on voting...

I have often heard it said that the two things you shouldn't discuss are religion and politics. The great thing about a blog, though, is that you can discuss both, and be much less offensive... I think. After all, you can choose whether or not to read the author's opinion. That being said, here are my thoughts on Election '08:

While I am proud to be an American, and I think that we are very blessed to be able to vote in our country's political system, I really dislike politics. I ignore the commercials and I pay little attention to the debates (with the exception of the Saddleback Forum and the SNL spoofs). I get so tired of all the negativity and dirt. Sadly, political races often come down to backing the lesser of the evils... even more so this year.

So, who is the lesser? Speaking as a Christian, I know there are believers supporting both parties. It's not for me to say who's right, but this is simply a view through my lens... if you're interested. It seems to me that there are three main subjects that encompass most of the political rhetoric: economics, defense, and morality. While I care deeply about all three of these areas, I don't think one single candidate has all the right answers for all three areas. I can agree with parts of the economics of both candidates, I have mixed feelings about the "War in Iraq", and, with both candidates claiming to be Christians, I can find good in the moral platforms of both candidates. Unfortunately, the Presidential race is an entree, not a la carte.

Ultimately, I know that God is sovereign, no matter who sits in the Oval Office. He can accomplish His will through good and bad leaders. The Bible is witness to that. Still, I think as a Christian, I should be a good steward of the privilege to vote, and should try to elect candidates that are more likely to align our country with a Godly world view. Obviously, God's ways are higher than our ways, but he does give us the Bible as a guide. If I try to filter the election through a Christian world view, what does that look like to me?

I am sure God cares about economics, but I doubt that He takes much stock in "the American dream". The Bible and politics both have much to say about economics. However, the Bible's approach is from the perspective of stewardship, and politics from the perspective of lifestyle. Huge difference! So, while economics is very important (I am currently unemployed), I don't think I can make it the primary factor.

Defense is a tough one. I don't feel as though I am knowledgeable enough to give a great opinion on this topic. The Bible addresses both war and peace, but I'm not sure I can find a lot of clear cut answers to the current War in Iraq. Although defense is very important, for me, it can't be the hot button of candidate decision.

That leaves morality. And, yes, I'll admit up front, this is where the crux of my decision is made. Both parties are different, but equally passionate about issues of morality. While not always politically correct by today's standards, the Bible is also passionate about moral issues. You are free to disagree, but let me drill down a little deeper into morality.

One candidate is appealing because of a tendency toward conservative opinions on the sanctity of human life and traditional marriage. Another candidate, although holding more liberal views on life and marriage, expresses appealing views on "loving your neighbor as yourself" and taking care of "the least of these". I believe the Bible supports both of these moral views. Hence, we find Christians in support of both candidates. However, I must ask the question, "is it the Government's job to take care of the least of these?" I, rather, think it is the assignment of you, I, and the Church.

I am concerned about the United States that my children and grandchildren will inherit from my generation. I would like them to inherit a country that enjoys peace with the world and a prosperous economy. But it is much more important to me that they inherit a country that recognizes and respects the authority and standards of God. Regardless of who spends the next four years in Washington, I fear that our country is turning it's back on God, and if so, I wouldn't count on much peace or prosperity. Neither candidate will be the savior of America, but I must vote for the candidate that I feel most closely supports the values that I have derived from Christianity. So, in this year's Presidential election, I will be voting for...

...well, I'll not be specific, but I think you can figure it out.