Monday, October 8, 2007

Third Party a Possibility

I was glad to hear that Dr. James Dobson and other Christian leaders recently met and agreed that if the Republicans further abandon their core values and nominate a pro-abortion candidate to run for President, they would consider supporting a third party candidate who would adequately reflect the values we have always stood for, presumably, even if it means losing the 2008 election to the Democrats. The next day I heard Sean Hannity on his radio show express concern, and posing the question, “If the choice was between Hillary and Guliani who else could you vote for but Guliani?” His view, though it makes perfect political sense, demonstrates his limited frame of reference, and his inability to see that there is much more at stake than even the future of this great country. Let me share two important reasons why Christians must be prepared to support a third part candidate if the Republicans abandon core principles, such as the right to life.

First of all, many Christians like myself, cannot vote for a pro-choice candidate as a matter of conscience. If we believe that our vote is contributing to the murder of children, that would make us accomplices to murder. For me, personally, nothing can compensate for knowingly contributing to baby killing. I cannot, in good conscience, have any part in promoting a national policy of genocide toward babies.

Secondly, we realize that if Democrats win the election, it really will not be the end of the world. (That will come when the Father says it’s time.) However, things may have to get worse in this nation, if there is any chance of them ever becoming better. The Church has been complacent and unwilling to venture out into the culture to make a difference. If ungodly forces rise to power there may very well be dire times ahead, and this may compel the Church to rise up to be the Church Christ intended, or we may very well become the Atheist Socialist nation many are seeking to establish today.

We do not know what the future holds for America. We only know that America’s past has been a record of greatness, because we have been one nation under God. We also know that as historian Alexis DeTouqueville told us, “If America ever ceases to become good she will cease to become great.” My consolation is that no matter who is President, Jesus Christ will still be King of Kings, and He will still be in control.

It may very well be time for a new party, even if it means losing a term or two to more ungodly powers. Times may have to get worse, before they can be better.

Nevertheless, my encouragement to believers is to vote your conscience. Never make that -or any other decision- out of a motive of fear. Fear is the power of Satan, just as faith is the power of God. Put your faith in Him who holds governments on His shoulders, and vote in a way that standing before His throne you can, with good conscience, say “Father, I did my best,” remembering also the words of one of our founding fathers, John Quincy Adams, who reminds us that “Duty is ours; results are God’s.”