We, as serious Christians, need to cast our vote in an informed manner consistent with the gospels’ moral teaching. Thus, Christians may want to reconsider voting for anyone who intends to push programs or laws that are further burdensome to the taxpayer. On most issues that come before voters or legislators, a Christian can take one side or the other and not act contrary to his faith. Most matters do not have a “Christian position.” But some issues are so key, so elemental, that only one position accords with the teaching of the Christian gospel.
We, as Christians, have a moral obligation to promote the common good through the exercise of their voting privileges. It is not just civil authorities who have responsibility for a country. “Service of the common good” requires citizens to fulfill their roles in the life of the political community. This means citizens need to participate in the political process at the ballot box or by absentee.
Laws are passed by the Legislature, enforced by the executive branch and interpreted by the judiciary. This means we should scrutinize any candidate for the Legislature, anyone running for an executive office, and anyone nominated for the bench. This is true not only at the national level, but also at the state and local levels. It is true, the lesser the office, the less likely the officeholder will take up certain moral issues. Your city council, for example, perhaps never will take up the issue of abortion, euthanasia, fetal stem cell research, human cloning or homosexual marriage.
But it is important that we evaluate every candidate, no matter what office is being sought, by contacting them directly, or by going to a local campaign office that will explain their positions, or perhaps they have a Facebook page or email address and ask how he stands on each issue. After all, this is America, we have a right to be informed. Get out and vote.
Angy Goyette, Alfred
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
