Torch, Spring/Summer 2008

24 TORCH / Summer 2006 24 TORCH what they value and believe. Those values are expressed in party platforms, individual statements, and a candidate’s actions. The nominee you vote for should reflect your position on those issues that are most important to you. At the same time, you must remember that no candidate is going to be perfect or meet all of your expectations. I use a simple, but systematic, process for evaluating political parties and candidates. The approach involves analysis of the individuals’ — and their parties’ — views on various issues. It is vital to research their voting records and develop knowledge of their character, along with paying attention to their statements on central issues. Next, determine what matters most to you. Start with a global approach, developing more detail as time permits. Once you know your key topics, assign them values. For example, I value protecting life over balancing budgets. While both issues are significant, for me, the sanctity of life trumps monetary concerns every time. With this simple concept in mind, you can develop a list specific to your beliefs and rank them in order of their importance not only to you, but to God as well. In many parts of the world, Christians are denied a voice in politics. We are fortunate in the United States to be able to speak out and lend our support to those who are seeking to make a difference in the political arena. Christians, regardless of political affiliation, need to remember that our source of authority is God’s Word. A policy position is neither right nor moral because a political party or candidate says it is, but because it has a biblical foundation. As long as we maintain that perspective, we will discover that we can be engaged in the political process, while still having the peace of mind that comes from trusting in an omniscient God and His infallible Word. Dr. David Rich serves as interim chair of the Department of History and Government as well as associate professor of public administration and political science at Cedarville University. A Cedarville graduate, Rich earned his M.P.A. from the University of Dayton and his D.P.A. fromWestern Michigan University. Prior to returning to Cedarville as a faculty member in 2000, he had gained 20 years of experience in local government, working as a city manager for 12 years. His special interests are state and local government, privatization, and the Christian’s role in political systems. T