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Don't lock into political party, Obama adviser tells ACU
More Local News Politics heated up on Abilene Christian University's campus this week.
After a Tuesday night appearance by Kasey Pipes, a former speech writer for President Bush and author of "Ike's Final Battle: The Road to Little Rock and the Challenge of Equality," ACU welcomed a guest from the other side of the aisle.
Dr. Shaun Casey, associate professor of Christian ethics at Wesley Theological Seminary, addressed a full house in Cullen Auditorium on Thursday evening. Casey serves as evangelical coordinator for the Barack Obama campaign. Casey, an ACU alumnus, began his address by thanking ACU faculty members by name, then wasted no time in pricking ears.
"Our tradition is confused when it thinks about how we, as Christians, are to enter public life," Casey said. "What does it mean to be a Christian and a citizen of America?"
He suggested that Christians should ask themselves three questions: Who is Lord, what is it we desire for humanity, and what are the rules of engagement?
In answering those questions, Casey warned his listeners -- mostly students -- against permanent allegiance to candidates or parties. By permanently tying oneself to a party, Casey said, the voter is doing what politicians want. Instead, voters should objectively evaluate issues and decide for themselves where they stand.
"You look at the times today, and you decide who you're going to support," Casey said. "Never permanently surrender yourself to a political alliance."
Casey ended by reassuring students that they have as much power to change as anyone. The millennial generation has already impressed Casey, he said.
"Your generation is engaging in real service in a way my generation has not. You are empowered to be God's ambassadors," he said.
The session closed with 15 minutes of Q-and-A. Casey said he enjoys the open-floor format. Though it requires that he give up control, he said, it is the most efficient way to learn what young voters think.
When Casey's contract with the Obama campaign ends on Nov. 5, he plans to return to teaching.
Posted by wbarloww on October 10, 2008 at 6:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Earlier this week there was a story over a lawsuit because of the Democratic Party's "loyality oath" here in Texas. I guess the Obama shill was not told about that.
Posted by cadechar on October 10, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"evangelical coordinator for the Barack Obama campaign"
Gotta be one of the top ten oxymorons of all time...
Posted by aisdteacher on October 10, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To paraphrase Lloyd Bentsen,
Iknow Shaun Casey. Shaun Casey is a friend of mine. You are no Shaun Casey.
If you want to disagree with him, fine. If you want to attack Shaun Casey on personal, intellectual or theological levels, I'd suggest you find someone else. He's out of your league.
Posted by Tumbleweed on October 10, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would like to have been there. I have just one question for Obama. You claim to be a Christian and I'm confused so, using the Bible as your only source of reference, defend your position on permitting abortion of any kind and any kind of same sex marriage or civil union?
To Dr. Shaun Casey, associate professor of Christian ethics at Wesley Theological Seminary I would ask you the same question.
So, aisdteacher if the Dr. is so all knowledgeable maybe you can get him this question. Otherwise a vote for Obama is simply a vote of more of the same with no change: babies being killed for convenience.
Posted by ksb3 on October 10, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes....aisdteacher...I will be very
interested to read your answer to
Tumbleweed. IF you can...
Posted by john_t_s on October 10, 2008 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm a little confused on some issues. My memory is not as good as it once was. Did Jesus say "let the little children come unto me" or did he say "let the babies from botched abortions die in a closet"? Maybe Dr. Shaun Casey has the answer as he apparently like to hold himself out as a Biblical scholar. Is Dr. Casey an apologist for the Rev. Wright of gd America infamy?
Posted by john_t_s on October 10, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
aisdteacher, I don't think that Dr. Shaun Casey is anywhere close to being in my league. I am capable of rational and logical thought processes. He does not seem to be. I would love to debate him at any time and place of his choosing (or the choosing of MoveOn.org).
And, yes, I did know Lloyd Bentsen.
Posted by donny on October 10, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My belief is judge not lest ye be judged.
Posted by ringeye on October 10, 2008 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Taking direct quotes from The Bible does not seem to be judging I would not think. Now if one was telling them "WHAT I THINK" would definitly be judging.I cannot imagine ACU even inviting someone of this stature to speak at the University.(same would go for Simmons, McM or Notre Dame)
Posted by Tumbleweed on October 10, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ringeye I would say these fine Christian institutions are not exempt from mistakes in whom they invite to speak. However, I doubt anyone would get to speak at Notre Dame unless the Jesuit in charge approved.
Posted by donny on October 10, 2008 at 6:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't like theological debates but i guess i want to get in this one.
Yes taking direct quotes from the bible and saying that is what someone is doing is blasphemous. What someone else does is none of my business.
My duty as a Christian is to carry the messege to the ones that need it and not say who did what.
It's not up to me to say Ringeye is an adulteror, but to see to that somehow Ringeye hears the word of the lord some how in some fashion.
Posted by reaganite on October 10, 2008 at 6:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
donny
You said: "My belief is judge not lest ye be judged.".
Then you said: "It's not up to me to say Ringeye is an adulteror, but to see to that somehow Ringeye hears the word of the lord some how in some fashion."
Hmm...
Posted by TxMensan on October 11, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Proof texting isn't the way to get at truth. It's easy enough to find support for all kinds of atrocities in the Bible if all you want is a proof text. So, let's not go there... Why not instead look at making a complete, coherent, theological argument from the fullness of scripture. Although, really, I think a position based on the fullness of scripture and Christian tradition would be more faithful.
Regardless, ACU is an institution of higher learning. Can you really find fault with them bringing in a speaker to expose students to a perspective that they may not be regularly exposed to in their churches, families, and social circles? I would think that exposing students to various perspectives and speakers would be fundamental to a solid education. So, simply inviting Dr. Casey can't be construed as some great liberal conspiracy by the administration.
Going even further, can you really find fault with the quotes that the ARN provided? Casey encouraged student to think critically and independently about what it means to be both a Christian and a citizen. He warned against substituting party allegiance for faithful deliberation. Doesn't sound like left-wing, homosexual, baby-killing to me. Sounds more like advice rooted in faithfulness from an intelligent and rational believer.
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