Friday, January 4th
In a previous blog I made the comment that, “I think someone can be a great decision maker, a great leader, and a person committed to values that Christians embrace and not have any faith.”
To which a friend of mine commented,
“I’m going to call “foul” on your faith comment. This seems to contradict your normal thought process, especially concerning faith. Are you sure you would want somebody making as you say “billion dollar decisions that impact the globe” to a person with no faith? And there is no such thing as a person without faith. Everybody believes in something. I think the issue with candidates running for public office is that people want to know if the candidate believes in something bigger than themselves. So I don’t buy that you actually believe that you can have a great leader who does not have a foundation in faith.”
I wanted to make sure my response wasn’t buried in the comments section of the blog. Here was my response,
“Have you ever had a great teacher who wasn't a Christian? A great doctor who wasn't a Christian? A great auto-mechanic who wasn't a Christian? The best teacher I ever had in grad school was agnostic. I believe what I wrote: Someone can be a great President and have no faith whatsoever. In my mind someone is a "Christian politician" because he/she votes the way Jesus would, not because they push their faith in public and say "God bless America" at the end of their speeches.
For instance, if I remember correctly, you didn't hold Ronald Reagen in very high regard because of the unChristian way his policies hurt people. But can't we credit Reagen with infusing personal faith into the rhetoric of the presidency (at least in our current political context)? I believe that Ronald Reagen could profess a Christian faith, and lead "unChristianly" while an atheist could lead as a President the way Jesus would. The issue, in my mind, is track record. You show me how you've voted/governed and I'll make the decision whether or not you're a Christian politician. It's simply substance over style/rhetoric.”
Barack Obama and Mike Huckabee are now the frontrunners going in New Hampshire. Both have overly used Christian rhetoric in their campaigns to get the “faithful” to the booths.
But have they voted the way Jesus would have in their past political situations?
Would Jesus vote pro-choice as Obama has in the past?
Would Jesus endorse and promote capital punishment as I have heard Huckabee has in his career?
Substance. Voting history. Verifiable evidence of an attitude of discipleship in votes and legislation makes one Christian. “Christian,” “God,” “Faith,” and a few others words mean nothing when tossed in by speech-writers.
With this in mind, I have met atheists who live out the message of Jesus better than some Christians. There may come a time when one such person runs for office.
Given the choice between an atheist who leads like Jesus but has no faith vs. a politician with a faith soaked in lukewarm American Christian religiosity, there’s absolutely no question who I’m voting for.
Voting for an Atheist President?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
17 comments:
I, for one, would be extremely concerned with an atheist for president. I know quite a few and they do not think there is life after death so they do whatever they feel like doing because they feel there are no eternal consequences for their actions. Very dangerous thinking!!! I'm a little surprised by your opinion on this, Brian. I agree with you that fake Christianity is no good either, but can't we pray for a president that has faith?
We can certainly pray for a president with authentic faith. That's what I hope and pray for.
However, in my experience the atheists I've known have been the exact opposite of what you've experienced. BECAUSE they don't believe in an afterlife, they take the consequences of their behavior very seriously and want to live the best lives possible (both for themselves and their families). Of course I've known a few characters over the years as well, but I can also say that about a few Christians I've known too.
I agree with you, Mr. Jones. I am personally more outraged by our current president's re-arrangement of executive powers than our past presidents indiscretions. A president needs to be diplomatic, but not selfish. A fish on the presidential limo is nice, and prayer breakfasts have had certain impacts... but ultimately inconsequential.
I agree with you, Mr. Jones. I'm more concerned with our current president's re-arrangement of executive power than our past president's indiscretions. A fish on the presidential limo is nice, and prayer breakfasts have their place.. but are ultimately inconsequential compared to the decisions the leader makes.
Brian,
At least once a month you write something that makes me want to stand up and cheer---after I get over my jealousy at how well you wrote it, and how articulately you say the things I un-articulately think.
This is my latest favorite--thanks for putting it out there. We have yet to meet, but if we're ever in the same place at the same time, I hope you'll let me buy you and Lisa a cup of coffee.
So, how do you vote like Jesus when the options provided to you don't have a history of voting in a way that reflects Christ consistently?
I don't agree with the implication that Jesus opposes the death penalty, since the Bible allows it (even in the New Testament as I understand Romans 13). He may favor some reforms to make sure that the innocent are protected, but I can't see him opposing it in principle. How do you see it?
By the way, I enjoy reading your blog. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with the rest of us.
Heck, I just want a president that is going to do the right thing, for the right reasons . . maybe even focus on our own country for a bit . . .who knows. I am frustrated by the whole things . . .Oh and I simply cannot imagine a President Huckabee .. .
Terry,
I wouldn't rush to support Capital punishment on the basis of Romans 13. If we use that logic then what we're doing is blanketly endorsing any "use of the sword" the government chooses to use as punishment. I worry about giving our government a "blank check" to use the sword in the way they seem fit and then stand back and say that God has ordained that.
I'm undecided on the issue, honestly.One day I'm for it, the next I can't see Jesus supporting it ever, under any circumstances. Samee feelings about war.
Jenn,
That's a great question -- How do you vote when the options presented to you don't have a history of voting in a way that reflects Christ consistently?
That's the million dollar question!
The reason I wrote this blog entry was my lame attempt to say one way NOT to decide on who to vote for is whether or not they SAY they are a Christian. And obviously voting "party lines" is ridiculous.
That's only how NOT to vote though. Honestly, I'm still processing this. I'm really not sure. What do you think?
Jen,
Thanks Jen for the nice words. Coffee it is...when you are in town. People in Philly don't do Starbucks that much. There's this place called Wawa, which is like a gas station that serves food (freaked me out when I moved from Ohio...real lunch food served in a gas station?). Gotta do Wawa. My wife is addicted to their coffee and would love to share her habit.
Brian
Brian,
You have touched the "powder keg" again. Politcal views from the pulpit are very dangerous. Your point is very well presented, but I believe is subject to change, due to world events. I believe God is in control of all world events, so if a Christian or Non-Christian is in office, it is God's ultimate choice/influence? Is it not? So his hand will guide events according to his plan... So what does it matter if Christian or Not..? The Christian angle is used to appeal to the masses/voters, as a moral compass that candidate professes to follow.
This country was founded on those morals.
A Crosbie
Brian,
I certainly agree that God never gives the government a "blank check" to do whatever it wants whenever it wants to do it. The prophets of the Old Testament consistently called on the leaders of the government to do what is right, rather than what they wanted to do. God never gave them a "blank check." We may agree on this more than it appears. Keep up the challenging posts!
Brian,
I am so glad to have read all the opinions on this subject, especially yours because you always put things in clear biblical perspective for me.
The founding fathers of our country were wise enough to separate church and state for this very reason (the potential abuse of power based upon "faith"). This is so dangerous. As Christians, we can choose to vote for candidates who will not just talk about but carry out moral decisions including protecting human life (all life!). That's how I intend to vote anyway.
(Mike) McGov
First Off, who, what, where, and when is there a precedence for a "Christian" nation? I don't believe there is; certainly the scriptures do not - do they?.
The nature of our country is not dictated by the actions of one man - it is dictated by the people who put him in office. Quite frankly our so-called "Christian" country is pretty pathetic when it comes to representing Jesus - period. We have folks all throughout the halls of congress and the Senate who are the real bugger-boos of this political mess we are in and WE put them there!
So.., in an increasingly anti-christian country - all a man of faith in office faces is media bashing, political foe bashing, and yes - christian bashing. As if every decision we make in our own little worlds are ALL Christ-centered even as much as we try. Give me a break. I tend to agree with Brian here.
The biggest problem we have, is this country is so divided. Even the Christians can't get along with each other, and that is even before we talk political issues and agendas. That is the saddest thing of all in my humble opinion. But lest we forget - what are political systems and countries? - They are of the world; we who are Christ followers are aliens in this world. If someone of the world can lead and make decisions that are in line with the Lord, why not?
Ok.., I'm rambling - I agree with you Brian! :-)
IHL,
Richie
Brian,
Hebrews 11:6 says that it is impossible to please God without faith. So, can God bless the decisions, and leadership qualities of a person who is a non-Christian who has no faith in Jesus?
I think God will always honor His Word, and decisions and leadership qualities based on God’s Word will be honored by God even if they are implemented by a non-Christian. However, I do not think that a non-Christian can have the ability to understand enough of the scriptures to lead effectively because scripture to non-Christians is foolishness. 1Corinthians 1:18 says, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”
Now maybe if a non-Christian leader got Christian council from a wise Christian, someone like Billy Graham for example, and implements decisions according to God’s Word, then God will bless those decisions. However, I do not think a non-Christian could have the ability by themselves to understand enough of the principles of God, without good Christian council, to be a good leader and make good decisions on their own.
I think it would be better if leader had their own Christian perspective and that they also seek out other wise Christian council on matters of great importance.
Ed
I do not believe the death penalty should be use. How can one say that they follow Jesus' teachings of forgiveness and then and go a nd kill someone fo what they did. Was it not our saviour who stopped the stoning of a woman caught in the act of adultery. How can anyone as a christian say that humans taking punnishment of this magnitude into their own hands? I though that it was gods job to judge. How can one judge if they themselves are not perfect, so "let whoever is faultless throw the first stone"
Post a Comment