It is our civic duty to register to vote and participate in elections, but many religious leaders hesitate to offer their opinion on the position of the candidates; many won’t allow the church to become involved. Considering pastors preach about gambling, abortion, homosexuality, and other societal issues, it seems necessary that they speak about the direction some candidates wish to take our state and country.
As a concerned Christian and single dad wishing to help move our nation towards love and forgiveness in divorce situations, I have done the research and found nothing that would restrict a church from registering voters or supporting legislation that safeguard parental rights from government intrusion.
As Paul wrote to the Romans: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established” (Romans 13:1).
We can also look back upon Paul’s letter, and other portions of Scripture, such as; Mark 12:17, I Timothy 2:1-3, Acts 5:29 to determine our own relationship to government.
God offers Biblical provision for our modern situation, and I have applied the principles He has given in Hosea 8:4, Exodus 18:21, Proverbs 29:7, Proverbs 21:1, 1 Samuel 16:7, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Matthew 7:15, Matthew 5:13-16, Matthew 18:6, and 1 John 4:7 in an effort to protect our children from governmental laws that would preclude them from sharing love with both their biological parents. Every day I fight ‘the good fight,’ I bring God’s values to a system that only holds law as valuable. How can love survive, let alone thrive through that without Him?
During the Founding Era, the pulpits were one of the primary sources for voting information. Churches were at the center of the political community, not on the periphery. It would make sense to believe the Church is the only way to bring Christian beliefs into focus… going back to an old method so we can step forward into our future with goodness and love.
Let’s help each congregation member be a contributor in 2016! Church can make the difference.
For more information about registering to vote you can visit the Secretary of State website at alabamavotes.gov and click on “Register to Vote” or contact me at kenneth.paschal@alfra.org.
Kenneth Paschal is a child activist, a fit parent, and an advocate for protecting parents’ fundamental rights.
