Donald Miller Video Interview Before Praying at DNC

My thoughts after the jump.

Cameron Strang cancelled his appearance and recommended Don Miller take his place. He did and the above video was taped before he gave the closing prayer.

I agree and disagree with him concerning the different points he brings up. Overall, I am not sure he does himself any favors with this interview. Not that finding favor was even a goal. He seems to be kind of randomly rationalizing different things that pop in his head. That’s ok I guess but I do think he takes a couple of gratuitous slaps at Christians who supported the war and Republicans. Also, saying that making abortion illegal is a “pipe dream” … well … I would seriously advise him to reconsider how he phrases that. It comes off condescending. That and the portrayal of Republican Christians only looking to the scriptures to back up supporting the war after the fact is not edifying or a true generalization.

BUT, I am not offended by Don. I even agreed on a couple of points with him. I totally believe that the RNC abused a blind trust placed in them by many many Christians … myself included. I am glad he asked that the DNC not mock people of faith like us even if they have been mocked themselves. I think that is great and hope that Republican Christians won’t mock those they might intellectually oppose in public policy as well.

I know that the above four minutes does not encapsulate a full worldview. I am sure that his beliefs and experience goes much deeper than what is portrayed above.

Thanks Fay via donmillerfans.net.

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bryan a 08/30/2008 11:46 PM 1 point
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hey Randy,

happy to provide you with some blogging fodder. I felt almost the same way you did about Don's video. I agreed with much of it, but I'm not sure I'm ready to say that ending abortion is a pipe dream.

great thoughts...

bryan
donmillerfans.net guy

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Randy 08/30/2008 11:54 PM 1 point
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Thank you Bryan. I really appreciate the work you are doing.

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Janey 08/31/2008 12:48 AM 1 point
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In calling ending abortion a "pipe dream" I would say that is kinda mocking like if you ask me. The problem is that many women are not educated enough so people can't say that women are making educated decisions when following through with abortion.

I don't know of any woman out there who says they don't regret making that decision.

I struggle with the "winning the moral debate" I love a good debate and I can go toe to toe with just about anybody if I put everything of me into it. There is political blood flowing through my vains and so I will always enjoy a good conversation.

The Christian Democrat Vs The Christian Republican.

I would much rather spend my time working towards causes like Social Justice. Perhaps this is why I struggle with "winning the moral debate" I can't change anybody's mind or belief but I know The Spirit of God can work about transformation in a person's heart. But at the same time I seriously need to take a stand. Take me to a poll to vote yes or no for abortion or yes or no to legalize Same-sex marriage I'd be voting no.

I'll end with this that he made a very good point about the US representing Christianity as most people view the US as a Christian Nation. He says he questions if the people of The United States did an good enough job in representing Christianity.

So far, I think the representation has been poor. However, I do keep this in mind that the Christians within the United States have done a way better job with influencing the decisions of that the Nation makes. Christians have far more influence in The United States government then the Christians in Canada.

I'm always having to be careful being a Canadian and writing my blog. There are limitations that Canadians have and I hope that the freedom that the people of The United States have will never be taken for granted because I don't think we see such freedom anywhere else in the world. The freedom that Christians have in Canada are slowly being taken away bit by bit and I find that to be sad, quite sad.

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Randy 08/31/2008 03:21 PM 1 point
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Thanks Janey. I appreciate you sharing your heart and also your perspective of freedom in the United States. I have quite a few friends up yonder :) and I am praying for you all.

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Julie 08/31/2008 10:54 AM 1 point
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I am so glad that abolitionists didn't give up their 'pipe dream'. From Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia:

"Although antislavery sentiment had existed during the American Revolution, and abolitionist Benjamin Lundy began his work early in the 19th cent., the abolition movement did not reach crusading proportions until the 1830s. One of its mainsprings was the growing influence of evangelical religion, with its religious fervor, its moral urgency to end sinful practices, and its vision of human perfection. The preaching of Lyman Beecher and Nathaniel Taylor in New England and the religious revivals that began in W New York state in 1824 under Charles G. Finney and swept much of the North, created a powerful impulse toward social reform—emancipation of the slaves as well as temperance, foreign missions, and women's rights. Outstanding among Charles Finney's converts were Theodore D. Weld and the brothers Arthur Tappan and Lewis Tappan."

Abortion is not the only 'sanctity of life' issue anymore. With its legalization, we now have physician assisted suicide and euthanasia. "Working toward fewer abortions" is great. But WE CAN DO MORE.

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Randy 08/31/2008 03:23 PM 1 point
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Abortion is not the only 'sanctity of life' issue anymore. With its legalization, we now have physician assisted suicide and euthanasia. "Working toward fewer abortions" is great. But WE CAN DO MORE.

I completely agree Julie. I actually believe the tide is turning against abortion on demand. I really hope so.

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paulmccord 09/01/2008 12:15 AM 1 point
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Randy I start to agree with you on this and then after spending ten minutes on Friendfeed I sometimes have doubts. I have noticed the militant anti-Christian sentiment on Friendfeed that creates a hostile environment. Anyway, I hope you are right about the tide turning.

I do struggle with his assertion that fighting for limiting abortion being a pipe dream. Saving lives is a very worthy cause. This scares me if we have Christians that feel that way.

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Randy 09/01/2008 11:42 AM 1 point
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My bet is that he is trying to tap a deeper issue and kind of thinking out loud. I say that given the overall tenor of the interview. Regardless, it was a poor choice of words.

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Randy 09/01/2008 11:44 AM 1 point
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oh and about Friendfeed. I have all of my services running through there but I don't really use it for personal reference. There are too many social things to keep track of! ;)

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Janey 09/01/2008 05:07 AM 1 point
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Thanks Randy :)

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