One of the oldest running arguments in among Christians deals with the topic of predestination. Those on both sides of the aisle have passionate feelings about the subject. The first great split after the Reformation was over this subject and it continues to be a huge splinter causing division, confusion and pain within the Body of Christ.
The only reason I bring this up is in relation to the election tomorrow. There are many Christians who believe that whoever wins the Presidential and Congressional elections was “preordained” by God to do so. These Christians believe that everything which happens does so strictly as part of God’s predetermined plan. Thus, there is nothing man can do to alter the outcome.
I have always had major problems with the “predestination” theology and I still do. Starting with Lucifer and continuing through Adam and Eve, God has given His created beings the freedom to choose whether to obey and serve Him or not. God did not make Adam a mindless robot who automatically carried out every order given to him. To the contrary, God allowed Adam the freedom to obey or disobey. However tragic the outcome of Adam’s disobedience; at least God did not renege on his decision to allow Adam freedom of choice.
Throughout the Old Testament, there are many examples of men and women exercising their freedom of will by both obeying and disobeying God’s will. The point is, they made the decision and it was not forced upon them.
The idea of free elections being the way to select governing leaders is foreign in the Bible. There is no way to equate the proper Christian response to this entire political mess we are in to anything in Biblical history. The only election in the Bible was to replace Judas. Kings did not run for their office nor did Caesars, Pharaohs or other despots. These people either “elected themselves” or ascended to power via heredity.
The concept of people campaigning for political office and being elected by the vote of the people is such a recent phenomena there is no way to determine how a Christian should feel about the subject. It has been drummed into us since we first attended school that voting is a “God given right and responsibility” and as good citizens we need to exercise it. Congregations are urged to vote from the pulpit and huge blocks of Christians many times determine the outcome of elections due to their numbers.
Herein is the problem. Four years ago the evangelical Christians of this country more or less cast enough votes to re-elect George W. Bush as President. Without the overwhelming turnout on election day by millions of Evangelicals, there is no way Bush would have won the election. At the time, there was great rejoicing among Christians for they had proven they could greatly affect the outcome of an election. Logic dictates that the prevailing belief was that Mr. Bush was a good Christian and deserved the vote of other Christians.
In the times since the 2004 election President Bush has fallen to the point of being toxic to the majority of Americans and “anathema” to most of the Christians who helped elect him. The question then becomes one of whether Christians really should be so actively involved in politics that their votes determine the outcome of an election.
Given the choice between Sen. Kerry vs. Sen. Obama, the vast majority of Evangelicals would choose Kerry. As liberal as he is, Sen. Obama makes him look like a conservative. Yet, four years ago Evangelicals painted Sen. Kerry as the “antichrist”. Isn’t it interesting to note that if he had won the election four years ago, it would be some Republican messiah sweeping up the devotion of voters in this country and not a Democrat.
Neither the Democratic nor the Republican party has a corner on the “God” market. Politicians of both parties are many times corrupt and so ego driven that they will do literally anything to get elected. Lying, stealing committing fraud and offering bribes are only the tip of the political iceberg. Those entrusted with determining “dirty tricks” in order to smear the opponent as a fluke or evil person are among the highest paid officials in both parties.
The “will of the people” will supposedly be expressed in the voting booths across this land tomorrow. Somehow we have been led to believe that our “free” elections are as pure as the wind driven snow. Most of us know better. Elections are bought and paid for by candidates and parties with deep pockets and who craft efficient fund raising organizations which can bring in hundreds of millions of dollars for their candidates.
Most of us know that registration irregularities have rendered this election coming up a fraud before it is even held. Most of us know that crimes have been committed and reputations tarnished forever by disgusting tactics employed by both candidate’s camps in the name of “get out to vote” drives and negative advertising.
The point is, this election was “rigged” years ago at retaliation for supposed injustices committed generations ago. Whether this country can endure the sharp policy changes that will soon be imposed on it is yet to be determined. I suppose from a “predestined” point of view, it really doesn’t matter for whatever will be will be and is destined to be. From a personal point of view, I hope this right, even if it goes against my long held theology.
spiritual food for thought 