Torch, Spring/Summer 2008

Engaging Politics 2 God has called us to be salt and light in an unsavory world. That means we must use every opportunity to represent Christ in our culture. Why Bother with Politics? 4 Though we cannot control policy in a pluralistic system, we do have the opportunity to influence that system. This is the blessing and curse of being a Christian in a representative republic. Campaign 2008: The Critical Issues 8 The economy, the war in Iraq, health care, and immigration top the list of this election year’s hottest issues. Learn more about what’s at stake and what the candidates are saying about these topics. Counting the Days 26 Matt Shiraki, Cedarville Class of 2006, knows his job will end January 20, 2009. Until then, he’s making the most of the opportunity. Editor Dr. Bill Brown Managing Editor Janice Supplee Associate Editors John Davis Sharyn Kopf Proofreaders Kara DeMusz Julianne Sandberg Senior Designer Michael Bieniek Photography Scott Huck Cedarville TORCH Vol. 29, No. 1, Spring–Summer 2008 Published by Cedarville University Dr. Bill Brown, President Subscriptions are free of charge to addresses in the United States. To subscribe, send comments, change your address information, or request extra copies, contact: Cedarville TORCH 251 N. Main St. Cedarville, OH 45314 torch@cedarville.edu www.cedarville.edu 1-800-CEDARVILLE ISSN 1093-4618 From George to George: Path to the Presidency 14 The way we elect a president is far different from the process envisioned by the Founding Fathers. What has changed and what does that mean for Christians today? Spring–Summer 2008 1 Meaning at the Microphone 18 The cause of Christ is never benefited by those who claim His name yet cannot be differentiated from those who do not. Elephants, Donkeys, and American Politics 22 Does the two-party system that serves as the foundation of American politics still work? A brief look at its historical development provides insight. Cedarville University is a Christ-centered learning community equipping students for lifelong leadership and service through an education marked by excellence and grounded in biblical truth. “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” Romans 13:1 The Christian at War 12 The war in Iraq is one of the most divisive issues of this campaign. Should Christians support it? Cut through the fog for biblical perspectives. U.S. ARMY Photo/Sgt. Amanda Davis