I will indeed chime in with my own opinions but not until early next week.
So here are the questions:
- Do you vote?
- Why or why not?
- How has faith informed your decision or not?
Be brave. Let it flow. The Spirit is with you!
Jeff
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
To Vote or Not to Vote
A response to this blog will prove your intestinal fortitude. This week Wanda and I are team preaching on Christian involvement in voting and the political process. I value your ruminations.
I will indeed chime in with my own opinions but not until early next week.
So here are the questions:
I will indeed chime in with my own opinions but not until early next week.
So here are the questions:
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2 comments:
Yes, I vote.
I think it is important to be part of the process and the decision making for issues that affect us, financially, such as levies and taxes. I think as Christians we have an opportunity to look at issues and support or oppose them based on our beliefs. I think that faith does inform my decision, as I listen to candidates, read about their plans and seek to find some truth in the chaos of the battle between the parties and the media coverage. I think Christians can and do make a difference.
My answer is "yes" and "no". I will vote on issues, provided I feel I have a good enough grasp of the issue in question. My faith and my understanding of God does affect how I vote. Sometimes it's a struggle to put aside personal preferences and ask if an issue is God honoring and will move us closer towards wholeness for all people. I can get focused on what the results will mean for me personally and then I lose sight of the big picture. When I vote issues, I need to keep looking at the big picture. As I am constantly reminded, life does not center around me. :)
As for voting for candidates, I rarely do this. There are so many promises made that they would need more than 4 (or possibly 8) years to complete it all. Plus, the winner has to deal with lots of other elected people, many of whom are looking to stop the winner's plan.
I also get tired of all the mud slinging. Frankly, I get so disgusted with all the name calling and negative ads that I just stop listening. Candidates often remind me of small children instead of potential leaders of this country.
Ads run to remind us that our vote is important and we should make our voice heard. If my vote is so valuable, why should I toss it away on someone I'm not convinced I can trust? Sometimes I make my voice heard by my silence. My silence means I have not found a candidate worthy of my vote.
I agree with Joyce (hi mom!)about candidates setting direction. It is this larger picture that I try to find in the midst of all the other junk of campaigns. When I do vote for a candidate, it's this direction setting that I am voting for.
No matter who is in office, I believe we cannot leave everything up to them. God calls us all to work towards peace, justice, shalom. Individuals make up the body of Christ and we have work to do. People right next to us are hurting. Physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual needs are going unmet. We can do something about this. We don't need to wait for Washington or the State of Ohio to come up with a new program or law. We're already on the staff of the best candidate ever and we campagin for him everyday.
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