"The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state. It must be the guide and the critic of the state, and never its tool."-- Martin Luther King Jr. "Don't teach me about politics and government, just tell me who to vote for."-- "A New Law" by Dereck Webb Some evangelical leaders have drawn up a document that revisits the idea of the church's involvement in politics. While traditionally evangelical involvement in politics has focused on a handful of issues like abortion and marriage, these leaders are calling for a change. They claim that Christians have lost the focus of proclaiming the truth of God's Word and have, instead, become puppets and tools of the political parties. Is God a Republican or a Democrat? If Jesus were voting in this election, who would he vote for? Many pastors are willing to tell you, but I don't think it's a very clear issue at all. If the only issues are abortion and the family, it would be easy to choose a candidate. But there are so many more issues that should be important to Christians as well. Attitudes toward the poor, going to war based on shady intelligence, stewardship of the environment are only a few issues that muddy the clear distinction between the "religious right" and the "secular left." Who should a good Christian support? The few passages in the Bible that do speak to politics were certainly not anticipating the democratic republic that is the United States. We have a very unique responsibility in being able to choose our leaders. We should take this responsibility seriously and not simply vote for whoever makes the most visits to churches. It should be a matter of a lot of prayer. Only God's Spirit could guide us through such a difficult and multi-faceted decision. Josh R
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
WWJVF-Who Would Jesus Vote For?
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It is very important that we vote but before we do that we spend a good deal of time in prayer and study so we come up with a wise choice. It is important to note that Jesus would not support the republican party,the democratic party, the libertarian or communist or any party. Parties are flawed while at the same time there are benefits found in both parties.
What would help people make the best decision possible would be a chart that lists multiple areas of concern to citizens along with the stance of each candidate. I believe if we do the homework and then make our decision in Jesus' name, the Lord will be behind it.
I went to vote Tuesday in the Indiana primary and was dismayed at the whole process. Now, I must admit, being a Pentecostal Pastor more than likely influenced my views, but as the saying goes - we are what we eat.
Knowing that the world is controlled by the God of this world, I still expected - well - more.
I was called several times on the phone by Obama’s camp attempting to persuade me to vow my allegiance to the great Democratic (at least in their eyes) machine. I did not even bothering to answer the phone because of the spill I was sure to receive. Sometimes we think if we ignore the problem it will go away. Not so in this case.
I thought (rather erroneously) that the primary pressure would suffice with these calls. Funny how these calls happen in the middle of more important events you have planned and try to execute.
I walked to the polling place (a church located three blocks from me) and met a nice man carrying Obama leaflets. To his credit and my relief, he did not attempt to persuade me about my political affiliations.
I walked into the entrance and immediately I saw something that the Dems must have thought of in their preparations for the day. A very good looking woman was sitting in a folding chair about one foot from the actual room for voting. Someone must have taken a Psych class at school. Anyways, she had a bright red polka dot dress on and her cleavage was exposed for all the world to see and her dress was just barely below her knees. Now, you might condemn this Pastor for even looking at her, but I dare say I would challenge any man that would say they did not see her.
I thought - good trick. Woe be unto any man that crosses paths with this siren at this voting place. You have to hand it to the Dems, they know how to reel them in.
I told her that I would not reveal what political affliation I had and of course the nice woman turned into the hateful ogre that lived under the bridge. Remember that fairy tale that your Dad used to tell you? It’s real folks.
Having passed the gauntlet of persuasive conversation, I stepped into the safe haven of the voting place or so I thought. I was met by a kind and gentle worker that asked for my ID. Here in Indiana a law was passed that you must present ID to vote. I was then asked if I was a Republican or a Democrat.
I immediately looked behind me expecting the lovely woman sitting by the door wielding a pair of scissors in a rendition of the movie “Psycho”. Well sometimes our imagination is our worst enemy. Of course no blood spurted, no screams were heard, and no music played.
Have you ever had one of those moments when the air seems to leave the area, it is so silent that a pin, if dropped could be heard a mile away, and an expectation of a great event is about to happen? No - then you are missing something. If you have, then you know what I am talking about.
I said - quite slowly and taking time to speak clearly - “I don’t know why I have to tell you my political affiliation.”
Air is sucked out of the room so fast, it’s a wonder everyone didn’t expire from lack of oxygen. I didn’t hear one pin, I heard a least a thousand. Here’s the best part. I dared to ask a question. Me, a lowly, unimportant voter asked A QUESTION.
The smile on the woman’s face turned to dismay and i could see the anger wanting to vent. I felt like Alice in Wonderland and she was the Queen screaming, “Off with his head!” I must admit I was feeling for body parts about now.
Fortunate for me, no armed guards arrived to escort me to some dungeon somewhere (even though the Police roll call is just one block from the church). My wife has told me that controversy follows me like a lost puppy looking for a kind scrap.
I was told unless I affirmed my party (Democrat or Republican) i would not be allowed to vote for the primary (in all fairness, they meant Presidental and so forth). They did tell me that I could vote for the school board. Talk about putting a carrot in front of the poor cart pulling horse.
I was explained the intricate workings of the political machine in Marion County, Indiana, after which she looked at me with a message in her eyes - “Make my day!”
Sometimes we have to pull our punches and accept defeat. I ditfully told her my perference and was escorted to a voting table. I placed my paper (no electronic 21st century for us Hooisers) into a copier looking machine and exited the building.
Now, before you jump to the conclusion that i dislike Obama or any other Dem, let me state that I was never approached by the Clinton or McCain camp. Maybe they know that you can draw more flies with sugar instead of tar paper.
I must say that I was excited about my vote. I had - for the briefest moment - a moment in history. I was not happy about the whole process, but at least I voted. I gave a piece of my mind.
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