Clergyman Charlie: On The Election
February 7th, 2008 by Charles Lamb
Most of us feel that it is a privilege and responsibility as citizens, to vote. Although it is easy to become disillusioned with politics, and especially with the way money influences elections these days, it seems better to participate rather than drop out of the process.
I know at least one intelligent person who won’t vote any more, because he feels that all of the candidates in both parties owe too much to those who finance their campaigns to be free once they are elected. I share his disgust, and disappointment, with the way that elections are financed in our country.
However, there are differences between the candidates, and the parties’ platforms. At times it may be voting for the lesser of two evils, but at least we can try to vote according to our beliefs and principles.
While there is a lot of talk today about separation of church and state, and some candidates are assuring us that their religious convictions will not dictate their policies, I for one still feel that Christians ought to vote for people who espouse principles and programs that are in line with their Christian convictions.
For me, that means that some of the issues listed below will be matters concerning which I listen carefully as the candidates make their promises.
- Care for the environment. Most people, according to polls, agree that protection of the environment is an important issue. However, it does not seem to rate high in the issues about which people care most. The economy, the war, and other issues are listed higher in voters’ concerns. This isn’t true for me. If we don’t protect our home, our planet, some other issues won’t matter much in the long run. I believe the Scriptures teach that we have a responsibility to be good stewards of the creation. I want to hear more from the candidates about their stand on environmental issues. Will the person who wants my vote promise to enact strong policies for the protection of our water, our air,and our forests? Will he or she join with other nations in plans to stop global warming?
- Of course the economy is an important issue. The Scriptures are full of admonitions to care for the poor. What candidate and what party will do more to help those at the bottom of the economic ladder to have hope and the possibility for a better life? The Apostle Paul said that there should be a “fair balance” between those with assets and those in need. (II Corinthians 8:13-14) I want to vote for someone who is not so interested in protecting the wealthy but one who wants to see the life of the poor improved.
- I don’t think I need to say a lot about the war. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peace makers…” He didn’t say “peace hopers” or “peace wishers” but peace makers. Will the next president be a peace maker?
- We are told to care for strangers, or aliens in our midst, in Deuteronomy 26 and elsewhere in both the Old Testament and the New. And don’t forget, in the famous passage in Matthew 25, Jesus speaks of the day of judgment and says “I was a stranger and you took care of me.” When people ask him when they did that, he said, “As you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” When I hear candidates discuss the situation of illegal immigrants, I want to vote for someone who recommends a compassionate solution to the problem.
There are many other issues I could mention. I am not optimistic that we will find a candidate who embodies all of the qualities I’d like to see in a president. If there was such a one, he or she probably wouldn’t have the funds to be on TV or become known. Once elected, getting his program through Congress might be impossible. I realize I sound quite pessimistic here, but maybe I’m realistic.
Nevertheless, I’ll cast my vote for the one whom I feel comes closest to sharing the principles and ideals that I believe in. How about you?
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