What I'm about to share is my journey and struggle to define my responsibility as a follower of Jesus and a citizen in a Democracy. This is NOT me telling you what you should or shouldn't feel or think. It simply my struggle, and if it helps you cool, if not cool. My fear is that Mr. Anonymous will show back up and regurgitate his Conservative-Republican-Always-Right comments on my thoughts (see what I mean here and here).
A good friend of mine sent me a post by Randy Alcorn and it wrestled with the Christian responsibility in our political system. The article was titled "Not Cool: Obama's Pro-Choice Stance, and Christians enabling him." It is a well written article that is well thought through and quite thought provoking.
The problem is it didn't convince me to vote, in fact it only made my mind more clear on exercising my right not to vote. And I know what you are thinking, I've seen the same commercials and have grown up in this country too. I know I should vote, or at least I know that I'm told I should vote.
Here is the piece that stuck out to me in the post, Randy Alcorn said, "We will stand before the judgment seat of Christ for our decisions, and a vote is a decision in which we assume responsibility for the known beliefs and moral positions of the candidate. This is not speculation, it is not a spin, it is demonstrable fact: Barack Obama IS committed to continuing the legalized killing of unborn children in this country."
Wait, if that is true then all those who voted the Christian vote in the past two elections, that being for the Christian, Republican, President George W. Bush, we have to take responsibility for his action on judgment day? I guess I better start tearing my sack cloth now and covering my self in ash. I was young and convinced by the Conservative Right that he was 'right.' I'm far less convinced now and even more 'un-convinced' that my participation the political realm as follower of the Way is worthwhile.
I love God and I love people too much to be partisan. I love people too much to seem on either side of the political spectrum. If I'm going draw a line in the sand it will not be over red or blue issues, donkey or elephant perspectives - it will be only on the issue of the man named Jesus. That is it. 
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11 comments:
Not Voting and not casting a vote for one office (President) on a ballot is two different things. I would encourage you to look to the local issues and candidates and VOTE! It's the ultimate "Grass Roots" move.
Well Pink on MTV said to Vote for Mickey Mouse if you want as long as you Vote.
I think I'm a bit more Libertarian - Bob Barr is running for Presdential Office, so maybe take a look into him.
Glad we could entertain you
You are right Bob - I should have clarified that I'm referring here to not voting for a Presidential candidate. I'll vote on the issues.
I wrote a big long response, but it was too critical.
Just remember, while you may think by not voting you are taking a non-participatory approach, your journey to this point is set in stone. Whether you like it now or not you have already participated, by talking, blogging, reading, watching, and listening.
Jesus is never going to be on the ballot. You must choose a person that BEST represents your beliefs and values, a person that BEST represents this country and its freedoms. That person could have a lasting affect on people who come after you and their freedoms and beliefs.
And remember, without people drawing a line in the sand before you, you may have not even had a chance to vote or for that matter have a relationship with Jesus.
If nothing else, like the above poster replied, at least vote on local issues and races.
Kevin,
I know exactly how you feel... almost in regards to everything you blogged about, including the 2004 election... i have almost been driven not to vote for a candidate but it doesn't sit well with me.
Thanks for your opinion, it's encouraging to know that i'm not the only one having hardcore issues here lol.
I here you buddy. I live in Massachusetts where, regardless what anyone says, my vote doesn't make a difference one way or the other.
I do hate how people make the equation Republican = Christian. It's so far from the truth.
People say pick the lesser of two evils, but that doesn't change the fact there are two evils. I'm not saying either candidate is evil but I am saying that I have issues with both.
I don't care about the economy or fiscal issues, I care about the social issues. And despite what he says, Mr. Republican candidate has not shown himself to be a solid supporter on those issues either.
Ultimately, you need to do what you feel is right when it comes to voting, because I am unconvinced it's a black/white area, but instead is gray.
K,
Posted similar a few days ago. The hardest thing for me has been this fundamental change in perception. I voted for Bush and walked out feeling like a hero and why? Because he was a christian. I deeply regret his mistakes and his representation of Christ to those far from Him. I'm stuck. I can't vote for someone who will not fight for moral issues. I also can't vote for someone who will fight against abortion yet promote injustice and unfair dealings with big business among other things.
K,
Posted similar a few days ago. The hardest thing for me has been this fundamental change in perception. I voted for Bush and walked out feeling like a hero and why? Because he was a christian. I deeply regret his mistakes and his representation of Christ to those far from Him. I'm stuck. I can't vote for someone who will not fight for moral issues. I also can't vote for someone who will fight against abortion yet promote injustice and unfair dealings with big business among other things.
As a South African, I can't pretend to know the ins and outs of the US political scene but we are told enough over here for me to deeply commiserate with the Jesus-followers there.
Its seems you are stuck between a rock and a hard place in these elctions.
You need a third option and there isn't one.
God bless America!
Is it bad that I am glad to know that others are facing a similar dilemma as me? I vote absentee and my ballot is all filled out and ready to go... except for the Presidential race. I am torn between two candidates that each embody things that I believe are neccesary in a President, but also have major flaws in their platforms.
OH kevin!!!!! I FEEL YOU!!!! I dont feel that either candidate best represents my beliefs, so Id rather just vote on other issues.
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