"On Church and State" - church role in advocating for or against an issue (by FReeper 'JustaWoman')

Billy Graham said that "bad politicians are elected by good people who don't vote." I think the same is true of "bad propositions" passing because good people decide to stay home on election day.

This Tuesday, California (among many other states) has a special election. Statistics say that an average of 5% of registered voters get out to vote in an off-year election. What's worse is the truth so beautifully, yet sadly, written by William Butler Yeats': "The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity." Where is the passionate intensity in those who are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world?

My pastor has asked me to take a few minutes to share with the congregation the importance of voting on the issues on the ballot for the upcoming election, in particular Proposition 73 (more election coverage this week). He often asks me to share before elections or on national holidays regarding political matters. This makes some people nervous. It shouldn't. The Internal Revenue Service has laid out clear guidelines for churches and non-profits in the 501 (c) 3 category regarding political matters.

Churches can discuss the issues. Churches can talk politics 10% of the time! There are 52 weeks a year. That means that a pastor taking five full Sundays every year to discuss political matters in the nation would not risk losing the church's tax-exempt status. Here are more guidelines.

Beyond the permission churches are given by the IRS, I believe that people of faith are obligated, in order to hold true to their convictions, to speak the truth in love in all matters, including political issues. If the truth we hear within the four walls of a church does not apply outside that building, then I have to question either that truth or the integrity of the believer.

If you are in a state with an election this week, vote. You have the right to complain about our government. But, it sure is wasted if you don't do anything with your right to bring about change. Edmund Burke said, "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." I beg of you, do something!

P.S. For those who didn't see where Hugh Hewitt linked to 'Just A Woman', here's the link. It was quite an honor!

My reply to Lores at 'Just A Woman':

If only 5% of registered voters turnout in California for an off-year election this coming Tuesday then registered voters not voting there should be deported to a long lost deserted island somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. ;) :)

The propositions being voted on in California this coming Tuesday are so important to the future of the state that I'd expect the turnout to be at least 50% of all registered voters. With Arnold out there promoting his opinion on these issues it will be looked at as a failure on his part if only 5% of registered voters show up at the polls. I guess we'll see what happens.

In California I also expect at least 1% to 2% of the total turnout to be folks voting twice or multiple times, 'dead' people voting and those not registered to vote.expect nothing less from the democratic party's get out the vote effort. Voting more than once, getting the 'dead' to the polls and paying people not registered to vote with cigarettes is the foundation of their get out the vote efforts.

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Here's a story from the Rocky Mountains News regarding the turnout for our off-year election last Tuesday Nov. 1st.

Estimate: Nearly half of state's voters went to polls

By Stuart Steers, Rocky Mountain News November 2, 2005

A total of 46.3 percent of Colorado voters cast ballots in Tuesday's election, according to Secretary of State Gigi Dennis.

Precinct reports compiled by the News indicate approximately 1,112,630 people voted in the statewide election on Referendum C. Colorado has roughly 2,328,000 active voters.

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Our off-year election in Colorado also included many local ballot initiatives in cities, towns and counties all over the state.

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Excellent column on voting philosophy by Mike Rosen who writes a weekly column in the Rocky Mountain News and hosts his radio show M-F from 9am to 11:45am (mountain time) here on 850am KOA in Denver.

"Party Trumps Person"
http://www.850koa.com/shows/rosen/party-trumps-person.html#trumps"

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