Monday Morning Musing: Values Voting

While it's true that wise clergy know better than to let partisan politics find their way into the pulpit, Jesus was political. He just was. (Though not partisan) His ministry was based on equity and inclusion and being a voice for the oppressed and marginalized. He said that everyone was welcome at the table and that it was the responsibility of each person to work for the common good. The Rev. Dr. William C. Barber, founder of the Poor People's Campaign puts it this way: "Preachers don't get to stay out of politics. We are either chaplains of empire or prophets of God."

You see, chaplains of empire do all they can to make sure the haves don't lose any of what they have to the have-nots, whose lack of resources keep them powerless. So chaplains of empire stay in their lane, not wanting to offend or get anyone's nose out of joint, by, say, preaching the Gospel.

And prophets of God usually get in trouble, often landing in jail or dead. This was true in Biblical times and it has been true throughout history. Joan of Arc comes to mind as do a dominoe of the more recent dead: MLK, Jr., JFK, RFK. Not every prophet ends up dead and not every person who is killed is a prophet. But it's not hard to tell the difference. Prophets speak up for those without a voice. Prophets call forth what God is doing in the world, which is always the hard but right thing. Prophets don't hold one group of people over another nor do they believe that the haves deserve what they have any more than they believe the have nots aren't worthy. None of us deserve what we have and that is the Gospel truth.

My personal and pastoral catch phrase for this and any election is Vote Your Values. Know what matters, what ideals you hold true, then do your homework. Don't vote one way or another because you've always done so or your whole family has always voted that way. That's being uninformed. It may mean that, from time to time you will find yourself voting for someone from a party you do not generally agree with. I remember in a local race several years ago that this was the case for me.

As a nation, when we are very lucky and things are working well, we have difficult choices to make in our elections. Choices between qualified candidates of integrity, with proven records, working for the common good. It is up to you to determine whether you believe that to be the case this year. Look at the records of the candidates. Consider their personal integrity. Consider what is important to your community, our nation, and the world. Look to see whether the candidat's platform is in line with your beliefs. Then vote your values.