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We learn from Christ's example that an apparent defeat can lead to future triumph. Caught up in the passion of an election campaign, it's easy to fall victim to the belief that, at such a decisive moment, winning is everything. But in elections, as in the rest of life, the temptation is one that Christians must resist.

I am not impugning the faith of either candidate. In nationally televised addresses after the postelection ordeal, both men sounded the right note of grace, acknowledging that faith in God should raise us above our earthly struggles. The message is one that Christians—including those who run for public office—must remember in the midst of crises, not just after their resolution: Sometimes our faith requires us to accept something less than victory in order to show the world Christ's sacrificial love.

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Stephen L. Carter has also written "The Freedom to Resist | The African-American experience teaches us that political activity is essential to the church's identity" for Christianity Today (June 12, 2000).

More on elections and political issues around the country and around the world is available in our Politics area.

Christianity Today's earlier coverage of the 2000 election includes:

Religious Right Loses Power | A few victories, but more losses for conservatives. (Dec. 18, 2000)

The Bush Agenda | Will the White House be user-friendly for religious organizations? (Dec. 15, 2000)

Bush's Call to Prayer | After Al Gore's concession, evangelical leaders unify around faith-based initiatives, morality, and prayer as the incoming Bush administration gears up. (Dec. 14, 2000)

Books & Culture Corner: Election Eve | Why isn't anyone focusing on those who simply won't bother to vote? (Nov. 6, 2000)

Books & Culture Corner: Pencils Down Part II | Think your vote matters? You poor, misguided fool. (Sept. 18, 2000)

Anniversary of Church Shootings Serves as Reminder for Bush | Presidential candidate promises to battle religious bigotry in wake of Texas tragedy. (Sept. 15, 2000)

Books & Culture Corner: Pencils Down, the Election's Over | According to political scientists, Al Gore has already won. (Sept. 11, 2000)

A Presidential Hopeful's Progress | The spiritual journey of George W. Bush starts in hardscrabble west Texas. Will the White House be his next stop? (Sept. 5, 2000)

A Jew for Vice-President? | Joseph Lieberman's Torah observance could renew America's moral debate. (Aug. 9, 2000)

Bush and Gore Size Up Prolife Running Mates | Will abortion stances play an influential role in Vice Presidential selection? (July 17, 2000)

Gary Bauer Can't Go Home Again | Internal survey at Family Research Council says 'partisan' leader unwelcome. (Feb. 8, 2000)

Might for Right? | As presidential primaries get under way, Christian conservatives aim to win. (Feb. 3, 2000)

God Bless America's Candidates | What the religious and mainstream presses are saying about religion on the campaign trail and other issues. (Dec. 10, 1999)

Conservatives Voice Support for Bauer (Nov. 15, 1999)

Bush's Faith-Based Plans | Bush argues that private religious organizations can partner successfully with government. (October 25, 1999)

Can I get a Witness? | Candidate testimonies must move beyond piety to policy. (August 9, 1999)

Republican Candidates Court Conservatives Early, Often (Apr. 4, 1999)

Reconnecting with the Poor | If people are hurting, it's our business. (Jan. 11, 1999)

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February 5 2001, Vol. 45, No. 2