The United States is once again entering a presidential election with a deeply divided political landscape: liberals vs. conservatives, blue states vs. red states. Nearly every election cycle, half the population feels unrepresented or even cheated. The big question is: is there a way to navigate the election without such polarization?
I believe that conservatives (especially evangelical Christians) have nothing to fear if John Kerry wins. In fact, there’s reason to consider Kerry a reasonable choice.
Reasons for Conservative Disappointment with President Bush
Conservative dissatisfaction with George W. Bush has long been documented. William F. Buckley, a leading figure in the American conservative movement, summarized this criticism when he stated that Saddam Hussein was not the major threat the administration had assumed a year earlier. With today’s knowledge, Buckley even said he would have opposed the war.
Many other conservatives also began to question Bush’s decisions, particularly regarding the Iraq War.
The Iraq War and the Many Ignored Warnings
- The operation in Afghanistan was not completed satisfactorily.
- Osama bin Laden was not captured despite promises of “dead or alive.”
- The intelligence used to justify the Iraq War turned out to be inaccurate.
- General Shinseki’s warning that post-war Iraq would need twice the number of troops was ignored.
- A major reconstruction contract was awarded to Halliburton without an open bidding process.
- Medicare drug program costs were misrepresented.
- The budget deficit continued to grow.
With a record like this, it’s understandable that many Republicans are hesitant to give Bush a second term.
Concerns When Churches Are Pushed into Political Tools
Seeing the hesitation of the conservative base, the Bush campaign began encouraging evangelical churches to turn their congregations into political activists.
This move warrants caution.
This call is not a call to goodness, but rather a play on fear: that if Bush is not re-elected, a liberal president like Kerry will destroy the social order.
This attitude should not influence Christian decision-making.
Christianity Does Not Require Political Domination
Christianity flourished during the Roman Empire—one of the most brutal regimes in history. It was only after Emperor Constantine made it the official religion that Christianity experienced a moral and spiritual decline.
The implication is clear: the Christian faith does not depend on political power for its survival or spread.
Christian Values in Public Life
Evangelicals believe that God gave moral laws for the good of humans and society. However, not all moral laws can or should be enacted into state law.
The prohibitions against murder and theft can be enforced in civil law.
However, the command to love God and neighbor cannot be enforced through law.
Jesus himself reminded us to examine our own faults before judging others.
Jesus’ greatest example demonstrates that spiritual victory comes through humility, sacrifice, and service—not political power.
America and the Freedom That Cannot Be Forced into Christianity
America’s founding fathers—many of whom were Christians—built the nation with personal liberty as its foundation. However, over time, some citizens sought to live their freedoms without embracing Christianity.
Forcing religious laws on an unbelieving society will only lead to rejection, not conversion. Even if Republicans control the presidency, Congress, and the Supreme Court and Roe v. Wade is overturned, it will not necessarily change society’s morals.
Not Necessarily Hostile
J. Gresham Machen, a highly influential conservative theologian, wrote that naturalistic liberalism is not Christian. However, he emphasized that conservatives and liberals can coexist without hostility, because they are bound by a common humanity, citizenship, and ethical goals.
Be Salt and Light, Not Rulers
Christian conservatives are not called to enforce laws through majority rule, but rather to be salt and light, serving this age, and demonstrating moral example, not political dominance.
Where Does John Kerry Stand?
John Kerry is a candidate who emerged through the democratic process. We are taught to “render to Caesar what is Caesar’s.”
Many on the Christian Right may consider Kerry an unlikely candidate. But that doesn’t mean he should be feared.
Presidents Don’t Always Govern According to Their Senate Track Record
History bears this out:
- Richard Nixon, a staunch anti-communist, opened relations with China.
- Democrat Bill Clinton was the one who ended the old welfare system (“end welfare as we know it”).
- Kerry himself once said that “life begins at conception,” and as president, he might say that even if abortion is legal, it is not a good choice.
Statements like these could be important points of contact between conservatives and liberals.
Giving an Honest Assessment a Chance
Many conservatives have already acknowledged that Bush governed poorly and did not deserve a second term. Therefore, John Kerry deserves an honest assessment from conservative Christian voters.
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