Why I'm An Independent, Part Two

I still haven't said why I'm an independent. Well, not explicitly. This installment may well explain why I'm an Independent (perhaps implicitly).

I really want to say a word to some very important groups of people:

To my fellow Christians:
We are called to be salt and light in this world. We are called to serve, to lift up Christ and He will draw people to Him. I think we honestly do try to be salt and light in its various forms. At the same time, I also feel that we depend too much on laws, government, and self-isolation to carry out the will of God.

Along with that, too many of us give way too much deference to the Republican party (and to the Democrats for that matter). Understandably, Republicans give Christians space to carry out the pro-life agenda, which I believe in. However, I don't think they really care about it to the extent that we do. Reason why, I think they've shown us. For example, Roe v. Wade was passed during Nixon's tenure. Republican. During the thirty-five years since then, we've had approximately twenty-four years' worth of Republican presidential terms and the law still stands (although partial-birth abortion was rightfully banned). In the current election, Rudy Guiliani was a very strong contender for the party's nomination. He is pro-choice. Also, many Republican politicians are members of Republicans For Choice -- a pro-choice movement. All of these occurences speak loudly to me about how Republicans really feel -- other things are more important. Remember, politics is about money and power.

Now to further complicate the matter, what do we think about Democrats for Life? That's the pro-life wing of the Democratic party. Despite them agreeing with what is the paramount issue to many of us, I wonder if most of us would even give them the time of day, simply because of their party affiliation.

Faith leads people in multiple directions. No two individuals interpret and apply the Scriptures alike. That's why, generally speaking, I think it's okay that some of us are on the right, and others are on the left and everywhere in between. There are myriad issues and opinions, all with varying degrees of urgency and passion to Christians everywhere. I liken it to Scripture talking about the body being made of many parts with many a function. I believe we do need Christians all across the political spectrum who put their faith in action. We also need to remember that the world's greatest movements originated with the church. Can you say abolition, civil rights, women's suffrage, Protestant Reformation?

Whether you are conservative or liberal or apolitical is not important to me. Issues are. I see value in that Conservatives uphold lines that shouldn't be crossed: religious freedom, opposition to pornography, family values. Liberals cross lines that shouldn't have been there in the first place: advocating for the poor and disenfranchised. Jesus and the Bible have a lot to say about all of these things. Herein is where my question starts to be answered. My faith currently leads me to identify with no party (not even with the Independent party). And that's okay. Some people's faith leads them to identify with a party. And that's okay. What's not okay is when we start to say that our affiliation is the only one that pleases God and then we tow the party line on everything. Do we really think our party is that perfect? We don't even give our own churches that much credit. Afterall, what is the true Biblical position on campaign finance reform? Gun control? School vouchers? Immigration? Health care? War? Global warming? Pollution? Taxes?

I often ask myself, if Amy or Chloe were diagnosed with a terrible ailment, which party would I support? That depends. I'll support the party/candidate that helps them the best and helps me help them the best, regardless. The well-being of my family trumps all other issues and factions. For that I make no apologies.