Posted: 10/29/04
Actions show Americans don't really believe
in democracy, commission report asserts
By Ferrell Foster
Texas Baptist Communications
SAN ANTONIO–Most Americans no longer believe deeply in democracy–at least, not if their actions reflect their beliefs, a new report on Christian citizenship concludes.
“Alarming numbers of citizens are unwilling to make even the smallest investment of time to preserve the democratic ideal,” says the 2004 report of the Baptist General Convention of Texas' Christian Life Commission.
Many Americans are not voting and participating in other ways in the democratic process, says the report, which will be presented to messengers to the BGCT annual session in San Antonio.
This is an issue for Christians because believers hold “dual citizenships,” the report says. “Precisely because we are subjects of God's reign, we are called to live as sojourners in the kingdoms of this world.”
The report lists five ways Christians can express their faith and ministry in citizenship.
Vote. “Voting is the most basic act of participation. To not vote is to let others decide. This is a country 'of the people' and ultimately 'for the people' only if the people show up to vote. Most Americans do not,” the report states.
In the 2000 presidential election, 51 percent of eligible voters went to the polls. Forty years earlier, 65 percent voted. In the nonpresidential election year 2002, turnout was 39 percent in the November general election and 18 percent in the party primaries.
Churches can encourage voting by asking a member to become a deputized voter registrar and help members register.
Christians also have a responsibility to be informed about officeholders and issues, the report says. “Seek out nonpartisan information.”
Participate in issue politics. Heightened commitment to citizenship often leads people to “look for ways to have a greater impact,” the report says.
“Get involved. Get to know legislators and local officials. Become an advocate for the public good. Testify at hearings. Stay aware of political developments. Share your concerns with others, including legislators and other key decision makers. Even if you are not an expert on an issue, your views are valuable.”
Participate in party politics. “Power politics have a powerful influence on decisions,” the report says.
“Christians involve themselves in party politics in order to challenge corruption, incivility, hate politics and special-interest control,” the report continues.
The report calls for greater civility in political discourse. “We need to listen to and respect the opinions of people that have different political opinions. Constructive policy decision-making comes from people with different views working together to find solutions, not from destroying the reputations of those who disagree.”
Run for political office. “Christian citizens should see public service as Christian vocation,” the report says. But it's a job with challenges and temptations.
“Running for office somewhat resembles walking into the lions' den. Candidates risk having their ethics and characters being devoured by the political process, and many who succumb to the siren song of potential power experience this very tragedy,” the report says.
“There are many alligators. The danger of running for political office is usually not a danger to the pocketbook, but a danger to the soul.”
Those warnings notwithstanding, “American politics desperately needs Christian involvement. Specifically, we need men and women who are morally secure and who are driven by the Christian vision of a just and caring society to take the risk of running for public office.”
Be involved as a church. The report spells out things churches can and cannot do if they are to retain their tax-exempt status.
Churches cannot endorse or support candidates, allow distribution of campaign literature or display of political signs, or contribute to political action committees. Churches can teach the importance of involvement, encourage people to register and vote, distribute issue information and candidates' voting records, sponsor debates or forums and invite candidates to speak, as long as all candidates are invited.
The full report is available at www.bgct.org/clc.
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