Before You Cast Your Vote - Part 1 of a Series

       ​It’s an election year in the United States, and the primaries are fast approaching. Voters are already being bombarded with reasons to vote for or against this or that candidate for national office. There are many important issues to consider: the economy, our national security, healthcare, and education, to name a few. Christians are encouraged to consider other issues as well: moral legislation, religious freedoms, and the preservation of Christian symbols and traditions in our national identity.
       Most people are familiar with the two sides of the Church/State divide. One side believes religion should play no role in the public life of our nation. The other side believes Judeo-Christian beliefs and morals have played a vital role in securing the peace and prosperity we enjoy and should continue to define our national character.
       Christians who argue that our nation needs a religious foundation for its laws and public policies are usually motivated by one of two things (or possibly both). The first is the belief that God desires this nation to be influenced and guided by Christian principles. The second is the fear that our nation and the blessings we enjoy are at risk if we stray from those principles. For the sincere Christian, both of these are strong motivations.
       But what if it is not God’s desire for us to live in a “Christian nation”? What if the New Testament calls us to a very different kind of life? Should we let fear, tradition, national pride, or anything else keep us from fulfilling our true purpose? 
       Over the next few days, I would like to explore some of the hidden motivations that might affect our decision-making this election season. Most of the posts will be excerpts from my book, Separate for a Reason, which will be released next month. If you would like to read an advance copy of the book and hear my full argument in favor of separation of church and state in America, you can join my book launch team here or send me a message through my Contact page.
​       I hope you will come back and join the conversation!

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