We just had Franklin Graham here, rallying people to vote according to their "Christian values". I know what that means. You know what that means. It means that those who are intolerant of people of other faiths, other sexual orientations, other ethnicities or other views on economic justice from the "majority" view are rallying to "take back America", as the more secular racists, sexist, homophobic, greedy, religiously intolerant put it. It means that the radical intolerance of others, now mainline and normative in larger and larger segments of society is popular and growing. It means many things, but certainly does NOT mean a resurgence of "Christian values", at least not according to the teachings, commands and examples of "the Christ".
I believe that those who represent religious non-profits and blatantly tell folk who they should vote for should lose their non-profit status. They should pay taxes for the right to be publicly partisan.
That being said, I will tell you exactly who I think you should vote for...
First... Do not let the claim of being "Christian" fool you. Does the candidate who is campaigning on their "Christian" faith practice what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled as we have that in the Gospels? It is VERY EASY to read what Jesus said in all four Gospels. Take the time to do that, and then compare what Jesus teaches as principles for living to what the candidate stands for... (tip - it is possible that one who does not claim to be a "Christian" is more Christ-like in ideology and practice than those who claim the name).
I will vote for...
The candidate who most exhibits Agape Love (active commitment on behalf of other, according to Jesus - (Luke 10:25-37) - even stranger and enemy, and especially those most vulnerable), the central teaching and command of Jesus, in what they say AND DO as a government official...
The candidate who will most follow Jesus' command that we FEED THE HUNGRY/CLOTHE THE NAKED, welcome THE STRANGER (yes, immigrants and resident aliens), visit (and CARE FOR) the SICK and IMPRISONED (and bring about justice in the system that puts them there)... the one who helps the most vulnerable among us, knowing that, at least according to Jesus, one's salvation is contingent upon THAT... (Matthew 25:31-46)
The candidate who does not de-value, de-humanize, work to disenfranchise or marginalize ANYONE, but speaks and acts to include ALL within the nation, living the principle of Agape Love and a stubborn refusal to Judge anyone, as Jesus commanded (Luke 6:37, 38)...
The candidate who has a value for forgiveness and mercy... NOT just punitive action and attitudes of legislating people's lives, looking for reasons to punish, but looking to lift people up and help them redeem their own lives... (Matthew 9:13)
The candidate who understands that CLAIMING a faith that directs one's life and LIVING that faith are very different... who humbly LIVES IT without exploiting it to gain power and then abandoning its principles at every turn... as Jesus said, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord', and do not do what I tell you?"
I do not care if the candidate claims to be "Christian". My question is, which one most exhibits the teachings, commands and examples of Jesus "The Christ" in their governing - both words and actions?
As a person of faith, I am compelled to vote for the one who is most inclusive, representative and loving of all, which is consistent with the teachings of Jesus. It must be the one who faithfully represents, advocates and protects the most vulnerable in our society. My morality is NOT only measured in sexual terms or in purity, but also regarding the use and misuse of Power and the immorality of Greed. I am not concerned about being "holy", for GOD is holy, but about being FAITHFUL to the one who commands Agape Love in Forgiveness and without Judging others.
So, I must vote for... THAT CANDIDATE.
Pastor Jamie
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