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| Why I Vote Prolife |
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It is election time again and the political pundits are out in full bloom making a case for this candidate and that candidate. Of course there are people, despite the influence of those political pundits, who will vote for a candidate simply because of a canidates gender, ethnicity, or views on abortion. Christians are certainly not exempt from these narrowly focused criteria. In the Christian community the question arises, should we vote pro-life or are there other issues just as important? Should someone who is pro-choice be automatically disregarded as a viable candidate? To make my case that I think a pro-choice candidate should be automatically disregarded as a viable candidate, I would like to look at two significant court cases that I believe to be of crucial importance when framing this debate. The first court case is the Dred-Scott case. In this case the court held that Scott, who had moved with his master from a slave state to a free state had no right to sue for his freedom. It was thought that Africans had no rights under the US Constitution. Whether they were slaves or free did not matter. It was further ruled that neither Congress nor territorial governments had the authority to prohibit slavery in the territories. What this decision did was give government approval to white supremacy. Today, such an act in America would be denounced by Whites and Blacks alike because the stigma of white supremacy has been firmly established, and rightly so, in this country. It would be unthinkable to vote for someone who would say that the decision reached in the Dred-Scott case should be upheld. No one would think of asking, “I know that he advocates White Supremacy, but what are his views on other issues like the economy, the War in Iraq, etc.” For today’s voter, it wouldn’t matter because that candidate has already confirmed that a certain group of people were less than human and did not have the right of self-determination. The leap from those African Americans being treated as less than human, and seeing unborn babies being treated as having less than human rights is not difficult to make. If one does not believe that unborn babies are human, perhaps he or she can rationalize abortion. In the process one would have to ignore scripture which supports the importance of human life before birth.
The second court case is, of course, Roe vs. Wade. “The central holding of Roe v. Wade was that abortions are permissible for any reason a woman chooses, up until the point at which the fetus becomes ‘viable,’ that is, potentially able to live outside the mother's womb, albeit with artificial aid.” The rationale is that an unborn baby is not fully human, and therefore, has no constitutional protection under the law. The unborn baby is relegated to a mere blob of tissue and can be disposed of for any reason the mother chooses. As a Christian, it would be very difficult to arrive at such a view. The Bible it very clear that God is the author of human life and the Bible affirms that life begins at conception. This being so, from a Christian perspective, there is no fundamental difference between a mother disposing of a child be it prenatal or postnatal.
Unfortunately, the stigma of this horrific act has not been established in America. The left in general and the feminist movement in particular have made sure that the pro-abortion position is presented in such a way that people would have a favorable outlook on the position. Arguments such as a woman’s right to choose, or so called reproductive rights are thrown out as somehow being rational arguments. The reason why pro-abortionists have been successful is because they have framed the debate in such a way so the central question is never addressed, namely whether the baby in the womb is a living person or not.
Since, abortion is effectively the taking of a human life, I cannot vote for a candidate who would advocate the pro-abortion position. It would seem to me that I would be serving as an accessory to murder of a living human being, not, as in the pro-choice view, disposing a bundle of insignificant (and inconvenient?) tissue. No this year, at least for me, the pro-life candidate will be getting my vote.
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| I recall the old saying, "If we don't take a stand for something, we will fall for everything". I thank God, that forgiveness is available for those who have had abortions. The Blood of Jesus washes as white as snow !! |
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| Pastor Tim, prepare for the hate mail! lol ... I'm kidding of course (I hope!!). I believe most folks on this site to be pro-life, at least in principle. But it's still a controversial issue, and those who are enthusiastically pro-life can easily be seen as judgmental even in Christian circles. I could write much more, but don't have the time unfortunately. God bless you PT, for your clear unflinching stand for life. BTW, isn't God himself pro-life? Concerning Jesus' reason for lowering himself in order to live among us and eventually die for us, he said "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." |
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Paul, I really appreciate what you said regarding frogiveness. That is so true. The doctor who has performed abortions and the women who have chose to have them need to know that there is total forgiveness in Jesus Christ. A woman who has had two abortions, which is one of the daughters of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., experienced that forgiveness. She is now a spokeman for the prolife position.
Mike, I agree. This site is probably a safe venue to state the prolife position. Regarding what you said about taking a prolife stand being seen as judgmental, I hope this won't be the case. When an article such as this is written, there is always the possibility of it being misiterpreted. I believe that there are a couple reasons for this. One is that 40% of those who call themselves born again, evangelical Christians assert that there is no moral absolutes according to George Barna. Therefore, if a moral abosulute is postulated it is seen as arrogant or judgmental.
The second reason, I believe, is that the prolife position is not without some baggage. There are those who have espoused this position in anger. In my opinion, they have forgotten that the anger of man does not bring about the righteousness of God. |
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R |
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January 26, 2008 at 9:15am |
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Praise God for you Pastor Tim. Thank you. R... |
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| Thanks for your bold stand. We all should be speaking the truth in love. I |
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Sue |
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January 26, 2008 at 9:38am |
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| Outstanding post Pastor Tim! I am with you 100%! The abortion issue is the number one issue I consider. If we don't speak/vote on behalf of the unborn, who will? I also think this issue is a moral litmus test and speaks a lot about the character of the candidate. |
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R |
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January 26, 2008 at 9:54am |
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Hey Pastor Tim, To comment on the anger issue you mention. It is from the frontlines (at the abortion clinic), that we see anger so much a part of the other side, not the pro-life side. But people... Christians included, think it's not loving to show the signs of torn apart babies, they think it's not loving to yell at the father's, "you are a coward, be a man, face the responsibilty, I beg you, don't let them murder that child." They deem that as angry, unloving and unkind... and then Jesus speaks as He did through Stephen, and then the stones begin to be hurled your way. They say things like, "those pro-lifers aren't real Christians... Jesus would never do that, He never got angry." Oh really? I think Jesus would do everything He could to save the life of the innocent, even at the risk of being called angry and unloving. I remember the wisdom of Solomon, "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and the needy (Prov.31:8,9)." I close with a song that has ministered to me today. Oh that we might all sing it at this tempo with this same heartfelt sincerity: http://youtube.com/watch?v=ovYPQl93zro R... |
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| PT, if your kids are looking for entertainment with a pro-life message, try turning em on to Kimba the White Lion! hehe |
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recon77 |
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January 26, 2008 at 10:06am |
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| I assume that you are voting for Ron Paul then and actively campaigning for him? |
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I have stood out for the "unborn" since the 70's I know that our Lord was conceived on december25th and I believe there is a good reason God wanted us to know this. That ALL life has reason. yet, those who murder and God says,"Send them to me." are cared for more than the innocent in the womb.
My son who is about 32 now was almost killed by one of these sneaks. A doctor (small case) named Betigold in Springfield, Massachusetts told my wife it was his professional opinion that she needed a hysterectomy. She was 19 years old. I was called into the office and he told me the same thing. I looked at him and told him I doubted he could just observe my wife for five minutes and come to such a conclusion. He told me they would schedule a test where a die would be flushed in her tubes to make sure. But he knew it would show his belief. His eyes were all over the place but not looking in mine.
We got home and I made an appointment with four other doctors in my area.
I felt that was the loss of the one and only child we could ever have. Although there was no child there.
The first doctor we went to looked her over and after he was finished. He came out in front of me and her and said Mrs.______ you are pregnant! Who told you that you needed such a procedure? He (Bedigold) became the head of the abortion clinic in Springfield, Massachusetts latter that year. He would have killed my only boy. And made it sure that my girls would never be born. These murderers need to be put where they belong. An even louder wording need be said for the unborn. but, I don't trust politicians to help.
Money, power and more greed is all I see in all the candidates!! |
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| Awesome blog with God receiving the glory! He reigns! |
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Steve, thanks fro your kind words.
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)
R, thanks for your kind words. I agree that there is a lot of vitrol among proabortionist proponents. But I think there is some on our side as well. For instance, those in the name of the prolife position who have killed abortion doctors. While this level of anger represents only a very, very, very small minority of people in the movement, it is present. I think it is important to defend our position in a spirit that would glorify Jesus.
Keith, Amen back at you bro!
Sue, I like what you said. "If we don't speak on behalf of the unborn, who will?" I totally agree.
Mike - Kimba the white Lion - I Love it!
Reconn - I haven't decided who I am voting for yet, but I will consider Paul as a viable candidate.
Golden - Thanks for your stand on this position.
Pastor Dave - Thanks bro. Yes, God does reign! |
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| Here's a choice; choose to be careful, use birth control or practice abstinence. Those so-called "fetuses" feel the pain when they are murdered! Just for anyone who thinks i am being harsh and blunt, I just want to say that I had an abortion back about 9 years ago...and it was wrong then, and it's wrong now. However, we need to have mercy on the women who do it, and know not what they do. I agree, Pastor Tim, that this should be a very very important issue to consider. |
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| Lara, very well said! I Love the way that you tell it like it is :-) I totally agree. |
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Deb |
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January 26, 2008 at 2:00pm |
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| Great blog Pastor Tim! |
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The first and only presidential candidate I have ever seen in my life worth running for President He is a true leader and a man of God who stands firm on all issues and is not afraid to take a stand. Is pro America all the way. check Him out don't go with the flow like cattle following the heard vote from your heart. www.mikehuckabee.comEveryone who wants Mike Huckabee to win should be calling on his behalf. Don't stop calling or get discouraged It is crucial at this time Our voters need to hear from Mike Huckabee's people. Lots want to know more about Him and are unsure who to vote for and you can make that difference on their vote for Mike Huckabee.
He is pro life and always has been a great man I have been to debates and other things a business breafast at church were he spoke and a few press conferences as well he is the only one who takes time after to talk with the people and listen to them as well His wife and daugther are also very great on their gruling schedule. they all at different events took time to take pictures and sign things for my kids as well others too. A true american and man for the people who believes in ONE NATION UNDER GOD!!!
PRAY AND SEE WHAT GOD TELLS YOU TO DO.
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Wyatt, Deb, ds123zz DI, thanks for your comments.
Mike Huckaby is one of the candidates that I am considering. |
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Ben |
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January 26, 2008 at 8:10pm |
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My sister had her first child out of wedlock. When she found out she was pregnant she considered having an abortion. I prayed and prayed and I talked to her and she decided to keep the baby. That was 9 years ago and I consider her a testimony to the power of prayer. She's a beautiful vibrant and intelligent little girl and we are very close. She has brought so much joy to our family. I really think that if more women understood what a blessing a child is they wouldn't consider abortion but would either choose to keep the child or bless someone through adoption. I can't imagine the last 9 years of my life without my nieces (she now has two girls). Thank you for the post Pastor Tim. |
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R |
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January 27, 2008 at 5:14am |
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Hey, First, sorry for the length of this reply, but it is an important issue = Life. I'm not providing this information to fight with anyone. But simply to ask them to consider the things I've read and heard. We all need to be informed, even if that information is not favorable to the positions that we hold. 1. ds123zz Diana, In regards to Mike Huckabee, please read this article on some of the things he has said. There is some reason to doubt that he supports life over choice, when the going gets tough. http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/232094841.html Is it a privacy issue or a human life issue? Is he saying... if you can't murder them in Utah, just go to California where you can? Leave it up to the States!? That's not an answer, it's a copout to get votes (imho). 2. recon 77, This is a quote from Wikipedia (they give sources), I know it says there is some dispute about it, but other people who have kept an eye on Paul, think that when the pressure is on, he will go pro-choice. Quote from page, "Paul is pro-life, but opposes Federal laws regulating or banning abortion, advocating overturning Roe v. Wade to let states determine its legality." Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Paul He seems to be saying about the same as Huckabee. Both have said strong things in support of pro-life, but then they flip flop and say something that un-does it. I've had enough of that during my lifetime and I hope the rest of the body of Christ has as well. When I go to the ballot box, if there is even a hint that the person has said, "in some cases the innocent can be murdered," my ballot will go un-marked. I would rather stand on God's side than go with a canidate who says only a few will be murdered. That (for me) is not good enough. And in my mind, I don't think Jesus would approve of it either. But then the question arises, "won't we get and even worse canidate, if we don't vote for the comprimising canidate?" Answer: "I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years (Rev.20:4)." Comprimise or Christ, which? |
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| Excellent point where are you and your eloquent speech when I need you... LOL. You know a lot of the circles I travel in I sometimes don't know how to come across pro - life without coining across anti whichever lady may have been duped into a previous abortion. Sometimes it's difficult to express disdain towards sin while still expressing love towards those that our lord loves. I love the way you put this 2 things that are really on my heart as elections loom are pro - life, and pro Israel. Oh yeah marriage needs to be between a man and a woman. I can't believe we even have to discuss this. I'll bet Sodom didn't become Sodom all at once I'll bet it happened a few degrees at a time. |
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Gene |
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January 29, 2008 at 4:50pm |
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Rather than present any position (pro-life or pro-choice) I'll reiterate that I'll be voting for whom I see to be the best person who can lead the country - that may mean that I don't get all the things I like in that person.
There are many issues that are christian related that I can take as my platform - right and left. If you have a candidate who says that they are against giving money to the poor and withholding funds from those with medical needs, is that good or bad? If a candidate says that they believe that Americans need to be without restrictions in matters of world issues, is that assertiveness or arrogance? If the candidate says that they may disagree with a position but uphold the law regardless is that person conflicted or John F Kennedy?
I'm not saying that this isn't an important issue. I just don't think that it defines the entire person in the manner you indicate. I'm sure that history will demonstrate which position is right. Me? I'll be finding out in less than 80 years. Until then, I'll vote for the person who can keep us all under law, protected from foreign and domestic attack, with the greatest number of people secure from the dangers of poverty and injustice. that's a broad order and a single issue is too small to make it the determining factor. |
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Ben, R, Dave & Dennis _ Thanks so much for your comments!
Gene, thanks for your comments and I would say that I agree that other issues are important. However, I think that the illustration that I gave was a good one. Let's say that a candidate advocated positions on foreign and domestic policy that you agreed with, except the person was a white supremacist. Could you vote for that person? This is the point that I was attempting to make in the blog. |
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| I have to agree with Pastor Tim, as long as we are killing babies by the truckload we are going to live under The Judgement of the Lord. The best economic minds in the world can't compensate for that. I think the same could be true if we fail to stand by Israel. |
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Kathy |
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January 30, 2008 at 5:21am |
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Gene's points are good ones. I have stated a similar opinion here. I personally would not equate voting for a pro-choice candidate with voting for a white supremacist one. Regardless of which side of the abortion issue we are on, we must admit that half the country, including many intelligent and God-fearing people, is on whichever is the opposite side. Despite what we may believe and how strongly we may believe it, the abortion issue is not a black and white issue. If it were, so many intelligent people would not feel so strongly on the other side. White supremacy, on the other hand, is not embraced by any intelligent human being, so, no, I would never vote for a president who was outright stupid.
I am certain there will be no candidate who totally takes my views on every issue (everyone sighs in relief!), but the abortion issue will not be my main presidential concern. I am much more concerned with choosing someone who can handle the many areas of international conflict that the next president will have to face immediately. Our world and country are in a critical position, and stopping abortion will not fix it. |
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Gene |
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January 30, 2008 at 7:03am |
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I think I might vote for a white supremacist if the other candidates were incapable of leading. It is for God to deal with that person's shortfall. My vote would not be an endorsement but a choice between the least of all evils. It would need to be an extreme condition but I couldn't rule it out.
I thank God that we don't have that choice. I also do not equate the pro-life situation to white supremacy. Whereas the people of influence at the time of Dred-Scott used the Bible to twist their perceptions, The pro-life argument is based more on a disagreement about when the spirit enters the new person. There is little in the Word that addresses that situation. Jesus Words and Paul's words about egalitarianism adequately addressed the Dred-Scott condition. |
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Glenn |
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January 30, 2008 at 10:54am |
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PT, you knew you were stirring a hornets nest. There is some good conversation going on here. I tend to agree with Gene, Kathy and Dennis that this one issue while important would not disqualify a candidate in my mind. The international crisis that the next president will face are going to be enormous. It seems that we are entering a very difficult time in the worlds existence and God help who ever is the next president.
Just wanted to chime in but can't write more now, got an appointment to fly to in the 60mile an hour winds outside my office.
peace |
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Thanks everyone for your comments. This topic has generated some great discussion!
PT |
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Pro-life is a serious consideration for me too Pastor Tim- though since I don't vote in the primaries it only affects how I vote in the general election. In that election, typically it seems the candidate who represents my position WRT abortion likely represents my positions on other issues as well. So practically speaking, I am not a single-issue voter. Though I could be.
Since when is the man/woman who is after God's heart not the best choice in leadership roles? Are we to consider only their outward appearance on all the other issues (economy, international affairs, immigration), as Samuel considered the outward appearance of all David's older brothers, neglecting the one whose heart was most devoted to the Lord? And who also turned out to be the greatest leader, and God's choice? It seems a person's attitude towards the smallest and most defenseless among us reveals much about their heart towards God. At least it seems that way to me. |
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| Mike, I have found that to be true for me as well. Those who are typically pro-life candidates tend to line line up on the other issues that I agree with such as the preservation of the family, lower taxes, and smaller government. There are issues that conservatives advocate that I disagree with, but by in large, I fall on the conservative side of the political spectrum. |
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Gene |
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January 31, 2008 at 2:11pm |
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PT, Mike,
I know a very wonderful person whose heart is for the Lord. He is loving and caring and would do anything for you. In a room full of people, you'd know his attitude because he shows it in everything he does. He is also a Downs Syndrome patient and knows he'd never be sufficient to run his own life without help from other people. There are people who know how to do those things but he realizes he just can't do them.
I realize that its an extreme position but it demonstrates the fact that there is more to surviving this earthly life than a heart for God. That, as a single issue, will not work and neither will it when it comes to the presidency. |
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Pastor Tim, well written and to the point. Good dialog, too. However, I would say that you take some very complex issues and boil them down to terms that meet your needs for the discussion. While Dred-Scott was a terrible decision in hindsight, it was centered around a power play between the state and the federal government with the federal government trying to take power away from the states. Even that is too simplistic of a description.
Dennis is absolutely correct in that the only, repeat ONLY, thing a president can do about abortion is to appoint judges. What needs to be done is for Congress to amend the constitution to clearly state that life begins as conception. That is the ONLY way to outlaw abortion in this country. Other than that, it is a useless political topic for presidential candidates to be discussing. They have no play in the topic.
I am with Gene in that I will be voting for leadership. While I would disqualify a white supremacist (or any racist for that matter) as one who can not lead this country, I do believe leadership, including a person of character, is by far the key ingredient for a successful president.
Once again, Pastor Tim, well written post. I appreciate it a lot. |
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Now Gene my buddy, nobody said anything about voting blindly, and I certainly don't think there'll be any running w/Downs. lol
Maybe we all ought to pray and ask God what it means to trust him in all things, including voting (selecting our leaders). Did Israel not pay a stiff price for selecting the leader(s) that appeared most "qualified" from a worldly standpoint? I would rather stand before God and give an account of how I sought leaders who feared him first and foremost. Only then can I truly be blameless when the country goes down the tubes! lol |
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Gene |
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February 01, 2008 at 8:22am |
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I know, Mike, and I apologize for the extreme example. I also know about Hezekiah who was a Godly King but who accomplished nothing during his time on the throne other than a return to God for the country. However, since we do not live in a theocracy, comparing ancient Israel to contemporary American politics is a bit obtuse.
Dennis is right. Christian principle does not mean leadership capability. Just look at your own church (this is true in all churches). It's filled with Christian people but many of who are incapable of leading the congregation let alone any larger organization. |
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| I would agree that being a Christian doesn't qualify someone to be president. However for me, I try and vote for the person who has positions that are consistent with a Christian worldview. For example, I could vote for Mitt Romney who is a Mormon. |
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Yet we can find many useful and applicable principles in the examples offered by ancient Israel. Otherwise, why bother including Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I & 2 Samuel, I & 2 Kings, I & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther in the canon at all? Again I'm afraid we're taking things to extremes. Nowhere has it been asserted that a person's Christianity is the sole qualification for leadership (at least not intentionally!!). Even David had far more than just a love for God. (courageous, decisive, good warrior, extremely loyal, patient, etc. - great leadership traits!)
I think Voice has said it best thus far, "leadership, including a person of character, is by far the key ingredient for a successful president." I'll go with that. And what is the greatest determinant of a person's character/morality/conscience???? Isn't it the extent to which that person seeks to obey God (Father, risen Son, and indwelling Holy Spirit) on a daily basis.
Another consideration... One man doesn't govern alone. He surrounds himself with numerous advisors and co-leaders. His character goes a long way toward determining who he chooses for these roles (and how he chooses them). So no, I don't think a prospective leader needs to have a PhD in economics or international law to be a great prez. For me, the top consideration among others is the extent to which he loves God w/all his heart, mind, soul, and strength. |
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Gene |
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February 01, 2008 at 9:30am |
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And to that, PT and Mike, all I can say is Amen!
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Mike, great point. Ronald Reagan is a great example of this. His brilliance was that he surrounded himself with capable people.
I would like to add a clip from Ravi Zacharias that deals with the subject, "Are moral values necessary in Politics" Brilliant points made. I would encourage everyone to listen to the clip all the way through.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOK5evS_ago |
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| Awesome. I didn't know that. I think they picked the right guy. He is an awesome man of God. I wish I knew half the stuff that he does:-) |
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Grant |
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February 01, 2008 at 4:05pm |
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| I think (hope) that 100 years from now people will look at our generation in a similar manner to how people look at the ancient Greeks for placing newborn unwanted babies out for animals to devour. |
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Gene |
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February 01, 2008 at 4:11pm |
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| But Grant, isn't that the practice now for candidates? |
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Cheryl |
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February 01, 2008 at 4:14pm |
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I have to add, my aunt use to work for Planned Parenthood and she had to count the toes and fingers and other parts after each abortion to ensure that the baby was removed for the safety of the mom new free woman.
I usually fast before an election and have voted for a general forum and for spec. topics. Abortion however is the only topic (so far) that I will vote straight party on if needed! |
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| Woman of Joy, Dennis, Grant, Gene, and Cheryl, thanks so much for your comments. It has been a great discussion! |
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R |
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February 02, 2008 at 4:40am |
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Hey Pastor Tim, Another thing your original article reminds me of... is the argument about the pro-life community using signs. I know I'm risking bringing this backwards to the racial references, but I think it needs to be remembered. Glad you cited slavery. Some may not know the story of Emmett Till. But he was the young black boy (14), who was murdered by a couple of white men. His face was so disfigured from the beating that most thought it would be a closed casket ceremony. But his mother said, "no, I want the world to see what hatered has done to my boy." Some 50,000 people and the world saw that young man... and that had a great impact on changing peoples complacency about slavery and the unequal rights of the african American community. Today, the pro-life community follows that same logical stance, "see what they are doing to the children." We hope that if people will look with their eyes, maybe their hearts will follow and we will stand against this unequal rights also. NPR has a good clip... but I have to warn you the images are just as shocking as the pro-life signs. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1969702 |
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| arlene, you are referring to "Silent Screams" I think (my dad saw it--he was a biology teacher), which, BTW they aren't even allowed to show now. Dad told me about this (and I still dont' think he knows I had an abortion) before I was healed of it, and I would almost vomit and burst out crying when he would describe it. Praise God for His healing and restoration! Praise God He has my girl up there with Him. |
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| I am amazed that people hold anything, more important than Christian values (morality). Isn't that like trading a dollar for a dime? or a penny? |
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Lourdes |
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February 05, 2008 at 8:43am |
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| Excellent blog. Thank you! |
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Pastor Tim, I am with you. One of the most interesting things I find in the Bible about life, in utero, is the interaction between the unborn John and unborn Jesus that takes place in Luke 1. John leaps for joy when Mary, carrying "in utero" Jesus, draws near! I find that fascinating. That should say something about God's stance on the value of unborn life, and therefore the stance of anyone who is a Disciple of Christ. For me, I would take a "God-hearted" leader, with no experience and who values the life of every Human being especially the most defenseless, those in-utero, over a financially savvy or politically suave leader anyday. The Man or Woman with a heart on fire for God, who acts Justly, loves Mercy, and walks Humbly with our God (Micah 6:8), that is the leader I will follow, experience or not. -Aaron |
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| I am seeking the "God-hearted" leader who is financially savvy, politically suave etc. Or, the leader who knows how to surround himself with those who can lead in needful areas. "With God, all things are possible" |
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Gene |
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February 09, 2008 at 9:57am |
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I don't want to re-open a long discussion, but, Aaron, brother, that's not how you run a country. Great ideas with no ability does not get you very far. I'm not sure about my surgeon's spiritual life but I really, REALLY want him to know his stuff when he holds that knife.
I'll take the position that the apostle Paul took when he said to pray for our leaders because there isn't one there that God didn't have His hand over. Yet I doubt that Caesar was very sympathetic at that time and we know that Jewish leaders were trying to stamp out that "Way" movement.
I'll pick the one who will be good for the country. He doesnt necessarily need to be the best Christian. That isn't my place to judge anyway. Still, I agree with you, Paul. Let's see what we can find by way of good political leadership - based on good moral and spiritual substance. THEN we've got something! |
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Gene, I agree, there is no reason for my opinion to restart a conversation you all were aparently done with. But brother Gene, I disagree with you, that IS how you lead a country, you align with God and you vote to put people in positions of authority, who most closely follow the leadership of the ultimate Authority, experience or not. That is whats best for our country! The more I read through the Bible, the more I see that the men and women that God chooses to lead, rarely seem like the most trained or "best" in their abilities, rather God appears to choose them because of their relationship with Him. God seems to choose from what I like to call the "B" team, those who from worldly view point are not the best and brightest, and through their weaknesses He can work! What about David, the lowly teen, against the experienced warrior Goliath? What about the stuttering Moses against the Pharoah and leading a nation out of bondage? What about the homeless John the Baptist leading the way for the Messiah? What about the lowly illegitimate son of Joseph, the humble carpenter Jesus, who died on a cross between two thieves and conquered death, so that you and I may live for eternity? You go ahead and vote for the most politically experienced person and hope that their moral character is strong enough to guide their decision making ability, and I'll go ahead and vote for the man who most closely resembles Christ and hope that God blesses his leadership ability through their relationship. As a Christian, I will always vote and I will always follow the person who resembles the Good Shepherd that I follow, no matter how experienced he/she is. For His Glory, Aaron |
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