With only eight days until the close of the election the race seems to be tightening and people on
both sides are getting increasingly nervous about the outcome of the election. This election is certainly one of the most historic races ever but for what reasons? Do you think this election is one of the most important elections ever—as many are saying— and if so, for what reasons? Do you think that major policy issues that you care about hang in the balance? Is this election more symbolically important for the image and direction of the country? Let me know what you think?
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3 comments:
It is true that the media tries to find something historical about every present election, but I would argue that this is a very historical and pivotal election for the Church, whoever gets elected.
We have a Republican candidate who, aside from his pro-life stance and a few other appreciated partisan approaches, struggles to capture the hearts of evangelicals. On the other side, we have a Democratic candidate, self-dubbed Christian, who has done more for reaching across the table to the GOP and evangelicals than any Democrat in history (e.g. continuing faith-based initiatives, etc.) and is predicted to bring faith and politics together in the White House more than any President could, but many evangelicals are scared of the question marks of his profile, Democratic policies and his atypical approach to abortion reduction. Such a unique and ironic-to-stereotype pair of candidates . . .
Also historical is the voter turnout and the nation's situation, that this is the first President elected since an unprecedented terrorist attack, an economic crisis, and a fading standing in the world.
As for the church, there seems to be a bit of an evolution occurring within it, as many leaders try to wean themselves of the stereotype of the Religious Right, the staunch Republican and politically-aggressive (see the link below). It raises emotional levels and causes division where it didn't before. While this evolution is somewhat manifest in this election, it will likely grow despite the winner.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/03/opinion/03kristof.html
I might say it a little stronger than James: I think that this election has generated more division and animus in the church than I have seen since I started paying attention in the early 90s.
I think it's incumbent upon future pastors at TEDS to figure out a good way to talk about politics while helping God's people to love each other and not lose sight of kingdom work until it comes.
Jeff is right on this issue. I believe that it is only useful for the purposes of unity, however, and not for the giving of endorsements. Too many pastors that are concerned with politics throw their influence and their position in the church around like it's a political trump card. As Christian leaders we should always be striving hard to push those God has placed with, to consider the gospel whenever they make an important decision. Politics is a very difficult topic to converse respectful on, but it has been refreshing to hear of fellow students who have different political choices than I have made, because of their view of the gospel. Those are the kind of conversations that need to happen in the church, and when they do, I believe they will edify the Body of Christ.
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