I am an avowed Biblicist. By that I mean, I believe the Bible is the word of God and as such is a wholly reliable and authoritative guide to what we as Christians should believe and how we should live. My worldview is seen through a biblical lens.
My understanding of the Scriptures is based on the plain meaning of the text when understood in its grammatical-historical context. Some passages are clear in their meaning while others are less so, but we understand those less clear passages in the light of those that are clearer.
Like the reformer, Martin Luther, my conscience is captive to the word of God. Ergo, I write from conviction and not constraint to another’s opinion. My convictions are influenced and informed by biblical scholars who offer well-reasoned commentary from the Scriptures, but are ultimately formed by the Scriptures themselves.
I am not claiming my understanding of the Bible is perfect nor my commentary based on that understanding, but I can only write based on what I believe to be true, not what others think. Like anyone I appreciate encouragement, and I am not fond of criticism, but I must write without regard to praise or ridicule if I am to be true to what I think the Word of God teaches.
Chief among my concerns in American politics is their reflection of how far we as a nation have drifted from our Judeo-Christian moorings, and that believers seem ever closer to bartering their kingdom birthright away for a mess of political pottage.
I am not saying we should ignore the ballot box, I am saying we should not let it become a substitute for the greater influence we have in our prayer closet.
Alan K. Simpson, former Senator from Wyoming, once said, “If you have integrity; nothing else matters. If you don’t have integrity; nothing else matters.” Integrity is one of those issues that concern me. It is one of the attributes I look for in a candidate.
If one brags about having numerous marital affairs, but has never asked forgiveness because he says he doesn’t need it, and claims to be a Christian that person is, in my estimation, not in possession of the sorely needed integrity it takes to lead this nation. I am concerned for my nation and who leads it, but I am not desperate.
“Many seek the ruler’s favor, but justice for man comes from the Lord,” Proverbs 29:26. Ultimately, what is just, politically or otherwise, is in the hands of God, because those who rule cannot always be trusted to do what they say they will do, or what is right.
For these reasons my perspective of politics is focused on the issues and principles, not the candidates or personalities. As a matter of principle I do not make endorsements of political candidates. That ground is too unstable.
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