From the Pastor’s Desk Consider the public good

I very seldom speak publicly concerning political issues simply because it is such a lightning rod for controversy. I certainly NEVER use the pulpit to try and persuade others to my political ways of thinking and I hope you are very suspect of any minister who does that in church.

However, I am going to share some thoughts after talking with a group of dear friends who have been around for a very long time in our community, served in the armed forces, and who are very political and patriotic. Both Republicans and Democrats were well represented in the conversation, and all expressed a deep concern and embarrassment on how the political climate is unfolding.

The concept of people with varying political, social and economic ideas joining together for the advancement of their ideas within the public arena is a useful arrangement. The point of reference here is the political party system.

If ideologues organize and present their cause in a manner that can be analyzed and challenged publicly, it could prove healthy for the nation. Ideally, democracy is rooted in the mind of the citizenry.

Therefore, if the citizenry forms its collective mind relative to public policy in an informed manner as the result of political parties fairly debating their views, that is helpful. Such a process could result in formulating a government that is both of the people and for the people.

However, the ideals behind political parties have been largely abandoned in favor of blind bias. The most vocal members of political parties, especially those vying for public office, too often seem far more concerned about promoting their party’s power than they are about a serious grappling with issues of truth. This is “partisan politics.” Instead of a fair and honest debate on the matters most relevant to the public good, political partisans labor zealously to win votes by whatever means. Most often that includes mean-spirited attacks on the opposing party. Slanderous misrepresentations and caricatures, distortions of the opposing positions have replaced honest, straightforward dialogue. As a result, the public is deprived of the information necessary to make wise, safe decisions.

Notice I said public good. If you are of the Christian faith, take a good long hard look at what Jesus taught and as a result was put into action. He was very clear in this aspect. Take care of the poor and hungry, widows and children - giving them good news. His harshest words were against those in power who were in the political process for power and/or greed. (Funny enough these words were mostly directed toward the “church people.”)

So much of the political process is about brokering power and not about what is true and right and best for the nation.

Consequently, the process has produced dishonesty, manipulation, hatred and division within the nation.

The matter of supreme importance is seizing the power! Sadly, this is true ofboth political parties. And the media has given itself to being a vehicle for the grab for power instead of making a determined inquiry after the non-partisan truth.

I have noticed lately (with deep dismay) an appeal in the newspaper columns for the citizens to research and know their candidates in order to make a sound judgment while voting, and then proceed to be VERY biased and telling their readers why they should vote for a certain candidate or party.

That certainly is within the rights of an editorial, but both sides are seldom if ever represented. So I appeal to you to research the issues and candidates as well, on both sides.

All this is a frightening example of the loss of national character. Leaders of character set principle, truth and the common good far ahead of party or personal interest. Furthermore, men and women of character in the populace refuse to allow their leaders to sacrifice the common good for partisan causes. In other words, they demand integrity of their government officials and they can discern the difference between statesmanship and partisanship. Our nation is in desperate need of a spiritual and moral awakening.

Otherwise, we hazard the loss of our freedom to malicious enemies while our leaders are busy attacking each other. As a nation, we need the discernment which comes only through a knowledge of the Truth, even the Incarnate Word of God - Jesus Christ. Christ delivers from the crippling and depraved lust for raw power that corrupts both political leaders and the political process.

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John Gibson is the pastor of Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church, Pea Ridge. He can be contacted through The TIMES at prtnews@ nwanews.com.

Church, Pages 2 on 04/21/2010