I figured I would just do a post with a question instead of having to put it in the comments.
Let's say for a moment that I have to vote. I have no choice in the matter. Why should I decide to vote for one guy over another? Because let's be honest, these aren't the best we got. We have to choose between two very rich men, who will lie and compromise as much as possible to make sure that they get re-elected.
So, how am I supposed to vote? Based on abortion? Based on homosexual marriage? Welfare reform? War decisions? Social issues? Taxes against the poor? Taxes against the rich? This is my quandary. I feel like no matter who you vote for you are deciding between two terrible candidates and you just have to pick the best of the worst. And by the way, in my estimation you can't have all these in one candidate perfectly. These qualities are mutually exclusive.
So, here is the question for any to comment on:
On what basis am I supposed to vote as a Christian? Because picking the best of the worst, doesn't sit well with me.
Let's say for a moment that I have to vote. I have no choice in the matter. Why should I decide to vote for one guy over another? Because let's be honest, these aren't the best we got. We have to choose between two very rich men, who will lie and compromise as much as possible to make sure that they get re-elected.
So, how am I supposed to vote? Based on abortion? Based on homosexual marriage? Welfare reform? War decisions? Social issues? Taxes against the poor? Taxes against the rich? This is my quandary. I feel like no matter who you vote for you are deciding between two terrible candidates and you just have to pick the best of the worst. And by the way, in my estimation you can't have all these in one candidate perfectly. These qualities are mutually exclusive.
So, here is the question for any to comment on:
On what basis am I supposed to vote as a Christian? Because picking the best of the worst, doesn't sit well with me.
From someone over the rather ditch of water between our two countries I can see your quandary. We have the same problem - except thankfully we haven't raised your governing ruler to god status which you Americans seem to do. And you seem somehow to mix the two kingdoms into one. In our politics it gets down to who will do the least damage. We tossed out a government on the basis that our Prime Minister took us to an illegal war as a partner of the killing and because he became too arrogant. But we really don't see a change with our new government headed by Kevin Krudd (sorry Rudd).
ReplyDeleteYes standing from over the ditch we cringe at US politics. May you think about voting for the party/man?? who will most likely do the least damage??? Glad it's you not me....
.. overall though may God tear down the strongholds of satan wherever he has worked to destroy so called churches. May those churches which maintain the gospel of grace be revived and so be e blessing unto the nation.... May there be raised up truly godly leaders (not just those who mouth pious platitudes..)
As a Christian, I think you would want to think of the welfare of others. And since someone will take office and try to implement their agenda it makes sense to participate.
ReplyDeleteSo after using reason and discernment, pick the best alternative.
Sitting out will not stop one or the other from gaining power, nor will it win you any points one way or the other with God.
And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him. (Mark 12:17)
ReplyDeleteI exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; (1 Timothy 2:1-3)
Our caesars expect to be voted in to office. I vote as a citizen within a community. Some of my community is local, concerned with streets, bridges and other infrastructure. Some of my community is national, even international.
I make a check mark next to the caesar most likely to meet my expectations.
Compared with nations lacking the opportunity to make such decisions, I like ours better.
Those are my reasons -- they need not be yours.
You can even write in a candidate. You have to live with yourself. Vote with your conscience. If that means writing in an independent or another party candidate then do it. This way your heart knows you voted for the one who holds the closest to your ideals and moral beliefs. It's never throwing away your vote because each vote is tabulated and reported. There's also other issues on the ballot that you vote for too. And if you can't decide between the two main choices maybe whomever makes it into high office will think about what the citizens are looking for. It may cause them to rethink some of their platforms. You never know. Just vote with your heart. Whether it's popular or not. You're the one that has to live with yourself day after day. So make the choice you think is right.
ReplyDeleteMike D.