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September 26, 2008

Voting Christian

by by Eileen Button

"I won't tell you how to vote. Just vote Christian," the Midwestern mega-church pastor announced from the pulpit to his flock of thousands.

The year was 2004 and unease had begun to blanket the nation. Questions regarding the "axis of evil" rhetoric were being raised. Many were surprised to learn that other countries considered America itself to embody the label.

We had a pro-life president and found ourselves engaged in a tremendously complex war. Believers were faced with the dissonant feeling that, in some ways, the truth had been stretched and our patriotism had been exploited.

It was a time when many felt our faith became unnecessarily tangled (and mangled) in the political arena. Evangelical Christians were expected to vote Republican, leaving believers who preferred the Democratic candidate scratching their heads, wondering where they might fit.

Four years have passed, but it doesn't appear that much has changed.

Ever since presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama took to the stage at Rick Warren's Saddleback Church, the airwaves have been buzzing. Faith is being battered around the political arena once again.

But it will be a little more difficult for the same pastor to encourage his congregation to "vote Christian" in this presidential election. This time around, the candidates are not easily packaged.

John McCain is a pro-life candidate who, for the most part, has kept his personal faith private. His church attendance appears to be nominal.

Barack Obama is an evangelical Christian who supports a woman's right to choose an abortion. His church attendance at Trinity United Church of Christ, under the controversial leadership of Rev. Jeremiah Wright, has gotten Obama into some very hot water.

We all seem to be groping the proverbial elephant, deciding from our often limited perspectives what it means to be a person of faith. We latch onto issues and values we feel are most important and vote accordingly. But the issues ? like the candidates themselves ? are not easily categorized.

Many Christians use a candidate's stance on abortion as their religious/political "litmus test." While we should be deeply concerned about the choices women (and men) make regarding abortion, we need to consider other life-sustaining issues. We should be equally concerned about those throughout the world who ? because of poverty, war, ignorance, oppression or disease ? do not have access to health care, education or adequate nutrition.

Perhaps one of the reasons believers so often lack credibility in our society is that - when others examine us - so few find us to be different. We know the right things to say and repeat the Christian mantras to one another, but they ring hollow when too many of us live lives devoid of Christ's impact.

Let's not fool ourselves into believing that, by "voting Christian," we are somehow released from the personal responsibility to do what is right. We cannot expect our government to fix all our social ills.

If we - the Church - really believe Christ is the hope of the world, we need to start acting like it. Rather than hoping for social programs to provide for our poor and oppressed, perhaps we need to relinquish our fierce hold on personal consumption and wealth and provide for those who have nothing.

We should be appalled by our materialism and selfishness. It should shame us into action to realize that, if the rest of the world lived as lavishly as Americans, it would require several planets to sustain us all.

We need to step up to the plate and begin living sacrificially. While doing so, we must address some challenging questions:

? If Christians care so much about life, why do we fail to provide adequate support to women (and men) who make life and death choices, often in the face of seemingly insurmountable circumstances?

? How can we maintain a biblical perspective on war? If we believe war is a "necessary evil" to bring democracy and freedom to the oppressed, why does our government militaristically ignore the atrocities in countries where we have no economic interests?

? Can we agree that God is concerned with blessing and securing ALL nations, and not just our own?

? How can believers who give lip-service to issues of poverty, social justice and AIDS essentially continue to materialistically consume, charitably give and volunteer at the same level as non-believers?

As we face these and other complex questions, we must refuse to be enveloped by a partisan ideology or be swayed by its dialogue. We must not allow the term "evangelical" to once again get politically hijacked.

We need to carefully consider and pray for our political leaders, but we are the ones who will ultimately change the world. Christ with us - in us - through us can make the difference we too-often depend on our vote to create.

Comments

Elegantly said.

America may be right in many ways, but before she chooses any wrong which God has been known to destroy entire societies for, she'd better think twice! To see what I mean, visit any leading search engine such as Google and enter the following:
OBAMA SUPPORTS PUBLIC DEPRAVITY
Now you know why God in His foreknowledge put some jolting earthquake faults where He did. Before you pick any candidate, remember that the book of Hebrews says that without holiness no one will see God! For Him, Mike

I have to disagree with not giving abortion the weight it deserves. Yes, we probably will always have people in places that will go hungry, not have adequate health care and there will probably always be war. BUT, to vote for a man that thinks it is OK to put a needle into a child's head, wait til the child's heart stops beating and then pull the child from his/her mother's womb could NEVER get my vote!!

I echo passion for pro-life issues in the comment above.

However, I think the challenge here is for two groups. First, for Christians who care _too little_ about the issue of abortion, and who (as Jean put it) neglect to give it the weight it deserves. Jean is definitely right in the sense that this is a an issue of absolute critical importance for our country.

But I think there is also a challenge inherent here for Christians who care _too little_ about other issues that God cares passionately about, most notably poverty. A quick read through the minor prophets (especially Amos) and major prophets (especially Isaiah) as well as the laws God established via Moses shows us that our God cares deeply about justice and is grieved and infuriated when his people neglect those who are outcasts and in need.

Sadly, I have yet to visit an evangelical church whose care for the poor comes even remotely _close_ to its care about the issue of abortion. And I can't think of one "pro-life" candidate in my lifetime who has done more than give lip-service to issues of poverty and injustice.

This isn't a contest of which is more important to God nor am I asserting that one issue is more matter important than another. I simply think that we need to have a complete perspective of what it should really mean to be pro-life. It should means standing strongly against abortion in every way possible; and it also should means standing up for the living who are neglected, oppressed, maltreated, ignored, and abused by our society.

My vote this time around will be for the anti-abortion candidate, but it's been a tough road to get to this decision. My hope is that whoever is in office will value human life fully, both the life of an unborn child and the lives of children born into systems of poverty.

We Christians may come down on different sides about how to address these problems. Some may think the government should solve the problems; some may think individuals and the church should address these problems.

But either way, let's at least start caring passionately about the problems! Let's take a fully pro-life stance that values all people, unborn and born, as much as God does.

My heart breaks at what is happening in this country. Hurricanes one right after the other, sexual perversion, financial crises, gas hikes, and DIVISION in every area imaginable (race, faith, politics, etc)! It's no wonder NOTHING is getting accomplished in the SPIRITUAL atmosphere! God is not only displeased with America as a whole, but especially with His Christian children. We have become the judge and jury for God! We say we are all about representing moral values and what's right; but more and more Christians (famous and unfamous) are COMING OUT OF THE CLOSET like wild fire and depending on who it is, it is tolerable!! The sin of abortion is unacceptable, but it seems like the little sins are ok, depending on who's doing it. I'm constantly hearing who is fit or unfit to preach, teach or even run this country (democrats/republicans). A people and country that GOD created! I have been not only disappointed, but literally HURT by the expressions of CHRISTIANS concerning their views on all the candidates, but especially Obama and Palin! It is very sad! As if Obama or Palin is my enemy. They are my fellow brother/sister in Christ and also my fellow Americans. There's no love and respect from anywhere within the Christian community as the unsave look upon us. Life does begin at conception, but that’s not where it ends!! There are many Christian Pro-lifers who don't treat people very well if truth be told! These same Pro-lifers think abortion is ok in exception! Does that mean if I was born from a case of rape that my life isn't as valuable as the next person! Would Jesus discard me as invaluable by the way I was formed in my mother's womb. I thought that God valued ALL life to include the Bin Laden's of the world! I thought that God was in control of EVERYTHING, including whoever is elected! Can God not change evil into good?! If I recalled, God changed many HEARTS in the bible from STONE to FLESH! A major example was the Apostle Paul!! Is it IMPOSSIBLE that if Obama is elected, that God can do the same with him since he is the one Evangelicals seem to be so concerned about! As if we undoubtedly know what EITHER OF THEM will do once elected! All of them are doing what Politicans do and that is "telling you what you want to hear." My prayer for ALL OF THEM is that God will change their hearts to align with His; just as He does with me DAILY!! My heart is grieved over what I'm hearing on these CHRISTIAN websites, tv and radio programs! I use to love WAVA and other stations, but I have to take a break!! When did we stop trusting WHO God is?!! I can't began to comprehend what God must be thinking of us!! Electing ourselves as judge and jury of a person's heart. Do you think he'll say to most of us, "GET AWAY FROM ME, I NEVER KNEW YOU"!! The division of this nation hurts, but especially within the Christian community. We are to be a part of the solution, not adding fuel to the fire and using scripture when convenient resulting in division. God is so amazing! It's almost as if I can hear him saying now, "YOU ALLLLLL...ARE WRONG"!! Thank God He is so merciful and kind. Grace upon grace each day!! I'm so glad God isn't LIKE US!!!

Thank you so much for writing this and for encouraging us Christians to not just use our faith in making decisions, but also the God-given wisdom and sense of purpose granted to us by our Savior. Christ would not be cowed by political ego-mongering into making unwise choices; nor should we. Issues should matter. People should matter. We need to step up and take action on that.

The Church is not called to be political. The Church is COMMANDED to preach the gospel. Each individual believer must vote in the way he/she is most convinced. There is a difference between the individual choice of political candidate and the corporate actions of The Church. And, there certainly isn't one way to "vote Christian." When churches become embroiled in politics, I believe that we, as the Body of Christ, lose sight of our primary commission, and do more harm to the gospel than good.

This author may have some pertinent points but to claim that Obama is an "evangelical Christian" shows that she is beyond deluded in some very significant ways. Get a grip. It is so upsetting that we are being fed such garbage not just from the mainstream media, but also from Christianity Today's website, which USED to be solid and trustworthy but has become increasingly suspect and, truth be told, liberal-leaning in the last few years. Do they really think we're that stupid? Do they think that if an evangelical media outlet starts promoting Obama that the evangelical sheep are just going to go bleating off and vote for him?? Watch out people. And don't believe things any longer just because it comes from "CT."

OK, so let's assume we ban abortion.

Hey, I'll volunteer to drive the doctors & women involved right to prison.

How are we going to stop rich women from flying to Europe, middle-class women from going to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean and poor women from going to their local back alley for abortions?

We'll need the Fertility Police to make sure that women aren't leaving the country to have abortions. Like in Mao's China or Ceaucescu's Romania.

Homosexuality is wrong.

Not being able to go to church because gas is $3.63 a gallon is not exactly mentioned in the Bible, but it can't be good.

Ann, I'm not sure of what chapter & verse it is; but God loves paragraph breaks.

Yes, abortion is one issue that is very important. 4,000 babies dying everyday is very important. And remember the 20/20 survey they did last Christmas. Giving in the church going area was more than the giving in San Francisco (a very liberal, democratic area. To bad it's someone else's money they want to use to help the poor.) Christians do give, granted not enough. If we all tithed, imagine how much we could do. We also help moms who decide against abortion and we adopt those babies who aren't wanted. We do give to missions and go on missions trips. We do help the poor and improverished. Granted, we could do more.

Jesus was not a Republican or a Democrat but right now the Republicans are holding more of the Christian values. Most of the Democrats are prochoice, pro-gay marriage, pro evolution. They want the government to help people and Republicans think we should keep our money and help them ourselves. Most Democrats figure the government is doing it so the average citizen doesn't need to. When I look at the people from Hollywood and the lifestyles they have, and they vote Democrat, it's not hard to know that I need to be on the other side.

There will come a time in future elections when none of the candidates will talk about their faith. They won't even try to lie and say they are Christian. When that happens, just like now, we have to look at who gives us the most of what God wants and try in other ways to get the country to turn more towards God's way. I don't think either of the candidates this year are really Christian. Obama has the lingo barely but from the fruit I see in Him he can't be born again. McCann seems more Christian to me but he doesn't have born again fruit either. But like I said before, look at the parties and what each stand for.

So far as I can tell, voting for a supposedly pro-life candidate has never brought us any closer to pro-life legislation. It's a ploy that politicians use to polarize the electorate and make them blind to wider issues.

Thanks, Eileen, for this piece. I appreciate this perspective. I'm pretty tired of abortion and gay rights being *the* deciding issues -- as if other ethical and moral issues (war, environment, etc) aren't "Christian" enough. I'm also tired of evangelicalism telling me who to vote for, and I'm tired of having my faith questioned when I state I'm voting for Obama.

Sure, make it illegal to have an abortion, let the baby be born, but God forbid we offer health care, quality education, or fair wages to the child as he/she grows up in poverty. Where's the help for these women? Life just isn't as black and white as some conservative Christians would have us all believe.

As someone above just stated, life isn't just black or white...not since that day in the garden. That is why it is so important that we pray for our leaders and that we live a true Christian life before the world. I have listened to Senator Obama and have actually worked with Senator McCain's staff in past years. I think both would probably make fine Presidents, however I am a Christian that has chosen to support the Obama/Biden ticket. If you look back on the past 8 years of President Bush's administration, I never noticed an abortion clinic shut down...was that what was supposed to happen just because we put him into office? If so, we were all hoodwinked in 2000 and again in 2004. I have heard Senator Obama's response to the 'gay' and abortion questions and his personal feelings are the same as the overwhelming majority of the country, however he also understands that people have certain rights...referenced in the Constitution and he is not for removing those rights because of a persons sexual preference...And if he did, people would still find a way to do whatever they want anyway. Have you noticed a reduction in illegal drug use or DUI's just because the FED passes laws forbidding it...No because people will still find ways around it if that is what they want. I for one choose to let my light shine so that they will see how I live (that includes the mistakes I make also) and ultimately I believe God will get glory from it. As for abortion...I am glad Mary was pro-life and I wish that no child had to die like that...I've witnessed evidence videos of that horror and I can't imagine having to be a potential parent in that situation. I thank God for my 'tribe' of kids...In fact sometimes I feel like Abraham 'cause I have so many and I can't imagine my life without either one of them. I am 100% for getting rid of abortion altogether. But that is only one of the problems this nation faces and I would rather support who I felt had the better overall qualities to serve us and lead us, than to simply choose one over a single issue that has yet to be effected after 8 years of administrative support. So I believe that I support the best candidate to further lead this country and I also believe that somewhere along the way I will be granted the favor to influence some of his policies that I do not totally agree with...you can too!

Come on, how can a person claim to be a Christian and value life so little? Abortion is WRONG. Also, the Bible is very clear about Gay issues. One woman one man marriage.

This election is more clear this year than I think any election has ever been. The candidates have clearly marked where they stand.

I clearly stand with McCain/Palin. They are both PRO-LIFE and against gay marriage. If these aren't Christian issues than what are.

We need to let other countries know that we Americans aren't going to stand for lifes imoralities.

Obama has you fooled if you think that he's going to help you. He would like to raise my taxes. I own a small business, and I don't want him "spreading the wealth". I work very hard and in America hard work is supposed to pay off not be penalized.

Dear Lord I pray that we don't become confused about Christian issues, they do matter. I pray that Satan will stop chinking at our armour little by little saying its ok to vote for someone with wrong moral values. Help America keep armoured with the Sheild of Faith.

Man, voting "Christian" is never easy, even when you know what you believe on the issues. Reading A Heaven-Backed Rebellion: Uncovering the Political Vision of Christian Liberals will help though. You can get it at the new blog, God's Eclectic or through Unlimited Publishing.

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