most of the others were really experts – historians, history teachers, etc. A few were like Barton, just Christians who wanted their views to take precedence over facts, just as they had tried to force “intelligent design” over the exhaustively proven evolution. His diatribe is full of “strawman” enemies – i.e., attributing to Obama, the Democrats, the liberals, the entertainers, etc. whatever wrongs he thinks people will react to, without any proof .
About Obama -I do not share his view that America is Arrogant; When has Obama said that America is “Arrogant”? Give details, if you can! But remember the novel, The Ugly American? Published in the 60s, I think. It showed clearly that many Americans do act arrogantly. People in other nations like America and the basic American, but are upset with Americans arrogantly thinking they can dictate to other countries. - I do not share his view that America is not a Christian Nation;
I’ve already shown that America isn’t a “Christian” Nation, Yes, the country has more people who consider themselves Christians than any other religion, but the Constitution makes it clear that no religion -- including Christianity -- is the official religion. This is a bulwark even for Christians, because what brand of Christianity is “the” Christian religion? Baptists, with at least two branches? Episcopalians, with two branches? Certainly not the minor Christian religions. So if one Christian religion is the official version, they can run rough-shod over the other Christian religions. And treat non-Christian religions even more poorly! Do you really want that?
- I do not share his view that the military should be reduced by 25%;
When did Obama talk about that? What does the military say? More importantly, should any “Christian” be in favor of any armed conflict? After all, in Gethsemanee, Jesus healed the man whose ear was cut off, rather than have any violence. He also said “turn the other cheek,” and “love one another.” Moreover, early Christians meekly went to their deaths in the arena, rather than fight. And is it Christian when some of our soldiers kill innocent civilians? Furthermore, the U.S. sells weapons to both sides in most conflicts . And the hundreds of billions spent on our wars could go a long way to help people in need. - I do not share his view of amnesty and giving more to illegals than our American Citizens who need help; I’m not in favor of amnesty, either, but we sure aren’t “giving more to illegals than our American Citizens who need help” Illegals are what, 15 million? In a country of close to 350 million?
- I do not share his views that Radical Islam is our friend and Israel is our enemy who should give up any land;
Barton is just setting up a strawman. Obama hasn’t said “Radical Islam” is our friend; on the contrary, he’s doing everything he can to keep Islamic radicals from killing Americans. Obama is certainly aware that normal Islam is a major player in the world, especially since it has so much oil and gas. Further, Barton is way off-base in accusing Obama of treating Israel as an enemy. However, Israel isn’t perfect. It has treated the Palestinian people very poorly – one might say very unChristianly! Many American presidents and Congresspeople have urged Israel to let the Palestinians have the land they need to have their own independent nation. That would do much to eliminate one of the main causes of these terrorists!
- I do not share his spiritual beliefs (at least the ones he has made public);
Uh, Barton…in the U.S., by the Constitution, everyone has a right to his or her own spiritual beliefs.
- I do not share his beliefs on how to re-work the healthcare system in America ; I agree with Barton!
- I do not share his Strategic views of the Middle East ; Such as? After all, as long as the U.S. and other countries need oil and gas, and some of it comes from the Middle East, what should the U.S. do? And don’t forget, Obama is basically following the same strategies of earlier administrations, including the Republican ones! and
- I certainly do not share his plan to sit down with terrorist regimes such as Iran .. So Barton’s against the Bible? Recall that Isaiah 1:18 says, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” It can’t hurt to discuss things, and perhaps such a discussion will make progress.
Bottom line: my America is vastly different from Obama's, and I have a higher obligation to my Country and my GOD to do what is Right !
Doesn’t Barton think that Obama also feels the same “higher obligation…to do what is right”? And that he, too, thinks he is doing it for America and God? But he understands the Constitution better – he doesn’t couch what he does in terms of his God telling him what to do. I sure don’t want Obama’s socialistic views to take over the country, but let’s not wrap ourselves in our views of God. After all, the Nazis and the Japanese in WWII were convinced that God was on their side. The better question is, “Are we on God’s side?” That requires a lot of humility, and listening. And not telling others “do as I do, because I understand God better than you do.” For eight (8) years, the Liberals in our Society, led by numerous entertainers who would have no platform and no real credibility but for their celebrity status, Who gave these celebrities their status? This nation of “Christians”!
They have not moved toward the center in their beliefs and their philosophies, and they never came together nor compromised their personal beliefs for the betterment of our Country! How Barton is lacking in humility! These people could say the same to him, that he hasn’t moved to the center, etc. for “the betterment of our Country!” He is willing to have Texas children grow up with a false view of history, because he demands that his view is the only one!
They have portrayed my America as a land where everything is tolerated except being intolerant !
Again, if America is a “Christian” nation, how come these people are listened to, watched, etc?
They have been a vocal and irreverent minority for years !
Uh, Barton… have you heard about the freedom of speech the Constitution gives? They have mocked and attacked the very core values so important to the founding and growth of our Country ! No, this is another strawman – they aren’t ”attacking the core values so important to the founding of our Country.” They aren’t attacking Christianity, which is one of numerous religions having similar core values. They aren’t attacking, they are doing their own thing. Barton rails against both entertainers and liberals. The entertainers he is upset about react to their audiences. If the audiences don’t like what is sung/acted, the entertainers would either quit, or change what they sing/act. So Barton is really upset with the Christians who flock to these entertainers\! The liberals have just as much right as the conservatives to their viewpoints. Barton is wrong to try to characterize these people as evil.
They have made every effort to remove the name of GOD or Jesus Christ from our Society !
No, Barton. Most liberals are just as Christian as you are, they just see things differently. Those people, both liberal and conservative, who seek to “remove the name of GOD or Jesus Christ” aren’t trying to remove them from Society -- they are making sure they aren’t forced on people! The First Amendment means you can pray aloud with people who want to do the same, and silently anywhere; you just can’t force others to listen to prayers to God and Jesus or Allah or Buddha, or see religious names on public places. They have challenged capital punishment, … Uh huh, Barton, you sure show how Christian you are (NOT) if you favor capital punishment. You might recall the Ten Commandments that you so want to have on public buildings? Might you recall the one that says “Thou shalt not kill”? No weaseling out of this! [challenged….] the right to bear firearms, Another strawman argument – it’s not a liberal vs. conservative issue. The effort to ban owning handguns has involved people like the Bradys (he was shot when Pres. Reagan was). And the Supreme Court, with a number of liberals, have made it quite clear that citizens do have the right. [challenged] the most basic principles of our criminal code !
Another strawman argument! What “principles of our criminal code”? They have attacked one of the most fundamental of all Freedoms, the right of free speech !
And when was this? A lot of vague accusations, Barton! Not good for the “Christian” core values!
I am sure many of you who read this think that I am going overboard, but I refuse to retreat one more inch in favor of those whom I believe are the embodiment of Evil! If you hadn’t already convicted yourself by what you have said previously, this alone would do it. · “retreat one more inch”? who’s asking you to? After all, the Constitution guarantees your rights – and those of others, whom you are trying to keep from having the same rights! “the embodiment of evil”? whoa, you are far outside both Christianity and American ideals! Now, Hitler and his henchmen were “embodiments of evil.” But Americans who disagree with you? What if they said that you are “the embodiment of evil”? You aren’t much of a Biblical scholar to forget Acts 10:28, where Peter said to Cornelius, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Or “evil”! ….I believe that he [Bush] weighed his decisions in light of the long established Judeo-Christian principles of our Founding Fathers!!!
Bush probably did weigh his decisions through Judeo-Christian principles, but they weren’t “the principles of our Founding Fathers.” Those were and are principles of many religions, but also principles important to those who have no religion.
Majority rules in America , and I will honor the concept;
Although in some respects the majority rules, America’s greatness embodies the concept that minorities also have rights. And that compromise is often the way to go. I will fight with all of my power to be a voice in opposition to Obama and his "goals for America .."
I am going to be a thorn in the side of those who, if left unchecked, will destroy our Country ! ! Any more compromise is more defeat ! More power to you for fighting for what you believe in. Just don’t demonize the others, for they feel strongly that they are in the right, and that you personify “evil.” I pray that the results of this election will wake up many who have sat on the sidelines and allowed the Socialist-Marxist anti-GOD crowd to slowly change so much of what has been good in America !
I certainly agree with you about the Socialist-Marxist crowd, just disagree that they are anti-God. Some might be, but most are for their version of God, which is just as valid as your version is for you. | 
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