A few weeks ago we asked you to send us your testimonials... why do you support Barack Obama and Joe Biden? How has your faith impacted your choice of who to support? You responded in a big way - and have continued to respond. If you haven't told us why you're supporting Senators Obama and Biden yet, it's not too late!Tell us why by clicking here!
First, though, here's a special video message from Bart Campolo:
Here are some of our favorite testimonials.
Testimonial from Dave Morris in Mission Viejo, CA
Our world is facing many changes, large and small. Our faith in God calls for goodwill to all. As an Army veteran of the 1st Gulf War, I often prayed with my soldier brothers and sisters. We prayed for our safety and a quick end to the war. We were fortunate to be back home after about 6 months. Now my prayers are for a new generation of young men and women who find themselves conflicted over the righteousness of the ongoing war in Iraq, now almost 6 years after it began.
It is now time to bring new leadership. Such as Proverbs 24:6, War is better managed by wisdom than strength. We can lead our world through strong peaceful initiatives such as Barack Obama and Joe Biden propose.
Let's raise up Barack and Joseph. Lift them as servants of the Lord and bestow upon them all the wisdom to bring a brighter future.
Thank you and God bless America!
Blessings,
Dave
Testimonial from Brad Avery in Topeka
"Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?"
Proverbs 1:20-22
Those of the extreme right wing of this country have become to epitomize the fools and the scorners. They hate to deal with issues that require knowledge and thoughtfulness and thus scorn knowledge and thought.
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."
Proverbs 4:7
Barack Obama has run a wise and effecient campaign. He has made excellent use of his resources. He is well organized and he has shown compassion for the common person. He will be a good steward of our governent. While I don't agree with him on every issue, he has shown a desire for wisdom and understanding and the hand or a wise leader.
Testimonial from William Cullen in Dubuque
Senator Barack Obama receives my support for his candidacy for president because he impresses me in many ways. He is intelligent. He inspires. He brings common sense solutions to our many complex problems and issues.
Senator Obama is a fine author. I have read his Audacity of Hope and Dreams from My Father. His prose is similar to two of my favorite Catholic authors: Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton.
For over a year I have served as a precinct captain for Obama here in Dubuque. He has an active organization here and it's up to us to Get Out the Vote on November 4!
Bill from Dubuque
Testimonial from Anthony Christiansen in New York, NY
As a Catholic who is deeply familiar both with the doctrinal and the social teachings of the Church, there is no doubt in my mind that of the two main candidates Obama far better represents the spectrum of Catholic teaching. Our country deeply needs a change of heart - a conversion in Christian terms. The kind of change Obama is endorsing is that sort of conversion. Obama is the candidate for those wanting to champion LIFE in all its diversity. In addition to the Matthew 25 Network website, I highly recommend that undecided Catholic voters see the following links:
Testimonial from Rev. Gil Caldwell in Asbury Park, NJ
As a 74 year old retired United Methodist minister, I am a strong supporter of the presidential candidacy of Barack Obama. As one of the "foot soldiers" in the Civil Rights Movement (Mississippi Freedom Summer, the Selma to Montgomery March and the March on Washington) I could not have imagined "back in the day" that I would live to see a presidential candidate who personified the hopes and dreams of the Civil Rights Movement.
Barack Obama in his vision for the nation and through the leadership he will provide as President, embodies the hopes and dreams we had and have for the nation we love. In Mississippi, on the Selma to Montgomery March and at the March on Washington, Americans of all races, religions and political convictions gathered because we believed in the USA, its accomplishments and its possibilities. The election of Barack Obama would be another indication that our nation believes the motto; E Pluribus Unum (out of many, one). We believed that in the 60's, certainly the nation believes this in 2008!
Testimonial from Wietze Adema
My support for Barack Obama is based on my belief that he is uniquely qualified for president at this moment in history. Apart from his obvious superiority over John McCain, as we have seen in the two debates, is his unique ethnic bridge between black and white Americans which will give him special understanding and empathy to further racial healing. He should also bring much needed goodwill from abroad.
Testimonial from Bob Massey in Los Angeles, CA
You know, waaaay back before Obama had a chance in this race, I was won over by the man's display of character and integrity--unpopular and possibly suicidal stances to take under the rules of modern politics. And throughout the race he made risky and possibly costly choices not to take the low road, not to make ad hominem attacks or to smear and distort, not to play on people's fears to win votes. He decisively took a stand for moral character--which, frankly, almost brings tears to my eyes because I'm so sick of manipulative tactics. I, like many younger voters, grew up in the age of advertising and as a result we can smell b.s. a mile away. So when any political party uses fears, smears, and distortions to sell a candidate WE CAN TELL.
Dear GOP: we can tell.
And you know who else can tell? God can tell. The most sickening aspect of this race is those people who lie and deny Barack Obama's faith in Jesus just to scare up a few votes. When you deny Barack Obama's profession of faith, you mock Jesus. What do you think Jesus will say to you when you face him? The very thought fills me with fear. Object to particular policies if you like, but for the sake of your soul, understand that in the end all believers are on the same team. The team that believes in the God of Love.
Testimonial from Stan DeWitt in Long Beach, CA
I am a Minister of Music at a Presbyterian Church, and have served, at different times, people of all faiths: Baptist, Methodist, Unitarian, UCC, Jewish, Catholic...
Barack Obama is the first politician I have ever heard who broke throught the veil of "legalism" that pervades discourse in America today - only say today what can get you 'plausible deniability' tomorrow. His intelligence, his grounding in faith, and his openness to ideas and discussion is exactly what is needed today in America. I am proud to support Barack Obama.
Testimonial from Angi Naerebout in Twin Falls, Idaho
I believe that the Bible is contstantly teaching us to care for those less fortunate than ourselves, to put our own wants aside and to take care of the needs of others. I also believe that God wants us to respect all people and treat them without malice or negative intention.
The longer I have watched this election season, the more I am convinced that Barack Obama and Joe Biden exemplify these traits. They are acting in the manner of godly men - as Christians should treat one another and I appreciate it. I have always believed that we can help more people by embracing them and aiding them rather than condemning them.
Testimonial from Eric in Indianapolis
I'm glad to see your site. I used to sit down and read the new testament every couple of months so that it was fresh in my mind. One of the most important themes seemed to be that not taking care of the poor is the same as turning away Jesus himself. I've always wondered why in politics and in churches why there were people that did not want the governement to show compassion towards its people. It always confused me why the people were mainly republican, when the republican party seemed to only care about the wealthy. Churches telling Christians in Ohio to vote for Bush was a major cause of him being re-elected. I later went to a Catholic church and was refreshed to see that they recommended helping in soup kitchens and taking care of the poor. They even had a rooms for homeless to stay in and shifts of christians to watch over them. I can assure you that making sure everyone is cared for is a Christian cause.
My reason for writing is that I was in the military and spent many years in Germany. Germany is partially socialist, as Europe is, so healthcare is free. I needed an urgent surgery and my Army buddies took me to the German hospital. They took me in, cared for me, operated on me, and never once asked me for money or insurance. They kept me for several days instead of sending me home like they would have in the US. It was the best hospital stay I ever had.
At the same time, my mother and father lost their jobs in the US after working over 20 years for the same company. My mother then found that she had a lump in her breast. They had worked all their lives and raised several children, but they had very little. She was scared that they would lose what they did have and end up homeless if she let anyone know about the lump in her breast. She managed to hide it as long as she could and the cancer spread and she died. She did get treatment once it became obvious to everyone that she was sick, but it was way to late at that point.
So I received care and compassion in a foreign country, but my mother died in this country. She was a productive member of society, and an active Christian. After she died my father was left with a huge financial debt and spent the next 10 years working just to pay off the debt. He now lives in a broken down shack of a place, penniless and still mourning the loss of his wife.
I'm not proposing socialism, but I must tell you that had my mother lived in Europe, she would likely still be alive today. When I tell republicans that I support Senator Obama's healthplan they usually call me a communist or say that he is a socialist. He is not, and I am not. His plan assures that children and more people have access to insurance.
Compassion and Greed are opposing forces. We need to take the Greed out of the health insurance industry and see to it that our people are cared for. Its sad that in our country many people have no compassion for others. I'm posting this to honor my mother, and I hope that it helps someone out there to realize that compassion is the Christian way, not greed.
Testimonial from David in Port Angeles, Washington
Civility, and Obama's desire that we come together as a nation to work towards a common goal, is what drew me to him. Abortion is a issue that must be dealt with. But not by condemnation or taking away the right to choose. Compassion, education, and giving a woman options other than abortion is the only way to achieve the goal of abortion only in the case of rape, or the health of the mother. I don't care what a persons faith is, that is one thing that makes this country great. The freedom of religion. And the price we must pay for that is... no one religion can impose it's beliefs on the people or influence the actions of our government. PEACE !
Testimonial from Becca
I am voting for Obama/Biden. I feel compelled as a Christian to find a leader who will address the issues of poverty, stewardship for the planet, and restore the United States as a place of integrity. I am so grateful to be a part of the new trend in Christian circles to continue a respectful and peaceful dialog toward unity. I am Prolife. I feel that our desire to protect the unborn is best served by putting our efforts toward housing, assistance and loving support toward unwed Mothers, promoting adoption, and funding programs which support unwanted pregnancy prevention. I work directly, in my home town, with this effort. So many young, scared women need a safe and supportive place to reside during their pregnancies. I feel this is at the heart of real Chrisitan charity. I also pray that our voice will be heard by the Obama presidency and help create more helpful ways to support the adoption process, and perhaps, move toward tightening the abortion regulations. In Christ, Becca
Does your faith motivate your political views? Have your religious beliefs led you to support Barack Obama and Joe Biden? Have Obama and Biden's faith and commitment to public service inspired you?
We'll be posting the best testimonials on the website, so check back frequently to see what we've added!
Matthew 25 Network
The Matthew 25 Network is a
community of Christians – Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Pentecostal, and
Evangelical – inspired by the Gospel mandate to put our faith
into action to care for our neighbor, especially the most vulnerable.
The election of our public officials, and the politics they
stand for, are a reflection of our core values. We believe
that those elected to public office carry an important trust,
as their decisions have a profound impact on our nation and
our world.
We believe that people of faith should actively participate in the
political process as an important avenue for social change. We are
called by our faith to engage in the world as it is, while we seek
after and hope for God’s Kingdom.
Therefore, while no elected official will be without flaw, we come
together as individuals to support candidates for public office who
share the values of the Matthew 25 Network: promoting life with
dignity, caring for the least of these, strengthening and supporting
families, stewardship of God’s Creation, working for peace and
justice at home and abroad, and promoting the common good.