I have a confession to make: I voted for a Democrat today.
I may be ostracized from some Christian communities for this decision, but it’s one I stand beside. I grew up thinking all Christians must certainly be Republicans: could it possibly be any other way? It was an odd feeling as I walked into the room and was asked: “Which ballot: Republican or Democrat?” I’d thought through my decision beforehand, but being asked directly made me pause. To say “Democrat” out loud sounded almost rebellious to my ears, a little naughty, and I wondered if the poll monitor could see through my hesitation and give me a Republican card anyway. Nonetheless, I took the little electronic card, and sure enough, the Democratic options came up.
I’m by no means a political analyst. Goodness, yesterday I spent an hour online researching this whole primary/caucus/delegates mess and couldn’t wrap my mind around it. Did you know there are such things as super-delegates? So needless to say, I’m not an expert, and the only political class I’ve had was Modern Political Ideologies at Ohio State University during my senior year of high school, and the only thing I remember about that class is that it marked the first time I heard a teacher (excuse me, professor) swear.
My transition from my Republican roots to my vote today took years of thinking, conversing, and, ultimately, wrestling with different frustrations, opinions, and attitudes. It took me a good two years into college to even believe you could be a real Christian and not vote for a Republican: those sacrilegious atheists; those ignorant liberals! So after I began to accept that, indeed, I could actually examine various issues and different candidates, my mind began to shift.
So today marked a moment for me. Not only did I vote for a Democrat (are you wondering which one?), but it also marked a moment where I voted after seriously considering what I was voting for. That was a good feeling, even if it did leave me feeling a little rebellious.
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About Me
- Stephen
- My name is Stephen, and I am currently pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology. My background is varied: I moved around as a child, went to Taylor University and Trinity International University for my schooling previous schooling, and have a deep passion for adolescents, families, wilderness therapy, and international travel. I'd like to do something that involves my passions for learning, counseling, traveling, and faith. I love to read, so you may find some book reviews here, as well as thoughts on Christianity and spirituality or a story from my life with my wife, Joy, and our dog, Colby Jack. Thanks for stopping by! (Please note that posts to this blog are the sole views and opinions of the authors, and in no way reflect the views of any institution to which the authors are currently or have previously been affiliated.)
7 comments:
Thank you for your vote!
Me too! It felt so weird walking into a democratic caucus. But I loved that tinge of rebelliousness i felt as i joined the hoardes of dem voters. what have we become, stephen?
I get it. You're out of college, and you really want to show that you're your own man. So you start swearing, drinking a little bit too much and vote for a bad candidate because he is a Democrat. That will show Bob and Vickers what's up. Yeah, you're cool.
I am glad you "stepped out" and becaume your own person.
Indeed, the perception (and there may be some basis for it) is that the vast majority of Republicans are Christians or at least they attend church regularly. In contrast, the perception is (and again, there may be some basis for the conclusion) that the majority of Democrats are aheists/ agnos-tics, who largely disregard the moral teaching of Scripture and are cultural and evironmental extremists.
It seems that one of the major problems is Christians sometimes are not willing to take the time and truly think through the issues at hand and wrestle with culture and intermit biblical teaching and principels. A new flashy "boy on the street," a catchy motto or slogan, a gran offerign for a "quick and easy fix," a fresh new ...,' unfortunately is so often readily received and very successful.
The Christian basis for casting a vote ought to have the underpinnings of what is honoring to our God as understanding from a biblical worldview. The greatest struggle with the Church has always been the tension of culture with biblical teaching--and unfortunately, we can readily see this even in many churches and congregations.
May we--especailly those who are Christian, be willing to take the necessary time and think through the whole matter before we cast our vote.
RWB
You went to Ohio State during your senior year of high school? Was that at the main campus in Columbus? Please clarify.
So, are you voting for Obama? I hope not Hillary! Nate
I'd rather see Hillary there than Obama.
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