Politics

Why Are Christians Afraid of Politics?

kidologist

Why are Christians afraid of politics? Getting Christians to discuss politics is harder than getting non-Christians to discuss Religion. I know the old saying, “Don’t discuss politics and religion,” but that saying comes out of the fear that we shouldn’t talk about things of which we might disagree.

But Christians, of all people, are the very ones who OUGHT to MODEL talking about what we disagree about. I mean, don’t we celebrate how well different denominations can get along and often work together even though they have very sharp differences when it comes to theology?

So why can’t we discuss politics nicely? Every time I do a post about politics I get e-mails about them – and very few comments on the post. No one ever e-mails me in response to my blog posts (except a few relatives that don’t know how to do the comments – I love you guys, and its ok!) But when it comes to politics, I get e-mails. And I don’t mean all the e-mails are negative, most aren’t – but I find it interesting that they are sent privately via e-mail instead of posted live on the blog. If Christians stay silent, we surrender our voice!

I wish more Christians would be willing to talk about politics. And disagreeing is ok. If you didn’t like my last post, and want to vote for Obama – it’s really OK with me – that what makes America AMERICA. But the best thing FOR America is to talk about why we like or dislike the policies of those who make the decisions that effect our nation. Notice, it is the policies that concern me, not the people. I’d have lunch with Bill Clinton or Obama and probably enjoy it! But I’d also enjoy talking with them about their ideas for what is best for America. I’d hope to change their minds, but I’d also learn a few things too I’m sure.

Then there is the old attitude that the Hope of America isn’t Politics, it’s Jesus. Absolutely. Amen! But we do have to live here. And while I’m all for giving unto Caesar what is Caesar’s – it’s not bad to want Caesar to ask for less and regulate less and take over less of what the people can do better than bureaucracy.

Anyway – just wanted to ask a favor of my readers. You don’t have to agree with me. But don’t email me your comments, post them with your name and stand up for what you believe.

I’m not excited about John McCain. But as an American, I take seriously my role of learning about the candidates and making my vote count, as little good as a Republican vote does in Illinois, especially being Obama’s home town! But that is what America is – and it is the SUM of every American doing their small part that makes the grand experiment of Democracy work. Everyone must do their part responsibly, or they really can’t complain. I’m very very concerned with what the voting record of Obama reflects that he would do as President despite what all the wonderful speeches say and with his lack of understanding on how the economy truly works. I’m sure he is a nice guy and I’m proud that America has finally nominated an African American as a Presidencial candidtate – that we can be proud of.

But we vote for ideas and policies and philosophy – none of which seem to make the news or even campaign ads. Do your homework and VOTE.

And don’t be afraid to be part of the arena of ideas… that is what made our nation great! This is a critical election that will have a LONG LASTING IMPACT ON OUR NATION… I ought to have lots of comments on this post….

if you dare. (but be nice, I’ll approve disagreeing comments, but I don’t have to put mean ones live, its still my blog after all.)

Comment away…. it’s your country too.

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25 Comments

  1. When discussing politics I like to hear people stay away from stereotypes and generalities. For example, all Democrats are Pro-Choice is a fallacy. The Pro-Choice platform might be heavily attiributed to Democrats, but it’s not true that to be a Democrat makes me pro-choice. (I am a registered Republican, because most of their platforms are important to me.) I also don’t understand people that totally buy all that one ‘party’ represents. Is it possible to be truly pro-life, anti-war, anti-gun penalty, anti-death penalty, and support some form of Welfare or public assistance programs? I think it is, but if I’m all of those things then I’m labeled a conservative Democrat or a Liberal Republican. I think people too quickly align themselves with one or the other; without really looking at what they represent. I like Obama promise of change on campaign reform, war strategy, and maybe I just like that he does represent ‘change’, however his views on abortions would not allow my conscience to vote for him. I don’t like McCain’s position on the war, but I love his advocacy for the unborn.

    I wish more political talk would allow us to be in the middle, therefore allowing us to make truly educated choices on the candidates.

    And I love Karl Bastian, and think that he should run for President of the Star Wars-Loving Children’s Pastor Network. :)

  2. BRAVO to you for being the first to post a comment! I agree, the labels make it frustrating, we don’t like labels, especially having one slapped on us, but we tend to use them so naturally.

    I’m with you on most of what you wrote – but the ‘change’ thing kills me. (i know you used quotes) EVERY President brings change, there is change every four years, even if the same President remains. What I don’t see in Obama is any real change from his ultra liberal views that he never talks about. He will be all about ‘change’ and ‘unity’ right until he gets in office. Bush genuinely, i believe, tried to be a unifier, and those who tried to work with on the other “side” hardly came his way. “Unity” for ultra liberals like Obama and Hillary usually means “when everyone thinks like us we will finally be in unity.”

    John McCain is weak in many ways – but like I said, given my options this fall, I trust him a lot more than I do Obama. People are getting caught up in liking the guy – but the Presidency isn’t about how much we like that guy, it is about what he believes about America, and that to me is quite scary.

  3. Well said, Karl. I have a lot of political opinions (most of which are right), but there are times when people have the proverbial “knee-jerk” reaction to certain issues that it makes me wonder if we will ever be able to dialogue. When I was growing up, I knew quite a few Democrats (my mom was a Jane Jefferson). Several folks in our church, including much of the leadership, was Democrat. Looking back, these folks were viritually identical in their spiritual and moral beliefs as the most staunch evangelical today. They differed on some economic issues and the role of government, but they would recoil at the thought of abortion!
    I believe in a lot of ways, the Democratic party has changed. Classic Democrats have been replaced by a lot of liberal activists who are open-minded and tolerant to everyone and everything except those who disagree. Even my mom confessed to me that she started voting for Republican candidates because most of the Democratic candidates were just too liberal.
    Of course, I think the Republicans need some help too. And I won’t detail here my “observations” about the GOP; let’s just say that they have some “splainin’ to do.”
    I long for a ballot in which both candidates stand for the basic moral values of this country, in spite of their other disagreements. Would that the things that unite us be far more important than the things that divide us.

    End of sermon….would the ushers please come forward…….

  4. No comment on your Presidential Nomination?

    And I think to say that Bush was for uniting, is a stretch. I believe his platform was initially to unite a divided country; but I don’t see it. His policies, whether you like them or not only served to divide our country more. I know that not every decision will unite different parties, but as a whole the label of uniter will not stick to President Bush. I think it takes two side to make that happen, I understand your point; however I don’t think Bush took this side far enough. And I was on his side!

    And I love everyone, and think baseball is America’s game, and love puppies and kitty cats, and apple pie. :)

  5. I second Karl’s nomination…although, from a PR perspective, the “Yoda kicks butt” comment might hurt him in the primaries!

  6. You two are too funny. Yes it was the “Yoda Kicks Butt” quote, now easily available on YouTube that would be my undoing in the primaries!

    Jonathan – I’d add I don’t think Bush IS or WAS a “unifier” – what I’m saying is I saw him generally TRY for the first 2 years of his presidency even working with the likes of Ted Kennedy, but I won’t list either the accomplishments of that short era or the attempts that went nowhere. And he may have given up too soon, but 911 definitely shifted his focus, and rightly so.

    Timothy – yes, GOP has lots of “splanin’ to do” I wish we had stuck with the Contract with America in 1994, which swept Republicans into office when they cleary stood for someting, but this whole “unifying” thing has almost deluded both parties.

    We are definitely a fallen world and it is reflected in our politics and government Big Time, but what frustrates me is how the Democratic Party (by and large at least in the media) have nothing good to say about America and talk like this is a horrible place. I’ve been to 14 countries and all over the United States and too many Americas have no clue how GOOD we have it, even in our worst places our poorest are the world’s richest with over 90% of our poorest homes with telephones AND televisions and a stagerring amount with cell phones even. (I forgot the %)

    This is a great country I hate to listen to politicians who paint such negative and pessimistic pictures of America and then turn around and ask us to let them make it better. If they don’t understand what makes us great, how can they possibly make us better? Better for most democrat politicitians is higher taxes, more programs and more stiffling regulation. As a non-profit “owner” I could pay my employees more and hire more if it wasn’t for the burden of government costs that are suffocating. Most Americans don’t see the side of the government that chokes small businesses which are what make America tick economically.

    But I’m turning my comment into another post, so I’ll stop abruptly.

    So I have TWO BRAVE commenters so far! Who’s jumpin’ in next??

  7. Cuz-in-law chiming in… I’m loving these posts, Karl, and the comments, too! I think as Christians we are afraid to talk politics because we are afraid of offending — kind of ironic when talking about Jesus offends more than any political speak, and we’re commanded to talk about Him! But just because “we are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord” doesn’t mean we are one in our views of government, yet that is the false assumption many believers hold. No one wants to be the first to stir the pot. Besides you, of course. :)

  8. Consider the pot stirred! And how will I ever discover the errors of my political ways* if no one will engage me in the arena of ideas? Dialoque is the best road to understanding and growth!

    * That is assuming I have any errors, of course!

  9. Karl, I love you to death… you are a great friend, but to think you are stirring a political pot is a bit much, don’t you think? I don’t think people who disagree with you aren’t commenting because they are afraid to or don’t want to seem disagreeing with you, but the way in which you word your posts and comments don’t come off as open to discussion… even when you say you are open to discussion. Even your quip, “That is assuming I have any errors, of course!” shuts down discussion.

    I think you do a very good job of toting the Republican party line, but to simply boil America down to “Repulican right, Democrat wrong” is a disservice to the United States and the diversity of thought that exists even within those with an evangelical Christian worldview point.

    Soap boxes are fine, but don’t expect dialogue to happen when you are standing on one. If you truly want dialogue to happen then step down off the soap box and, at least, pretend to not be afraid to question the statements you so dearly hold on to.

    I think too many of us in the evangelical world have simply been programmed to say certain things and have our pat answers and explanations for everything that we believe. Life isn’t that simple. Life is messy. It isn’t simply a matter of which party is right and which is wrong… or even who is more right. As evangelicals, we are quick to set up our defenses and react to things as if our world is coming to an end. We accuse those who disagree with us of being ignorant, having an agenda or just being plain wrong. In doing so, we shut ourselves out of influencing those who may disagree with us. Instead of pointing out differences and putting people on the defensive, we should be looking for common ground to connect on, first, and then converse about the differences allowing for the Spirit to reveal Truth. Even then, we may not agree on absolutely everything, but isn’t that the beauty of serving an infinite God? We can stand hand-in-hand heading towards Christ, yet still disagree on some issues.

  10. I’m glad you love me… “to death” (gulp!) Stirring the pot is sometimes the only way to get people engaged. I am VERY open to discussion, my frustration is that usually only people who agree with comment or talk. I LOVE when people (ESPECIALLY Democrats) will engage in thoughtful discussion of IDEAS and POLICIES. What happens to me 99% of the time is they attack me or just say they hate Bush. Democrats (99% of those I’ve met, which is all I can go off in addition to the ones I see in the press AND who are running for office) only talk about what they are AGAINST. (and that they hate Bush) But rarely if ever what they are FOR, unless it is platitudes we ALL agree with like “save the earth, save the children, etc.” which are meaningless because who doesn’t?

    And you will note if you read my posts carefully I never say “Democrats are wrong” – I am always careful to talk about liberal polices and liberal IDEAS which have been historically proven to be destructive everywhere they are tried, when taken to the extremes. (which is often the best way to evaluate a policy… what if this went all the way) Being in Canada, I’m sure you see the problems there that my other Canadians friends complain about and why many of them come to the US for health care where they can get what they need when they need it. (in reverse, errors here are why Americas buy medications from Canada, see I’m fair)

    As for “assuming I have any errors” in case you missed the humor in that, I’ll try to say it in another more boring way, EVERY SINGLE PERSON THINKS THEY ARE RIGHT – the instant they thought they were wrong, they would immediately think their new idea was right.

    No one thinks they are “wrong” – the issues isn’t whether we are right or wrong – the issue is whether we are willing to listen, discuss and change in light of new information.

    I AM VERY WILLING TO – I just can’t seem to find a Demoncrat willing to try and articulate their ideas and why. Not one in twenty years of trying. Every time I meet a Democrat (and I have many friends who are) I ask them why they are a Democrat and what ideas of the Democratic Party they hold to, and I get blank stares usually or they have one issue that Democrats hold to (pro-choice or gay marriage for example) or they hate Bush. :)

    I’ve been ticked off at Bush too. I’m not a Bushian, I’m a Republican and I can tell you why. I just want to meet a Democrat who can tell me why without attacking Bush.

    I agree with you on evangelicals, that is the point of this post – Christians are afraid to discuss politics and largely ignorant except for what they hear on the evening news which is so biased it ought to be obvious, but it isn’t. Don’t even get me going on the coverage on gasoline prices and the outright lies and blantant misrepresenation going on regarding “windfall profits” when the government takes more at the pump in pure profit than even the oil companies who average 9-10 cents per gallon in profit compared to 40-60 cents in gasoline money that goes to the government who turns around and blames oil companies for the high prices. And that is just one of many examples you’d never know listening to the evening news.

    I agree with your final paragraph completely. My common ground with my readers (who are largely Christian and mostly children’s ministry) is established. Now I am inviting people to being willing to discuss politics. I only bother to try once in a while, its important to me, but not central, so I only post on it once in awhile, but I am amazed at how little I see on politics anywhere in Christiandom or on other blogs.

    My post title stands, I think Christians are afraid to discuss politics with each other. This is not about me or my openness, I’m open, I’m posting. Who else is? See how you’ve made this about me and evangelicals and not about politics?

    I just wish some Christians would be willing to post and discuss politics, and like I said, disagreeing with me is fine, I’ll post it. Use a fake name if people must. The only thing I won’t put like is mean notes that attack me. Attack my ideas – as I will liberal ideas – that is where the battle is.

    You were very nice. Thank you. :o) Are you voting in the US election this fall? If so, for who and why? As a Canadian resident I think that is interesting to know.

  11. For the record, I did get the humor in your comment.

    To answer your questions, I am voting. I am not sure who for yet. I am still trying to filter through all the spinning that goes on.

    As for my political views, I don’t affiliate myself with either party. There are things that I like and dislike about both sides. I like that the Republican platform is fundamentally anti-abortion. On the Democratic side, I agree more with their take on social issues. I am not convinced that the private sector can deal with social issues any better than the government. Having grown up in the States and now living in Canada, I see some benefits to a more socialized view of things. I haven’t met one Canadian yet who would give up universal health care for a privatized for-profit health care system. I know they exist, but they are an extreme minority. I still have yet to meet one Canadian who would rather have their health care done in the States. (That includes the doctors I know of as well.) You don’t have to worry about where your insurance will be taken, what will be covered, how much your deductible is, etc. In health care service, I have not experienced a difference from that in the States. And doctors like the system better too because they don’t have to deal with insurance companies and be hindered by all the restrictions and loop holes. They get to practice medicine. I know, I’ve been brainwashed. But aren’t we all?

    On a personal note about discussing politics… I don’t enjoy it because I find it futile most of the time. Call me cynical, but I rarely find political discussions to add value to my beliefs because most of the time it comes down to one party’s agenda versus another. I could care less about being a Republican or a Democrat. I guess it’s the rebel in me that doesn’t want to be a part of a club.

    I know that some people love to discuss politics and get into political discussions. I’m not one of them. It’s hard for me to wrap my brain around how discussing/debating politics actually has any effect on being a part of bringing bits and pieces of God’s Kingdom to Earth. Politics is so much about top-down enforced change when change needs to happen in lives and communities first.

  12. Hiya Karl,

    Glad to see you raising this topic. Politics is a hot trigger topic for a lot of people causing a variety of responses, or none at all. I don’t blog about it much simply because it is not the intended purpose of my personal blog. But since you invite comment, here I go.

    I was raised in a home that voted democrat for a lot of years. Then oddly, the democratic platform began to change, taking on the defense of a multitude of issues in ways that I could not condone according my conscience. So when I was old enough to vote I registered as a Republican. Now, many years later, I perceive that the Republican party is transforming similarly. I think in part it is due to widespread desire to meet in the “middle.” So much so, in fact, that we have as a Republican candidate, a person who looks a lot more like a democrat in some ways, than a republican.

    My frustration with the two party system is the false dichotomies which seem to prevail. For example:

    Some folks would say that republicans are warmongering militants intent on promulgating the tyranny of big business while alienating the other cultures around the world while also opposing social justice issues stateside. For them it is a moral issue.

    Other folks would say that democrats are right wing spineless liberals who want to take money from hard working americans who supply jobs so as to fuel social programs– some of which they argue run contrary to the Bible (gay marriage, abortion rights, etc)–which are remniscient of marxism and also give over control of our decision making to other countries of the world. For them it is a moral issue.

    Hmm. While there is a mixture of truth in both sets of arguments, the battle lines get drawn and relational bridges are burned. Maybe this is part of the reason some folks don’t reply to a post such as this. They don’t want to risk hurting what they see as being a positive relationship with you and others.

    Back to presidential politices.

    It is a real quandry. In one sense, McCain supports a war which apparently was started based on incorrect information. While I have not lost any sleep over the demise of Saddam and his regime, I wonder at the stuff that went on behind the scenes to bring this war to fruition since it appears to have been based more on political machinations than real facts.

    On the other hand, I think having the military in McCain’s hands is far better than putting it into the hands of a person (Obama) who apparently would rather negotiate with sponsors of terrorism (Iran) than put them in their place strategically.

    For me, it is a matter of choosing between the lesser of the evils. When I listen to Barack Obama, I hear a lot of verbiage but very little substance. He is verbose and he speaks with flair but he does not seem to have a sophisticated grasp of the issues, particularly as it relates to national security. McCain, on the other hand, is dancing on the head of a precarious needle himself, realizing that in order to win the national election, he is going to have to backtrack on some of his statements and votes over the past years as a senator in order to earn the trust of very conservative republicans.

    What to do, what to do…. Maybe we can converse about it and learn from each other? Maybe that will help clear up some of the confusion about the platforms and issues and candidates. I look forward to the constructive criticism which is sure to come. :)

  13. Henry: AMEN! :o) and thanks for sharing some views… already I feel my views shifting left. ;) Glad to hear your good report on Canadian health care, I was just there and the American pastor wants his baby born in the US and hates the health care. He said it is great for health people, so he doesn’t “feel it” but it is deadly for those in critical need who often die waiting for what they need. Doctors like it because competition is killed, but when competition is killed, often service and advancement is too. (why Microsoft is GOOD for Apple for example)

    I’d hate to think I am a part of a “club” :( My Republican status has more to do with core philosophical beliefs of forms of human govenment than any desire to be a part of a political club. (probably why im not part of any political groups)

    And I really dont LOVE to get into political discussion, i just think politics is important and impacts our lives more than most peole realize. (and will impact our kids lives even more!)

    Grass roots change? that is EXACTLY why we need to engage. it is only top-down when we throw our hands in the air and let the “top” do what it wants.

    and I love “arguing” with you – you are one of my favorite friends for that very reason, you have sharpened and challenged me on many topics, and I love it!

    Bring it on. :o)

  15. Glen: your comment is worthy of a blog post! (just dont link to me, ive upset enough people, might make 4 bogus posts just to move this down!) JK

    You are a very articulate writer and I can see you grasp the issues and the delemmas very well.

    All I will push back on is the war – while the public will certainly never truly know all that happened behind the scenes, the war really wasn’t started on lies. There are MANY speeched my Bill Clinton, Hillary, and other Democrats that if you just read the text, you wouldn’t know it was them. They were very much in favor of the need for regime change in Iraq… if they had been in power, we may have still gone. Once they are in power, if they win, don’t think for a second they will pull out!!! they will not to strapped with defeat, no they will stay the course and then claim victory. Hillary admitted as much in a few key interviews that got very little play. Obama simply doesn’t have a clue what is at stake.

    Ironically we say “Pro-Life” which seems to call the other side “Pro-Death” so they use Pro-Choice instead. When it comes to the war, we are in their shoes, they use “Anti-War” and that makes us sound “Pro-War” – when who wants to be for a war where our young men are dying?? So we are backed into a corner.

    I always say, “I am anti-war too! But I am also more ‘anti’ forces and ideas that threaten our national security and you can’t appease or negociate with some enemies.” If you study the history of Hitler and pre-WW2 it is scary how similar the politics was as the “left” (or whoever the elites were then in England) said all the same things the left is saying now…. and ended up helping the enemy by fighting for them on the inside.

    I’m not pro-war, but I am pro-victory…. but then that opens another can of worms! what have I done?! :)

    great post! I have nothing to critisize you are dead on whether we agree on all the specifics or not.

  16. Karl,

    Just a point of gentle clarification.

    You said: All I will push back on is the war – while the public will certainly never truly know all that happened behind the scenes, the war really wasn’t started on lies.

    I originally said: In one sense, McCain supports a war which apparently was started based on incorrect information. While I have not lost any sleep over the demise of Saddam and his regime, I wonder at the stuff that went on behind the scenes to bring this war to fruition since it appears to have been based more on political machinations than real facts.

    By the way, you are absolutely correct about Hillary. She supported the war from the outset.

    I don’t know whether or not there were any outright lies. I certainly did not claim such knowledge in my post above, nor did I intend to imply it. What I did intend to say is that, by all accounts, the government acted on incorrect information. Maybe “incomplete” would be a better word. In any event, the result is the same. Since the start of the war information has come to light which indicates there were differences of opinion and data within the intelligence community concerning weapons of mass destruction and Saddam Hussein’s role in 9/11. We may never know the full scope of all that went on. I stand by my comment about political machinations. Washington is a political city and what goes on their squeaks remarkably similar to a political machine. :)

  17. By the way, I can neither confirm or deny at this stage whether I have been approached to be a vice-presidential running mate by one of the candidates. I share this just to quell any potential rumors which may get started. ;)

  18. For me my objection to national health care isn’t whether or not the health care is superior. It may or may not be, that is very subjective.

    My objection comes from history. History would teach us thta the more power you give government the more danger it’s citizens are in. In the whole of western society most of our governments are one evil leader away from being plunged into totalitarionism.

    Another historical point is that most western governments are so top heavy, the citizens are so reliant on government programs, that it will not take much to push them over. The USSR is a recent example.

    For me my philsophy goes back to before the elephants and donkeys to that of Thomas Jefferson who said “There are men in all ages who mean to govern well, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters.” and “The government is best which governs least.”

  19. Just to clarify on the health care thing… there is plenty of competition here. Since everyone has health care, anyone can pick any family practice doctor as their primary care physician. This means there is more competition to attract people to their practice. The better the service, the more likely people will choose their practice. Same thing with specialists… primary care physicians have to refer you, but will be less like to refer to a specialist who is subpar… So there is only the illusion that there is no competition in a universal health care system.

    If anything, there is more competition because people aren’t limited by who their insurance covers.

    As for people dying while they wait. I’ve heard more stories while living in the States about people dying waiting for insurance approval from health care companies than I have heard stories here of people dying waiting for health care. If someone is critical, they are triaged and bumped up just like in the states. The difference is that you don’t have to wait and see if your health insurance covers whatever you need. And if there aren’t enough doctors in your region to care for your problem, you are referred to a hospital that can care for you… yes, you have to pay for the relocation and time staying wherever, but medical expenses are taken care of by the health care system… still much cheaper than friends of mine (like Rob Biagi) who have major out-of-pocket expenses to cover critical treatments. You don’t see people here raising money for medical expenses. I think much of the “fear” surrounding universal health care is simply propoganda. Living in the system and knowing people who are healthy and in need of major health care… I’m glad to be here.

  20. Well, maybe I was wrong. Seems I did manage to get some Christians to discuss politics… or at least to discuss the discussion of politics and a little actual politics along the way. :)

    I have learned a lot, thanks everyone for posting.

    Sure would help if there were some easy answers!

  21. Marty: Lets start a grass roots campaign “Thomas Jefferson for President” – man, his wisdom and understanding of politics is AMAZING and he has been proven even more right over the centuries. Can we get some of his DNA and bring him back like they did dinos in Jurassic Park? :)

    Everyone concerned with politics should start by reading Thomas Jefferson. Somehow they had so many things right way back at our founding… hmmmm…. may have been a God thing!

  22. Henry: thanks for the hands-on, or hands-in Canada examples, that’s insightful. My brother lives in Toronto (covers Blue Jays for MLB.com), I need to ask him too, though I don’t think he cares much about politics and is pretty healthy. Glad to know you are happy with your care! Insurance is a mess here, but (no surprise) I think the government creates the problems so that they can be the savior by taking it over.

    They do run the National Parks well – I’m very much happy and proud of our government for that!

  23. Thomas Jefferson is sort of invoked as a patron saint of the left, but one wonders what he would really think. Reminds me of a skit on SNL (I think) in which a rap artist is performing for a political benefit. He spews out a tirade of angry, filthy “lyrics” which makes everyone clearly uncomfortable. When he is finished, the hostess nervously says something to the effect that “I’m sure that Thomas Jefferson would applaud our freedom of speech.” It’s a funny line, since everyone knows that Thomas Jefferson would be absolutely mortified by the performer.
    My how the years have gone by…..

  24. I know comments on this post may have pretty much ceased and as I said, I don’t really personally get into discussions in the political arena – it’s just not really my thing, but here’s a link to a blog that I frequent where politics are being discussed with a slightly different twist. Sometimes it depends on what side of the tracks one comes up on, and that along with scripture informs our viewpoints. Here’s the link http://christopherbennett.blogspot.com/

  25. I am just astonished by Christians on politics. On abortion and gayness, we get from fellow christians that these cannot be defining issues on whether to support or reject candidates. On two issues God has a problem with them so why shouldn’t we. People will tell you that you cannot judge others. That is true to the extent of comdemning people, but actions can be judged and that’s biblical, John 7:24 is one such verse. So I for one will vote for McCain and Palin and not Obama and Biden. If you remember Biden was solidly against Clarence Thomas for supreme solely because he was thought to be against abortion.

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