SBC 2009: The Obama Resolution

In the days prior to the 2009 Southern Baptist Convention, Musings from Maytown expressed concern about a proposed resolution from Dr. Dwight McKissic, well-loved Texas Pastor who introduced a resolution concerning the election of President Barak Obama. On the evening before resolutions were to be considered, Dr. McKissic called me and asked if I would discuss the motion. Dr. McKissic had seen the comments on Musings from Maytown concerning our opposition to this motion and this brother approached me from a Matthew 19 vantage point. I found Dr. McKissic kind and respectful. This brother had no liberal agenda, desiring only to express appreciation that racial prejudice had not prevented the election of President Obama. As I talked with Brother McKissic, I found a common thread. This writer expressed to Dr. McKissic that I was happy that when a black American looks into his son's eyes and tells him in America, you can go as far as your abilities and desire will carry you, that now he can know this is true, for our country has elected a black man as leader of the free world.
At the same time, I expressed to Brother McKissic my strong opposition to Obama's policies. Surprisingly, I found that Dr. McKissic agreed! This brother has voted Republican since 1984, and remains a big fan of Gov. Sarah Palin!
Below, you will find the text of the resolution on Obama. This resolution did not praise many of Obama's policies, nor did it express that electing Obama was the correct action. An honest person must see that the resolution is strong, balanced, and focused. Nonetheless, the media has already tried to make this resolution appear to be an endorsement of Obama's election. Also, note the photo of Dr. Dwight McKissic with the Editor of Musings from Maytown.
RESOLUTION NO. 1
ON PRESIDENT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA

WHEREAS, Our country has struggled with personal and institutional racism for centuries, even to the point of shedding blood on our own soil in war and in peace; and

WHEREAS, The family, anchored by the loving commitment between a husband and a wife, is the most important social unit for the foundation of any nation (Genesis 2:18-24); and

WHEREAS, A nation cannot prosper if it is too weak or compromised to defend itself from both foreign and domestic enemies; and

WHEREAS, The defense and protection of the most vulnerable humans among us is a value that defines the character and soul of any people (Proverbs 24:10-12); and

WHEREAS, Pro-life convictions are born out of deeply held beliefs in the sanctity of human life (Psalm 139:13-16); and

WHEREAS, God is concerned about the kind of judges nations choose, requiring that they “judge rightly” and “not show partiality” (Deuteronomy 1:16-17) and warning against the issuance of “oppressive laws” (Isaiah 10:1); and

WHEREAS, Our nation has declared its dependence on and trust in God; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, June 23-24, 2009, share our nation’s pride in our continuing progress toward racial reconciliation signaled by the election of Barack Hussein Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we commend President Obama for his evident love for his family, displayed so clearly by his commitment to our First Lady Michelle Obama and his determination to spend meaningful time with their two daughters, Malia and Sasha; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we commend President Obama for his decisions to retain many foreign policies that continue to keep our nation safe from further terrorist attacks; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge President Obama to keep intact our strong military and national security defense measures in order to assure the ongoing security of America and our allies; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we deplore the President’s decision to expand federal funding for destructive human embryo research; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we decry the President’s decision to increase funding for pro-abortion groups and to reduce funding for abstinence education; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we oppose the President’s determination to strip pro-life healthcare professionals of their conscience protections, punishing them for refusing to participate in or facilitate abortions and other activities that violate their pro-life convictions; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we strongly urge the President to nominate strict constructionist judges who seek to make decisions based on the original intent of the United States Constitution and, therefore, faithfully interpret rather than make law or impose their political views on the nation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we strongly protest any effort by the President or his administration to eradicate the symbols of our nation’s historic Judeo-Christian faith from public or private venues; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we express our strong opposition to the President’s declaration concerning his decision to declare June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we earnestly pray for the President (1 Timothy 2:1-2) that he will use the constitutional authority assigned to his office to promote liberty and justice for all people, including the unborn; and be it finally

RESOLVED, That we will join hands with President Obama and his administration to advance causes of justice insofar as those efforts are consistent with biblical principles.