Election 2012, Part 1: Racial Issues, Helping the Poor and Financial Responsibility

I have postponed writing about this election because I feel at a loss as to what to say or how best to say it. Reluctantly, now that the election is only four weeks away, I’ve decided to give it a try. (I may regret it, and you may too.)

Election 2012, Part 2: Which Candidate Will Best Protect Religious Liberties?

This blog is about religious liberties. I believe where the next president stands on this issue will profoundly influence the culture in which our children and grandchildren will live. Will they be free to live out their religious convictions, even when unpopular, without being punished?  

Election 2012 Part 3: Which Candidate Has More Christian Beliefs? (And Should I Vote for a Mormon?)

So how do I choose between two candidates who in my opinion fall far short? I must consider not simply the candidates’ professed religious beliefs, but their past positions on moral issues, their promises and statements of intentions of what they will do in office.

Election 2012 Part 4: Do the Candidates Have Different Positions on Abortion and Does it Matter?

Now I come to the subject of abortion. And while it is not the only issue, it’s vitally important.  I recently addressed the question, “Shouldn’t we care about other social injustices besides abortion?” My answer was an emphatic yes, which is why our ministry gives financial resources, time and attention to fighting these other injustices. But when I bring it up, many Christians refuse to stay on track with the issue of abortion.

Election 2012 Part 5: Is it Wrong to Vote for the Lesser of Evils? Shouldn’t We Instead Vote for a Third Party Candidate?

I’ve received many comments from those who believe that we should vote for a third party candidate. Why? Because voting between President Obama and Governor Romney involves choosing between the lesser of two evils, which means choosing evil, something no Christian should do.

Election 2012, Part 6: Responses to six comments, including that we should never vote for a candidate who would allow abortion for rape and incest

I don’t watch political programs or listen to political radio and rarely read political articles. I do care about helping the poor and needy (including unborn children), and I care about religious liberties, as they relate to our call to follow Christ and love God and our neighbors, and as I try to pass on to my children and grandchildren freedoms that were passed on to me. These are what have motivated me to address these subjects.

Election 2012, Part 7: Responses to 12 More Comments, Including “It’s wrong to vote pragmatically,” “Politics is a waste of time” and “I’ll only vote for a Christian”

The good news is that with the election next week, this is my final election blog! (Monday’s blog will be Scripture and prayer for our nation.) I’m relieved to finish, because I’m disillusioned by politics and I feel torn by the ethical dilemmas. I have heard things I agree with said by nearly everyone who disagrees with me. I keep finding myself thinking, “Yeah, that’s exactly what I used to say!” Below are comments I’ve received, followed by my responses.

IRS regulations and…why Mike Huckabee above the other Candidates?

There was discussion in the comments on my previous blog about whether I am violating IRS regulations by supporting Mike Huckabee.

Since there is misunderstanding on this, let me clarify. (Not just for me, but for countless Christian leaders and pastors in the same position.)

Is it Accurate and Loving to Point Out that Mormonism is not Biblical Christianity?

The presidential candidacies of Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman have raised again the “Mormon question.” A pastor’s comment about Mormonism being a cult generated a tornado of media reaction.

Mike Huckabee, Iowa Caucus and boasting in God Alone

Last night we were with a group of folks here in Oregon, at Heidi's restaurant in Gresham, watching the election coverage. The gathering was hosted by nineteen year old brothers Alex and Brett Harris, who run therebelution.com website, which is in my opinion the best place your teenagers can go online.