You’ve heard of the three taboo topics: sex, politics and religion.  I’m not going to venture into the topic of sex today, but I am going to write about dreaded politics, and religion (a topic heard frequently in church)!

In case you haven’t heard, there’s a presidential race in America this year.  We have beloved congregational members in both Democratic and Republican parties who are faithful Christians, and many can’t imagine what the other party is thinking.  It’s important to remember that faithful Christians have disagreed about numerous topics over the centuries, including politics.

The Republican Party is known as more conservative.  If you ask a Republican how their party reflects their faith, most point quickly to the issue of abortion.  Republicans are pro-life.  They may also say they’re for freedom and don’t want agendas forced onto them by government.  Christian Republicans do believe in helping the poor and underprivileged through charity.

If you ask a Democrat how they can be Christian and pro-abortion, most will say: no one is pro-abortion.  Democrats call themselves pro-choice but in conversation with a Democrat, you’ll learn they, too, are pro-life.  They say if giving birth threatens the mother’s life they’re pro-choice or pro-life for the mother, especially when the mother has other children to care for.  They recall the many mothers who died during the time abortion was illegal in the US.  Democrats also believe their social justice issues support Christian ideals of helping those in need.

Finally, let’s look at four of America’s beloved presidents: Abraham Lincoln (Republican), Franklin D. Roosevelt (Democrat), Dwight D. Eisenhower (Republican), and John F. Kennedy (Democrat).  Two were Democrats, and two Republicans.  Three of these four presidents were self-declared Christians.  It’s believed that Lincoln often struggled with his faith but he was brought up in a Christian home and often used Christian references in his presidential speeches.  All made significant contributions for the betterment of our country, in line with their values and beliefs.

We may be “divided” in our politics, but we can still stand united and live peaceably in faith by God’s grace.  Read Romans 12:1-18, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally!

Annie