Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Preliminary thoughts in anticipation of the upcoming election

I have been asked by some parishioners to comment on the candidates running for election this year. In the past I have made it a rule not to delve into the political realm, but given the unprecedented nature of this year’s election I believe the church needs heralds not pundits (those willing to proclaim what is true not politically expedient). It is my plan to write some pointed assessments of the candidates in the coming days. But first I want to begin by laying a foundation. The following post contains 6 truths I believe to be biblically accurate and theologically necessary given the current political climate. Hopefully their relevance will be more clearly seen in the coming days.

1. We do not chose our leaders. God puts leaders into power according to His wishes (Proverbs 8:15; Daniel 2:21; 4:17)

2. Sometimes rulers are put in place for our good (Romans 13:3-4), and sometimes as judgment(1 Samuel 8:9-18)

3. God possesses a secret will (what he will accomplish) and a revealed will (what we are commanded to do)

4. We cannot predict or control the means God will use to fulfill His secret will (Genesis 50:19, 20; Deut. 29:29; Eph. 1:11)

5. There is no such thing as a lesser evil, only different manifestations of evil

6. Our decisions must be made in accordance with the revealed will of God (Matthew 4:4; Deut. 32:45-47; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17)

2 comments:

Kristen said...

great list!

Candace/Chloe said...

Thank you for taking the time to do this!