Because Alabama Baptists believe in the separation of church and state, some people conclude that Baptists should stay out of the political process. While it is true that most Baptist churches refrain from endorsing candidates seeking political office, it would be a gross mistake to say that Alabama Baptists are not a part of the state’s political scene.
A commitment to church-state separation, a historical commitment of Baptists, never meant withdrawal of Christians from political participation. Nor did it mean churches were silent on moral and ethical issues. Baptists have never been a silent people when their morals, ethics and values were at stake.
As Baptists understood it through the years, church-state separation meant the church could not use the power of the state to force people to be religious. Conversely, the state could not use the power of the church to manipulate people into compliance with state policies.
Baptists have championed a free church in a free state. Most Baptists still do.
Most Baptists also are concerned about the state’s political environment, especially in an election year. Baptists understand that the moral and ethical tones of the state and nation are determined by the ballots people cast. If scoundrels are elected, there will be one type of outcome. If righteous people are elected, another outcome can legitimately be expected.
It is possible to fight over individual issues between election years, but the biggest battle is the caliber of the person elected to cast ballots on all issues that arise. When one is elected, that individual’s know-how, values, character, ethics and ability are elected. When one is elected, that person’s prejudices, commitments and positions are elected as well.
In less than a month, Alabamians will go to the polls to elect a United States senator, seven members of the U.S. House of Representatives, a governor and all the members of the state Legislature. What Alabamians do that day will determine the direction the state takes for the next four years. It will determine Alabama’s contribution to the direction of the nation.
Recently Dan Ireland, executive director of Alabama Citizens Action Program (ALCAP), mailed a letter to all Alabama Baptist churches urging them to get commitments from state Senate and state House of Representatives candidates to oppose all gambling legislation that might be introduced during their terms of office. That is a good idea. Hopefully, churches will cooperate with Ireland and ALCAP in this effort.
If people who oppose gambling in Alabama are elected, the state will not have another battle over the lottery. Casino-style gambling sponsored by Indians will have a rough time in the state. Special tax breaks for dog racing and promotion of video gambling will be blocked. If friends of gambling are elected, more statewide gambling efforts can be anticipated.
But gambling is only one of many issues national and state legislators will face, only one issue that a governor might promote. Baptists need to know their candidates’ positions on many issues, not just gambling.
A written survey is one way to gain that information. Sitting down with the candidates is a better way. Looking at candidates face to face, watching the reaction to questions, listening to answers, establishing a relationship, learning who they are as persons — all of these are important steps as Christians decide whom they will trust with their future and the future of their state. In essence, that is what happens on election day.
It is not too late for churches and associations to sponsor Meet the Candidate Rallies. Candidates could speak for a predetermined length of time and then respond to questions from church members. If that is not possible, representatives from the church could meet with candidates and then report back to the congregation about what the candidates said about various issues.
Fairness is important. Candidates from both parties should be invited. However, if one candidate refuses to participate, that should not prevent church members from learning about the views of those willing to participate.
If a candidate seeks re-election, looking at voting records is important. How does what the candidate says compare to how that person voted during his/her last term? That tells a lot about the character of the person.
Because Baptists are the largest religious body in the state, candidates may hold membership in a Baptist church. That is good. But being Baptist does not mean one will be a good public official. Even Baptists should be asked about their positions and have their voting records checked. Baptists are not a bloc. Baptists will be found on different sides of most every issue. However, differences in opinion should not keep Baptists from finding out what candidates believe about various issues.
Being involved in the political process is important. It is a way of allowing one’s religious faith to find expression in the public square. It is part of being a Christian citizen. Being involved in the political process is certainly consistent with a commitment to separation of church and state.
In these closing weeks of the election campaign, Baptists would do well to learn about their candidates and then support their choices at the ballot box on Nov. 5.
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