I have been very leery of mixing religion and politics from the very beginning of Jerry Falwell's Moral Majority. Pat Robertson then picked up the ball and ran with it awhile. Now I get calls from Dr. Dobson at night wanting me to vote my religion.
Before you jump on me too hard, hear me out on my complaint.
I, like most other people prefer legislators who follow more closely the moral compass I have chosen. What bothers me most is when brethren come to believe it is sinful to vote for one man over another because he fails in that regard.
We are not hiring a gospel preacher here. We are selecting someone to govern the country or to at least represent us in that process.
My point is that I should be allowed to vote for someone I believe is a superior governor for that reason alone and not be forced to vote someone into office who is a wonderful person but woefully unqualified for the job. And when I do, I should not need to be ashamed to admit why I voted for that person. Exa. Would you take your car to a Christian for repairs when you were convinced he did not know how to fix it?
When Jesus said, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's", he authorized a separation of church and state regardless of what Thomas Jefferson would decide some 1800 years later.
All of us are responsible to God to obey His commands if we seek the salvation of our souls. (Heb. 5:8,9) The same people are given the freedom to vote for whatever kind of government they choose without affecting their ability to faithfully obey the commands of God.
We learn early on from the Apostles that we must obey God rather than man. (Acts 5:29) Which would you rather be killed for in service to God? Refusing to have an abortion or refusing to worship contrary to the Word of God? This is the question we must answer if we are to insist on voting for leaders purely on the basis of their moral stand. (Opposition to abortion, homosexuality, etc.)
The reason I say that is there is no clear evidence an atheist will become a ruthless dictator any sooner than a zealous moralist.
How about the last time the majority of the world was ruled by a religious leader? How did that work out for mankind? Bibles burned. People who obtained Bibles and decided to live by God's Word rather than that of the Pope were martyred for that cause.
In a perfect world we could find Christians to rule and legislate according to God's Word, but we do not live in a perfect world. Therefore, let me suggest you decide who you think is the best man for the office according to your ideals and let your fellow man do the same and thus preserve any sphere of influence you might have over him in your efforts to lead him to Christ. After all, wouldn't you rather teach him to be a Christian than convince him to agree with your politics? Teach him to be a Christian first and he will soon have similar ideals to yours politically.
When you have accomplished that you should follow the advice of the Apostle Paul who told the evangelist Timothy, "I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity." (1 Tim. 2:1,2)
Appealing to God will overcome our shortcomings in selecting our legislators.
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