A RIGHT TO VOTE IS NOT A REQUIREMENT TO VOTE
BY WM. DWIGHT MCKISSIC, SR.
September 17, 2012
“The Lord has established His throne in Heaven and His kingdom rules over all.” Psalm 103:19
The good news is, on November 7, 2012, God will still be God and His kingdom will still rule over all. The bad news is…come November 7, this country will have either reelected a man and in effect endorsed a platform that affirms same-sex marriage or will have elected a President who for the first time in American history ascribes to a “Bible” that teaches that “blackness of skin” is a curse. Consequently, I find both candidates totally unacceptable. Whoever wins on November 6, I will accept as the appointment of the Sovereign God, pray for that individual, hold in high regard the office that they hold and consequently deeply respect the man in the office—no matter which candidate it is (Romans 13:1).
To set the record straight, I have never told the congregation, that I’m privileged to pastor, not to vote. I never reported that to Rachel Zoll, the Associated Press reporter, who interviewed me on this subject. I did say to Rachel Zoll (Associated Press) that I do not plan to vote for the Office of the President. I will vote down line. But I cannot with a clear conscience cast a ballot for President Obama or Governor Romney given their beliefs that are diametrically in opposition to the inerrant and infallible Word of God. I will vote down line in the early voting and literally plan to go fishing on Election Day. I told the Cornerstone congregation that I would respect whatever decision they made regarding voting. But as for me and my house, to vote in favor of President Obama is to violate Romans 1:32, that declares you cannot approve of those who approve of homosexuality. In my personal opinion, to vote for Mitt Romney, given the unrepentant, unapologetic racist views of the Mormon “Bibles”—as a Black man—would be like a chicken voting for Col. Sanders. Therefore, I choose to vote for neither. But if either publically changed their minds before November 6, I will change my mind and vote for one of them.
There will be those who will consider me a one-issue voter to which I will plead guilty. Major decisions are often made on major matters based on one-issue. People are hired and fired sometimes based on one-issue. People have surgeries based on one-issue. People marry and divorce over one-issue. People were enslaved based on one-issue.
President Obama has endorsed changing five-thousand years of marital history in every civilized country of the world based on—one issue: “Marriage equality” as he labels it. Same-sex marriage is not marriage equality, it is moral insanity. Governor Mitt Romney was given an opportunity by Tim Russert in 2008 to distance himself from the history and teaching of the Mormon Church over one issue: The Mormon “Bible” verses that teach Black people are “loathsome,” “despised” and “cursed.” The Mormon Church would not allow my sister to enter into certain parts of the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, Utah, several years ago, while allowing her Anglo colleagues to enter part of the Tabernacle she was forbidden to enter, over one issue: Her “Black” skin color. Pleeeze, don’t tell me I cannot vote over—one issue. The Mormons have never recanted of the racist teachings in their Bibles—“The Pearl of Great Price,” The Book of Mormons, Doctrines and Covenants.
At the end of the day my hope is not in Barack Obama or Mitt Romney. “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus Name. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”
America went to war with Afghanistan over one issue. Appellant judges have overturned lower court judges over—one issue. To vote for Romney, I would have to violate my race and my right mind. To vote for Obama, I would have to violate my conscience, convictions and faith. I can do neither. My conscience is captive to the Word of God. To violate conscience is neither right nor safe. “God help me, here I stand.” Thus said Martin Luther, and I agree.
September 17, 2012 at 7:17 pm
It is worth pointing out, I think, that marriage is a state issue, not a federal one, and regardless of his personal view on the matter, which seems to have been taken for political expediency more than anything else, the President has no authority to change five thousand years of marital history. It’s almost a perfect have your cake and eat it too issue, since he wins because most Americans agree with his position, and he wins because he knows he can’t really do anything about it, except talk. I don’t like it, but that’s the way it is.
Most evangelical Christians will pass over the fact that Mormon scripture states that dark skin is a curse. I’m not completely convinced, Bro. Dwight, that there are not still some conservative Christians who, while they would never admit to it, believe the same thing themselves. That’s not all they believe. They deny every essential truth of the gospel message, including the divine nature of Christ, his virgin birth, his sinless life and the ability of his blood to atone for all sin. Their prophet has predicted that they will rule the world by acquiring the political power of the United States, that Jesus will appear in Independence, Missouri, and then at the Temple Mount, and will hand the world over to the Mormon council. I won’t be casting a ballot to elect someone that would confirm their prophets words, either.
You can opt out, of course, and just not vote. You can also find a good, third party candidate who represents your views. I’ve done that on occasion. But I appreciate your speaking out. In your position, that can’t be easy.
September 19, 2012 at 2:51 pm
Lee,
You’re right, it has not been easy. I did not anticipate this level of backlash. Nevertheless, I believe that I’m saying what the Lord wants said. Thanks for the encouragement. I could use some today.
September 17, 2012 at 9:55 pm
I wish I could find a good third party candidate who represents my views. So far, I haven’t been able to find one that represents them any better than Obama or Romney. Any help along this line would be much appreciated.
September 19, 2012 at 3:04 pm
David,
That makes two of us who can’t find a third party candidate. Unfortunately, I can’t offer a recommendation at this point.
I ordered some written sermons your dad preached on the subject of prosperity. Excellent as is characteristic of him. I was doing background work preparing to write a post at one point comparing/contrasting what your dad taught about prosperity versus what the “prosperity teachers” taught–particularly, T. D. Jakes. The book he published many years ago that I’d read on Health, Wealth and Prosperity triggered this thought. I’m not sure if I will write the post. However, I’d like to discuss that with you by phone to make sure that I’m understanding your dad’s take on the subject.
My email is dmckissic@cbcarlington.org. If you would be kind enough to email me a phone # where I can call you, next week, or at a time you
suggest I would like to discuss this matter with you. My goal is not to in any shape, form, or fashion, misrepresent Dr. Adrian Rogers. Thanks.
Dwight
September 18, 2012 at 8:18 am
Someone pointed out that we have 50+ candidates for Miss America but only two for President of the United States; something just seems wrong about that.
Your logic is impeccable, Dwight, and you are to be commended for sticking to your guns. Doing that for the past few years has wrought some degree of change in the SBC, and who knows .. sticking to your guns in this voting issue may eventually do the same. I think that’s called leadership by example.
In the words of Winston Churchill … “Never give up…….”.
September 19, 2012 at 3:05 pm
Bob,
You are a good friend and a great encourager. Thanks.
Dwight
September 18, 2012 at 10:04 pm
Dwight,
I agree with you although for some different reasons! I do not intend to vote for either candidate.
1. Read what Charles Spurgeon had to say about voting for two wicked people .
“The great pastor, Charles Spurgeon, said: ‘When given the choice between the lesser of two evils, choose neither’. If God’s values (issues) truly are first for Christians, to choose any politician who violates any of these values is to displease Almighty God Himself. This opens us up for His judgment upon we who have rejected Him. It is better to vote for someone who has no chance of winning yet the vote will be counted against someone who failed at God’s position.”
2. Listen to Hank Hannegraf ….Bible Answer man on this topic. Good discussion on both sides.
3. Remember even if our nation falls it is much better to we right with God then be wrong with a idol worshipper.
BTW—Having worked for Marriott International for a number of years I can tell you that Mitt and Bill are not really opposed to same sex marriage.
see this ad ……….http://www.marriott.com/marriott/marriott-gay-travel.mi
September 19, 2012 at 3:06 pm
Rob,
Good stuff. Thanks.
Dwight
September 18, 2012 at 10:36 pm
Here is the link for the relevant show. Bible Answer Man
He starts off the show attacking Barack but spends the majority of the show showing why voting for a Mormon is sinful!
http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/bible-answer-man/listen/a-mormon-president-300785.html
September 19, 2012 at 7:57 am
Dwight, I’ve been personally saddened to hear (and yes, when I first heard about it, I heard you were part of the group) that PASTORS, African-American PASTORS, were calling publicly for their members not to vote.
To me it is a slap in the face of those who made our rights, that many of us fought so hard to secure. This nation in the 1960s and prior could care less about people of color having rights that we take for granted now. We travel back and forth, for the most part live wherever our money takes us, can purchase items with dignity, participate in the political process, and yes, cast a vote. When I heard that several African-American pastors refused to encourage their congregations NOT to vote, I thought about Henry Shamby, Sr. Mr. Shamby, who lives in Portland and whose son and grandson are both baptist preachers, was the iconic figure who had dogs and water cannons shot toward him. He suffered the worst kind of abusive, from so called officers of the law and so called Christians in order to proclaim racism alive and well.
I’m still disappointed in some group that nobody ever heard of that claims 5,000 pastors when I don’t know one minister who’s a member, speaking on behalf of “all black pastors” as if we are some type of monolithic group.
You can have issues with politicians but as someone already stated, the President’s opinion does not create law. But to read any preacher suggest that his people not vote at all it is unacceptable and saddening to me personally.
I thought we, the children of those who laid down their lives, would have understood that. It saddens me that we don’t.
September 19, 2012 at 3:16 pm
Pastor Houston,
Thanks for visiting.
I never suggested to anyone, at any time that they should not vote. You cannot find a quote, sermon, article, or any statement that I’ve made telling people not to vote.
As you can see in my post, I plan to vote. I just don’t plan to vote for the office of the President because I don’t want it on my conscience, that I helped to advance objectionable agendas that I find in both candidates. That is my right. But, you want catch me trying to get anyone else to follow my path. It’s simply the path I feel led to take. I hope you understand. I respect your right to take a different path.
The pressure that some have placed on me about my position, I think should be placed on the candidates to change their positions to conform to the will and Word of God.
Dwight
September 19, 2012 at 4:31 pm
I think the concern is in the reply of what you will do on election day. I just spent an hour scanning over the web and most of them say that you plan to “go fishing.” Not vote then fish. Just go fishing – so the suggestion is easy to connect, it implies that you have no intention of going to vote, and as a leader, it sends a signal (whether intentional or not) that your people should not or should consider not voting. And it re-enforces, to me, a bias against President Obama by many in SBC who wouldn’t vote for him under any circumstances between of the right-wing characterization they have made of him. From the perspective of the black community, they have told us for the past six years that he’s a Muslim, he’s anti-American, he’s gay, he’s leading women to abortion clinics by the drove (even though abortions were performed under every President since 1973), he’s an illegal alien, he’s not Christian even though he went to a Christian Church and was baptized there, his mother had questionable morals, he’s anti-business, and the list goes on and now, they plan to tell us through paid spokesman William Owens, who has a website but no tangible support, who forgot to mention that they were on the payroll of National Organization of Marriage, FRC and Tea Partier Ed Holiday (http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/story/2012-08-06/black-pastors-gay-marriage/56922742/1). Further Owens claims to have 3,700 pastors in his pocket when you and I both know there’s not a black convention on the face of the planet that has 3,700 pastors active in their national convention.
I hope I haven’t contributed to your stress in this – but obviously politics tend to stir up emotions – but what is strange to me in this election that it’s not a vote for Romney, it’s a vote against Obama. How can the nation get anything done given that scenario? Be blessed.
Robt.
September 24, 2012 at 4:58 pm
To PastorHouton…all I got to say is right on!
I’m ashamed to Dwight McKissic is a Black men, let alone he is a preacher! I totally agree with your position and there is no need for me to restate what has already been so eloquently written.
But I must say Pastor McKissic (along with the 3,700 other Black preachers) are a hypocrite! They will allow gay men and women to work on their staff, sing in their church choirs, working on the usher board, Deacon Boards and even working in their Youth Department, yet they have a problem with President Obama’s opinion!
I don’t agree with the President’s position at all. However, I do understand politics. He is attempting to capture every possible vote! Moreover, he did not say same-sex marriage was anywhere on his agenda. He simple stated his opinion.
Lastly, we are electing a President, not a Pope! He is the President of the United States, not the PASTOR of the United States. David was a man after God’s on heart. Yet, he committed adultery, lied about it and finally committed murder! Yet God chose him and used him to his glory!
I guess if David was on the ballot Bro McKissic would be going fishing that day too!
September 20, 2012 at 6:32 am
I wish every Christian could be overwhelmed with joy in our first black President. I know many who supported him and tried to ignore some policies that are ungodly and unChristlike.
As Christians, we must always remember first, that CHRIST laid down HIS life for us. Our first allegiance must be to Christ and His Word. Every other consideration should take a back seat to that.
No matter how much we celebrate civil rights and remember the hard fought battles to win freedoms as citizens of the USA.
September 20, 2012 at 9:17 am
Your suggestion is that a vote for President Obama is like a vote against Christ? That’s ludicrous. The far-right acts as if there was no sin found in previous presidents, including the “sacred” founding fathers who owned slaves, abortion which started in the 70s and continues today, segregation which existed for generations. But now, since there’s a black president, all of a sudden it’s a vote for Christ? Please . . .
September 19, 2012 at 9:37 pm
Rev. Dwight McKissic,
I have been inspired to write a few comments to you and anyone reading. I am a member of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon).
Sir, there once was slavery, no more. There once was segregation, no more. The people of color (African Americans) couldn’t hold membership in our church, no more. I don’t know why this was but it was lifted. I vividly remember as I was a 7yr old boy in Florida sitting at church when they said African Americans could be members. Sir, it gives me goose bumps thinking back….People were clapping, crying, rejoicing in the good news. It was a good day.
Mr. Romney didn’t make the choice for them not to be members. But Mr. Obama made the choice to be for same sex marriage.
Sir, I can’t speak for everyone but I can say this, You, your family and friends are always welcome in our church and I feel that we would be welcome in yours. We are not a weird cult nor do we want to be degrading or hurtful to others in any way. We are here to help and serve and be like Christ our Savior. We are Christians despite public opinions.
I can’t say this enough, this election is very important to our Nation and to our Future. Mr. Obama has not proven himself. He has over promised and under delivered and all of his staff included.
I am all for an African American (Democratic at that) to lead this Nation, as long as they have the values, integrity, honesty, and understand we are One Nation Under God and fight to the bitter end for our Country and our Freedoms.
This Country and Our Constitution has been drug through mud, beaten down by the evil fists of evil people but we will not die nor will we give up. We will keep fighting for the Truth. We will keep fighting for God, Family, and Our Country we all share.
I am voting and I will vote for Mitt Romney. I am sure we will not see eye to eye on some issues (Mitt and I) but I believe in my heart that he is the one to lead this Country out of despair at this time. My heart tells me he is a good man.
In closing Sir, I would like to say that we are all God’s children. He loves us all the same and he knows us by name. He wants us all to get along and enjoy what he has given us here upon the earth. I would challenge you to pray and to ask God what person is the right candidate to vote for and I would also challenge you to go out and vote. But if not that is your God given right also.
May our Heavenly Father and Savior Bless you and your family Rev. McKissic and all your congregation. If you ever need anything from us Mormons, please ask and we will be there ready to help. If you do end up going fishing I hope you catch your limit. Regards, Aaron Merzlock
September 20, 2012 at 4:43 pm
Aaron,
You said, “There once was segregation, no more. The people of color (African Americans) couldn’t hold membership in our church, no more. I don’t know why this was but it was lifted. ”
You need to find out why it was lifted. It will reveal to you that your prophets caved in to public and government pressure. Do the research yourself. You will see.
You also stated:
“I would like to say that we are all God’s children.”
This is not historic, biblical, orthodox Christian doctrine. We are not all God’s children. We are created in His image. But unless the Jesus of scripture (66 Books of the Bible; the canon is closed) is received (John 3:16, 1:12) as Lord and Savior by faith alone, not by works (Eph 2:8-9), a person is not saved, nor is the person a child of God.
Might I suggest you read —-> Gen 1:27, Rom 3:23, John 3:16 and John 1:12 —-> repent and believe in the true gospel — be saved —-> leave the mormons and join the true church (Matt 16:18)?
September 20, 2012 at 6:26 am
Dr. McKissic,
Thank you for standing for Christ and His Bride at this crucial juncture in our society. Like you, I am also thankful and humbled that my allegiance and faith remains with God and trust in His Sovereignty.
I’m interested if you also think similarly about President Obama’s stance on abortion and the Democratic platform regarding abortion on demand, with mandates that all citizens must help pay for others to murder the child in the womb?
This is to me at least the number one issue I cannot support any Democrat at the National level.
God bless you as you serve Jesus!
Ivory
September 20, 2012 at 11:57 am
Ivory,
Yes. I feel equally as strong about the Pro-Life position and have thus voted accordingly the past 28 years. However, I do respect and appreciate the perspective of others who recognize that quality of life issues outside the womb are of great importance as well.
Some people vote based on their perception of which party bests represents them on issues outside of the womb. Again, although that is not my posture, I can’t say that I disagree or disrespect those who adopt that posture. I hope I’ve answered your question.
Dwight
September 20, 2012 at 9:06 am
Dr. McKissic,
I drove by the church you serve at regularly for a year and a half. I wish I had stopped in to shake your hand. This is the second issue now that I have seen you be one of the few straight forward honest voices. Thank you for writing this and don’t worry about those who are pressuring you otherwise. They may make this a race thing or a ‘veterans secured this right’ scare crow but the reality is it is a choice between two evils and conviction. Your quote from Luther expresses exactly where we should side.
Thanks,
Josh King
September 20, 2012 at 10:54 am
Pastorhouston
Respectfully, why are you bringing up President Obama’s race – which I’d remind you is that he is also half white?
I never said that voting for President Obama’s re-election was a vote against Christ.
I said that abortion is evil, ungodly and unChristlike. I know God says murder is wicked and evil.
Sir, that has nothing to do with skin color. It has nothing to do with far-right or left-wing politics.
Yes, please….
Don’t make the assumption about me that being opposed to President Obama’s policies has anything to do with him being both white and black.
I’m white–married to a black man–my three kids look just like our president.
So don’t play in to the race card with me or others who simply disagree, and even strongly so, with the policies President Obama advocates.
That’s disingenuous.
September 20, 2012 at 9:04 pm
I think everyone needs a realty check. Everyone need to be at the voting polls on November 6, 2012. I don’t think that voting for either one of these candidates will send you to hail. I believe that what an individual believes does not affect another one. I do not have to answer for no one else but myself. I don’t think that President Obama is agreeing with same sex marriage, he just said that everyone should have the same rights. If people would leave him alone and let him run the country and focus on the economy, maybe he can get things done. What does who you are with have to do with paying bills, eating, having a roof over your head and being able to survive. I know what I believe in and what is right and wrong according to the bible. All people who are living good and do not have financial problems and look down on those who are less fortunate, just keep living. I don’t care who you, what race you are, what position you hold, we are all children of GOD. No one is better then another. Grow up adults, the children are looking!!!!!!!
November 4, 2012 at 6:38 am
How in heavens name did we get here? My people perish for their lack of knowledge. We are like sheep going to slaughter. We question our brethren but refuse to question those in and of this world. The Lord wants us to be one in mind. Bretheren in Christ, we should be on one accord. I don’t care about denomination. It causes division. My concern is holiness. We must live as God has instructed. That’s it!
So as I’m reading the dialogs between Pastor Houston and Dr. McKissic I realize that Pastor Houston is blasting Dr. McKissic for the same thing he should be blasting President Obama for……..INFLUENCE!
President Obama’s opinion may not change the laws, however it does INFLUENCE the people. Just as your fear Pastor Houston is that Dr. McKissics decision to not vote will INFLUENCE the congregation. So why hold him to a standard but not the president? That baffles me. We as children of the most high God must get on one accord, and fast. The devil loves for us to be at odds. Then we neglect to focus on everything but God. This political controversy is just another distraction for the enemy to get is off course. And again we fall right into divers temptation. I charge everyone’s heart to follow what the Lord says. Let’s get in our word and prepare for the real fight-that spiritual battle. It’s time to campaign for God’s party.
November 6, 2012 at 4:57 pm
Leslie, I blasted no one. The principle is not even about politics, had you read what I was saying. The principle that I take issue with is telling people of whom I share hue, not to the vote. That’s my principle. I never raised up issues or policies or positions – I raised up the issue about telling African-Americans not to vote. Had you read correctly, you would have easily seen that. I don’t have any issues with Dr. McKissic and I think he has none with me either. We dialogued, period.