Looking toward the election of 2008, liberals like Jim Wallis and Tony Campolo recognized the growing unpopularity of President Bush and the war in Iraq as their opportunity to effectively challenge the traditional thinking about Christianity and politics. They sought to change the perception that it was “Christians vs. Democrats.” They began to court evangelicals with a new message that emphasized Jesus’ commands to feed the hungry, help the poor, as well as His call to be peacemakers.
Which brings us to the current presidential election. Evangelical Christians are deeply divided. Both candidates claim to be born-again Christians. Each candidate appeals to elements of Christ’s teaching to support their policies. No longer is it assumed that Christians must vote for the Republican. Our vision of Christian politics has been rightfully expanded beyond the narrow definitions of the Religious Right. So, how are we as Christians supposed to decide?
During the Civil War, President Lincoln overheard someone remark that he hoped that God was on the side of the Union. Lincoln's response was profound. He said,
"I am not at all concerned about that, for I know that the Lord is always on the side of the right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord's side."
I believe this is precisely the answer. Rather than asking whether God is for Barack Obama or John McCain, the question we should ask is, “Which candidate’s vision and policies line up best with God’s as outlined in His word?” When evaluated on that basis, I believe the choice is very clear.
To be continued…
During the Civil War, President Lincoln overheard someone remark that he hoped that God was on the side of the Union. Lincoln's response was profound. He said,
"I am not at all concerned about that, for I know that the Lord is always on the side of the right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord's side."
I believe this is precisely the answer. Rather than asking whether God is for Barack Obama or John McCain, the question we should ask is, “Which candidate’s vision and policies line up best with God’s as outlined in His word?” When evaluated on that basis, I believe the choice is very clear.
To be continued…
3 comments:
I have only three things to say in response to that, Andy. They are 'YES! YES! AND YES!
Mom (in law)
Andy. This is a great post, and I'm in general agreement.
However, I think it's interesting that we could both agree on the formula for selection yet arrive at entirely different candidates! This probably results from the many varieties of Christian worldviews (or, people's perspective on what "His word" says).
Also, and this is being nit-picky, I don't know it's fair to characterize Jim Wallis and company as "liberals." And, if Wallis (and maybe Campolo) is liberal, he's been pushing this "God is neither R nor D" message long before the days of "W."
Of course, I love the Lincoln quote. This is one of my favorites from his second inaugural address: "Both [sides] read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces, but let us judge not, that we be not judged."
[I'd probably err on the side of judging slave owners, but Lincoln lived in a different era.]
Matt J.
Ok Andy. I did this for you bro!
:-)
http://www.cnnbcvideo.com/index.html?nid=jXgjI3hKO7Sk41BWWucHUDU0NzkzMQ--&referred_by=12824260-BSzqgXx
Post a Comment