Obama Asks Religious Leaders to Preach the Gospel of HC Reform
- Posted on September 22, 2010 at 12:48pm by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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President Obama called on religious leaders Tuesday to help him sell health care reform. (File Photo: AP)
With approval ratings plummeting and support for the new health care law waning, the president is scrambling for ways to sell his health care overhaul. Possibly looking for a miracle, he’s turning to church leaders who preach about such events to deliver one.
“Obama, alongside other top administration officials, beseeched thousands of faith-based and community organizations to preach the gospel on new insurance reforms, chiefly the Patients’ Bill of Rights.” That’s how Politico describes a conference call that featured the president on Tuesday.
“Get out there and spread the word,” the president encouraged religious leaders on the call. Politico reports that Obama also advised those listening to treat the new law as settled fact and use their perches of power to convey that message to congregants and friends.
“The debate in Washington is over,” he said, and called on the leaders to be “important validators and trusted resources,” regarding the law.
Despite reports and news that the new health care law is not fulfilling some of the promises Obama made regarding it, and that those within the president’s own party are distancing themselves from it, he still sees the law as a monumental piece of legislation that is good for the country:
This is something that we’ll be able to look back on, just like we do on Medicare and Social Security, as a cornerstone that improves the security of millions of Americans, at the same time lowers costs and gets control of costs, both at the government level, but also for families and businesses.
That‘s a sentiment that is not shared by all those in the president’s own party. For example, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) who voted for the health care bill is now encouraging his state to seek ways to bypass some of its requirement.
Tuesday’s conference call was organized by Health and Human Services Center for Faith-Based and Community Partnerships.
Recognizing the large task in front of the group, Joshua DuBois, director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Community Partnerships, outlined the task: “We’ve got work to do.”
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Comments (257)
mcellu
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:16pmIf Christian churches are preaching about the benefits of a health care system that not only allows, but SUPPORTS abortion, then those churches are not actually Christian.
Report Post »theohiobloke
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 10:40pmYa know it doesn’t actually say Christian in that story but “faith based” and “community groups” and a reference to “preaching the gospel”
Report Post »diesel71dan
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:13pmPlease remind me… Why is it we can have prayer in public schools?
Report Post »This clown edits the Declaration of Independence, needs any religious symbols covered before he speaks at Notre Dame, mocks the Bible on his “apology tour” and now want churches to indoctrinate people on his agenda????? Has he no shame at all.
In the Past I despised Mr. Obama as a President. Now I can’ even respect him as a human being.
BarbRah
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 2:51pmI never did.
Report Post »JanelleA
Posted on September 23, 2010 at 8:06pmLet me be clear…… ;-D As much as I can’t stand his constant lecturing, I really hope he continues to keep it up. At some point, a more than sizable percentage of the folks who bought into hopeychangey will start wanting to bang their heads against the wall.
Report Post »needanotherReagan
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:12pmI must have missed the passage in the Bible that mentions health care reform. The gospel according to Obama. He really does think he’s God. Urging religious leaders to push his socialist legislation is beyond reproach, so desperate, and just plain sickening.
Report Post »slwethrs
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 5:50pmYou were reading the wrong Bible. You must get the one written by Nancy Pelosi. This makes perfect sense when Jeremiah Wright is his spiritial mentor and that is the only religious experience he knows. Preachers are not supposed to teach the Bible, they are supposed to preach political agendas. That is what Jeremiah Wright does, and Obama is on record as saying the Bible is out of date and Jesus was just a historical figure.
Report Post »StrongConservativeVoice
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 6:16pmThat’s why this is so disturbing!
Obama couldn‘t convince you so now he’s trying to get the people that you actually DO trust to peddle his lies!
Please resign, admit you don‘t know what you’re doing and hand the keys back over to the Republicans.
Report Post »Sanity
Posted on September 24, 2010 at 7:36amI missed the passage in the bible demanding tax cuts….
Report Post »jfreak13713
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:11pmHistory is stained with the innocent blood people when preachers begin selling political ideas from the pulpit! Run for the exits the moment your preacher starts selling you on political ideas during church services! Wolves in sheeps clothing I fear!
Report Post »Ellie
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:09pm“The debate in Washington is over,”… oh so famous last words.
Nothing, and I mean NOTHING that one Congress does is immune from being overturned or modified by the next _session_ of Congress much less the next group of congressmen. This is why all the numbers that are put out about how this or the other bill will have this or that effect 5,10, or more years down the road are complete B.S.
The only thing that prevents our next Congress from killing the Obama Socialist Agenda is having enough votes and that is dependent upon We the People to vote for Congressmen who will repeal these monstrosities, investigate ALL elected federal officials, and impeach any of them that espouse Anti-America policies.
It is possible for there to be a 2/3 switch over of the house and a super majority in the senate THIS election cycle.
If Obamaism is not quickly overturned we may reach a point where too many voters are dependent upon government and thus won’t vote for congressmen the understand the necessity of austerity measures to prevent the total collapse of the U.S.
Report Post »Spirit-of-76
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 2:38pmIt’s amazing. This guy wreaks of total government control and no one in the MSM blinks! He talks about taxes like it is the governments money and they decide what we get to keep. Him saying “The debate in Washington is over” and calling these so-called religious leaders to now go convince the “surfs”. He believes that it is a government of the governement, by the government and for the government. My GOD!!
Report Post »COjohngalt
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 3:43pmEllie,
Report Post »Aw shucks, you are right on as usual. Unfortunately it may be too late as there are plenty of Americans already hooked on the powerful drug of government. On top of of purging the government of these folks in the short term, we need to constantly preach the virtues of capitalism and the constitution to our youth. This is going to be a generations long battle to keep the republic, thus today’s youth will need to be on board. These progressives are patient and will have no problem waiting for us to pass to make the next move.
TheCookDuchy
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:07pmHow low can this man stoop? He is essentially begging the churches to con their congregations into not speaking out about the deceptive health care law. Setting aside the obvious church and state arguments, this is beyond morally reprehensible.
Report Post »TorreyMSpears
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:06pmWhen in doubt – the Liberals run to the churches. Nothing new here. Tomorrow, Mr. BHO will be at First Baptist of DC proclaiming that “I don’t feel no ways tah-red”
Report Post »1776Federalist
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:06pmHow come when Bush wanted the churches to encourage people to volunteer their services, and contribute to, and assist in charity work it was an infringement on the state-religion separation, but Obama can open ask them to shill for his socialist state run programs and that is supposed to be okay?
Report Post »megansmom
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 7:03pmBecause Obama is God and Bush wasn’t.
Report Post »SsgtRock
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:05pmPretty sad when he has to toot his own horn since the HC law does not deliver as promised… The chief organizer and perception breeder will focus on that instead of creating an environment in this country where private business can prosper and generate much needed jobs… We KNOW WHERE Hussein Obama stands on that issue.. Bigger more powerful government…
Report Post »BlazingInSC
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:05pmDid I read this right? Did the President actually go on a conference call and ask the preachers to spread the word about the Healthcare Reform? I want a list of every person on that call. Every church that uses the pulpit to spread the word about HCR needs to immediately lose its tax-exempt status!
Report Post »Cog
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 3:39pmNothing would please Obama more than to start yanking tax-exempt status from churches. Be careful what you wish for.
Report Post »Larryjr
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:05pmHope he keeps this kind of stuff up. The momentum will just continue in the direction of conservatives. I had my doubts but I am really beginning to believe strongly that this country is about to rise up and let the establishment know who is in charge. Obama is just strengthening the rally with his every push.
Report Post »sensiblemom
Posted on September 23, 2010 at 2:53pmYep, he’s pretty much crossing every line–and not by inches.
Report Post »Jethro212
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:03pmOK lefties, imagine if GWB had said for Churches to promote his war in Iraq. Would you say something? Then you need to here.
This is proof that Obama knows who his true enemy is, its the Church Goer, since he is targeting them.
Report Post »broker0101
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:02pmAfter all, Government is his God.
Report Post »Cristadda
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:00pmIf the churches are not allowed to give advice on whom to vote for on election day for fear of losing their Non-Profit status then how can they give advice on the Federal Healthcare Plan without losing their status ? You can’t have it both ways.
Report Post »leshomorego
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:18pmThat’s EXACTLY what I was thinking Cristadda! To me, that is a serious infraction, grounds for impeachment, even! We’ve got to take our country back from the crazies!
Report Post »Sanity
Posted on September 24, 2010 at 7:34amTo what, give it to the crazier?????????
Report Post »MrButcher
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 12:59pmyou’ve got to be kidding me!
Report Post »broker0101
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 12:59pmAs he sees it, the churches, along with the rest of us, are just here to serve.
Report Post »Contrarianthinker
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:08pmWHY THE SURPRISE????? After Obama is the secular Savior of Mankind.. the promised Messiah of Progressivism.
Report Post »Atchr
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 12:59pmSo, again, no church and state together, unless you are using the church to preach your political views.
Hypocrisy, anyone?
Report Post »Freelancer
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:07pmIf any church starts to preach and espouse the virtues of LEGISLATION, they should IMMEDIATELY lose their tax exempt status…. IMMEDIATELY!
Report Post »wingedwolf
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:33pmFreelancer, if am in church and that starts I will get up and walk out!
Report Post »dmhirman
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 12:59pmthe minute my church starts to preach “the good word of health care reform” is the time I find a new church. There is no place in the Bible that states the government is responsible for our well being.
Report Post »SsgtRock
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:06pmamen brother…
Report Post »Red Blooded
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 12:59pmhe said, and called on the leaders to be “important validators and trusted resources,” regarding the law.
LIke the Immigration Laws, Mr. President. You’re a joke.
Report Post »runninonempty
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 4:47pmI’m not laughing. I am sickened.
Report Post »Floyd57
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 12:56pmWhen it can be found in the bible and backed with multiple scriptures then go ahead, preach it…….but, good luck in finding it!!
Report Post »diesel71dan
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:05pmLOL…. the church got a telephone call from the “Messiah” !!!! ROFLMBO
Report Post »Contrarianthinker
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:06pmFLIOYD, rememebr in Acts that the early saints sold all and gave it to a common pool that all could draw out of. This is God’s great plan for insuarncvce and security.. teaching TRUE CHARITY. Lucxifwer‘s substitute for God’s plan is called Socialism. Some day in t5he USA, the UNITED ORDER will be lived willingly… no force.
Report Post »Floyd57
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:34pmIt is also written that, “Even the elect will be deceived”…..Obama‘s working hard at it that’s for sure.
Report Post »The great deceiver of course is satan but he’ll use many humans to accomplish it…..
Cog
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 3:38pmJesus healed the sick, the lame, the lepers, the deaf, the blind, the mute, the demon-possessed. He did not pay or command that we pay their doctor bills. Remember that Luke was a physician. Luke became a disciple and used the power of God. You can take a President to church, but you can’t make him think.
Report Post »Sanity
Posted on September 24, 2010 at 7:30amFLIOYD, rememebr in Acts that the early saints sold all and gave it to a common pool that all could draw out of. This is God’s great plan for insuarncvce and security……..sounds a lot like communism to me…………..
Report Post »Gita
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 12:55pmHealth care was passed so we can be nudged into accepting the uacceptable. A world government rule, world government power and a world government health care system.
Report Post »Sanity
Posted on September 24, 2010 at 7:24amDo you ever read what you write, or think about what you say???
Report Post »Suzanne Winter
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 12:55pmDelusions. Pure delusions of grandeur.
Will these churches be taxed for preaching purely Obama-pushed politics from the pulpit?
Report Post »booger71
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 3:32pmI believe I remember that some Christian churches were threatened by the IRS to take away their tax exempt status for preaching politics from the pulpit
Report Post »Jeremiemac
Posted on September 23, 2010 at 3:30pmLegally we can talk issues with the congregation with whatever sway we interpret Scripture to support. (Unfortunately, interpret is loose when going by human reasoning in reading Scripture vs. revealed truth by the Holy Spirit) We cannot endorse a candidate outright, but the IRS cannot take away a church’s tax exempt status as long as its activities are primarily religious in nature. They can audit all they want, but cannot take away the tax status. Everytime a church they’re threatening says “Okay, lets take this to court,” the IRS backs down.
Report Post »Beckofile
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 12:53pmKeep the government out of your church or you will end with the same fate as them.
Report Post »plazadogg
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 12:59pmexplain?
Report Post »Breaker 19
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:08pmWithout a soul…
Report Post »MJ1025
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 12:52pmBe careful, Obama, your marxist ways are really showing.
Report Post »bulldawg
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 3:32pmNow he has stooped so low to ask the church to do the lying for him. How low will he go.
Report Post »http://www.givemeliberty2010.com
Cog
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 3:34pmNah, surely a Marxist would never ask those people who cling to God and their guns for help. :)
Report Post »AMERCITIZN
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 6:24pmNot Marxist, Socialitic ideas (before becoming communist)
Report Post »ru12
Posted on September 24, 2010 at 5:30amHow low will he go, you ask? Well, this may have been the motivation behind his recent church outing! I found his past use of the church pretty cynical….dumped it as soon as it didn’t benefit him politically! But this really stinks, too.
Report Post »Freelancer
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 12:52pmChurch and State! Church and State! Church and State!
Report Post »Freelancer
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 12:59pmThe debate is over? Is that how we get things done these days? Just claim that it’s over? Gore did the same thing with Global Warming but that too failed….
Report Post »Maybe the GEESE Know More than the BEES Know
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:02pmlol, just what i was thinking
Anonimouse
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:17pmTax any church that preaches this garbage.
Report Post »dressseller
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:20pmDon‘t you know that what’s good for the goose has never been good for the gander?? ….The progressives/marxists have never felt that they needed to play by the same set of rules that they set out for the rest of us. They are expert in using our system against us and then conveniently skirting it when it suits them.
If only we had a media who would do their job and hold this president accountable. Honestly, it says alot for us…the American People…that with all the ‘help’ this administration has in accomplishing its America-destroying agenda…that they aren’t further than they are. Don’t blink America.. ..stay on it and don’t give up the fight for freedom.
Report Post »tobywil2
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:23pmThe Demoncrats arguement for the “health Care Reform” act was “after we pass the law, you will find out what it is!” Well, we found out and the Demoncrats could not defend tyranny. So they turn to emotional, sarcastic and blind faith (often successful in the pursuit of their agend) to try to get public support. The tyranny is exposed and invoking false religious dogma will not result in popular support for tyranny.
http://commonsense21c.com/
Report Post »Muslim in Chief
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:25pmYes Pray it works, and pray it doesn’t bankrupt the nation.
tepartyblog.info
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:27pm@Freelancer he is trying to discourage us and make us think we have failed. It wont work. He wont be able to veto anything after 2013. Bye bye mr.obama you can go back to ruining IL.
Report Post »martinmountain@gmail.com
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:27pmThere should be a separation of church and state. This is crossing the line of government influencing religion. This is what our founding fathers were getting away from.
Report Post »belleharbor
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:34pmanother reason to stay away from the kool aid drinkers
Report Post »ishka4me
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:35pmeven though it passed, the lawsuit will throw it away. those wise men who set up the threee power government (ececutive, legislative and judicial) had this bill in mind. it is funny that Pres. obama will use church and religion for his own desires. every working american thinks it is a bad idea
Report Post »Anonimouse
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:36pmIf your preacher, priest, etc. starts with this stuff, get up and walk out. Be sure to make a lot of noise when you do. You might mumble (loudly) about “damned communists” or something similar on your way out. Be sure to use the main isle. Don’t be bashful.
We’re winning gang. They are grasping at straws now. Time to move this up and over the top.
Report Post »independentvoteril
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:36pmThe GOVERNMENT or it’s AGENDA does NOT belong in my church.. the BIBLE is the only thing that should be preached.. IF not LOOK for another church AND report the church for pushing POLITICS.. which will take away their tax exempt status..
Report Post »BTW Mr. Obama it won’t work.. NO ONE believes you anymore, more PEOPLE have read the bill than Politicians.. LO..
Prospero
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 1:47pm“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
I’m unable to ascertain that Congress has made any prohibited laws, thus I see no “church/state” issue here.
It’s better to argue from *our* premises, rather than the liberal’s.
Report Post »Freelancer
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 2:18pmI put this article up on Facebook along with my thought on it and promptly got my account suspended… I think I struck a nerve somewhere.
Report Post »Freelancer
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 2:27pm@PROSPERO…. I was not claiming that this separation clause exists…. Rather, I was trying to highlight the hypocrisy of the left and their constant blathering and lawsuits claiming that there is such a clause. The premise of that separation came from a court’s interpretation of the First Amendment and needs to be revisited. But now that it is currently the law of the land and churches maintain their IRS exemption so long as they are not pushing political positions or candidates, as soon as a church spews the virtues of legislation or a political stance, they should lose their exemption. Until the ruling is revisited anyway….
Report Post »bob11123
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 3:41pmTake away their tax exemptions.
Report Post »RebelAlliance
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 3:56pmRun as fast as you can from any church that is preaching this garbage!
Report Post »FreedomMissMeYet
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 4:43pm“Oh God, please deliver the priests to spread my Word of Health Care….ummmm wait a minute, what am I doing?… I’m GOD!!”
Report Post »Sheepdog911
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 4:47pmLet any church preach about any conservative political issue, and it’s adios tax free status.
Report Post »rashjoka
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 4:55pmExactly right Freelancer. Separation of Church and States seems to only to apply when it benefits the liberals.
Report Post »pscully17
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 5:02pmyeah, funny how we cant have any reference to God, any form of prayer, or Crosses in public places, yet, at Obamas convenience, hes rallying Political Issues through churches! recap: Unions and Clergy vaulted Hitler into absolute Power just before he collapased it all and went into Genicide campaign, impoverished his citizens and became the most tyrannical figure in history!!!
Report Post »timeisnow
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 5:07pmObama the Socialist in Chief now thinks it Ok for The Government to have Churches preach their Agenda? I don’t think soooo, you Radicals made your bed and everyone hates it, and now you have to lie in it…
Separation of Church and State is the Rallying cry of all Left Wing Radicals!
Report Post »SheriS
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 5:25pmMy minister is a progressive, but I think he is bright enough to keep his mouth shut on this or he might have an empty audience. There are a lot of us who would not sit there and listen to any “pandering to the prez’s request”. This is a bunch of baloney. I have three doctor I see a few times a year. During my first visit with one, I was told I would have to pay for my service on my own as the Dr. has opted out of Medicare. She is a young terrific doctor with a young family and I will happily comply because she is that good! I’m waiting to see if either of the other two doctors decide to do the same thing! People moving in to my county now have a difficult time just finding a doctor as it is, Obotcare, is going to make things a whole lot worse! My reason I will be happy to pay my own bill!
Report Post »AnnMarie
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 5:27pmI predict if the Church and or Pastors start preaching Health Care Reform they will see a drastic drop in their attendance as people will then chose to pray at home.
Report Post »AMERCITIZN
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 6:22pmUuuuhhh, separation of church and state??????
Report Post »nkawtg
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 6:25pmYes, remember progressives screaming about Bush’s “Faith Based Charity” initiatives. Where are the screams now?
Report Post »And I challenge anyone to find anything biblical about providing Health Care.
BoatFix
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 9:50pmBEAT ME TOO IT!!
Haaaaa!
Report Post »REVEL
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 11:17pmWow! Now that’s stooping to a new level of low. He has no conscience. It’s all about him.
Report Post »TruthLover
Posted on September 23, 2010 at 1:50amSERIOUSLY! If my pastor says WORD ONE about this – I QUIT! And my hubs is on staff so that will be trouble!
Report Post »sensiblemom
Posted on September 23, 2010 at 2:46pmAh, could this be why he attended a church last weekend–so he could look credible advising church leaders? Wow!
Report Post »BDSTea
Posted on September 23, 2010 at 2:48pmThe hypocrisy is more than I can bare…he and Pelosy must have been in the same “strategy” meeting. How do they sleep at night?
Report Post »