Back to Politics – answering a common objection

A few nights ago in a popular chat channel, we began a brief discussion on why we should vote based on principles rather than on the outcome. Many agreed that in essence voting for Bush would be voting for the lesser of two evils. I proposed that voting for the lesser of two evils is unbiblical and unethical in a Christian worldview. Further, I stressed that voting for a man who has clear Christian principles is the right choice for any believer. Of course, someone quickly responded by saying that in that case, we could put a prominent theologian (I won’t name who) as a write-in for this election. The argument is simple: Why not just get any Christian leader and write him in as a candidate for the presidency?

This is a valid argument and I propose a few observations contra this proposition. Hopefully, it will lead to further interactions. First, my primary concern is to find a leader that represents God’s truth when running for president. One thing to keep in mind is that only in America you have this distinct privilege. The truth is, only here is the possibility of that scenario even possible. Secondly, voting for a party that is Christian, in the Orthodox definition, is letting America know that there are other options out there besides the dominant two-party system. Thirdly, in order to be a Christian candidate one must be qualified. If this prominent Christian theologian or leader is qualified for a position of an office, and in turn is politically inclined and understands the issues facing our society today, then my response is a hearty encouragement to his candidacy. Of course, I assume we are all very aware that to become a candidate is quite a difficult task.

My position is favorable to as many Christians as possible running for the office. Can you imagine in 2008 at least two distinctly Christian parties committed to denouncing abortion once and for all? Further, can you imagine two Christian parties holding hands defending the same ethical issues? What kind of message would this send to America?

I am all in favor of having as many Christian parties as possible, but until that happens or until that prominent theologian (who by the way, usually makes horrible politicians, with the exception of Abraham kuyper) is up and running for office of the United States of America, I am voting for the Constitution Party.