When George W. Bush was elected to a second term, I remember hearing a popular slogan in churches and throughout the Christian media outlets: "Vote the Bible." Hmmm. Hold that thought.
In this most recent election, I heard Christians saying that they had to vote according to their convictions. Hmmm.
So recently, I've been thinking. According to Politico.com, Senator John Ensign of Nevada recently resigned from his post after news of his extramarital affair surfaced and scandals swirled around it. This same article references Sen. Larry Craig's involvement in a sex sting 2 years ago. And still again Sen. David Vitter was caught up in a prostitution ring! Most recently South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford was caught in a lie as news of his adulterous affair with a woman from Argentina surfaced.
Besides for being men without self-control or respect for their wives, what else do these men have in common? Give up? They are all Republicans. Why does this matter? Here's why. For years, Christians have associated Republicans with morality. Based upon abortion views and gay marriage primarily. My problem is that Christians actually believe one party is more moral than the other. Since when do politics and Christianity go together?
The danger with placing ourselves on a moral pedestal is just this. Each of these Republican leaders is guilty of sexual sins. Are these sexual sins equal to or better than homosexual sex? Is it better to be in a heterosexual marriage and cheat or to be in a gay relationship and be faithful? Christians have placed themselves in a position to be ridiculed by the masses. People do not take us seriously. By saying things like "Vote the Bible", we imply that "our" candidate is like a representative of Christ. Dangerous.
To be Republican officials, these men are required to say that they agree with the staples that make up their party's platform. While I do not advocate abortion or gay marriage, I do believe abortion will be legal until the end of time, regardless of the party in office. I also believe gay marriage will become legal. I'm not sure if voting for a candidate for what they say they believe is enough. Who cares, if they don't change anything?
For those of you who are angry with me, let me make a couple of statements. I do not think Democrats are Christians either. An individual may be a Christian, but not the party. Pretending to be a believer is very lucrative because Christians are often gullible. I do not believe presidents are representative of the Bible in any way. I do not believe we have a Christian country either. I'm not sure where that idea comes from. I am also NOT implying that these men are anything but human. Christians commit these same sins. My point is that, in my opinion, the church should not be affiliated with a party. I'm sure you all have something to say, and I am actually looking forward to hearing it.
Rubies are rare and precious jewels. Every facet is unique. When they are broken, they can only be restored by the Creator.
3 comments:
I don't often comment on political posts. But something you said here really stuck out.
"I'm not sure if voting for a candidate for what they say they believe is enough. Who cares, if they don't change anything?"
I said this throughout the last election (although probably not as eloquently). It's definitely not enough for someone to say they believe something, whether they are genuine in their statement or not. The problem is, once they are in office, how much power do they really have to make the change, when there are others involved (congress, public elections, etc)?
I'm sad about the recent news of sexual immorality all over the place. Pastors, politicians, teachers, factory workers, even the man next door is not exempt from temptation. But, I'm also glad for those involved, so they can begin the healing process. Living those lies must be very stressful.
We place "celebrities", whether political, entertainment, sports figures, or whatever, on pedestals as well - expecting them to live up to our expectations and shunning and/or ridiculing them when they fall short, even though we are no better than they are. For some reason, it's a worse sin if you are a public figure than if you are the guy down the street.
OK. Stepping down off my pedestal before I fall off. Great thoughts here.
I actually hate politics as a whole and usually don't talk about it because there's always something negative and positive on both ends and honestly I'm a registered Republican but truly don't care for either parties since I've been old enough to vote I never had a candidate u really cared for yet. I was a democrat at 18 but switched over later. I remember the whole vote the Bible thing. I was never on that kick honestly and my Pastor is and has been a Democrat. I remember the change in Christians but unfortunatly I felt most (not all) were just voting on race and I had huge issues with that and while I was proud to see Obama in office there was a lot of stuff I didn't agree with him onthat went far past abortion and same sex marriage. But then McCain sucked to me too and honestly I stood at the polls just looking at the ballot this time cause I really didn't like them.
Since I didn't grow up in a household that mixed politics and religion the whole concept is still new to me. I just believe in really researching the candidates and praying over the decision. I believe Christians are needed inboth parties. Sadly I already expect politicians to cheat so when I hear it I'm just like "oh another one.". It's as normal to me as brushing my teeth. Too me it's not news worthy anymore. I pray that Obama doesn't and I hope this family image he's portraying is genuine but I don't believe any of them
I enjoyed reading your post
I had quite a few typos too:-) Sorry I don't type good from my phone
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