Sunday, April 24, 2011

Who Would Jesus Vote For?

With the Federal election less than 10 days away, I've been thinking about who Jesus might for if He was living in Canada.  Unlike the USA with only two options, Canadians will have at least 4 or 5 options and in some cases as many as 7 or 8 choices, we're just that much better a country!! 

So... in terms of platforms and ideology, how might Jesus vote?  In the interest of fairness, I thought that the best way to do this would be to evaluate each party alphabetically.  Some of you may not like what I'm about to say, but we live in a free country so feel free to disagree and share your comments.

The Bloq....
I'm a Westerner by birth and by choice so it's a bit hard to fully understand why anyone would want to leave Canada because I think it's the best nation on earth.  That said, if I put myself in the shoes of a Quebecois, I think I could understand the rationale of the Bloq.  Westerners periodically float the idea of a Western based party to represent our interests alone.  That's really what the Bloq does for Quebec.  Like it or not, Quebec has and is a unique culture and partner in Confederation.  They represent 25% of the Canadian population so there's certainly room for a unique place within Canada.  Would Jesus vote for the Bloq?  I think He might, if he was a Quebecois.  Jesus knew what it was like to be a member of a unique culture in a much larger country and I think He might vote to protect language and a unique cultural identity while at the same time calling people to commit to a higher kingdom.

The Conservatives....
I know many Christians who believe that Jesus would vote for the Conservatives.  There are certainly values within the Conservative party that are aligned with values that are important to Jesus.  One of several would be a commitment to good financial stewardship.  Another could be the promise to create an Office of Religious Freedom.  I think that Jesus would support things like that.

The Greens....
Over a million people voted for the Green Party in the last election.  The Greens are committed to environmental stewardship.  Many Christians are dismissive of the environmental movement, but I think that Jesus might think differently than most of us do.  God has entrusted the care of the earth and it's environment to people.  As His people, we have a responsibility to practice proper stewardship of the earth.  I don't think anyone is more committed to good stewardship of the environment than the Greens so maybe Jesus would walk, ride a bike or take public transit to the polls where it's possible that He might vote for the Greens.

The Liberals....
The Liberals are about an ideology that says that if we all work together, regardless of our culture, language, color and geography, we can build a better nation.  They are more 'liberal' in their social policy and have more of a 'government will provide that for you' approach than the Conservatives.  Would Jesus vote for them?  I can see that happening.  Jesus is attracted to people who seek to build unity and in the process give themselves to building a better nation.

The NDP....
The NDP is on a tear during this campaign.  As of last week, they had risen into 2nd place in the polls. They certainly have momentum and their leader is having what I'm sure is the time of his life as his party enjoys unprecedented success in a campaign.  That said, would Jesus vote for the NDP?  Wait for it .... He might....
For some people the idea of Jesus voting for the NDP might be beyond the realm of possibility, but here are some things to consider.  The NDP was born in church basements around the idea that someone needed to represent the poor, the oppressed and the underprivileged.  To a large extent their ethos still revolves around that basic principle.  Jesus cares deeply for the poor, the widow, the orphan and the oppressed so He just might cast his ballot for the NDP.

Reality Check...
Jesus can't vote in the Canadian Election.  He's not a Canadian Citizen because His kingdom is not of this world.  That said, He's expecting His people to show up and vote.  In a world where people are literally dying for the right to vote, it's the least that you can do.  How you vote is a matter between you, God and your conscience.  Make your choice on the party or candidate that you believe best represents your vision for what you believe Canada should be and the values that best represent who you are.  Make that decision prayerfully.  There is a right way for you to vote.  Find it!

Friday, April 15, 2011

Nation Changing or Nation Building?

I was listening to CBC's 'Cross Country Checkup' and heard one of the guests share how he tells young people that they could become politicians and change our nation. I've been thinking about it ever since.... I've come to the conclusion that rather than Nation 'Changers' what we really need are Nation 'Builders'. Here's why...

It seems to me that 'Nation Changing' is largely a self serving pursuit.  Nation Changers seek to shape our nation to suit their vision, values and ideals.  The wonder of democracy is that if your vision, values and ideals resonate with the majority, you are empowered to make the changes that you have put forth.  The upside, if you are on the 50% plus one side is you have the opportunity to change the nation as you see fit.  The downside is that 50% less one of the population are left on the outside looking in.  The risk for the Nation Changer is that in most cases, the electorate is impatient and unwilling to pay the price necessary for change.  Inevitably, a new Nation Changer emerges with fresh promises of a better nation and the electorate, tired of the last 'Changer', votes in the new one based on the newest promises. 

I have grown weary of 'Nation Changers' making grandiose promises. I am fearful of their arrogance and suspicious of their motives.  We are a diverse nation.  We are a nation of immigrants that have formed a collective identity of tolerance, acceptance and cultural harmony.  We have become who we are through a combination of leadership from Conservatives, Liberals, NDP'ers, the Bloq and more recently the Greens.  For our almost 144 years as a nation, Canadians from every political stripe brought their best to the table and did what they could to make Canada a better place. God give us more of the same!

Perhaps our nation doesn't need to be changed as much as our nation needs willing servants who are committed to building a future based on our collective values and vision.  One of my favourite BC MLA's was Corky Evans.  Corky was the member for Creston.  His speeches were a blend of warm folksy stories used to make subtle (and sometimes not so subtle....) political points.  In one his most memorable (to me) speech, he said something like this.  'Mr. Speaker, we come here  from different parts of the province with one thing in common.  We all want to make BC a better place to live.  We just have different ideas on how to get there.'  I think he's right.  I also think that it takes a variety of people from a diversity of social, ethnic, religious and political backgrounds working together to build a great nation. 

I'm leery of any party that wants to 'change' our nation.  No single political party as 'the' secret to building a great nation.  It's like anything else, our blindspots exist within our strengths.  Our strengths may even create our blindspots.  I think that's particularly true in politics.

My hope is that rather than nation changers, nation builders arise among us with the commitment and courage necessary to help us remain the greatest nation on earth!