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Political Enthusiast
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I love the study of politics and politicians (my favorite politician is Vaclav Havel) My personal perspective is that :
(1) I bear responsibility as a citizen to participate in my culture’s prosperity for a productive future for all (read Jeremiah 29:1-7),
(2) As a U.S. citizen I have been given the privilege of voting for what I have come to consider the best possible option for that future (Prov 29:4, 14),
(3) I realize that I am often told what someone thinks through some media personality’s interpretive lens, seeking out the primary source instead (Prov 28:26),
(4) I take a person’s words at face value, believing in their sincerity, while verifying their stated positions via past results (Prov 29:7-8),
(5) Even if the person I believe to be the best choice is elected, I know I will be disappointed in comments, choices, and policies along the way (multiple statements throughout Proverbs 28 -29),
(6) Hate has no place in my view of any candidate, any group, or any person even if others display or say hateful things about my beliefs (Luke 6:27-29),
(7) Ultimately, I do not put my future hope in the hands of human beings. Am I disappointed by outcomes of elections? Sure. The Scriptures are clear, however, that YHWH raises up leaders and sets them down again (Ps 75.7; Dan 2:21) and The Providences of God turn the king’s heart wherever YHWH pleases (Prov 21:1).
[Just as a refresher if you’re new, my 2016 political statement has not changed.]
My political views are my own.
Dr. Mark Eckel is Executive Director of the Center for Biblical Integration at Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA
Published in General
Very good post. It highlights the Western value of individualism, which has been under attack for a long, long time.
I remember once when my daughter was in sixth grade, she asked me what was the difference between a liberal and a conservative. I was doing something distracting, so without really stopping to think I replied, “You can disagree with a conservative and he will still think you’re a good person.”