“Character matters.”
“It’s all about policy…not the person.”
Both those statements are accurate when it comes to electing public office holders. So as Christ followers, voting creates a bit of a predicament for those of us who place a high value on someone’s ability to be thoughtful, kind, trustworthy and self-controlled. You know, filled with the Holy Spirit.
On the one hand, we want to vote for those who have the kind of reputation and integrity that would allow us to feel comfortable leaving our kids with them. But that’s just not reality.
We all fall short, and ultimately – if we’re honest – there are very few people we’ll leave our kids with. So, what do we do when it comes to electing someone to represent us politically? Do we elect the nicest person? Some do.
I know pastors who firmly believe in the deeply embedded realities of what Scripture teaches about sexuality and life, but consistently vote for candidates who oppose those teachings, and vote accordingly. Why do these pastors support such candidates? Because they are friendly, and show up to their churches.
The classic illustration you might have heard goes like this:
— Candidate A consults with astrologists, has had two mistresses, chain-smokes and drinks multiple martinis daily.
— Candidate B was kicked out of office twice, sleeps until noon, used opium in college and drinks a half a quart of brandy every evening.
— Candidate C is a decorated war hero, a vegetarian, doesn’t smoke, drinks an occasional beer, and has had no illicit love affairs.
Candidate A is Franklin Roosevelt. Candidate B is Winston Churchill. Candidate C is Adolf Hitler.
The point is that while we may agree or disagree with how someone conducts their life, we vote for them to propose and implement policies that impact our families, communities, state and nation as a whole.
On that note, Alaska Family Council is privileged to provide the Biblical Roadmap to the Party Platforms from our friends and partners at Christians Engaged. In it you’ll get a perspective on where both major political parties stand in relation to what the Bible teaches on multiple social and fiscal issues as well as thoughtful perspectives on how you can be a better prepared voter.
Share this with others. Engage in conversations with those who think differently than you do. Chewing on the truth matters.
The views expressed here are those of the author.
