Earlier this week, my mind got attacked with two compelling questions; the first has to do with politics and the second, religion. In order to gain perspectives on this, I asked two of my friends who have passions in these particular areas. Below is the exact conversations I had with these two, I welcome your thoughts in response to these questions, but I also have to say that I agree with these perspectives.
This first one asks the questions of our lack of focus as Christians when it comes to national concerns:
Back to the Blog: I have to say that I agree with Adam's viewpoint, but I do still think that there is a majority of Christians who have focused on the international concerns without even considering those of their own nation. We have to have a multi-focused heart that cares for all people not just certain types of people. On the other hand, we can sometimes concentrate too much on the national and local side than on the international side. Again, having an equal focus is key.
Now on to the second question that plagued my mind. This one specifically deals with the so-called "duty" of American Christians to vote for somebody just because they are Christian. Here's the conversation:
PastorL5:
Aaron, Hey! How are you doing? I really hope things are going well for you at CCU and Echo. I am writing to ask you your opinion on the issues of voting. How much should I weigh religious beliefs in the voting of a candidate? Should I, for instance, vote for Mike Huckabee because he is a Christian and not because he is a good leader? Am I not allowed, Biblically, to vote for Obama because he may or may not be Islamic? In my mind there should be nothing wrong with voting for the leader of this country because he is a good leader. Ethically or Biblically is there something wrong with this? I do care about things like abortion and creationism and all those other things, but even with a "Christian" Candidate those things will not be abolished. So why should I vote for someone just because he is a follower of Christ? Shouldn't his leader capabilities be counted? What are your thoughts to this? Peace, Love, and Soul Larry
Here is what Aaron had to say in Response:
Hi Larry: I hope your ministry is doing well. Echo is going great and teaching full time is a blessing. I have no universal or normative principle to offer you on voting neither really does scripture. I think you are free to vote your conscience on this. For me, the most important thing I consider in a candidate is not what is his or her's views on specific issues such as abortion or gay marriage or even public education. But I am concerned with is what is their overall theory of government. I want to know their political philosophy. I personally am a free market, libertarian and so I am looking for someone who believes that more government is not the answer to our problems. I also want a president who understands that government is a necessary evil! I also want a president who understands the original intent of the constitution and understands the principle of liberty. Remember the principle of liberty? I believe that most of the candidates in our current campaign all believe in big government, military intervention and social welfare. I am opposed to all those and therefore I am opposed to most of the candidates on both sides. --aaron
I have to agree with Aaron on this point. There is no requirement within the Scripture that requires us to vote for a particular candidate because of religious beliefs. By the way, in case you are wondering, I have not decided as to who I want to win the candidacies on either side (although I have a strong opinion of who I don't want to win the Democratic side). With that said I will weigh the options heavily and decide within my own criteria as to who I should be voting for.
Well that's it, let me know what you think.
Adam,
Sorry I didn't email this question but I couldn't find your regular email address. With that said, I have had a question on my mind ever since your blog on helping third world countries. This is truly an admirable mission, and one that will be rewarded by God, but here is my question. Why do you think we put such an emphasis on helping foreign poverty when there is plenty of poverty in America. Doesn't it seem like that only time we offer help to those at home is when there is a major disaster? I believe churches need to be involved in more than just international missions. I believe that there should be a focus on community, nation, and international. We do a great job on the community and international but yet completely forget about those around the country that could use some financial assistance and even a hug. Just a thought, was wondering what your response to this was. This has nothing to do with you personally, by the way, but you are the one person I thought of that could give me a decent answer.
Well, it really shouldn't be an either/or proposition. We should be the hands and feet of Jesus in our own backyard as well as the world around us.
Acts 1:8 - you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea, in Samaria and to the ends of the earth.
I don't think Jesus meant to just proclaim His word in those places, that we are to be "little christs", following his example. To be concerned what he was concerned about.
I agree that there are some serious problems in the U.S., and I would never say that we should ignore those problems. Hopefully we can all be his hands and feet no matter where he calls us to, whether it be to our own country, our own state, our own city, or the world.