iVoteValues Archives

Cowardly Clergyman?

Posted by: Oklahoma Baptist Messenger staff on April 29, 2008 Featured Article •

Since when does a church or its pastor have to remain silent when addressing moral and social issues from a biblical worldview? There is no shortage on those who would like to squelch the voice of the church, especially during a political season.

Now is not the time for the church and its pastor to turn passive with regard to addressing critical social and moral issues from the pulpit. The pastor must speak with conviction based on the authority of the Scripture, not with results from the latest opinion poll. The pastor must challenge his congregation with the truth of God’s Word without regard to the views and opinions of political parties or candidates.

The pastor must do all he can to provide insight to moral and social issues based on God’s Word. Shying away from or avoiding certain issues for fear of offending a particular political candidate or political party member is acting as a cowardly clergyman.

Pastors have every right to preach on moral and social issues and to encourage their congregations to become active in civic affairs. Pastors should never endorse a candidate on behalf of the church. Nor should they use church funds or services to contribute directly to candidates or political committees. The pastor should never distribute materials on church premises that favor any one candidate or political party. However, the pastor does have the right to address moral and social issues being addressed by candidates and political parties.

The church has every right to encourage members to voice their opinions in favor or against legislative issues. A church should never endorse or oppose a political candidate or make contributions to a political action committee. Nor should churches conduct fundraising for political candidates. However, the church is an excellent place for the community to learn more about the political process and legislative issues.

Unfortunately, too many churches and pastors are standing on the sidelines allowing those with a secular worldview to dominate public affairs and critical legislation. Our silence has been perceived as agreement. We must clear our throats and be heard without concession.

We are not skating on thin ice when it comes to taking a stand regarding moral and social issues. We must not be intimidated by those who desire to silence the church. We are called to proclaim the truth. May Joshua 1:9 serve as our guide as we seek to address the moral and social issues of our day. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” May the Lord find us strong and courageous as together we seek to make a difference within our culture.

It is time to speak up, pastor. Take a stand with God’s Word as your guide! Churches, stand with your pastor as he proclaims the truth of God’s Word with regard to sensitive social and moral issues of the day.

Church members, beware of allowing your political persuasions to compromise your biblical convictions. Know where candidates stand on the issues and support those who share your values as a believer and follower of Jesus Christ.

[This editorial is adapted and reprinted with permission from the April 10, 2008 Oklahoma Baptist Messenger.]

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Knowing the Why Behind the What

Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on April 21, 2008 Featured Article •

Just last week, I was talking to a friend about some hot topics that plague our society. We talked about these issues in relation to the upcoming presidential election. As we hashed out our opinions on each topic, she stopped and revealed her embarrassment for lacking defenses regarding certain topics.

It reminded me of what Peter wrote in his first letter: “Set apart the Messiah as Lord in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear” (1 Peter 3:14-16).

Do you know what you believe? You may have developed your own opinions on certain topics, but do you have a biblical defense for them? I told my friend that if she has even the slightest question about her beliefs, then she should go to God’s Word. And even after that, she should make sure all of her opinions are in line with what God says in the Bible.

There is no black and white when it comes to deciding what you believe about some issues. People broadcast so many different opinions, that it seems most choose to ride the fence in the gray area instead, which can cause confusion.

All of the candidates in this year’s election believe different things—and some even ride the fence. You could pick and choose from each one what you agree with and what you don’t, but you’ll never find the perfect candidate who believes exactly as you do.

The most important decision you can make this election year is to vote biblical values. Your first job is to put God first, arm yourself with the Truth, and approach each issue with “gentleness and respect” as Jesus would.

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Voter Generation Gap

Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on April 10, 2008 Featured Article •

My grandma’s music is not my music today. My granddad’s paycheck didn’t look like the paycheck I get every two weeks. And their political party choice may not match mine. Times sure have changed.

There is definitely a generational gap in how we do things. But one thing we do share and connect on is our values—because we believe in what the timeless truth of God’s Word has to say about our culture’s hot topics.

A Gallup Poll recently stated that approximately 6 in 10 Americans say religion is very important in their lives, while 26% say religion is fairly important and only 16% say it is not very important at all.

Religious times sure have changed since my grandparents were my age. My grandmother used to tell me how good times were when she was growing up. I remember her detailing the time she and her family drove to California.

During their journey, they stopped on the side of the road one night to sleep out in the open air. The next night they randomly knocked on the door of a stranger in a town along the way to rest their heads. And throughout the trip, they picked up several hitchhikers to offer a helping hand because it was the right thing to do.

This would never happen today. Yes, times have changed—especially in our belief system, morals, and religious values in America.

Gallup said: “The percentage of Americans who reported that religion was very important in their lives was slightly lower between 1978 and 1989, but was significantly higher in surveys conducted in 1965 and 1952.”

Statistics aside, with each passing year our country seems to move more toward the idea that religion is less important. No wonder our culture is dying morally.

It is our job as believers to help make the right decisions when choosing which way our country should go. It’s time to stand up and speak out about what is truth according to God’s Word. A great place to do this is at the polls this year.

You don’t have to get out and vote like your grandma did. But you can get out and vote for morals and values according to God’s Word.

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Moral Fabric

Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on April 8, 2008 Featured Article •

My grandmother was a fantastic quilt-maker. My parents, brother, and I have a collection of at least 8-10 quilts made by her hands that are scattered between us.

I have used one of these quilts over time excessively—dragging it around, washing it, allowing my dog to trample all over it, washing it again, and so on. As a result, after almost 20 years of use, it is extremely worn, thin, and falling apart at the seams.

If I protected it and taken better care of it throughout the years, then it would definitely be in much better shape—maybe even like new.

The same is true of the moral fabric in our country. Over the years, we’ve neglected to protect this area of moral and sexual purity in the lives of our families, schools, and government.

Time and again, we’ve seen leaders in government fall prey to the temptation of sexual immorality. Because our leaders have set this sort of example for the rest of our nation and have in some way influenced others that this issue is not important, we have become weak and torn in this area.

We have become numb to the provocative nature of what is produced on our televisions and movie screens. We have become numb to the explicit lyrics that come through our speakers. We have become numb to the sexual sin that is now widely accepted throughout our country.

Wall Street Journal editor Robert Bartley once said, “If America is to decline, it will not be because of military overstretch nor the trade balance, Japanese management secrets, or even the federal deficit. If a decline is underway, it’s a moral one.”

First Timothy 4:12 tells us that we should be examples in our speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. And 1 Corinthians 6:18 says, “Flee from sexual immorality!”

This election year, let’s remember what God’s Word says about this issue and vote for our biblical values. Remember the sanctity of sexual purity as God intends.