I have this sense that, as a blogger I have to say something about the election. I've been reading several blogs today, pro-Bush and anti-Bush and some of them are quite eloquent and insightful. Therefore I feel this tremendous burden to come up with something eloquent and insightful to say about the election. However, a few years ago I got it ingrained in me that you shouldn't attempt to speak outside of your area of specialization and, since I'm no expert on political science, all I can share is gut reactions. So, here's a few thoughts from the gut.
First of all, I'm glad Bush won, but I stand by all of my previous posts that warn myself and others not to put their hope in a politician or political party.
Secondly, I'm glad that Bush seems to share many of my convictions. Josh Claybourn points out that there was an unspoken undercurrent driving this election - the conflict between those with traditional values and progressive values. This seems to come as a shock to the mainstream media, but it shows that many in America still have some sense of morality and who furthermore believe that private morality does impact public life.
Thirdly, this bodes well for those of us who are concerned about the appointment of future supreme court justices. If one, two or three step down during the term of this presidency I'm glad that Bush will be nominating their replacements, not Kerry.
Fourth, a big thank you to John Kerry for doing the honorable thing and conceding the election and not putting the country through a repeat of 2004.
Fifth, as Christians let's remind ourselves not to identify our faith with a particular political agenda. I know that I have blogged on this before and it's a tired subject and it is also a tricky subject. For example, I believe the bible is against abortion. If I speak what I believe is the biblical position then someone is going to accuse me of mixing faith with politics. So, to exhort us to not identify our faith with a political position is often tricky, because of public perception and because those outside of the evangelical community often see us in a way that we don't see ourselves. Still, as best we can, let's try to keep the two realms separate.
Sixth, can those of us who are Christians and Bush supporters please not gloat about this whole thing. Let's be gracious in victory.
Seventh, if you are a Christian and a Bush supporter, could I encourage you to read some of the blogs of those on the other side. Check out blogs like Joshua Marshall, Matthew Yglesias, Atrios (Eschaton), and Andrew Sullivan. When you read these, may I encourage you to listen to the fears of these folks, especially as they relate to evangelical Christians. When you read their posts, read the comments as those are also very instructive. As I read these folks I disagree with all of their positions, but I find that they are afraid of the Christian influence in America and this worries me. As the humble of the land, and the servants in the land, I would like to see us Christians serve and love our way into the hearts of people rather than having them fear us. I know this is easier said than done because even humble servants have strong moral convictions that will cut against the grain of the world's ideas. Still, I can't help but think about the way, throughout history, Christians have won the hearts of the populace through their humility and servanthood, even when the governments were hostile toward them.
Finally, I remember one of my favorite lines from Quo Vadis that I think is appropriate. Nero was having some big shindig and Petronius was speaking to Marcus Vinicius, who had recently come to Christ. Petronius was asking Marcus if he would be there, and Marcus said "that's for people who need Caesar's approval." I loved that line. Christians don't need the government's approval for what we do. Our agenda flourishes whether the government is friendly or hostile. We can praise God when we have righteous rulers because righteousness exalts a nation, and we can praise God when our rulers persecute us because we have been counted worthy to suffer for Christ. In either case, we have an agenda which transcends all the political agendas of this world.
Finally, again, and this time I really mean finally - check out Mark Roberts post Presidential Election Results: A Christian Response. He's got some great practical thoughts there.
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