Point of View

Religion and politics. It’s not difficult to get a conversation going about either and some people say you’d be wise to avoid them both to prevent an argument. Wise advice, but since it is the political season, and since I’ve already broached the topic, let me ask you a few questions.

What’s your position on stem cell research? Have you decided whether it is ethical?

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Or, what about homosexual “marriage?” Do you believe same-sex couples should have the right to “marry?” What are your positions on abortion, judicial appointments, the Ten Commandments, church-state separation, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, homeland security, education, health care, taxes, gun control and the environment. (We’ll save the rest of the list for another time.).

Whoa! Slow down, those of you who already have answers. Let me ask you why you believe what you believe. Are your answers grounded in the Word of God or are they simply because that’s how you “feel” about a particular issue? Our individual values must have a solid foundation on which to be built. Paul says that when we reach Christian maturity we will “no longer be blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit” (1 Timothy 4:14, HCSB). Our culture is telling us our Christianity is for Sundays only. However, we cannot separate our relationship with God from the way we interact with the world. Therefore, as the Bible shapes our values, it should also shape our view of the world, including who leads us. So, good for you if you can answer the “why” questions through biblical understanding. Help someone else reach Christian maturity.

If you realize you don’t have a perspective regarding some or all of the issues listed above, then how do you expect to cast an informed vote in this year’s presidential election? Each voter has the responsibility of seriously considering for whom his or her vote is to be cast. We first have a responsibility to the preceding generations who established and guarded our liberty to peaceably choose our government. We should also consider our debt to the brave men and women who dutifully guard those freedoms now. Finally, we owe it to future generations to leave for them a country governed by the godly principles on which our nation was founded.

A vote is a precious and weighty obligation we have as Americans. This is why it is important to understand your values so that you can support the candidate who best represents what you believe our country should be. It is significantly important that you vote.

No one can tell you what your values ought to be. Those should come through personal contemplation and biblical study. There are helps, however, for you to better understand what the candidates’ positions are on all of the above issues and more. I highly recommend the resources found on the Web site of the Ethics & Religious Liberties Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention ( www.erlc.com ).

You’ll find an eight-page resource featuring a list of legal “dos and don’ts” for the pastor and the church, information on “Why Should Christians Vote?” from a scriptural perspective and a side-by-side comparison of the two major parties’ platforms on a wide range of topics. This resource is a nonpartisan glimpse into what each party believes, and examines each party’s views on some of America’s most important public policy and ethical issues in order to help you determine which candidate best represents your values and convictions. More information about the resource can be obtained by calling the ERLC at 800-475-9127.

A related site developed by the ERLC is www.ivotevalues.com. You’ll find a number of links that will help you make an informed decision come Election Day.

Government is an institution established by God in which He intended for us to participate. Political and religious discussions don’t have to be points of contention. They can actually be opportunities to introduce others to the King of Kings and the Prince of Peace. First you have to know what your values are, then get out and vote.

James T. Draper is president of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.