Monday, November 05, 2007

Should I Choose?

I posted a poll that only recorded a few answers: Should one vote when all candidtates adhere to a position(s) and/or practice(s) that is/are contrary to that of a follower of Jesus? Please post your thoughts.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

It depends on what you want to do?

If you don't offer an alternative government system and begin moving in that direction (refusing to vote AND suggesting a change in the system) then yes.

Changes in the system rarely start in the system (MLKjr), be vocal.

DO you believe there is such a thing as "lesser of two (or more) evils"

Ryan Schmitz said...

Obviously there are many issues to consider and there are issues where with specific candidates that conflict with other important issues. My philosophy is that I am generally voting for a platform and not for specific candidates. The reason for this, is that most democrats and republicans vote along the party line and the longer they are in office, the more likely they are to vote with their party on the significant issues.

I will continue to vote for one party over the other because I am closer to that party's ideology. When that ideology shifts (which it has in the past) I will probably shift parties. For the most part I will vote for every candidate, but if one candidate is generally opposed to their party, that is when I will base my vote on the person and leave that choice blank.

Sarah said...

I've been wrestling with your question and don't have much to add except that during my reading this afternoon I came across this:

N.H. Auden once wrote-

"we encounter 'rare beasts'- friendly and hostile- some of which bear names as 'politics', 'poverty', 'marriage', 'peace and war', 'justice and injustice', 'racism', 'medicine and health', and 'parenthood'. Making application of faith in Jesus Christ as we deal with such beasts is not only complicated, it is also testing. Easy answers there are not."

Anonymous said...

Man, I don't know. That is a tough question. I think I have to say 'yes'. If there are two candidates that both are for something I am vehemently opposed to, BUT one is all for focusing efforts towards combating global poverty, or something else I believe to be more important, I gotta go with that guy (or gal).

I was thinking exactly what joe said above: I'd choose the lesser of the two evils.

Unknown said...

My father-in-law always says...if you don't vote, you can't complain! :) I see a deep truth to this statement in that, whether you vote on the ballet or not you are still voting. Either, one, you are voting in favor, in part or in whole, with one persons or parties agenda. Or, two, you are not voting for anything as an attempt to make a statement of disagreeance with all candidates and the system, or three you are apathetic to the whole thing. Now the question begs...when we look at Jesus, what did he teach about this? I certainly do not believe that Jesus was apathetic, if He was, we then would be all deists. But our study and experiences with Jesus show us that He is very much concerned with us and what we believe. I believe that we live in a fallen and imperfect world. The Bible attests to this and even states that "creation groans" because it has been made imperfect from sin (my own paraphrase of Rom 8:22). Therefore, no one ever in all of history will ever be the "perfect" candidate whether they are devout Christians or not. However, I believe it is very important to vote as it is your personal voice on what you believe. And as Christians it is a collective voice to society on what we believe God holds as important issues. I think there are certain issues that are more important than others (i.e. abortion, gay rights, euthanasia, poverty, justice, honesty and the like). However, no one candidate has it all together, so I believe the lesser of two evils is the best way to go. However, if the Christian candidate you vote for in the primaries does not win to go through to be on the major ticket. I believe you are not obligated to vote. You have already made your voice known.
A better move would be to start a revolution in your local government for Jesus, and see where God takes it.

Unknown said...

What is a vote? If it's saying that you think they believe\act more 'Christlike' than the opposition than (like Joe said) it's the lesser of two evils.

Using this blog as an example...you seem to be 'voting' for NT Wright and we all know he is a poor representation for Jesus (like we all are)...but we still 'vote' for 'good' people and their ideas\messages even though they fall.

Anonymous said...

Yes. Why must a candidate be a "follower of Jesus?" There are genuinely good-hearted people who aren't Christians, believe it or not. I respect everyone's voting preference but...just saying.

00 said...

I would think that it would depend on exactly what it is the candidates believe/do that is contrary to what a Christian should believe/do. There is a part of me that believes there is a certain amount of "gray" in Christianity, and if that is the case, then perhaps what seems "un-Christian" is actually something that falls into a gray area.

Matthew 5:38-48, NASB

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone want to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only you brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."