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President Obama’s spiritual adviser, Rev. Joel Hunter, said he disagrees with the president’s support for gay marriage. “I can’t find this in scripture.” Hunter said on MSNBC's "Andrea Mitchell Reports" today.
Hunter said that the president’s announcement was likely prompted by Vice President Biden’s endorsement on "Meet the Press." When asked if he thought Obama’s announcement was personal or politically driven, the pastor said, “When you’re in that office it’s always political. But that doesn't mean it's devoid from a sense of personal responsibility and personal morality.”
President Barack Obama talked openly about his faith at the National Prayer breakfast and the help he gets from spiritual advisors such as Rev. Joel Hunter but the president has diverged from their path with his recent commitment to same-sex marriage. Hunter joins Andrea Mitchell Reports to discuss a conversation he had with Obama shortly after his announcement.
When Hunter spoke with the president after last week’s announcement, Hunter said that the president told him he changed his views based on personal anecdotes, gay friends, and servicemen. Hunter said, “He wants to do the right thing. But for him, that doesn't come straight just from scripture.”
Hunter said he did not discuss politics, policy, or even gay marriage with the president before last week. “We had not talked about this specific subject.” Hunter said. “I just talk about his personal life and his understanding of the scripture.”
When NBC's Andrea Mitchell asked if the pastor would preach against gay marriage and what the president said, Hunter said, “I don't preach political matters. I preach scriptural standards. And so, when I preach about marriage, I will say that it's between a man and a woman. And give scriptural references for that. But I simply stay away from politics when it comes to preaching, because the word of God is too important on its own to communicate. And I can't really get detoured from that.”
Hunter’s admiration of Obama has not been changed by his announcement, “The president's a man. You know? And I love him. He's a friend. But with the rest of my congregation -- I never know how much of my counsel they're going to take or not take."
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I didn't know Muslims have pastors?
Who would of guessed...
On another note - I thought Reverend Hunter showed grace & dignity with his responses.
21st century?
Compassion?
Equality?
Wisdom?
Why not give the President your thoughts directly, Mr. Hunter?
carrot top, Obama's Muslim advisor hasn't announced his feelings on the subject yet..
Between the TeaPeoples interpretation of the Bible and the Constitution the only folk with rights protected are TeaPeople.
Rev Hunter was spiritual and moderate.......Oh, Well!
Hey Feisty - some right wing whack job over on another thread thinks I am on your payroll. Can you let me know when you drop that $2.00 paycheck in the mail. Cheers!! Oh, and good job with that pack of dogs last night. That was a disgusting show they put on last night.
Yes, he did but why is he talking to the media at all was my thought.
Jesus taught us tolerance, and today's Christian preachers, priests and ministers and Rabbis often teach intolerance. They endorse the dehumanization of large groups of people. I see no value in such teachings. They lead to conflict and wars. The Declaration of Independence declares "All men are created equal." That means little to many, and certainly very little to many men of the cloth. God forgive them.
If I were the president I would look for a spiritual advisor who believes in the dignity of all people.
LOL - I put it into you PayPal account & save the stamp!
Sometimes, it's just to easy to neuter the little rabid bastards... ;o)
What would you know about style and grace?
About as much as you do... I guess...
Exactly. You're on a serious roll this afternoon.
So which is he, Ben? A traitor to his Muslim blood who killed Osama bin Laden and a whole mess of other Al Qaeda bosses, or a radical Christian under the thrall of Reverend Wright.
Make up your mind, please, as to exactly what kind of bigot you are.
Feisty: I must be having a nightmare today, I find myself agreeing with your once again, first post.
Rev. Joel Hunteris a class act. He is trully a Rev.not a Pastor. One question, why do you have to bring up the Muslim into the conversation. The President is obviously a Protestant, he only went 20 years to Rev Wright 'G D America.
I will tell you that being half black myself and Hispanic, the President lost about 15% of the Black vote and 20 of the Hispanic on the Gay issue. I have already said that my position is Civil Unions with full benefits.
Thanks Anna. This article makes me want to find a place to buy one of those "coexist" bumper stickers.
First gay food stamp president title ....
Yikes ....
Many who may not want to redefine "marriage" but support civil unions to ensure equal rights under the law, combined with the president's position, this comprises a clear majority. Romney who flip-flopped yet again, who is now saying he wouldn't even support civil unions--and therefore a second class citizen status open to discrimination--will find himself on the wrong side of history soon enough.
This goes for all the other absolutes in trying to legislate morality such as "personhood" amendments and wanting abortion to be illegal even when the mother's life is in danger. The majority of Americans will NOT support these extreme positions. And most of all the hypocrisy -- Get your religious Big Brother out of our lives.
I respect people's individual opinions when it comes to this sensitive issue. But, don't dip your toe in the proverbial water and claim you support something. Don't b.s. me by claiming that you have evolved on an issue...half way. You either believe something wholeheartedly or you claim a position for personal benefit.
If he truly supports the right of GLBT couples to marry than why defer it to the states? Why not claim that just like civil rights, GLBT couples deserve to be able to have a right in the pursuit a happiness guaranteed under the US Constitution. It wasn't long ago when bi-racial couples were illegal until the US Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional.
At the same time, I respect everyone's religious beliefs that marriage is between a man and a woman. The people who hold these beliefs, are unfettered. They have prinicpal, it is part of their core values.
I have family members who are gay and legally married who see no difference in their marriage and the marriage of a man and a woman. They believe that it is a right guaranteed under the US Constitution and that the 38 states that have voted against it are unconstitutional acts. I respect that.
What I don't respect is the president's half attempt at supporting gay marriage, knowing full well that the majority of states have voted against it.
When asked what was the greatest commandment, didn't Jesus respond, "to love one another..."
And what about that golden rule - do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Denying gays and lesbians the same rights as heterosexuals is completely contrary to those Bible laws.
I'm going to agree with the adviser here. The bible is a hopelessly conflicted mess on many subjects, but its attitude towards homosexuality is not one of them. From the "kill the gays" commandment in the old testament to Paul's condemnation of it in the new, the scriptural position on this topic is pretty clear. Makes one wonder if maybe a series of bronze age mythology books aren't the absolute pinnacle of perfected moral guidance.
Nathan - Disappointing that his spiritual adviser decided to forget his teachings. And, no, old books are not the perfect moral guidance. How sad people need to put others down for their lives instead of being accepting of the differences in all of us.
These types of comments always give me a good laugh. To recap what Nathan says, the bible is wrong on everything except homosexuality. On abortion, divorce, genocide, rape, multiple marriages and gasp, eating shell fish, the bible is wrong, wrong, wrong, but on one, single issue, homosexuality, it is right. So Nathan, who will you be sending out to exterminate the gays. According to the bible, they MUST be put to death.
Nathan -- Every time the Bible condemns homosexuality, it also condemns heterosexuality in a nearby verse. The Bible is equally hard on gays and straights with regard to sex. So why do we direct all of our moralizing only toward gays?
I agree with Nathan on one thing. Why is our "moral compass" based on a set of books written in the bronze age, before the compass was invented? If we as a people are to evolve, we should take a serious look at philosophers of the age of enlightenment, who decided that "All men are created equal." Anything else is just falling back on the code of Hammurabi, "An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth." I would hope we are beyond that.
RedDevPS, I must have not have been clear, since you got my point completely backwards. I was only agreeing with the pastor's comments that there is no scriptural basis for acceptance of homosexuality. He takes that to mean that homosexuality is wrong. I take it to mean that the scripture is wrong. Sorry for the confusion, but I really didn't think I was being so subtle, what with the bit about "bronze age mythology".
Nathan - perhaps the problem is my bronze age eyes. Either they glassed over, or more likely I glossed over your intent. The funny part, is the opening of your post was very close to one I responded to a few days ago. Apologies to you, and I agree, those rules written during bronze age need some serious revisions. Fortunately, our Constitution was designed as a living document, so we can tweak it to keep up with the times. Cheers Mate!
Another basic principle in the scriptures is to love the sinner, but not the sin. Defining marriage, a religious institution, being between one man and one woman, is in no way contrary to either of those "laws".
Obama has a "spiritual adviser"? Who knew?
TAKE NOTE: a Christian adviser.
A Christian advisor.
A Christian advisor.
A Christian advisor.
A Christian advisor.
Maybe because it's none of your business.
The guy is probably working on a one day contract.
...or maybe it's none of your business.
Imagine that, keeping spiritual matters in a personal realm and out of politics. Take notice religious fanatics on the right, you might learn something. Politics and religion can co-exist on separate playing fields.
The trouble sometimes with spiritual advisors is they only advise what they personally believe and too often, as in this case, that belief is based on certain biblical teachings that exclude others. While his comments to the media were not out of line and did mention keeping politics and policies out of religion, if I were President Obama, I'd be getting a new spiritual advisor, one who doesn't go off to the media to interject his views. The advisor should maintain confidentiality and that means, just tell the media you have no comment.
Well, the "GOOD NEWS"
Is that human beings are ALL EQUAL.
No matter how they are put together, or where they were born.
Why does he need a new spiritual advisor? No one needs a pastor that only tells him what he wants to hear.
He needs a new one because this one betrays a confidence. He doesn't need a spiritual advisor who talks to the media. I saw that interview and too wonder what on earth was he thinking. Is nothing sacred anymore? This is in the category of TMI
Jody: and Gin Mama,
I agree with you also, however he is a Rev. and not a Catholic Priest who is not to tell, however we are all human and do make mistakes.
I will tell you that being half black myself and Hispanic, the President lost about 15% of the Black vote and 20 of the Hispanic on the Gay issue. I have already said that my position is Civil Unions with full benefits.
Gay Marriage is not an Issue that has anything to do with the Economic Issues we have been facing since and just Prior to President Bush leaving office. Anyone who votes in this election based on Gay Marriage and is not concerned about their Economic Interest, ie' Medicare, Social Security, Meal On Wheels for our Seniors, Disabled, Feeding our Poor Children, Educating Our Children, Putting people to work fixing our Roads and Bridges just doesn't get it.
People in this country regardless of anything should be treated the exact same. This comes from a Christian. Using Gay Marriage or someone's anything to discriminate against them or treatment them harsh is just wrong, and any Christian who supports this treatment, simply isn't reading his or her Bible.
Just yesterday in Virginia a Vetran, Fighter Pilot, who happens to be a Gay Father was denied a Judgeship simply because he was gay. This is wrong.
These people are professing to be Christians, yet the Bigotry we see coming from those who have the squeaky wheel screaming Christian simply don't know how to respect, let alone treat their fellowman/woman the way they wish to be treated, which is Christianity 101. That's what this is really about, loving others "Unconditionally"
Sandy - I too saw this on the news, was disgusted by the gloating from the group, and then enraged at the glee they expressed an being able to openly discriminate. How quickly we are moving to open and overt discrimination. Can you imagine telling a black person or a woman they are unqualified to be a judge based upon gender and/or race?
Oh goodie - we have a Westboro soldier of God lurking around spreading pearls of wisdom, defining tolerance, lecturing on love, and no doubt, telling us it is OK to beat children.
http://gantsrants.wordpress.com/2012/05/02/your-daily-rage-pastor-sean-harris-promotes-beating-lgbt-kids/
Gee all this time I thought the Reverend Wright was Obama's spiritual adviser since Obama attended his church for over 20 yrs. But then I remembered he threw Reverend Wright under the bus, how long before he now throws the Reverend Joel Hunter under the bus.
This is a non-issue, simply put separation of Church and State, we do not run this country by religious rules. Why, who gets to pick which religion is the right one to run a country by and who determines that religion is the right way to run this country in the first place. Non-Issue focus on the economy and lets see if God can fix this one.
Marriage is between adults making a lifetime legal commitment to each other. God didn't create Eve as a sex object for Adam, but a partner suitable for him. If a man is better suited to another man, where is it written that they have no civil or spiritual right to exercise their commitment? Anthropology recognizes that a percent of humans born have homosexual attraction and orientation embedded in their humanity. They should just stop that and be born as part of the majority, right?
Shhh, be very, very quiet about this. Many Christians think Eve was made as a servant for Adam, designed to worship Adam, and to bear his babies. They tend to forget the procreation thing came into existence after eating an apple, meaning Adam and Eve's first purpose was NOT procreation.
The trend of creation was giant steps in life forms. The may be implications in Adam's creation prior to Eve.
Feisty: I must be having a nightmare today, I find myself agreeing with your once again, first post.
Rev. Joel Hunteris a class act. He is trully a Rev.not a Pastor. One question, why do you have to bring up the Muslim into the conversation. The President is obviously a Protestant, he only went 20 years to Rev Wright 'G D America.
I will tell you that being half black myself and Hispanic, the President lost about 15% of the Black vote and 20 of the Hispanic on the Gay issue. I have already said that my position is Civil Unions with full benefits.
I don't think we should expect men/women of the cloth to be able to adjust their beliefs, doctrines and faiths to a secular government. That's not their purpose.
Obama's "spiritual adviser" is, and always has been Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Rev. Joel Hunter is a recent acquisition for political purposes only.
Yea ....
What does Rev. Wright have to say about this first gay president title .... ??
oh, so is he Christian today? I can't keep up anymore...on some youtube's he's muslim and then some christian...i'm dizzy...help us Barry to really know who your are.....
Obama made $10 million last year...welcome to the 1% Mr. President. I look forward to you paying down our nations debt buy giving all a chance ..just as you say. Thank you for paying 60+% of your income. You'll certainly be a role model as you will be the first to cut a check.
But, of course YOU have a source to back up YOUR bull@!$%#.... please DO share....
Just who is Barrack Obama? We really don't know.
We know more about Thomas Jefferson, Adolph Hitler, Harry Truman ,etc. than we do this man.
Ask yourself, why do we not have access to his education, health, medical, passport, real birth certificate, Occidental , Columbia , loan information , etc. ?
We do know about Mitt Romney and we should so why not have hard hitting journalism drill down on Barry Soterro? I think we are afraid of what would find. What is there to hide Mr. President? The American (legal) are on to you Barry...
Buffalo are you kidding!! Romney won't reveal his taxes,Won't talk about his overseas bank accounts,Forget about Bain capital,His mormon religion,What his plans for the economy are & just what is he cutting.Not one word,Republicans only agenda is to make Obama a one term President,Thats all! Bush about killed us & Romney will be worse.Romney has 17 of the 24 same guys working for him right now.The middle class,Women,Students,& the poor will suffer under Romney & the rich will get even more tax breaks.
NO THANKS. President Obama 2012
There is an important set of implications in all this. Rev. Joel Hunter is speaking from a purely religious (Judeo-Christian) point of view. Obama is talking about congressional legislation. But they are both talking about the same thing - regulation of marriage. If Rev. Hunter is correct and this is a religious issue, then Congress is forbidden from making any laws dealing with marriage, by the First Amendment.
Another basic principle in the scriptures is to love the sinner, but not the sin. Defining marriage, a religious institution, being between one man and one woman, is in no way contrary to either of those "laws".