How Would God Vote? (a "blogalogue")
In case you haven't noticed, it is an election year. ;) Politics are in full swing; along with certain appeals to what the Bible does and doesn't say about politics. Opinions vary; my conviction is that we should vote according to a Christian worldview and for the public good (i.e., the flourishing of a society). But what does that mean, specifically?
Here is a blogalogue between two thinkers on various ends of the spectrum (the Christian spectrum). It is worth a read.
What do you think?
Here is a blogalogue between two thinkers on various ends of the spectrum (the Christian spectrum). It is worth a read.
What do you think?
Labels: Bible, Cultural Observations, Current Events, Faith and Politics, Thinking Christianly
posted by Jonathan Morrow at
11:05 AM
3 Comments:
Really good blog link.
I haven't heard of David Klinghoffer before but now that I have read his posts I can only nod and smile thinly at his comments. It all amounts to the same sort of individualism that defines our American culture. And the Christian Conservative response to poverty and other issues is, "We'll preach to you about God and what you should do but we won't help you do it. That's your job."
In one sense, I agree, there is a lack of morality in our country. We're human, there always will be. Morality should be taught.
But the conclusion that David comes to is the same sort of thing he advocates with the poor: all talk no action.
David also mentions the statistic that 89% of people in poverty have enough to eat every day. Here are a few statistics for him to consider: 5 million or so Americans are on welfare and 28 million or so use food stamps. I would wager that these people have enough to eat only because the government provides (but even here there are statistics that say that not all low income families are using food stamps).
David's arguments are weak and ineffectual and like Wallis I find myself a little disturbed by the things he says but not shocked, as I grew up in this strictly religious culture. David's book title "How Would God Vote? Why the Bible Commands You to Be A Conservative" is laughable. The whole premise is that David knows how God would vote and/or that the republican party does. How arrogant. How obscenely arrogant. Maybe Wallis should have a talk with David about pride, too...
Barry, thanks for your thoughtful comments. You may enjoy a book by Ronald Sider called "The Scandal of Evangelical Politics." While not exhaustive by any means, Sider has written some helpful things. Also, have you read the "Evangelical Manifesto" recently released on politics (http://www.anevangelicalmanifesto.com/)--you might enjoy reading that as well. Cheers!
I have the evangelical manifesto printed out, next to my desk, where it has been for a month or so. I've been meaning to read it and I hear that Jim Wallis was one of those who signed/helped create it. I will read it and get back to you on it.
Also, thanks for the books suggestion. I'll look that up.
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