How to Approach Politics After November 6
In less than one week, the rigorous debates, polls, and nasty ad campaigns that have marked this U.S. election season will abate as American voters choose the next President. While about 70 percent of white (non-Hispanic) evangelical Protestant voters say they support the 2012 GOP candidate, there's evidence that more Christians are planning to sit this election out. Their reasons for doing so are perhaps best embodied by Jen Pollock Michel, a Her.meneutics writer who has typically voted Republican but has grown wary of the GOP's approach to health care. In a recent post, she says our two-party system splits her Christian convictions down the middle, leaving her conscience torn.
Thankfully, there are many ways Christians can engage politics beyond voting for a President every four years. Since This Is Our City launched in October 2012, we have spotlighted a number of Christians who are attending city council meetings, lobbying on behalf of a particular issue or candidate, and raising awareness on legislation that will improve their community. A running theme in many of these is "local, local, local." As political scientist Amy Black told us last fall, "The smaller the unit of government, the more significant our individual contributions become. A few concerned activists can attend a school board or city council meeting and help influence the decision-making."
Don't miss the following portraits of Christians making common-good decisions that take more than a ballot check.
Christian or Lobbyist? Yes!: Stephanie Tama-Sweet
As a lobbyist in Oregon, Stephanie Tama-Sweet believes that politics can't be black and white.
Where Christian Civic Engagement Begins: Tim Soerens
Tim Soerens believes that contributing to the shalom of his city starts with showing up.
The Cost of Serving Portland--and Jesus--as an Oregon Politician: Jules Bailey
State Representative Jules Bailey, an unlikely Christian, has drafted some of the most innovative environmental legislation in the state.
With Liberty of Justice for All: Pam Hogeweide and Emmett Bailey
How can people who share the same faith embrace such different politics?
A Christian Immigrant Without Papers: Ricardo
How the Mexico native's shattered dreams to play football fueled a new vocational calling.
Ian Danley believes high school is where Phoenix Latinos can step out and grasp a future.
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Comments
KEVIN ANDERSON
The two candidates amazingly agree on the following: NDAA, Patriot Act, American military presence in the Middle East, Aggressive American interference in foreign affairs, Keeping the Fed, Maintaining the bloated & wasteful military budget, Oil drilling on Federal lands, (Not) reducing US dependence on oil, Keystone XL pipeline, No Single Payer universal health insurance coverage, Drone strikes, Prosecuting Wall St Bankers (there hasn't been any), Corporate personhood, LE harassment of medical marijuana users, Not raising the minimum wage, Wiretapping, Gtmo bay
-brent
There are many Christians in politics, some visible and some not so much. I am a pastor and elected official at the County level. It limits some of your speech-- that is, what I say on Sunday morning needs retooled before it is acceptable in my County office on Monday morning. But I can use the same message, and do, it just takes some creativity. It is like in all walks, the truth speaks volumes, and integrity of your job makes a great baseline to have conversations.
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