10 Things to Consider for the 2012 Presidential Election

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Election Day for the 2012 Presidential Election is quickly approaching. Unless you’ve refused to turn on your television set you, along with the vast American public are being completely saturated with political advertisements from Republicans, Democrats and special interest groups. In addition, social media has given everyone a platform to support their respective candidate and voice viewpoints on various issues. The past four years since the last election have led me to believe that many politicians (on both sides) are not completely interested in resolving the many problems impacting Americans. Politically, the past four years have been about congressional strife and power struggles. Harry S. Truman once said, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” I really do believe that many of the problems plaguing Americans could have been handled differently if politicians simply worked together and focused on the issues at hand. With that said I have decided to briefly distance myself from all of the political propaganda and address 10 things that Christians should consider for the 2012 Presidential Election.

1. Stop believing that a worldly government exists to make spiritually sound and godly decisions. The body of Christ has really got to stop having this expectation that worldly government laws and legislation will moralize Americans. Isn’t that really just too easy and impersonal? Didn’t God call his people to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16)? I do believe that we should take a moral stand and vote on issues as they line up with scripture. I more so believe that God wants us to personally impact lives and use the same approach as Jesus. Jesus, often called a friend of sinners (Luke 5:29-30 & Luke 15:1-2) personally spent time with the people who needed to hear about repentance and forgiveness. We must do the same. For example, laws allowing abortion may never be overturned, but each of us who knows the name of Christ can personally reach out to a woman (we know or know of) who is considering terminating a pregnancy and tell them that God has a better plan. The demonstrated love of Christ has the ability to change hearts and minds. And if used by God to convince a woman to choose life, we can glorify God even further by being there for support throughout the pregnancy and birth. Oh, how God would be glorified if two lives were saved in the process; the child’s physical life and the mother’s spiritual life.

2. Not voting for President Obama does not make you a racist.  There are many Americans who legitimately disagree with President Obama’s politics and with the politics of the Democratic Party. Disagreeing with President Obama and his political party does not make you a racist. Additionally, if you are African-American, not voting for President Obama does not make you less African-American nor should you feel obligated to vote for President Obama on the basis of race. When voting it is important to chose the candidate that is the most competent and will (as stated in the Oath of Office) “faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of their ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.” In addition, vote for a candidate who will make moral and sound judgments and will be committed to lead and work with both political parties to govern the nation.

3. Voting for Mitt Romney does not mean you’re less of a Christian. Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney is a Mormon. Does that mean a Christian should not vote for him? In my opinion, no it does not.  Why? Because, this is an election for the office of the President of the United States.  This is not an election for a religious official, pastor, pope, bishop, etc.  In my opinion, being a Christian does not indicate that a person is qualified to be President of the United States.  Again, when voting it is important to chose the candidate that is the most competent and will (as stated in the Oath of Office) “faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of their ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.” In addition, vote for a candidate who will make moral and sound judgments and will be committed to lead and work with both political parties to govern the nation.

4. Are Mormons/Latter Day Saints (LDS) Christian? Many people have had questions about Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney’s Mormon beliefs. I’ve only heard a few Christian pastors in the mainstream media broach this subject truthfully and diplomatically. I get the impression that Christians are reluctant to respond to this question because they may be concerned about being viewed as judgmental, or having their response taken out of context or perhaps they just don’t know how to respond. I don’t believe that stating the differences between Mormonism and Christianity is being judgmental when the facts are respectfully stated.  So, is Mormonism the same as Christianity?  The answer is simply and respectfully, no.  There are major doctrinally foundational differences between Mormonism and Christianity. I do not say this of my own volition nor am I stating this to sway anyone’s support from one presidential candidate to another.  My answer is based on comparing the Scriptures with the teachings of Mormonism.   The body of Christ should know these differences.  Here are a few basic facts and I’ve provided links that everyone can read for themselves directly from LDS.org and Mormon.org. Pray for God to help you use and process this information with love and grace.

• The Trinity
  • Christianity teaches that there is one God that exists in three persons – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. All three are one God coeternal and coequal each executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. Each possesses all the attributes of deity and personality. (Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 28:19, 1 Corinthians 8:6, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Colossians 2:9).
  • Mormonism teaches the “three members of the Godhead are three separate and distinct beings” but not one God and not coeternal and coequal. Click here to read more.
• God the Father
  • Christianity teaches that God the Father is spirit (John 4:24).
  • Mormonism teaches that God the Father “has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s” (Doctrines and Covenants (D&C) 130:22). Click here to read more.
• The Deity of Christ
  • Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ is not only the Son of God but is also God in the flesh (John 1:1-3, 14). He is the Second Person of the Trinity (Matthew 28:19).
  • Mormonism teaches that “Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and the Son of God. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh.” However, Mormonism does not teach that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh. Click here to read more.
• The Deity of the Holy Spirit
  • Christianity teaches that Holy Spirit is God, the Third Person of the Trinity (Matthew 28:19 & Acts 5:3-4).
  • Mormonism teaches that the Holy Spirit “is one in purpose with the Father and the Son, but is a separate being.” Click here to read more.
• Salvation
  • Christianity teaches that salvation is through Jesus Christ alone (John 14:6).  Salvation is a free gift from God given by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9 & Titus 3:5).  No one can save or redeem themselves to earn eternal life by performing acts of compassion, having good conduct, partaking in religious rituals or belonging to a specific church denomination. Salvation is only obtained by repenting (turning away) of sins (Romans 3:23), accepting God’s forgiveness and by placing complete faith and trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ and trusting him alone as Lord and Savior.
  • Mormonism teaches “those who have been baptized and have received the Holy Ghost through the proper priesthood authority have been conditionally saved from sin. In this sense, salvation is conditional, depending on an individual’s continuing in faithfulness, or enduring to the end in keeping the commandments of God.” Click here to read more.
• Scripture
  • Christianity teaches that the Bible is the Holy Spirit-inspired, infallible and inerrant word of God.  The Bible is the final authority on all matters of faith and practice, and there are no other writings similarly inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).
  • Mormonism “does not believe the Bible, as it is currently available, is without error.” Additionally, “in addition to the Bible, Latter-day Saints reverence and study the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and the words of modern prophets and apostles. All these sources of eternal truth work together to establish, clarify, and testify of the plan of our Heavenly Father and to bring people unto Jesus Christ.” Click here to read more.
• Other Facts about Mormonism
  • FOUNDATIONS:  Mormonism was founded by Joseph Smith in 1820.   According to Mormon history, “in the spring of 1820, a 14-year-old boy named Joseph Smith went into a grove of trees near his home in Palmyra, New York, and prayed to learn which church he should join. In answer to his prayer, God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to him…  According to Mormon history,  Joseph Smith learned that the Church originally organized by Jesus Christ was no longer on the earth.”  According to Mormon history, “Joseph Smith was chosen by God to restore the Church of Jesus Christ to the earth.”  Hence, the creation of Mormonism.  Click here to read more.
  • POLYGAMY:  The Church of Latter Day Saints (LDS)/Mormonism does not permit the practice polygamy/plural marriage.  Click here to read more.  The practice of polygamy was outlawed by the Church of Latter Day Saints in 1890.  Mormon leadership reaffirmed their position against polygamy in 1998.  There are, however fundamentalist Mormon sects that still practice polygamy.  These sects are not recognized by The Church of Latter Day Saints and are considered to be in serious violation Mormon doctrines and beliefs.
  • MEANING OF MORMON:  What does the term “Mormon” mean?  It refers to The Book of Mormon prophet who compiled the records of the ancient inhabitants of the Americas.
  • BAPTISM FOR THE DEAD:  Mormons practice a ritual called Baptism for the dead (Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. II, p. 141). This is a practice of baptizing each other in place of non-Mormons who are now dead. Their belief is that in the afterlife, the “newly baptized” person will be able to enter into a higher level of Mormon heaven.  Click here to read more.
  • FOLLOWERS:  There are approximately 14.1 million Mormons in the world.
  • CHRONOLOGY OF MORMONISM:  Click here for a Chronology of Mormonism.

5. Don’t believe everything you hear in the media. “Fact check” what you hear. Many political ads are created to spark emotions and invoke fear of the opposing candidate. Even though political ads cost millions of dollars they contain nuggets of truth mingled with conjecture or are just flat out untrue. Also, some 24 hour news networks are candidate biased and will show partial video clips often taken out of context. FactCheck.org is a great unbiased resource that researches ads and political speeches and points out truth and error and sets the record straight.

6. Can we really expect a Presidential Candidate to fix all of the problems in America? No, we can’t. Presidential candidates are only human and have limitations. Only God is all powerful, sovereign and in control. Also, understand what biblical prophecy (Matthew 24) says about the times we are living and pray for our country.

7. Pray for and respect the current President and the next President… Even if you don’t agree with him. Why? Because it’s biblical. See Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:17.

8. Pray for God to give you wisdom and discernment on who to vote for. Before you step into the voting booth, ask God to give you wisdom and guidance. Focus on the issues, morality and where the politics of each candidate lines up with the word of God.

9. Remember, you are still a living witness for Christ. Politics can be an emotionally charged subject that can divide people. Maintain your witness for Jesus Christ. Be loving toward those who may disagree with you and/or the candidate you’re voting for. Colossians 4:5-6 says, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

10. Remember, whoever wins the Presidential Election, God is still in control. Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it…” Although what we see happening in our nation may concern us, let us not to worry about what we see happening politically or look to mere men as the source of provision and deliverance. In Matthew 6:33-34 Jesus says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”