ELECTION: 2012
For the first time in U.S. history, a major party candidate for the presidency is a Mormon, an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
In the long view of American history, this is not the first time Christians have been confronted with a presidential election challenge.
We must remember that although we have long referred to the United States as a Christian nation, we are not a theocracy. That is what Islamic governments attempt to institute through the implementation of Sharia law. The First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States declares, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”
America is in trouble. We need God! We have lost our spiritual way, placing our trust in substitutes or despairing about the future. However, the salvation and spiritual depth of our nation will not be led by the White House, Congress, the Supreme Court, or the Republican or Democratic parties. We still need leaders. The alternative is anarchy.
There are times when Christian voters are faced with an electoral dilemma. We MUST ask this question: “No matter the candidate’s stated religious preference, are there indications or evidence the candidate truly would uphold the First Amendment in respecting religious freedom and not subordinate it to political views of a different persuasion?” Clearly, a candidate’s substance – the actions that flow out of beliefs – matters more than religious appearances.
Christians must always prayerfully choose from available electoral options. Who appears most likely to respect rather than curtail Christian freedoms in our nation? Who appears most likely to take stances that honor biblical convictions? American politics is a rough and tumble sport, downright ugly at times. We must prayerfully and wisely vote for (but not endorse the religious beliefs of) candidates whom we determine will be either supportive of or at least respectful of our freedoms and understand the valuable role churches play in the moral fabric and direction of our nation. REMEMBER: Jesus, not the president, saves souls.
We have been told from all parts of society that we should not mix politics and religion, the Church and the state. However, for Christians, faith is meant to be instructive to them in their relationships, their careers and all aspects of their lives.
Instead of shying away from the issue, these are the principles by which I believe all Christians should vote.
Vote For Citizens
Even though we have dual-citizenship, (in this world and Heaven) we are nevertheless citizens of the towns, states and country in which we reside. Voting for Citizens means we should not simply vote for what we think is best for people in the Church, but rather as a citizen of Ft. Lee, or New Jersey or the United States.
Vote With Knowledge
You should know where each candidate stands on numerous of issues. If you don’t inform yourself, then you are merely becoming the type of person who gets swayed by negative ads.
Part of the problem is too many Christians have become One-Issue Voters (same sex marriage; abortion; taxes; military strength; Israel) and once they encounter a candidate who doesn’t agree with them on the hot-button issue, then they stop listening and stop learning.
Vote For Others
Throughout Scripture, we are called to be advocates for those who have no advocate. We are called to be a voice for the voiceless, to stand up for those who have no standing. Cast your vote for the benefit of others.
Don’t simply vote for whoever will give you the best tax break or the best health plan. Rather, use your vote to bless others.
Vote With Hope
This election is about hope. The rhetoric among the parties is about who will raise America out of the recession, who will create new jobs, who will change the trajectory of our nation in the world at large.
But, as Christians, we need to realize we need to Vote Without Hope. Don’t place your hope in any one person. Ultimately, whomever wins will not deliver on every promise. Neither candidate will be able to accomplish everything they intend. And in four years, we will probably be using the rhetoric of hope once again to nominate new presidential candidates.
However, we can Vote WITH Hope. That is because we believe in a God who is sovereign over the president and Congress and supreme over the Supreme Court.
This information was gleaned from articles written by:
Randall Bach and Richard Lee
The David Guinn 