An Essay on Politics: WWJV (What Would Jesus Vote?)

Back whenever I started actually giving a little bit of concern towards American politics, I thought that I would always vote Republican. I grew up in a Southern Baptist church and whenever you are in a Southern Baptist church, everyone tells you that you are supposed to vote Republican. They tell you that God wants you to vote Republican.

Before I go any further, I will admit to you that I voted for John McCain in the 2008 Presidential Election and that I am a registered Republican. You can take that as a disclaimer if you like. Now, back to what I was talking about.

I have a huge issue when people bring God into politics. What I mean by that is suggesting that God votes a certain way, or that God has a certain political belief. To suggest that the God of the Universe surrenders Himself to the ridiculous political ideologies of humankind is absurd. Folks, He doesn’t think on our level. He’s not concerned with who’s a Democrat or who’s a Republican. He’s God. Period. He’s concerned with Love. He’s concerned with people obeying His commandments.

I think the church tries to involve itself too much in politics and not enough in loving people. Granted, politics play an important part in our day-to-day lives, whether we realize it or not. They impact the church in various ways, both good and bad, and I understand that. But at the same time, I find that the church is so concerned in pushing a particular political agenda, that it tends to venture away from what it was originally supposed to be doing: reaching folks for the gospel.

Please understand that when I make these statements, I’m not trying to attack the church as a whole I am simply trying to make a point. I’ve spoken with a lot of pastors from a lot of churches that actually place less emphasis on political parties and more on choosing a candidate that lines up with your beliefs.

I have a lot of friends on both sides of the political spectrum, but I think it’s safe to say that a vast majority of my friends tend to be more conservative in their ideologies. I think that’s great. For the most part though, I don’t think that they are better people just because they chose a particular candidate in a recent election, as opposed to my other friends who may have voted differently.

I wonder when people will get to the point where they put aside their political differences and just love each other. I have friends on both sides of the spectrum who spend a lot of their time taking potshots at other people for their political beliefs. Sometimes, it’s in jest, but other times, in many times, it’s really hurtful. Come on folks! Get over yourselves!

I voted for McCain because I felt like he would represent what I believed and would push the issues I felt were important to me and what I felt was most beneficial to our country, as opposed to Barack Obama. I didn’t feel like Obama would address my concerns, and I think, for the most part, that I’ve been correct on that. I don’t agree with a lot of the decisions he has made.

I wish more people would do the same. I wish more people would focus on choosing a particular candidate or pushing a particular agenda because they feel like it’s what should be done for the improvement of our beloved country, and not just because they feel that they are supposed to vote for a candidate or whatever because of his party, or his skin color, or whether or not he is a good public speaker.

I think I’ve said enough on this matter. If you feel differently then I would love to hear from you!