However, we must realize that we live in a fallen world. The devil is out there pitching every day, trying to ensure that his slate of candidates gets elected.
I'm not convinced that Satan has his own slate, any more than Jesus has a slate. I think all candidates have sinned and fallen short, and yet all of them are children of God who, if they repent and give their lives to Christ, will be saved. We cannot possibly know what is in their heart. We might make some guesses based on their behavior, but as I read Scripture, it really isn't our job to speculate about who may or may not be saved. Our job is to feed the hungry, heal the sick, give aid to the poor, etc., and let God worry about saving souls, which is His job.
Having said that, you do bring up a good point:
I think the question should be, not "Who would jesus vote for?" but "What does Jesus want?".
and for that I thank you.
Indeed, Jesus almost certainly would not vote for Obama, or Paul, or Santorum, or Gingrich, or Romney, or any of the candidates .... Not only because he isn't an American citizen, but because, as you point out, he just wasn't caught up in politics. But yes, we should be concerned with the effects that our next Commander in Chief will have on this world which God has given us. This is why I ask the question, and why I am hoping discussion continues in a friendly manner. I believe it is vital that we consider this election carefully, because it is important. Not just as Americans, but as Christians, as children of God and heirs of the Kingdom. So far, to this point, it seems, you and I are in agreement.
However, I would like to clarify one thing you said, to make sure I understand you.
I believe that we must do everything we can to stem the tide of liberalism and secularism that threatens to tip this country over the brink.
I would like to know (a) how you define "liberalism," (b) why you link it with secularism, and (c) what this "brink" is over which you think this country may tip?
First of all, I hope you are aware that there are thousands, if not millions, of liberals in the U.S. who are also devoutly religious. That is why I'm a little confused by linking "liberalism" with "secularism" and I think perhaps you and I have different understandings of the word "liberal." In fact, I was in high school before I even realized that someone could be Christian and not be liberal; before that, I just assumed all Christians were liberal, because that's what Jesus' teachings seemed to me.
Perhaps it would help if I shared with you what I -- and what many Christians who consider themselves "liberal" -- mean by that term, and why it is not contradictory with Christianity, or indeed why it is very complimentary to it.
A liberal is someone who loves without reservation. In the Greek, this kind of love is referred to as "Agape." It is the love Jesus has for us. And Jesus asks us to have it for others, even our enemies.
A liberal is someone who believes that a man who has two coats should give one of them to a man who has none.
A liberal is someone who believes that the alien in the land should be treated with justice, that the nation is responsible for caring for the widow and orphan, and those who are in need.
These are all Biblical values. I could go on, and I will if you need me to.
There are certainly planks on the Democratic platform that are un-Biblical, and there are planks on the Republican platform that are un-Biblical. And there are certainly aspects of both parties that are Biblical. It seems to me that the Democratic party shares more of these values, as outlined above, than the Republican party does, but I accept that it's up for debate.
I recommend we discuss each individual issue, maybe prioritize them, decide which issues are deal-breakers, etc. and then compare these issues to the candidates.
God bless us all, and God bless America.
Amen.
