Here we are once again at the beginning of an election year. I am praying to God for a strong stomach as the media does their dysfunctional rendition of Miss America. In this version, we are given a selection of America’s most wealthy, yet morally bankrupt individuals. If your skills include common sense, an honestly caring disposition, and a code of being straightforward and honest, then you need not apply. However, if you have a mind for abusing the system for personal gain, using others as stepping stones to success, and using deception to continue to divide the majority and maintain control, then we will dress you up and teach you to dance.
Has anyone in the last 40+ years stopped and asked themselves what politics and campaigns are supposed to look like? I did, and then I found 20+ students to participate in my questioning. I was honored to find that out of my 6 questions, only one had a divide and it was 50/50.
Q1 “What do you think politics and campaigns are supposed to look like?”
Those surveyed would like to see candidates being more formal and respectful to each other. They would like to see candidates engaging in open discussions and using appropriate behavior with honesty while clearly stating their interests and intents. They would also like to see this done without candidates making promises they cannot keep, and having boots on the ground.
Q2 “Do you feel like our current nomination process gives us quality presidential candidates to choose?”
The consensus was no, with only two variations, the first being “it is all about who has the most money” and the second being “it is politics, it's all about the smiles and lies.” Ever since I can remember, I have watched those in politics attack various rappers, video games, Hollywood, and others in the eye of the public platforms with accusations of the demoralization of the young and old minds of America. However, I then saw them devolve into corrupt hypocrites who teach those same Americans that conflict resolution looks like accusation-slinging and educated name-calling. They consistently set examples of treating those different from them with an utter disregard for humility and something more akin to vehement aversion and a complete lack of respect.
Q3 “Do you think politicians accurately represent your beliefs and values?”
The consensus for this question was a no, with two who said sometimes they felt represented but found the individual lacking in other areas. This leads us to my next question.
Q4 “If you could make one rule about politics, or campaigns what would it be?”
To this question, the survey answered that they wanted rules that banned attacking, bashing, and no bias—candidates without dependence on character assassination and white-gloved blackmail. There should be more personal focus instead of prioritizing the mudsling of opposition. Term, age, and donation limits, along with politicians being required to accept median wages, and consequences for not being credible or at least making an effort.
Q5 “What would you recommend an individual do to avoid getting stuck in political hot water situations with family, friends, and others?”
Drum roll, please: The consensus was don’t talk about it and mind your own business. However, if you do talk about it, learn to agree to disagree, align yourself with God, not politicians, keep it clean, avoid hot topics, and do your research because the media is unreliable. I found all of these answers to be something I could agree with and smart. Had these suggestions been the practice during our last umpteen elections, “I believe we could have avoided what culminated into a mass eruption of anger and violence all over the country. Parts of cities were brought to economic ruin with the destruction of buildings that employed many, motorways made unsafe for those commuting, trucking, and delivering. All this while politicians from both major parties pushed the unrest as they worked remotely with their security.”
Maybe I am wrong. Maybe I have completely misjudged all that I witnessed, or maybe my perspective is off. To me, however, the only hand guiding the last election from all sides was that of the adversary. Nowhere did you see the characteristics Jesus taught his followers in Matthew 5:3-12. This brings me to my final question and one that I need to be reminded of.
Q6 “Are you aware of Sister White's recommendations regarding politics?”
This is where I found my 50/50 split of no and yes. Her recommendations are easily found if you type in the keyword “voting” or “politics” in the app or website that has a convenient compilation of her writings. Below are some of her thoughts.*
“Every day brings fresh revelations of political strife, bribery, and fraud. Every day brings its heart-sickening record of violence and lawlessness, of indifference to human suffering, of brutal, fiendish destruction of human life.” One can only imagine how she would have reacted to the last rat race we went through.”
“It is a mistake for you to link your interests with any political party, to cast your vote with them or for them,”
“They are not to spend their time talking politics or acting politics; for by so doing they give the enemy opportunity to come in and cause variance and discord.”
It is evident that Sister White was not a fan and I agree. A common theme I have heard repeatedly was the reference to one side or the other being a choice between the lesser of 2 evils.
After reading the above, you may be asking, “How, then, are we to protect rights and religious freedoms?” “Prayer is the answer,” as Jesus says in Luke 11:9, “Ask, and it shall be given you.” “Thankfully, we serve a God who not only hears our prayers but desires and loves to hear from every one of us.” According to Matthew 21:21- 22, we must also have faith. It says, “ ... And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Also, remember that Jesus said in Matthew 24:6 “...for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” As well as the prophecy in Revelations 14:12, “Here is the patience of the saints...” Joshua 24:15 … “Choose you this day whom you will serve…” I vote “God” because I refuse to participate in the “who is the lesser of two evils for 1000 points.” I will not align myself with that which does not seek to serve God.
*For a more extensive list of Ellen G. White’s thoughts on politics along with some reflections, see below:
“Those who teach the Bible in our churches and our schools are not at liberty to unite in making apparent their prejudices for or against political men or measures,..., so that division will be brought into the church,”. May I point out the simple fact that this wasn’t followed and there was created division within the Church and families that may still not be healed.
“We cannot with safety vote for political parties; for we do not know whom we are voting for. We cannot with safety take part in any political scheme.” It is hard enough to truly know those you come in with daily, yet alone a persona displayed primarily to grab your attention.
“Those who are Christians indeed will be branches of the true vine, and will bear the same fruit as the vine. They will act in harmony, in Christian fellowship. They will not wear political badges, but the badge of Christ.”
“What are we to do, then?—Let political questions alone.”
“God's children are to separate themselves from politics, from any alliance with unbelievers. Do not take part in political strife. Separate from the world, and refrain from bringing into the church or school ideas that will lead to contention and disorder. Dissension is the moral poison taken into the system by human beings who are selfish.”
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.