Holly, bless you for recognizing that not every Christian adheres to the Republican party line! I'm a Christian and vote for Democrats almost exclusively. The reason? I believe that care of the poor, reaching out to our marginalized neighbors, being a good steward of the environment and settling disputes peacefully are part of Christ's mandate to us. I also believe that finding ways to prevent abortion (contraception, better access to health care for mothers and children) is a more constructive approach than criminalizing it. Unfortunately, die-hard conserveratives ridicule these viewpoints and question others' faith for even holding them. I think the tone is slowly changing, and it's long overdue. Commentaries like yours can only help.

The real issue is whether my position is influenced by the Scripture or a political party. Do I think through the issues and seek to honestly think and act "biblically."
For example, as a pastor I refuse to distribute "christian" voting guides. So many of the issues listed have little to do with being biblical. Tax exempt status is NOT a biblical issue. In the end we should not be afraid to state a position even if it sounds "Republican", "Democrat" even "Socialist" or crazy.
I choose to preach the Word and help people think Biblically about the issues. I understanding that some may come to a position different than my own.

what about opinions about which the new testament has a firm opinion on? is it ok for a christian to practise sexual immorality, and hold an opinion that it is the right thing to do in this day and age? will it be ok to allow such opinions to go on uncorrect? Paul asked that certain people be put of of church for thier deeds. In this age of tolerance, have we forgotten such words?

The sanctuary movement is political, not theological, because its supporters advocate a policy that is within the purview of Caesar. More to the point, no biblical warrant exists that would support a congregation in defying Caesar's law -- Particularly a law devolved from the consent of the governed.

True, God commands us, in the Hebrew Bible, to honor the stranger because, like the ancient Hebrews freed from bondage by God, they are strangers and sojourners. But God also requires that these strangers and sojourners be subject to His wishes and to order their lives accordingly. Put more simply, all people, immigrant or native, legal or illegal, are to obey God's commandments and, per Christ's instructions, accord to Caesar that which is Caesar's. This includes obedience to Caesar's laws.

On the matter of justice: Rightly understood God's justice is achieved when individuals get what they deserve. To argue that an illegal immigrant deserves the rights and privileges accorded those legally resident makes a mockery of justice.

Peace of the Lord,

This is a thought provoking article. Thank you.

I agree that political issues, even some humanitarian issues, are not simple. On the note of harboring illegal immigrants, not only is "illegal" illegal, but I see the dangers of such action. I'm British and also lived for 22 years in France. Both countries are inundated by Muslims, many of them radical. I've lived in dangerous situations as a Christian surrounded by aggressive Islamists who've been steadily streaming into these countries for 30 or more years. They are violent and impose their own politics and religion and also influence the naive and young to follow suit. It's a serious situation. I would recommend reading Cong. Tom Tancredo's book, In Mortal Danger to better grasp these issues.

I believe we should be compassionate and help those in need. My life has been given to that purpose -- www.orphansfirst.org But let's not be naive about what causes suffering and pain. We don't alleviate it either by carelessly allowing people whose values oppose biblical ones creep into the country.

blessings,
Janey

Care of the poor, reaching out to our marginalized neighbors, and being good stewards of the environment are indeed part of Christ's mandate to us as the body of Christ. Where Republicans (as well as Libertarians) disagree with Democrats on these issues is the degree to which the government is mandated to be involved in these areas. Does the Bible mandate that the government seize my property in order to protect a wetland that was suddenly discovered there? Does the Bible teach that it's wise and just for civil governments to tax workers in order to give handouts to able-bodied people who aren't willing to work? Is it more glorifying to God when the church and individual believers care for the poor, or when government does so?

As a constitutional constructionist with a strong Libertarian bent, I agree with Elizabeth that Christians are mandated to care for the less fortunate and the environment; I simply do not see any biblical mandate to use the power of the state to force unredeemed people to behave in redeemed ways.

I agree with Michael but what is more important here is not Caesar's law as much as what being illegal is doing to Linda. She has placed herself in a situation that had possible consequences and she knew it.
This then is the sorrow she has brought upon herself and probably others, unless of course God would intervene. I firmly believe that God is greater than Caesar and is able to perform His will and that He responds to prayer. But counting on God to do what is best takes faith and courage and submission to His will.

Holly says: Such great comments!

I want to stress that my post is not a call for Christians to abandon political thinking. We live in a political world, and I believe God can give us political convictions. Neither am I saying that Christians should personally live however they please. As Christians, we have biblical instruction on the set-apart lives we are supposed to live.

There's a scary sentiment I've seen within the church: If we don't openly and loudly condemn a sinful behavior, we must be condoning it. And I wonder, why do we expect those who aren't Christians to live a Christian lifestyle? I would ask, "If we know a person doesn't worship or acknowledge God, why do we expect them to abide by God's laws?" It's backwards thinking. Our mission should be to bring others into relationship with God--then let God change their hearts. That change--from God, not us--is what brings about obedience.

With that said, I think we should view ourselves as "Christians who vote," not as "Christian voters." What's the difference? It's simply recognizing that even if we can provide a biblical defense of our opinions, no individual represents the Christian consensus. To do so is to say you represent the voice of God! Many Christians can provide a good biblical defense of whatever their opinions might be. (And we could all debate 'til we're blue in the face about which verses are better or more pertinent.)

A friend wrote to me, "too often we tend to allow our political point of view to inform (or shape) our theology." I have an idea why this happens. Our personal experiences and emotions get us leaning in one direction. Then, when we read the Bible--or for that matter, the newspaper or the latest research or poll--we look for evidence to back up our opinion. It's something to be aware of whenever you're waxing political or philosophical.

Some Christians are consumed with trying to mend the moral fabric of society. It becomes their focus and purpose. Some have created the idea of a "Christian vote" as a power play to accomplish this. Jesus didn't come to Earth to enforce the Jewish law. He wasn't about coalition building or forcing the governing bodies to bow to his will. He wasn't trying to rid society of all its ills. Instead, his objective was to extend God's love and bring people into a relationship with him. I think that's where our focus and purpose should be, too.

dear linda heloo how are you i hope you are very well iam majid of iran i like contact with you

Interesting article, I love reading other people's opinions on issues. Judging others is something every Christain should be careful about , its a dangerous position because we often make ourselves the standard and not Christ. On the other hand there is another seemingly slim stance to take which is not letting our faith pervade our hearts to a point where it affects our thinking. If faith in Christ does not change a person, was it really faith? There are certain issues mentioned in this article that seemed grey but things like the marriage amendment, well, it seems to stand out in a more defined zone. If a woman's pregnancy could cost her family her life not every one would have the faith or strength to go through with it . Other moral issues like the marriage amendment and permittig teenagers to have abortions without their parent's consent sound pretty serious. I think Christains have an opportunity to affect their society positively by speaking against things like redefining marriage. If Christains do not speak up some other group of people would, and there would only be two sides: people who honor God and people who don't. It's a democratic government for the people ,right?

Surely we can find answers to our political questions if we take them to the Cross....our risen Lord has shown us that a life fully lived requires joy, compassion and suffering - so much of our heartache and unrest is due to focusing on political solutions rather than Biblical ones, trusting human notions over God's word. Abortion rights, illegal immigration, environmental issues....all have become false idols, addressing the convenience of the creation rather than the commandments of the Creator - all have been reduced to political issues, rather than the spiritual issues they actually are. Our woes of overconsumption, victimization and excess are evidenced by this - our enemy knows this, and will do whatever he can to separate us from Christ. Jesus Christ is the only answer to our angst filled "modern culture", understanding He was as politically incorrect as they came. HE ACTED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS, NOT IN FEAR. He really didn't care if people didn't like him, only that he was serving His Father. We like to dismiss Jesus as an advocate for social justice, rather than the human embodiment of GOD. We are prone to using politics to absolve ourselves as Christians of the hands on work we have been called by God to do. Our evangelistic example should be loud and clear, without having to say a word - we love ALL children, regardless of how they came to be, and we might even have to lay our lives down for them (who else did this?) - Our nation is a welcoming beacon for those who would care to join us legally - God calls us to fellowship, and to follow the law - this earth is our very precious trust endowed by God himself, our holy provision, and we are to guard it as his trusted stewards, in worship and gratitude to HIM, not the earth itself. Foremost, we are called to forgive each other and ourselves as we have been forgiven by God, by the shed blood of the sinless Christ. We are not wrong, however, to try to spare one another sin by lovingly, honestly, reminding one another that we have options other than those we are fed by our culture. Christ did that for us all - let us all seek his mind.

Praise the Lord that someone acknowledges that God asks for unity not uniformity! God created us as individuals and with differing opinions on things that are not salvation issues. Yet He loves each of us the same. Personally, I am a die-hard independent. I vote my conscience not a political party's agenda. As for the immigration issue, God commands us to obey those He places in authority over us. It is my belief that since the immigration laws do not contradict God's law, then I should obey them and turn in any illegal immigrant. That is what my faith calls me to do.

Care of the poor, reaching out to our marginalized neighbors, and being good stewards of the environment are indeed part of Christ's mandate to us as the body of Christ. Where Republicans (as well as Libertarians) and Democrats disagree on these issues is the degree to which the government is mandated to be involved in these areas. Does the Bible mandate that the government seize my property in order to protect a wetland that was suddenly discovered there? Does the Bible teach that it's wise and just for civil governments to tax workers in order to give handouts to able-bodied people who aren't willing to work? Is it more glorifying to God when the church and individual believers care for the poor, or when government does so? Did Jesus tell people to sell their possessions and give to the poor, or did he tell them to lobby Caesar for money to help the indigent?

As a Christian who is a constitutional constructionist/Libertarian, I believe that I am mandated to care for the less fortunate as well as the environment; I simply do not see any biblical mandate to use the power of the state to force unredeemed people to behave in redeemed ways.

Wow, to hear you put, illegal immigration in the same sentence with abortion and marriage ammendment, makes me wonder if you have any business writing for a christian magazine. And a "christian" friend working for planned parenthood is real stretch. Some things are political and some are just wrong and I think someone who knows the word of God should know the difference. Let's not confuse political correctness for "love" and not being judgmental. "Live and Let live" is not a christian principal it's more agnostic if not atheist. Please, stand up for the christian values Jesus laid his life down for!

The church in general seems to forget what our command is>Go ye therefore and make disciples of all people baptising them in the Name of Jesus Christ. If this woman were sent home, would she be less of a Christian? How do we know the divine plan of God to evangelize in her country or to her family. Jesus said the poor you will always have with you. The kingdom of God is Righteousness, peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit. We have strayed so far away in our attempt to fix the world without really dealing with the real cause of affliction, the evil of man's heart. Jesus is not looking for matching doctrines but faith in His finished work on the cross to accomplish His divine will for all of us. We cannot do enough "good" stuff. Only Jesus can save man, redeem man.

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

My respect to the writers who stir us. It is their job to challenge us, not entertain or pacify us. Blogs are intended for discussion, not the "final word." In our conversations, let us evidence the love that is the highest of the values of Christ: 1 Corinthians 13:13, Colossians 3:14.

Thank you for taking on such difficult topics, Holly! From the looks of it, you are doing a great job.

Holly says: Regarding Luci's comment: "... makes me wonder if you have any business writing for a christian magazine. And a "christian" friend working for planned parenthood is real stretch."

Readers, all comments and opinions related to the issue being discussed are appreciated and encouraged here.

Disparaging remarks directed at individuals--including value judgments on Christian faith--are not appropriate for this website.

I deeply appreciate the diverse opinions that have been posted here. Keep up the great conversation that's focused on the topic.

I haven't read all the comments here, so I apologize if I am repeating something. But my guess is that when most people say "you can't be a Christian AND be pro-choice," they actually mean you can't be CONSISTENTLY a Christian and pro-life. Not that if you are pro-life you must not be a Christian, but that your position and your religion don't match up. That is the way I mean it. I would be concerned if a professing Christian told me they were pro-choice...not concerned for their salvation, but believing that clearly there is a "no can do" with those two things. They simply don't work together. In a way, Christians has the same right everyone else has to be wrong...but in another way, not really. Salvation doesn't depend on your beliefs, but your testimony sure does. I believe it's imperative that all Christians hold to sound, biblical views. Apart from that I couldn't care less what party you vote for.

I haven't read all the comments here, so I apologize if I am repeating something. But my guess is that when most people say "you can't be a Christian AND be pro-choice," they actually mean you can't be CONSISTENTLY a Christian and pro-life. Not that if you are pro-life you must not be a Christian, but that your position and your religion don't match up. That is the way I mean it. I would be concerned if a professing Christian told me they were pro-choice...not concerned for their salvation, but believing that clearly there is a "no can do" with those two things. They simply don't work together. In a way, Christians has the same right everyone else has to be wrong...but in another way, not really. Salvation doesn't depend on your beliefs, but your testimony sure does. I believe it's imperative that all Christians hold to sound, biblical views. Apart from that I couldn't care less what party you vote for. But don't do it because someone told you to, and surely don't do it to be different or new or relevant. That's stupid.

I think there is a grave lack of common sense and reason within most churches, because people are used to being told what to do and what to think. This often results in skewed, unreasonable beliefs. Christians are often seen as irrational or just plain stupid. This is our own fault. Besides teaching solid biblical viewpoint, we need to teach common sense, rationale, and logic as a part of God's created world. This means thinking through our positions on "grey areas" so that we can present our thoughts cohesively.

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Until I read your blog I really didn't know there was a Christian Party. If I had I would have joined it. From what I can tell from what little research I've done we are a nation of Christians approximately 75% to be inexact. Also, from what I can tell from my research, most abortions are done on demand and only a small percentage are a result of pregnancy from rape or incest. That leaves a very small percentage for other medical reasons that put the mothers life in danger. That being said, I do agree with people who question a persons faith for backing a political party responsible for Roe Vs Wade. How can a person be a democrat and claim Christianity. And how can anyone in their right Christian mind say that murdering babies is a political issue? That is just plain sick! You are justifying premeditated murder in the name of intellectualism and politics. And this same sex marriage thing. You have to be kidding. Did not God destroy Sodom and Gomorrah for that kind of sick behavior? My bible tells me not to judge other people, but it also tells me to make judgements about who I associate with. (Hate those dangling participles but what the heck) In making judgements about who I associate with, I'd love to be a part of a Christian Party and try to make abortion illegal again so "that stumbling block" won't be there for my Grandchildren. If your not agin it you have to be for it. You fence riders have to stop being politically correct and get with God. A little leaven spoileth the whole loaf, not that I'm calling legalized abortion and condoning homosexuality a "little" leaven. Have we become a nation of heathens where homosexuals flaunt themselves everywhere and now want marriage to each other legally recognized? Woe is us......Sodom and Gomorrah all over again. Sign of the Times? Yes, we all sin but not recognizing sin as a nation is abominable.

No, this is generally not a problem. Each member fills out a class/work schedule at the beginning of each semester and then the labor czar(ina) fits everyone into the master labor schedule. Note, however, that you can only be excused from doing labor at a specific time if you can prove that you have class or work at that time (wanting to sleep in or wanting to study at a particular time are not considered legitimate reasons to not be able to do labor).

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