by Giles Day

Created on: June 07, 2008

Should one's faith influence a citizen's vote? My question would be : Is it possible for a person to believe one thing and one way, but vote another way? Would we even be willing to separate ourselves from our beliefs and attach ourselves to something we totaly reject as okay? I do not believe that we can or should separate who we are from what we vote for. Our country was founded by people who exercised their faith in their decison making. Many of our laws and examples today are rooted and founded in faith. Our country was created by men of faith, and I believe it will continue to be great only when it's citizens continue this tradition of faith in their voting.

I think the first thing we should all remember is that we are complex beings. We cannot break ourselves into separate parts, and cut off the parts that concern our faith. Our faith and idealisms are a part of us. In many ways, what we believe is who we are. As a moderate conservative, I do not believe in abortion,gay rights or limiting a parent's rights to school, discipline or raise their children in the way they see fit. I am a homeschool advocate, and a firm believer in government not involving themselves unnecessarily in the lives of average everyday citizens. How could I vote for someone who overwhelmingly did not share these same ideals?

If a candidate believes in abortion I would not be able to vote for them. I believe that abortion is the senseless and criminal slaughter of innocent babies. What kind of a citizen would I be if I thought it was okay to put murderers in office? If they believed in capital punishment, I would also have a problem and conflict of beliefs to vote for them.The Bible clearly states "Thou shalt not kill". In my thoughts this applies to the state as well to individuals. I believe that the taking of anyone's life is wrong. If a candidate was pro gay marriage, my beliefs would be counter theirs. I have solicited signatures to try to stop these laws from becoming reality. I believe that gay marriage is contrary to the way God set up family. To vote contrary to this, would be to compromise my beliefs and faith.They are a part of who I am. I am a Christian, I function as a Christian and I will vote for those who most closely reflect my beliefs.

I also realize that there are those who vote for a particular party affiliation simply because they have always voted that way, or because it is a family tradition for them to vote that way. Maybe their grandparetns and great grandparents voted that party. This is their right, as guaranteed under the constitution of this great country we live in, the United States of America.

For those who allow their faith to influence them in the voting booth there is great reward and happiness.You have a clear conscience, and you go to bed at night knowing that although the world may not turn out the way you wish, you did your best by voting for what you believed in.

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