This isn’t a post, it’s room for discussion. Please keep it civilized. Here’s the deal, tomorrow is Super Tuesday, and the Caucuses in my area. I was, and am currently planning on, going to the Democratic Caucus and caucusing for Obama or Clinton. However, I think I could be pursued to not caucus at all, to stick to independents, or to favor one or the other.
I think I’m trying to avoid much political discussion on here for several reasons, the main one is that I often shift back and forth as to my views on what my involvement as a citizen of the kingdom of God first, and a citizen of this country second (or much farther down the list) looks like.
Pursued me…
My general point of view is this, being a citizen of the Kingdom of God means that you use your power to bring the Kingdom and it’s justice wherever you can. In the same way you are using what economic power you have to bring justice and support more equitable systems, I think you should use what political power you have to do the same.
Which is all to say, I think you should go vote, not as an endorsement of the ruling powers, but as a way to direct the governments to just ways of wielding their power.
i think voting is important, i think we have a responsibility. BUT, i also think that there is no person who can “change the world” as obama’s ad’s said last night during the super bowl. politics are important, but i don’t think who is in office will decide the fate of this planet, or even this country. basically, i think that balance is the key. its good to know what is going on, speak up for those without a voice, and to give your opinion on who should be elected. just remember that there has never been an never will be a perfect president or person.
on a personal note, i recently heard someone compare voting in this election to an orthodox jew walking into a butcher shop that only sells bacon and ham and having to pick one. amen!! 🙂
Richard and Jody,
okay okay, I’m with you on reasons it’s important to express our democratic freedom and vote, but who should I vote for?
And why? or why not?
I think Obama is an incredible candidate and someone that we can actually get excited about to be president. This election so far is not “choosing between the lesser of two evils” as it so often is. Logan posted a long but awesome article about Obama. I’m guessing you’ll only skim it, but even that is worth it, so check it out at: http://www.xanga.com/Samurai_Q
I will admit to not knowing much about the policies of each candidate however I would recommend http://www.myelectionchoices.com as a way to see who’s statements you agree with on a variety of issues.
I’m tending to lean towards Obama mostly because I’ve been tired of the growing polarization of the political process and the dehumanization of the other side by each side. His rhetoric about unity and change is attractive as is the general positivity of his campaign. My hope is that if he were the Democrats’ choice that it would change the political conversation from one in which each side tries to paint the other side as most evil to one in which each side tries to convince us that they would be able to do the most good.
ariah, hillary worked for walmart, need i say more?
the problem with voting to lean our country to just ways according to the kingdom of god is,who is going to do it?
it is the govt’s job to protect citizens and maintain order. the government could never do the “job” of the kingdom of god simply because it isnt.
@joe troyer
It depends on whether you consider the government to be a separate entity from oneself or not.
If the government is a separate entity, then it’s an abdication to have the government be doing the “job” of the Kingdom.
If we are a part of a shared government then it’s an abdication to not be using our portion of governing power to further the goals of the Kingdom.
I tend to believe that in a democracy it is (in theory) the latter rather than the former. And that if there are injustices being perpetrated at a governmental level, then it is probably best to fix them at a governmental level.
That being said, I also believe we should never rely solely on our governing power to bring the Kingdom.
Richard,
I had to look up ‘abdication’ but I like what your saying. I think I lean toward your view.
Joe,
agreed it is never the governments role to do the job of the kingdom. However, I don’t know that it’s the governments job to protect and maintain order either, aren’t we supposed to decide what our democracy’s job is, or at least how that is carried out?
i hear you richard, but my vote 4 years ago cost lives. when i cast my vote for someone, there is no going back. scripture seems to make a distinction between kingdoms of this world and the kingdom of god.
i am not sure ariah. i think our job is to be faithful to the kingdom of god no matter what the govt. i am not saying not to vote. i am still deciding myself. i dont know if i can cast a vote for the sword,while living out the cross. whether we endorse all our candidates actions or not, we are responsible for putting them there.
for myself i feel more “clean” to speak to my government from the outside, so to speak.
Joe,
I must have said something confusing in that last comment.
I completely agree with you, we are responsible for our vote, and we should stay true to our values throughout.
its a little distracting in the troyer household. i must of just missed it.