Torch, Spring/Summer 2008

3 rd 2 nd For the Christian, recognizing God’s oversight of government is crucial. We may not always appreciate political leaders, but their authority is derived from God, whether they acknowledge it or not. They can use that power for good or abuse it to their peril. Our respect, combined with righteous lives, commends the Gospel to the world. Just because a person is a Christian does not mean he or she would be a good in government. This is a tough one, but it is true. In 16 th century Europe, the most ominous threat to the West came from the Muslim Turks of the Ottoman Empire. Yet, Martin Luther remarked candidly, “I would rather be ruled by an honest Turk than a dishonest Christian.” As Christians we must knowledgeably choose leaders of good character — leaders who are concerned about human life, freedom, justice, and security; leaders who make decisions based on principles, not polls; leaders who have a vision, not an agenda. So let’s pray, read, talk, and be involved. We have the choice — the privilege, the responsibility — to engage in the selection of the next president. Let’s make our voice heard. T Dr. Bill Brown became president of Cedarville University in June 2003. A graduate of the University of South Florida, Brown holds a Th.M. and a Ph.D. from Dallas Theological Seminary. As a nationally recognized worldview expert, he has authored three worldview-related books and is the executive producer of the re:View worldview study ( www.re-films.com) . Read his blog at www.cedarville.edu/president . In the United States, we have a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. As cumbersome and imperfect as it is, our republican democracy has given our country an inner strength that has proven resilient in the face of challenges and has upheld the God-given value of each person, even the least among us. For this reason, we must be involved in the process. To opt out is to mishandle the responsibility God has given us to influence the world for Christ. Unfortunately, as James Reston acknowledges, “All politics is based on the indifference of the majority.” If we do not engage, by default we give the process over to those who have an agenda that is usually antagonistic to God. All authority is to be respected. The Apostles Paul and Peter spoke of the Christian’s approach to government. Their words, recorded in Romans 13 and I Peter 2, acknowledge God’s sovereignty in establishing authority, provide a foundation for government’s role, and mandate believers to submit to, respect, and honor those whom God has placed in authority over us. Keep in mind that when they were writing, the government was headed by Emperor Nero, who not only was an enemy of God’s truth but eventually executed both of them. If we do not engage, by default we give the process over to those who have an agenda that is usually antagonistic to God. Spring–Summer 2008 3