Charisma magazine bills itself as the main mouthpiece of the pentecostal/charismatic movement. But lately, it's become a water carrier for the far right. Yet more evidence of this comes from a column by Larry Tomczak, one of the pioneers of the modern charismatic movement. He joins the vulture flock of Christianists who don't think Obama is really a Christian.
President Obama, on this Memorial Day 2014, you and your fellow Americans paused to reflect on those who paid the ultimate price for the USA. Would you allow me to share with you that I and scores of others have serious doubts about your conversion and the authenticity of your Christianity?
I say up front that while I'm in disagreement with many of your policies and beliefs, I do love you and pray for you every single day. I affirm your God-given leadership gifting and your exemplary role as a husband and a father to your two lovely daughters. Yet I must be honest with you: I'm not sure you're really a Christian.
Tomczak then proceeds to outline why. Besides Obama's "clever obfuscation and through manipulation of the masses," Tomczak cites the president's support for abortion and gay rights as evidence that suggests Obama hasn't received "correct instruction in the Christian faith." He also cites Obama's relatively liberal theology as reasons to doubt the sincerity of his faith. In Tomczak's view, Obama's "beliefs, policies, social leanings and character" suggest that he isn't an "authentic, obedient Christian."
Let me ask you this, Larry. What does one's religious leanings have to do with whether or not that person is fit to be president? You certainly don't answer that question in your column. We're not electing someone to be our national pastor. And let's not even get started about George W. Bush, a guy who pretty much built his brand on being an uber-devout fundamentalist Christian.