Why We Keep Getting Poor Candidate Choices (Intro)

I recently posted in a Facebook thread and on my wall the quick 6-question outline of how a Christian should vet a potential candidate for civil office. I posted it without much explanation or elaboration as the clock was ticking towards the South Carolina primary. Yes, I am leaning towards a specific candidate (full disclosure) and yes, I think Donald Trump is a serious mistake. I understand that statement alone will be enough for some to cheer or jeer; however, I want to explore beyond personal preference and emotion. I especially want to put some thoughts on the Facebook table for the Christian community at large and the clergy community in particular to chew on. This is going to be a multiple post thread which will eventually post on my upcoming blog page for future reference. It is currently under construction so stay tuned.

Donald Trump’s candidacy, if it has provided no other good thing, has revealed what some of us have suspected for some time. The Church has become amazingly secular and compartmentalized when it comes to casting a vote and participating in public policy debates and elections. South Carolina, the proverbial “buckle” of the Bible Belt, not only gave Trump the primary victory, but evangelical Christians were the reason for his coronation. Evangelicals broke, some say, 2 to 1 in favor of Trump. Whether that number is accurate, the point remains…Trump swayed “Bible-believing” Christian people. In fact, Trump is being heralded by pastors and Christian leaders in both South Carolina and across our nation as the one who can not only help America, but is providentially ordained by God to be THE ONE. Jerry Falwell, Jr., while not specifically endorsing Trump, illustrates this trend. Falwell certainly sent him away from Liberty with a glowing affirmation. His reasoning? He states, “We need a businessman for this moment”.

It was attributed to Martin Luther the saying (when it came to finding a physician), “I would rather have a competent heathen than an incompetent Christian”. While that phrase has a certain colloquial reasoning to it, governing isn’t exactly like brain surgery. In fact, when it comes to selecting and affirming leaders the Bible has more to say than perhaps we have given credit.

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭10:31‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭NKJV

A Christian needs to apply their faith to their voting as they would any aspect of life. If I could find a Christian Doctor, I would be more disposed to use them. Your faith may (and should) effect your job and career choices, your spouse selection, and generally most all of your life. That is what Paul was saying to the Church. Why would it not effect the choosing of your civic leadership? It is at this point, the Church at large and pastors in particular, have failed in it’s discipling mission.

In the next several points I am going to expound on the SIX litmus questions we must begin to ask if we hope to see a nation turned back to God. I understand that we did not get to where we are overnight and one election is not going to reverse what we are enduring. I understand that for the foreseeable future we may be presented with candidates that are not easily supported and indeed we may not need to support. I “get” that Jesus isn’t on the ballot and there is no perfect candidate (So, please don’t use that patronizing line any more). However, all of that reality does not negate the Word of God nor does it eliminate our own due diligence in the selection of our rulers according to the Scripture. Pastors and Parishioners are currently doing hermeneutical acrobatics to make Trump (or their own candidate preference) ordained of God. I have never seen such an incredible gap of application of Biblical precept to practical reality.

So here’s the challenge…Watch and read the posts. Don’t immediately kick into your candidate’s defense mode. I have not officially endorsed any candidate (but I am leaning a specific way of which many are aware) and my ultimate allegiance is to the Lord and His precepts as best as I can apprehend them. Feel free to share if you are so inclined. America doesn’t have many mistakes left in this regard. The faithful ministry of The Church is God’s answer in a declining culture. The problem currently is, we are the gang that can’t shoot…excuse me…vote straight. Here’s to praying that can yet be corrected.