My name is Aaron D. Taylor and I’m a pro-life Christian. You may not recognize me now, but 8 years ago I attended a Pentecostal Bible school that openly encouraged their students to fast and pray that George W. Bush would defeat Al Gore in the 2000 election. I did. For forty days I skipped dinner after work so I could go to my friend Nick’s apartment and cry out to God for a man in the White House committed to overturning Roe Vs. Wade.
That was then. My current incarnation is a far-cry from the politically self-assured black and white no nonsense God is a republican fundamentalist I used to be. The fact that I won’t declare my allegiance to a political party—be it republican or democrat—is something that I’m reasonably certain has annoyed the snot out of certain friends and family members. Most of the time when the subject of politics comes up in my family, I just smile and nod. (So how about those Rams?)
The odd part about it is, my ambivalent attitude towards all things political isn’t because I’m less pro-life than I used to be, it’s because I’m more pro-life than I was 8 years ago. I’ve come to realize that if I’m going to call myself pro-life and be consistent, then I’m going to have to have just as much respect for human life after the womb as I do before the womb, otherwise, all I really am is pro-birth.
It’s precisely at this point that things get murky. Throughout the decade of the 90’s, sanctions imposed by the U .S. government denied the Iraqi people access to medical supplies and basic sanitation and, as a result, killed about a half a million children. As I look back on it, I can’t recall any high profile “pro-life” Christian leader speaking out against children dying in Iraq as a result of U.S. sanctions. Neither do I know of any Christian leader voting solely on the issue of abortion speaking out against the use of depleted uranium and cluster bombs by U.S. coalition forces in Iraq. Both of these directly affect not only babies, but adults as well—even after the troops leave. My question to single issue voters is this. Does your concern for babies include Iraqi babies or is it only American babies that you’re concerned about?
I can hear the half-screams already. “But Aaron, don’t you know that the sanctions in Iraq and the U.S. invasion were for the protection of the American people?” Well…not everybody agrees with that—and that’s exactly my point. I have no problem with my brothers and sisters in Christ voting on issues that they care about, as long as they recognize that, unless one of the candidates is running against a potential Hitler or Stalin, every vote in a fallen world for a sword-wielding politician is an imperfect vote, therefore Christians have no business trumpeting a particular person or party as the only morally acceptable choice. The reality is Biblical values cannot be translated into the political sphere without a considerable degree of ambiguity—and neither are they intended to.
Take for example the issue of abortion. For all of the charismatic “prophets” and “apostles” declaring Sarah Palin the next Esther because of her opposition to Roe Vs. Wade, the truth is Roe Vs Wade could be overturned tomorrow and it will not make abortion illegal. All it will do is send the issue back to the states and, given the current political climate, most states are unlikely to outlaw it. But let’s temporarily assume that I’m wrong and by some magic-wand (or an act of God) abortion is declared officially illegal in the U.S.A. Will that stop abortions?
No it won’t. Nearly half of all the abortions in the world are performed in countries where abortion is illegal. The reason is because the greatest factor contributing to the number of abortions world-wide is not legality, but poverty. You want to know where the fewest abortions are taking place in the world? Western Europe, where abortions are legal but rare because of policies that “spread the wealth around” much to the chagrin of the USA’s most prominent social scholar—Joe the plumber.
And that’s just the abortion issue. A family member the other day told me that God only cares about the moral issues, meaning abortion and gay marriage. I agree that God cares about these two issues, where I disagree is the idea that God only cares about these two issues. Why? Because there are about 2,000 verses in the Bible that speak to poverty related issues and, last time I checked, I can’t find one verse in the Bible that speaks to the abortion issue—or for that matter the gay marriage issue (which McCain and Obama virtually agree on)—as a matter of public policy.
If the prophets Micah, Isaiah, Amos, Malachi and James the brother of Jesus are going to have any influence on my vote, then I have to conclude that wage related issues are certainly in play for what constitutes as a moral issue. Even more, when I take nearly all the prophets into consideration, I have to conclude that God cares a whole lot about the treatment of refugees. That being said, I now have to ask myself the question of whether God would consider the 2 million Iraqi refugees barely surviving in Syria and Jordan a moral issue (not to mention another 2 million internally displaced people living inside Iraq) and who actually has a plan to help them. At the time of this writing, only one candidate is talking about that and—hint hint—it’s not the “pro-life” candidate.
After an insane amount of thought and study, I’ve decided that I’m going to vote tomorrow. Do I have doubts and fears about the person that I’ve chosen? Yes I do. Is the person that I’m voting for the Messiah? Not by a long shot. Is the person that I’m voting for an imperfect choice? The answer is absolutely yes. But what bothers me is I wonder if my fellow believers who vote for the other candidate are willing to admit the same? I wonder if at the end of the day we can all recognize that thoughtful Christians can be found on both sides of the political aisle? Does God care about more than two issues? To borrow a phrase from a popular American governor, you betcha!
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You're right! It's about much more than abortion or gay marriage. It's about the character of the next President of the US. One has it, the other one doesn't.
Thank you Aaron. Well said!
I am also praying that my Christian friends and family members seriously weigh their voting decision, this year, on more that just the pro-life and gay rights issues.
Thanks again for being bold and courageous.
Huguette
Thank you both for your comments. Now let's get out and vote tomorrow!
McCAin Palin is the only way .
How absurd to think that Abortion is outweighed by any financial stance or the War. ABSURD!!! IT's true, Character and Experience are extremely important. I will not vote for this Obama/Biden circus show that is corrupt and Ignorant and Friends with Communists. You have not lived in a nation like Venezuela that is led by a corrupt government and by the way whose President said just this week... "I would gladly sit down with Obama if he wins" Of course Hugo Chavez will... Obama and him are one in the same. How absurd to be proud of your country and back track and befriend this tyrrant.
God have mercy on this nation and on Christians that are voting against someone who is Pro Life.
Oh my Jesus.
I don't know that anyone could have stated my thoughts on this election any more eloquantly (sp?) than you just did.
I compeletely agree in every aspect.
Everyday that I work with families who do not have healthcare, who do not have access to jobs that pay above minimum wage (try living on minimum wage with a family of 3), who are losing access to mental health services because medicaid is cutting everything- heck, I went without healthcare for 7 years because I was a student who was living on loans for tht long... I wonder how Christians have forgotten that Jesus came to save those who are lost. He said we will know when we have seen him when we reach out a hand to those in need- the lost, the prisoned, the hungery, the naked.
Far too many forget (or don't know) that the 2 main areas they are voting soley on, are mainly decided at a state level, but they don't even educate themselves on these state representatives or senators near as well as the presidential election.
Man, I could go on...and on...
Good job Aaron!
You really have been deceived by the spirit that God is currently unleashing, and fall into the following two classifications:
(1) "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (1 Timothy 4:3-4); and
(2) "Let NO ONE DECEIVE YOU BY ANY MEANS, for that Day will not come unless the falling away, (apostasy-NASB), comes first, and the man of sin, (man of lawlessness - NASB), is revealed, the son of perdition, (son of destruction -NASB) who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God" (2 Thes. 2:3-4 NKJV).
The devil himself is testing the waters so to speak, to see if the people are prepared to be deceived and "believe a lie", which will indicate to him that the people are ready to receive the anti-Christ.
Mr. Taylor, you have fallen for this...scary. Remember scripture: "Do not lean upon your own understanding...." and "the mind is an enmity to God". If we are told not to do this, He must want us to lean and base our choices on something else, and that something else is: "we don't need that another teach us....For the Holy Spirit will teach us all things and lead us into all truth..." And, then if that is the case, then if you are making a decision that is contrary to the majority of what born-again Christians and prominent born-again nationally/internationally leaders are deciding, then you are violating this: "knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation" (2 Peter 1:20).
You are indeed going against the truth that God is not a schizophrenic, for He say that He wants us to be "one as He is One with the Father", and He wants us to be in "unity". Regarding truth, He doesn't tell one thing to one believer, and another thing to another believer.
Therefore, unless God has set you up as a prominent leader in the Church (which He hasn't yet, Mr. Taylor), and the majority is in contrary to what you are saying, then there's probably a 100% chance that you are deceived. You should "examine whether you be in the faith..."
Do not entirly agree or disagree but I think I have to vote for the candidate that most closly mirrors my political and ethical views. In this case I have to say it is not Obama. He is a product of great marketing and in my beliefs nothing else. I work in a job where knowledge and experience o hand in hand. Mr Obama may have the knowledge, but he lacks experience. I will say one thing for him he is an very good speaker. Unfortunatly I am not voting for his public speaking skills
Aaron
God is neither a republican or a democrat and to think that most of the born again Christians feel that way is a sad testament to your interpretation of what a true bible believing christian is all about.Atrocities have been happening around the world since the beginning of time.This election is about what will happen in this country to our children and our loved ones. I have to admit I have not studied every issue of each one of the candidates. I like most Americans do what they can and research the issues that are closet to where they live in their hearts. For me that issue is abortion.The second is our national security and our sovreignty as a nation. To address the first I find it a difficult if not an impossible leap to believe that someone for such disregard for the most helpless and innocent amongst us has my best interest at heart.If you will kill achild in the womb or just out of the womb then you will kill me too if it is politically correct and thats what the majority wants. No repealing Roe v Wade will not stop abortions here but it is a step in the right direction. Obama is not simply watered down pro-choice. He is vehemently pro-aborion at every level- even partial birth.
The thought sickens me as I write. I will not stand before God on judgment day and try to explain why I voted for someone with this philosophy. Somehow I dont think he will be interested.Our national security is the second issue that has convinced me that I must vote the McCain ticket tomorrow.We will only remain safe from those that would destroy us it we remain stronger and maintain military superiority.I fear for this country if the next president doesnt take these things seriously.You cannot talk or negotiate your way to safety and security. How naive to think you can. You can say what you must about President Bush but he has kept us safe from attack since Sept 11 2001. If we are attacked again many will die and all these other social issues will take a back seat. Aaron I respect your opinion but I too feel you have been decieved by someone who is very good at it.No God is neither a republican or a democrat but the issues that seem to be most closely aligned with scripture as I see it put me in the Republican camp for now. I hope you can live with your decision if your man is elected. God help us all. I hope you will reconsider.
I commend you for a thoughtful post. After reading a Don Miller piece, where he expressed sentiments remarkably similar to yours, I seriously considering voting for Obama. But in the end I decided to do the same thing I've done for the last 15 years -- not to vote. After all, the lesser of two evils is still evil.
The values of our Kingdom run so contrary to the values of this world, that the democratic process automatically eliminates qualified candidates from a Christian point of view. Consider the Beatitudes as a description of a disciple, then try to imagine someone who matches that description going far in our political process.
For more of my thoughts on this and the link to a slate article see: http://kosovacajun.blogspot.com/2008/06/christ-followers-and-democratic-leaders.html
Wow, I have to say that I'm shocked, cousin. We've never really talked about politics before but I assumed that among all Christians that it was evident that McCain has a relationship with God and knows exactly where he stands in all the major moral issues and other non-moral issues as well (as "imperfect" as some of them are or seem to be.) Without hesitation he said that a baby has human rights, "...from the moment of conception..." Have you checked out Obama's answer? "Well...uh...see I think that, that..." At least believe in something enough that you don't have to take 10 minutes and 50 "Um"s to spit it out. I'm just sayin. :) What I know is that no one can lead this country in a good direction without Christ. If Christ is not in our president's personal life then nothing else matters...not even their moral beliefs, no matter how good they sound or how much they say their gonna help the poor. (And I agree with Uncle when he said that our priorities to consider in voting is our own families and our own nation. This isn't to forget about other nations and their poor, but to take care of ourselves enough to BE ABLE to help others too.) Christ and politics are not two separate matters. God is actively involved in everything and the second we vote for someone to rule this nation that does not believe in God, that will be the day this nation DIES to itself and its selfish surrender to the enemy. When it comes down to it, which candidate is following God Almighty? We are all forever fallen humans, but it always has been and always will be about relationship with God. From it will stem either good fruit or bad fruit. And let's face it. Bad fruit don't taste good.
I don't pretend to know everything about this election or politics in general. I find it impossible to know it all. But I do know that what this country decides will first affect us citizens and then the whole rest of the world. We can still make choices to keep this nation a great nation, no matter who becomes president. To stay great, we need someone great. The greatest of them all is God. Which candidate will invite him in on the presidency of the United States of America?
Well said, Katie. It's encouraging to know there is a generation of young believers that have spiritual wisdom and discernment. I'm proud to be your uncle.
Gary
I know many Christians are voting for Obama. Why? Because it's about the economy, jobs, health care. They feel that McCain is just another bush.
But if you don't have military strength you can't have any of those. McCain is strong on military. Obama and his cronies want to cut 25% of the military. Wow! Now there's an open door waiting for attack! This election for me is about country first. And McCain is country first.
So ask yourself, do you want a Mcain nation or an Obamanation?
I wish Christians would stop being so rude and insulting when they disagree with people who don't vote like them. This is so degrading. What kind of Ambassadors for Christ are we modeling to non-believers and seekers.
About the war:
God commanded we make disciples of all nations. He never said to do so with tanks and bombs. He said we must love our enemies and even offer the other cheek when they strike us. Wow what a novelty! Isn't this the very reason why Christ died on the Cross!
Yes it does take super-human courage to do this. But that is it exactly! Only through God's power can we accomplish this. But we'd rather place our faith on men instead of God. Boy that takes us back to JC's days and beyond doesn't it? We don't really believe we can move mountains with our faith.
Many of us act like the Pharisees. We use great rethoric, zeal and pride, feeling self-righteous and above others... but inside we are cowards and live by fear. We want human rulers to protect us....and we ignore the Word of God.
About abortion:
Abortion is not a political issue, it is a social, moral and spiritual one. We don't need a president to abolish it. Abortion cannot be stopped by law alone. Even if there is a law against it, women will do it illegally and will endanger their lives as well. (Hope no one is thinking that's her problem...).If any group can take care of this issue it is the Church. We could take this on globally, with love and compassion instead of riots and bashing. There are already many Christian groups that do a great job at saving unborn babies and their mothers. Why don't we spend more or our time and money helping these groups? We don't need government to do this.
With God's power we can do this, no matter what president wins today.
"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."
May our hearts be open and loving, lest we let satan use our anger, fears and bitterness to tear us apart.
IT IS CRYSTAL CLEAR FOR A CHRISTIAN "WHO HAS EARS TO HEAR".
We are all accountable to God for what we have been informed of. If we haven't been told, then we can't be held accountable (Read: Old Testament Law).
Can a person, once being informed (as you are about to be as I continue further with my comments below) really be a born-again Christian and vote for Obama???
Born-again Christians should vote in a prioritized manner for moral issues, first and foremost. They should vote for the moral issues that historically have shown to be the greatest adverse effect on the stability of a nation.
Born-again Christians do not vote for a personality. If the issue we support/don't support falls in line with a particular candidate/party then that's how we vote.
Here's a breakdown on 9 MORAL issues out of 14 election issues that God is very clear on, as found in scripture:
(1) Traditional Marriage in Federal Law (supports Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA))
GOD: STRICTLY "YES"
JOHN MCCAIN: "YES"
BARACK OBAMA: "NO"
(2) Opposes Judicial Activism (supports Originalist Supreme Court Justices)
GOD: STRICTLY "YES"
JOHN MCCAIN: "YES"
BARACK OBAMA: "NO"
(3) Homosexual Education (supports curriculum that promotes homosexuality)
GOD: STRICTLY "NO"
JOHN MCCAIN: "NO"
BARACK OBAMA: "YES"
(4) Human Life (supports protecting the lives of children who are born alive and survive a botched abortion)
GOD: STRICTLY "YES"
JOHN MCCAIN: "YES"
BARACK OBAMA: "NO"
(5) Business Freedom (opposes laws forcing business to favor homosexuality)
GOD: STRICTLY "YES"
JOHN MCCAIN: "YES"
BARACK OBAMA: "NO"
(6) Opposes Gay Pride (refused to support gay pride celebrations)
GOD: STRICTLY "YES"
JOHN MCCAIN: "YES"
BARACK OBAMA: "NO"
(7) Youth & Abortion (supports transporting minor girls across state lines for a secret abortion without parental knowledge)
GOD: STRICTLY "NO"
JOHN MCCAIN: "NO"
BARACK OBAMA: "YES"
(8) Opposing Partial Birth Abortions (opposes partial birth abortions)
GOD: STRICTLY "YES"
JOHN MCCAIN: "YES"
BARACK OBAMA: "NO"
(9) Traditional Marriage in States (supports State Marriage Amendments in CA and FL)
GOD: STRICTLY "YES"
JOHN MCCAIN: "YES"
BARACK OBAMA: "NO"
As you see it just so happens that the aged man with white hair supports/doesn't support these strictly moral issues, right in line with what God supports/doesn't, in accordance with scripture.
In like manner, the guy of "change" is in direct opposition to each and everyone of the 9 moral issues that God directly and specifically supports/doesn't support. If they switched bodies right now, I would vote for Senator Obama in a heartbeat.
Could it be any clearer?
Re: IT IS CRYSTAL CLEAR FOR A CHRISTIAN "WHO HAS EARS TO HEAR".
I want to clarify the second paragraph of my previous post above with the following"
"Can a person, once being informed (as you are about to be as I continue further with my comments below) really be pleasing to God, and in clear communication with Him, by voting for Senator Obama???"
Of course, I realize, that there were a number of Christians who voted fror Senator Obama.
We are known by our fruits and not just by our decisions. I do not agree with Obama on Abortion, however the last few republican presidants did not change anything regarding abortion. I work with teens everyday where I have to stay on top of abortion laws- and they are all dictated by state.
I do not support Gay Marraige, but both candidates have the same outlook- no difference, check out the previous debates.
When you are in debt you cut spending and increase income. We're not even gonna talk about what I think we should do about all the money that is going to other countries- including this war. But then people would never vote for me, and I'm not running- THANKFULLY.
However I do believe firmly, that from the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. In the debate with Rick Warren, at Saddleback church, Rick Warren asked the elects what their faith meant to them and here was their answers:
Taken from http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles_of_faith/2008/08/rick_warren.html
Rick Warren asked the candidates about what Christianity means to them.
Obama's answer, according to a partial transcript from Warren:
"It means I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and that I am redeemed through Him. That is a source of strength and sustenance on a daily basis. I know that I don't walk alone. But what it also means, I think, is a sense of obligation to embrace not just words, but also through deeds and expectations that God has for us. And that means thinking about the least of these - acting justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with our God."
And McCain's response:
"It means I am saved and forgiven."
Obama repeatedly supported his standpoints with memorized scripture. McCain never supported his position with scripture. Obama approached issues that would be hottopics humbly. McCain smirked and only discussed what would be agreeable with his audiance.
You may say this is just an issue about being a good speaker. I say it's an issue regarding Luke 6:45.
I did vote today.
I'm just sayin.
Wow the ignorance in some of these post is amazing. While I feel I can not nor will not vote for Obama I like your article. Remember as mentioned God is not Republican nor Democrat nor does he wrap himself in the American Flag. And speaking of religious faith Obama has been much more open about a true conversion to Christ then McCain has.
Aaron you are a doer (sp?) and thats why i applaud your thoughts. I know your pro-life and pro-people and thats what makes your article so great. Infact in a little mini sermon i once heard, the speaker spoke that the church has given up its power to speak on any real social issues because of its lack of action. Many here are questioning you Aaron and I in turn ask us all to question our selves . What are we doing for the body of Christ. Are we following Christ example or are we just against things? Are we against abortion or are we really pro-life? If we are pro-life are we willing to help at crisis-pregnancy centers and tell single mothers its gonna be ok and give our time, money, maybe a room in our house, and say hey we're gonna help you. Do we really care about the poor or do we think they just need to get a job and quit being lazy? Do you think homosexuals are a differnt type of sinner then you are that they are beyond God's grace. If they want to change will you walk with them and support them even when they fail and give into temptation, what will you tell them. When immigrants come to our country will you look down on them or will you welcome them and help them assimilate into our society.
My final words on your article Aaron are these and if they look familiar they should because they are from our Lord starting at Matthew 25:31;
31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
41"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
44"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
45"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
46"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.
Be Blessed people and have a wonderful week.
So the United States should turn the other cheek when attacked? No. Absolutely not. Only one nation should have nuclear weapons and that's the United States.
People seem to forget that there are countries that hate America. They hate everything we stand for. We must be feared. We must remain strong in our military.
We are the greatest nation on earth.
The following comment is from my friend Paul Perry, a missionary in Brazil
I am certainly not politically sharp or highly educated but simply put, this nation was founded literally on the Bible by Godly men with God’s agenda at heart… So much for simple; here are the rest of my thoughts… That’s why our constitution is so short. It was designed to have the Bible as it’s principle substantiating foundational document. As to say… or constitution is to be interpreted by Godly statesmen in light of the Bible. This can only be done by voting for and promoting Godly moral statesmen to office through the Body of Christ. Ungodly men never will as we have seen clearly today… not that I in any way think Mc Cain is truly a Godly Statesmen (Lord help us all if he is the standard!)
If the men of God who have the responsibility to train up believers do not promote Godly men to govern; you have relegated the destiny of the most powerful nation in the world to a humanistic, (many godless), liberal hoard fed by liberal media giants who have no Godly character. Then you put Godly men as lesser citizens with no responsibility to discern the truth in governing this nation. The fruit we see today is a result of the later … voting for the lesser of two evils…
You will see historically a very steep decline in our nation when laws were passed and our modern “Political Church” system fell face first wallowing in the trap of non profit tax exempt. Putting them/us literally under the control of the government .. what law?.. the one that was passed (I believe in the 50’s) that prohibited “501c3’s” Godly men from encouraging Godly men to vote for Godly men! Church leaders = “Godly men/pastors ordained of GOD for God’s Purposes” if they cannot promote Godly men to office what a hypocrisy… Henceforth we have removed Godly men from our government…
Confusing the secular interpretation of separation of church and state with its true intent of the man that quoted it… being this: Its intention was to say “the Government should not dictate or control Godly “religions” . In its historical context, it was to insure that the men of God who wrote and protect our constitution would maintain the way to keep God as the foundation of our Government. (Which by the way president elect has no intention of doing in any way shape or form) He means to change (socialize) the USA.
By stating that it is “a terrible idea for Christian leaders to use their position to trumpet a person or political party.“ Is to say in my opinion…
We should not get behind Godly men who have Godly character and a Godly agenda for our nation, from the pulpit… This is literally against the US constitution and the intent of the founding fathers of this nation, whom, if you “check it out” over 80% of them had doctorates in theology and or divinity and pastored churches or lectured in theological education! Should they have left it to lesser men?
What we really need is a church that is not hampered/intimidated (read: willing to face real life, true persecution) by the government to stand up and be the body of Christ that God has called it to be. Not that all men or churches should be radically politically involved and controlling; but Godly men who are capable to run for government offices should be discipled to do so and certainly be promoted when needed by Godly men according to the word of God…Give honor to whom honor is due… pray for those in authority over you... Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD! And many Proverbs that talk about righteous leaders and nations etc. It certainly will not be the worldly anti Christ system that we have today that will be promoting Godly men to office, especially not with the president elect, the closest thing I have ever seen to a living breathing modern day “Anti-Christ”…
Blessings,
Paul Perry
PS. I do not believe in legislated morality to bring this nation to God…It must be a change of Heart and the present “CHURCH” political system…
You are free to post my comment but only in full so as not to be misunderstood.
Sorry for any grammatical errors you may certainly correct them!
Hi Paul,
It's good to hear from you. I agree with what you wrote on some levels and disagree with it on many levels. I agree that we need godly values in our nation, but the moment I started taking the Biblical prophets seriously, I discovered there were lots of issues that the prophets cared about that have been largely overlooked in today's American evangelical culture. That's why this election was a difficult one for me.
Stay true to your conscience and keep fighting the good fight in Brazil!
Your friend,
Aaron
Aaron,
Once again I completely agree with you on this. I used to be in the same camp of believers who would elect anyone as the President as long as there was even the slightest chance of swinging Roe v. Wade in the other direction. Then, something happened; I researched things for myself. I too know that I am actually more pro-life than ever before.
For too long I was really just going off of what everyone else said that I associated with (in Christian circles & family). Sure, I watched the news and researched as much as any average American, but really my mindset was a product of going along with what I thought was supposed to be the Christian belief on certain issues. I was whole heartedly set on these stances and would very much debate anyone to no end about it. I couldn’t even listen to someone else’s points of view.
After more careful study of the Bible, political stances, and results from political stances, my heart began to change. Most who are still in the mindset like I used to be will read this and with all sincerity say that my heart changing is really a deception by the evil one. I don’t fault anyone for this belief and do understand it, but I live by my convictions which I have to trust are from the Holy Spirit - I just don’t know what else to do. Anyway, as I was studying for myself I started to see the BIG PICTURE of the heart of God and I started to see how (just as you stated so correctly) any candidate we put in office is only a fallen man, not the Messiah. Furthermore, I realized that campaign promises and any given stance on issues will not guarantee results that Christians would like to see. (I.e. there were possibly more abortions under the messiah himself (or G.W. Bush) then under the Clinton administration.) Also, if life is the most important issue, then how could I vote for anyone? Is the answer to not vote? Speaking very generally here, if republicans are anti-abortion yet are ok with allowing the elderly to die because of terrible health care, how can I vote for them on principle? If democrats are the other way around, how can I vote for them on principle? I know that some will say something about the amount of abortions, or the type, or the fact that these babies are so innocent. I completely agree with all that but STILL, that does not get me out of the ethical and moral dilemma. If one single life is lost to the result of bad political policy then that is too much and causes a serious problem for me. I do care greatly about the unborn, I do think that every life should have a chance at life; I also think that every life already living should have an absolute equal amount of passion towards their life as well.
So, how can we possibly answer this in good conscience as Christians? WE CAN’T! It’s not possible; not entirely anyway. For the Christian who casts a vote for a candidate who is “pro-life” yet, knows that this same candidate will most assuredly act against the will of God in any way, shape, or fashion – he/she is just as guilty as the next voter. There is no great or small, amount, young, old, black, white, sick, healthy, American, Arabic, Jew, Palestinian, or otherwise that is any more precious in God’s eyes. Sin is sin; a life is a life, period. This is exactly what dawned on me. Because of this there just isn’t a vote I could possibly cast that would alleviate the ROOT of the problem. This is actually very liberating to realize. As Aaron has been trying to get through to most of our very thick, unjust and unbiblical bias – IT’S ABOUT FAITH IN JESUS, NOT MAN! Never man! No matter what he/she proclaims to believe, they will not be the savior of the nation! The fact is that before someone is elected we just don’t know what their time in office will actually bring concerning issues important to us.
With all this being said, what can we do? Here’s a thought and it’s what I did this year: I took EVERYTHING into consideration, studied ALL the issues and, get this… are you ready… here it comes: I voted for the person I thought would be the best President. Wow, mind blowing isn’t it? I did it in as good of conscious as I could as a Christian man with full faith in Jesus and not the man I voted for. I’m not completely comfortable with this man in all respects, but I am confident that my vote didn’t “displease” Jesus any more than the votes for the other guy. I don’t think we’ll be standing before the Lord and giving any account for our votes for President, by the way. These men will have to give account for their own lives and for how they did in offices God appointed them to. How can God hold us accountable when really all we can do is trust what we read and see on the media about these people? We really don’t know the hearts and minds of these people and since they are all sinful man, God will hold them accountable for that not us.
I don’t have anything against how someone wants to vote but it should be about careful consideration of many, many things and conviction; not things like: One candidate is a God send and the other is the evil one OR the fact that religious leaders endorse a certain candidate OR what the “prophets” say (by the way didn’t prophets in the Bible who wrongly prophesied get stoned to death? Hmmm?)
We must stop dividing ourselves on political issues and any issue that is debatable. Yes, it’s clear that God is for life but being pro-life is not limited to only caring about the aborted. In fact, I question whether or not someone is truly pro-life if they say that any group of lives being unnecessarily taken from this world is more important than the other.
Ok, I’m pretty much done here but wanted to say to you Aaron: I’m extremely proud to be your cousin. Please keep living your convictions. In these end times God is going to continue to reveal areas where we’ve been wrong. Don’t be afraid (and I know you’re not) to go against the grain and to make waves within the church. God has had you in His hand your entire life and He’s going to continue to use you in awesome ways. You have it right Aaron concerning this issue – You are more Pro-Life than most Christians; they just haven’t realized it yet and, sadly, many probably never will.
Adam
Adam,
Thank you for your well thought out response. I think it would do well for everyone in this discussion to know that my cousin Adam is currently in the military and has served two terms of duty in Iraq.
All,
I have deployed twice only once to Iraq though. On that same trip I actually got to see Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and a couple other countries as well.
By the way, I voted for I do support G.W. Bush very strongly. My comment about him earlier was making a point about how Christians have gone too far in support of a given candidate. I will also support this new President just as much and think he too is appointed by God.
Adam
Now that the election is over and I've had some time to think about it, I'm really not worried. I think Obama is in for a surprise. He will find that things like the economy and pulling out of Iraq aren't that easy to fix.
But there will always be people like Peggy the moocher on youtube who think that they have no worries because Obama is in office.
I say let's support our new president, pray for him and his family. After all we know that it's God who is really in control, right?
Tom,
I totally agree. I don't think Obama will be able to do all he said he would do. I do think he's a smart man and will adjust his strategy to meet the realities of his new position. I think Peggy the moocher (whoever she is) is also in for a rude awakening. In the end, I think prayer is far more important than anything a commander in chief can do.
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