The premier event of the 2016 Presidential election
process thus far is now in the books. Everyone knows it as simply Super Tuesday. Votes were cast in eleven states and involved all the remaining
candidates in both parties.
The GOP had five candidates standing when the night began
and the Democrats just two. The results overall did not seem to shock too many. Donald
Trump carried seven states on the Republican side. His nearest rival was
Ted Cruz, who carried three including his home state of Texas. Hillary Clinton also gathered seven
states and Bernie Sanders the other four to round out the totals for the
Democrats.
Again, the results were not very surprising with what
most knew going in through the polls. But there is one thing in particular that
continues to come as a little puzzling to many people I know, including
myself. It is the current level of support for one Donald Trump by the
so-called evangelical community.
My amazement has nothing to do with Trump’s ability or
stances on most issues. It is not about his sometimes abrasive nature in
public. Actually, these things have seeming added to his appeal. But on Super Tuesday
evening, one political commentator stated that in exit polls nearly seven of ten said that their number one reason for wanting Trump was that they
desired a total Washington
outsider more than any other factor. In other words, they were beyond fed up
with the nonsense in their government and just wanted whoever they felt would
go against the grain and change the frustrating stalemate there.
Anyone who is alert and cares about such matters can
sympathize with the ongoing workings of the nation’s leadership. The last time around
we were promised "Change You Can Believe In". And without question, change did come.
But for a huge segment of the country, it was neither welcome change nor anything
even close to what they believed to be right morally or spiritually.
But now a popular candidate has arisen who seems to have little
understanding of what has long been evangelical values. He seems biblically clueless. He even stated once
that he did not need forgiveness – something that would seem to fly in the face
of anything solidly and seriously Christian. And yet, "The Donald" is carrying an impressive percentage
of evangelicals’ support – even when there are a few other viable candidates whose
lives and views seem fairly solid in this camp. So with all things being fairly equal politically speaking, why is this the deal here? I believe the answer
can be seen in the definition of the term itself. The following description was taken
from the website www.gotquestions.org
Question: "What is an Evangelical Christian?"
Answer: "To begin, let's break down the two words. The term
Christian essentially means 'follower of Christ.' Christian is the term given
to followers of Jesus Christ in the first century A.D. (Acts 11:26). The term
evangelical comes from the Greek word that means 'good news.' Evangelism is sharing the good news of the
salvation that is available through Jesus Christ. An evangelical, then, is a
person dedicated to promoting the good news about Jesus Christ. Combined, the
description 'evangelical Christian' is intended to indicate a
believer in Jesus Christ who is faithful in sharing and promoting the good
news."
To make a long story short, it seems to me that the term "evangelical" may well mean far less than it once did and, thus, perhaps it now includes many who were previously never seen as part of this group. Or it may also mean
that many who claim the title of evangelical do not have the same standards or
beliefs as they did in the past. It is likely a combination of the two. If so, perhaps
it is time for there to be a new term for those who hold closely the core,
historic and fundamental tenants of New Testament Christianity. There has always differing biblical values, practices and beliefs within what is termed Christianity. But it seems that there now needs to be some kind of re-distinguishing between them. A new and more accurate term is in order.
Voting for a president is not the same as selecting a pastor
for a church. But there are certain qualities that should be seriously
considered by any Christian voter, especially if there happens to be candidates available
that share their core Biblical beliefs and also their particular political views.
The Bible states in 1 Timothy 2:1-3, “Therefore I exhort first
of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made
for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet
and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and
acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.” And it seems that the very best way to be able to
live a life that is "peaceable, godly and reverent" is to support those who
best reflect the God of true
Biblical and evangelical Christianity as defined above!
Bill Breckenridge
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