More from Lauren :)

I wish I could explain myself as clearly as Lauren does here. This comment was from a Facebook note, in which a friend of ours (who is a Jesus-follower) asked his friends to state who they were voting for, and give three reasons why they are going to vote for that person. He asked everyone to refrain from name-calling (Palin is stupid, Obama is a terrorist, etc.) and really just honestly address the issues.

Lauren's reply:

I don't think the Republicans or the Dems have got it all right. But I do wish with all my heart that more Christians would see and understand that "moral values" go waaaaaaaaaaaaaay beyond abortion and gay marriage. I think it's immoral that millions of people in this country don't have health care. I am in such horrible medical debt because of cancer that was out of my control and I will be for a long time. I think it's immoral that people are paid unfair wages for hard work in this country. I think poverty is immoral. I think corrupt school systems are immoral, especially because I was forced to put up with one all my life. I think war is immoral.

We have a very strong call from Jesus to be peacemakers, to be people of reconciliation, to struggle with the poor and the least of these in our society. I don't think Jesus meant charity, either. I really think He meant taking a stand about changing systems and making things right. There is a strong call from Him to create equality. I also know that God commands us to take of this Earth He created and gave us, not to abuse it however we want.

I don't think the Dems have it all right. I am voting for Obama because I think he is more on the side of the poor and the marginalized of our society and I believe he genuinely wants to create a more just society. I like that he wants to make caring for our environment more of a priority and that he also has a concrete plan for ending a war that should have never happened in the first place. I don't think Obama is our savior, though, and it's scary how much hope people put in him. Jesus is the only one who is going to bring real transformation and He is going to keep using us to bring that change.

And I could not agree more! I was so happy to see this, because people were starting to get into the issue of who has "better morals..." and sometimes it makes me want to start yelling and arguing. Props to Lauren for this calm and clear explanation!! :)

I kind of want to read "Jesus for President..." I've heard a few people, now, say that it's a good and challenging book.

P.S. I am really fed up with these Blogger tags, because for some reason, Jesus is always changed to lowercase!! I don't get it!