Why This Evangelical Pastor Now Supports Bernie Sanders

[portlander23]

Why This Evangelical Pastor Now Supports Bernie Sanders

It was a bizarre moment in electioneering, but Sanders’ decision to speak was grounded in real historical reason, and had a sincere political impact. A little less than four decades ago, the nation elected an enterprising former peanut farmer who identified both as an Evangelical and a Democrat, Jimmy Carter. And while the students of Liberty University have been largely tied to the GOP ever since, one alumus and pastoral counselor who heard Sanders speak was convinced. The Daily Kos transcribed selections from his sermon below:

“As I heard Bernie Sanders crying out to the religious leaders at Liberty University, in his hoarse voice, with his wild hair – this Jew – and he proclaimed justice over us, he called us to account, for being complicit with those who are wealthy and those who are powerful, and for abandoning the poor, the least of these, who Jesus said he had come to bring good news to. And in that moment something occurred to me. As I saw Bernie Sanders up there, as I watched him, I realized Bernie Sanders for president is good news for the poor. Bernie Sanders for president is Good News for the poor. Bernie Sanders is gospel for the poor. And Jesus said "I have come to bring gospel" – good news – "to the poor."

Those words echoed in my heart as I listened to that crazy, hoarse-voiced, wild-haired Jew standing in front of the religious leaders of the Evangelical Movement, calling us to account, as a Jew once did before, telling us that he intends to care for the least of these, to clothe the naked, to shelter the homeless, to care for the sick, to set the prisoners free.

I wouldn't be much of a Christian if I didn't stand on the side of gospel for the poor, because, the last time I checked, that's where my master Jesus stood, and I'll stand with Him. And, for now, that means I stand with Bernie Sanders.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Sanders appeal to conscience is driving the Right Wing crazy:

Note To Bernie Sanders: The God of the Bible Is NOT a Socialist

This may come as a shock to Bernie Sanders, but the God of the Bible is not a Socialist. He commands us to take care of the poor, but His commands don’t apply to governments–they belong to individuals, families, churches, and synagogues. We are to help those who need help out of the overflow of our love for God and for each other, not because a tax code or government entity forces us to do so.

Yes right wingers ... feel the cleansing bern ...

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. If the God of the Bible is not a "socialist"

(using the term loosely) and commands us only as individuals through charity, not governments through compulsory taxation, to take care of the poor, why the hell aren't "we" doing it? Why are there so many poor people? Maybe because individual acts of charity, while commendable, are insufficient because an awful lot of people, including those good Christians, do not really feel compelled by God or anything else to do a damn thing for the poor?

[fadedrose]

3. Because there are so many "near poor"

like most of us in DU one SS or laid off....where sharing might mean not being able to pay bills or buy needed items. Workers are taxed and asked for contributions at work (I was) and we gave willingly...and still contribute to various causes.

What we can afford to give now doesn't even dent the hugeness of the vacuum the really poor have to face daily.

Some time back, it was okay to throw away leftovers - but today, they are all put away neatly in plastic containers to save money, energy, and prevent waste.

I feed birds, and sometimes it takes my last bucks for birdfood before my SS check is gone, and I can't seem to bring myself to quit. I love those suckers and feel guilty that I'm not giving the money to the poor. I console myself by thinking that that bit is enough to help many birds, but not enough to help even one person to get thru a month, hell's bells, even a week...but no excuse.

[fadedrose]

2. I saw his address at Liberty

And was rather shocked at Bernie's frankness about a women having a right to choose. He would rather harm his chances of winning than tell them some sugar-coated version that he really doesn't mean that.

Even the Pope has said that women who had abortions can be forgiven by the Church...and he's more concerned with what Bernie "preaches" about - the 1% with all the wealth and the poor people in the US and the world without enough money for food, school or health insurance.

I am more impressed by Bernie every time I see him, and his Q & A at Liberty still has me stunned..

The pope comes here on Saturday. Hope he and Bernie can appear somehow together. How alike they are in many ways.

And truth be told, he does sound like the Jesus in the gospels, another Jew.

[Enthusiast]

4. +1

[nc4bo]

5. Love that graphic on the far right.

I love it so much i just might have to swipe it for my own

[Enthusiast]

7. You are welcome to it. I swiped it too.

[Oilwellian]

6. Falwell Jr. gave him a very good introduction

and I was quite surprised by it. Now here is another Liberty U pastor on the verge of calling Bernie the second coming of Jesus. LOL Where am I? I feel like Alice, ten feet tall.