This will be the test of the loyalty for some of my viewers for this brand new blog! Many people are staunch are their political views, and others even more grounded in the idea of “separation of church and state.” But with the voting polls opening in less than 2 days it seems appropriate to put some things in perspective…
First of all, it is worth noting that the terminology of “separation of church and state” appear nowhere in any government document; not the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, ammendments, or preamble to any such documents. It was written in a letter from Thomas Jefferson to an association of Baptist churches and referenced by a Supreme Court Judge later on in 1878. Many have tried to suggest that the first Ammendment states “separation of church and state,” which it does not. It does state that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibitting the free exercise thereof.” I am a pastor. I am also an American citizen. My choice to back a political figure is as legitimate as that of any other American. My rights are not invalid simply because my motives are spiritually driven. With that said, I officially endorse…
Jesus. “Really?!? That’s a lame, predictable answer.” Probably, but the truth is no candidate – and I mean NO CANDIDATE – has ever impressed me to such a degree that I would recommend them wholesale for others to vote for. Not that I wouldn’t. “Are you Republican or Democrat?” Neither. I would have said Republican at one point. But I’ve been overwhelmingly disappointed with the moral depravity on both sides of the political aisle. And a candidate who can quote Scripture is as unconvincing to me as someone sitting in church who knows all the right things to say, but does not live it. Both parties say “God bless America.” Do they mean it? What do their political choices suggest? Do the bills they pass honor the God they ask to bless this country?
These days, I’m too busy lifting up Jesus to give the same level of attention to a political candidate. He is still the only one capable of bringing lasting, meaningful change to this country, or the world for that matter. One day, He will return and reign over the world in truth and justice, on a level unlike any human government is capable of. In the meantime, we must remain engaged in the world in which we live and exercise our rights.
I’m an American and I intend to vote on Tuesday. My choices will be based on Biblical and moral principles. In some cases, I will choose the lesser of two evils. But the “lesser of two evils is still evil.” In some races, I’ll not select a candidate at all, simply because I’m hard pressed to stomach voting for either.
I encourage every reader to go out and vote for the individuals who give us the least government interference, lowest taxes, greatest protection, and most importantly, possess the highest character. This may not be the most politically correct post I make, but I have a right to exercise my “freedom of speech.” A statement that does appear in our constitution.
John
