No candidate who will not fight to protect the life of every innocent, preborn person will ever receive my vote. No judge whose positions on life, marriage, and the role of government cannot be ascertained by me will ever receive my vote. Almost every Republican (but not all) will claim to be pro-life and pro-traditional marriage at election time, and yet Republican administrations and Republican Congresses have presided over the slaughter of 52 million preborn children and the acceptance and legal recognition of so-called "gay marriage." Does anyone actually believe their lies? Apparently so.

A third party is not out of the question, but I agree with those who say we ought to first make local and national efforts to be influencers in the party (Republican). This whole election cycle has been disappointing not only because there is no focus on the important social issues--but also because the way our national party campaigns is thoroughly unchristian--wrong-headed. For example, the main theme of the election cycle has been "Fire Pelosi." What about offering, as I've heard Chuck say, rather than opposing, why are we not (as a party) proposing a different way? If all we can campaign on is "fire Pelosi" (very disrespectful, no matter how much we disagree) we are no better than any other political party. Republicans need to step up and make a real difference on all the issues--Christian worldview for immigration, sanctity of life, marriage, family, truth! There are very real, appealing stands we should take on these measures and presented in the RIGHT way speak to people as TRUTH.

Chuck,

I agree Christians are politically homeless, but it is we who have allowed our political home to be destroyed. Americans, including those who identify themselves as Christians freely vote in people who they know hold morals and values contrary to biblical truth. Thus, our government is a reflection of who we truly are and what we truly believe. And that speaks volumes about the spiritual deadness within our churches.

Until Christians wake up from their spiritual slumber and realize their “spiritual homes” – churches – are all too often little more than shacks lacking even the foundation of biblical truth, much less electricity (power of the Holy Spirit) and plumbing (Source of Living Water), the hope of building a home within the political sphere in which we live is doomed to failure.

As Christians we must first put our own house in order (personal lives, church) before we can expect even a spare room to be provided for us by those who have little or no knowledge of the Carpenter.

Your comments about trying to find information are so true! I almost voted for a Democrat this year for the first time in my life based on how the voter pamphlet read. When I went online to compare the two candidates, the site that informed my decision was a decidedly liberal, gay blog decrying the republican because he was anti-gay and anti-choice! At least someone gave me the information I was looking for! They definitely sold me on the candidate they were decrying, but that is a sad way to have to gain information!

I see info on the politicians running for office but I cannot find any info on judges who are running. I want to know where they stand on issues and their beliefs.Are they pro-life, for marriage etc.

I used the Women's League of Voters Guide, AFA, Focus on the Family, Congressional Voting Records, and candidate websites to research the candidates. I focused on the person's stand on gay unions, DOMA defense, Don't Ask-Don't Tell, abortion funding, etc.---the issues I think are most critical. I made a list and will vote it.

It takes a lot of work to do this, but it is the only way to vote for people who will defend traditional values.

Chuck Colson's Response to below: Added 11/4/10:
Note: Chuck responds to select comments on "Speak Out"
Usually 3-10 days after the comments are opened.

To Wayne Morrow (October 27, 2010 3:47 PM)

I’m glad you’ve never aligned yourself or your congregation with either party. I took that same position in my book God & Government. My commentary was intended to be provocative. I don’t know that there will be a third or even a fourth party any time. My point is that moral issues must be part of our political conversation and debate. I love your idea of creating a forum in the church. The Colson Center can give you all kinds of materials around which you can organize discussions. I think every pastor’s duty is to keep his people well informed on issues.

God bless you. Thanks for your posting.

Chuck Colson

---

I have never been iterested in aligning myself or my congregation (I'm a pastor in PCUSA) with either party. Rather than creating a third party, what if we Christians found more ways to dialogue vibrantly about candidates and proposed laws from our Christian point of view. Our church is creating a forum called "truth and consensus" to this very end. Possibly we can utilize breakpoint material as well. Any other ideas? I'm brand new to "breakpoint".

Chuck Colson's Response to below: Added 11/4/10:
Note: Chuck responds to select comments on "Speak Out"
Usually 3-10 days after the comments are opened.

To: Jack Flynn (October 27, 2010 2:43 PM)

Thanks for your very thoughtful posting. The Colson Center is attempting to deepen people in their faith and particularly its application to public issues. It’s a big job, and I appreciate your encouragement.

Thanks for your posting.

Chuck Colson

---

I agree that Christians do not have a political party to call home currently; however, we are not at “home” anywhere in this world and never will be. I love this country dearly but if the Lord decides our days as a great nation are over that is the way it will be. Then I suspect we will have many more important things to do than deciding which party (if there is more than one) to work with or if we should start another party.

That being said the political party we have primarily worked with in the USA to “render unto Caesar” and make sure civically/politically we honor God has been the Republican Party. Since culture does dictate politics it is no wonder that the Republican Party is not in such great shape since the culture has declined significantly since the 1980’s and the days of Ronald Regan’s Republican Party. Unfortunately we are currently at a point in our nation’s history where we must stop the bleeding before the patient dies. Too do that we must elect as many Republican candidates to Congress, Governorships and state legislatures as in good conscience is possible on November 2.


Unfortunately it has become clear the Democrat Party has been almost entirely overtaken by secular progressivism/European Socialism call it what you will and thus actively opposed to the Christian worldview. I believe that the past two years has shown us that what the government does with tax money or money in general and its power over our lives in all areas are also very critical moral issues. Persecuted Christians during the Soviet era and currently are suffering in the main because their faith in Christ opposes the absolute power of the state. The Tea Party has arisen because citizens, Christian and others, have recognized the rapid expansion of state power are rightfully alarmed by it and want to stop it. I believe the best course of action (besides continual prayer) politically at this point is for Christians to work with the Tea Party to reform the Republican Party.


The lure of a third party is something the Democrats and media promote to divide and defeat their opposition. I do not think a third party is viable at this time short of a miracle. We just need to look at history and the fact that a third party candidate for president has never received more that 25% of the vote. And that was the popular former president Teddy Roosevelt. A third party would split the Christian/conservative vote and hand elections to the Democrat Party. That I believe will hasten our demise as a great nation.


Organizations like The Colson Center are critical to this effort because unless we are strong in the Christian Faith upon which our nation's founding principles are based, any results will be hollow and built on a foundation of sand. It is going to take a lot of prayer and discipleship in the Church and education in the nation and culture at large to turn things around. I greatly appreciate and support the work you are doing for the advance of the Kingdom and our true home.

I think it would be foolish of us to form a third Party. Our Nation doesn't have the time it would take to put a third party in power but would simply split the vote and assure Liberal wins for decades.

There is a simple way to bring the R party back to it's Reagan Roots and that is for good conservatives to get involved in the Precinct or grass roots level of the Party all over America.

Here in Montana the State Republican Party is very Moderate whereas the people who claim to be Republican are Conservative. The only way to change the state party is through good people getting involved in the precincts and kicking the present state leadership out and replacing them with people who understand that the moral issues are what will make or break our nation. All of the other issues are symptoms of our moral failures.

The same goes for the RNC. It is 2/3 moderate whereas the nation is 2/3 conservative. That can be changed starting at the grass roots level all the way up.

The moderates do not want candidates to even mention, God or Family or Country or the moral issues. Those candidates who have told the state leadership to get lost and mention those important things in their flyers and campaigns get elected by landslides, even in heavily Democrat, liberal, areas.

Another problem is the failure of the Church to be involved in this important battle for our nation.

We have to remember that we are in this present circumstance because of apathy of the voters and the Church. A third Party will not solve that problem.

Chuck,

Great news here! We DO have a candidate who is talking about every one of these issues! TERESA COLLETT, the Republican candidate for US Representative from Minnesota's 4th Congressional District, supports traditional marriage, is solidly pro-life and knows our U.S. constitution. She is a wife, mom, small business owner and a Constitutional Law professor at St. Thomas University Law School in MN. She is a solid Catholic woman who defends God's laws and natural law, and stands for fiscal conservative principles. Through God's grace, we are working and praying to see that she defeats Betty McCollum, who has voted 100% with the radical left and gets rave reviews by NARAL, etc.

I ask every Christian reading this to pray with us for Teresa as she stands fast for Christian principles. May soon represent us in Congress!

Chuck Colson's Response to below: Added 11/4/10:
Note: Chuck responds to select comments on "Speak Out"
Usually 3-10 days after the comments are opened.

To Robert Lynn Threatt (October 27, 2010 1:54 PM)

Start writing. I’m hoping that the political parties we have get the message this election and start to represent the people rather than rule them.

You’re very correct in your point that we don’t have a political party for Jesus. He’s above all earthly kingdoms and parties. Thank God!

Thanks for your posting.

Chuck Colson

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I'm not a Democrat or a Republican but an American!

I'm not an African American or European American or a Mexican American or Native American but an American!

I'm not lower class or middle class or upper class but an American!

Labels divide people from recognizing that they have a responsibility to love and care for each other.

I am a follower of the gospel of Christ and a recipient of eternal life through belief in Jesus Christ as THE only Son of God whose blood was shed to cover my sin. Where is my political party? It does not exist and never will on earth since my King is not of this world or it's system which is ruled presently by Satan as Prince of the power of the air.

That being said, government was created by God to retard evil & provide stability for people to live together.

A new Political party is now unavoidable as the only solution for the country's financial problems. Soon the majority of people in the USA will not pay any tax. When that happens no one advocating cutting spending especially on social programs will ever be elected because the majority will not vote to stop their own government checks from coming.

A NEW political party with a biblical platform is the only solution because the principles of moral & financial self discipline, love, pay your workers a fair wage, sanctity of life & 1 man 1 woman marriage as fundamental to having a viable flourishing country that is self sustaining.

I started to write a book 3 years ago outlining this NEW Political Party's platform but didn't. I realize now that I should have. Maybe with God's help, I still can.

Chuck Colson's Response to below: Added 11/4/10:
Note: Chuck responds to select comments on "Speak Out"
Usually 3-10 days after the comments are opened.

To Bruce Radcliff (October 27, 2010 1:08 PM)

Pretty good list.

Thanks for your posting.

Chuck Colson

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Chuck,
Here's something I'm sharing since talking with others, including Christians, that don't see why they should involve themselves with politics, even voting:

APATHY ALERT!! Wake-up America! Lest we forget what's at stake this election...

Here's 20 reasons to vote, & to vote for conservative candidates. There's no hyperbole here. It's all backed with a challenge to naysayers-- if you think something can be proven untrue, let's go at it... state your objection and let's examine the facts.

>Freedom of Speech at risk
>Freedom of Religion at risk
>Eugenics
>Abortion
>Gay Marriage/Military
>Euthanasia
>Indoctrination of Youth via Education & Entertainment (pop culture)
>Promotion/Defense of Sexual Immorality
>Secularization of the Culture
>Protection of the Planet over Humanity
>Control of Media
>Evolution Propaganda/ Intelligent Design Suppression
>Energy Constriction
>Widespread Ignoring of the Rule of Law
>Selective Adherence to/Random Reinterpretation of the Constitution
>National Security Diminished
>Right to Bear Arms at risk
>Loss of Private Property Rights
>Propagation of Islamic Extremism
>Diminished Human Rights

There you have it, 20 good reasons to be concerned, informed, energized, and involved with this most important election cycle.
Oh, and by the way, the Economy, Immigration, Socialism, & Healthcare might just warrant some of your attention, too. (Ya think?)

Ephesians 6:12
Bruce

Chuck,

Thanks for your vision and your efforts to stir those of us who are comfortable in our pews to rise up and make a difference in our culture.

I believe there will be a time soon, when the road we are taking will lead us into such darkness that many will clamour for light.

We are not there yet.

Many are asleep.

Only few see what is coming.

If my perception is true, then it follows that those who see now, must develop plans and leaders for later.

What more can we do?

Honorable Chuck Colson: I commend you for the stand that you advocate on in terms of this election. I agree with you 100%, politicians do not see the underlying issues of the economy, the immigration issue, the raising debt because they do not see the real issue of morality in society. Secular humanism not Christianity is the worldview that appears to be driving the American Culture today. This is the moral compas that many citizens of the USA use today to direct right and wrong. This trend needs to be reversed so that a Christian worldview based upon the Bible drives society as it did in the 1700's. Thanks.

I agree that neither of the two major parties have given Christians a voice in these spiritual and constitutional issues that are foundational to our country's greatest needs. My wife and I have found a home in the Constitution Party -- its platform is one on which we can stand. Can we break the stronghold of the Dems and the Repubs who resist any newcomers? Only God knows. But right is right and here we stand. Thanks, Chuck!

I agree that evangelical Christians and Catholics that desire to vote according to their Biblical convictions do not have a party that represents them! After doing six hours of research for the upcoming election, I can't tell you how many of the conservative voting websites said "Cast a vote for this candidate only as a vote against the other candidate." Why should we have to settle? The Tea Party needs to become a viable third party since the Republicans are more worried about the economy than the moral atmosphere of our country.

After choosing my candidates, I put together a "voting recommendation" sheet and email all my friends to let them know it is available if they want it. How sad that so few people are willing to research the candidates and issues that will affect not only their lives, but those of their children, as well. Thank you for all you do!

It is nearly impossible for a Christian to support the two major candidates for governor in New York. How discouraging to have such low caliber candidates. We are slipping farther and farther from any pretense of a Christian worldview in our state's government.

As I see it, many of the "issues" promoted by both sides of the political system are not important. The media tends to play us against one another, the government, the political parties, and, with the rise of the "Tea party" and other small groups, we have seen that anger and frustration wins the day. We are being distracted from Truth each day by the media with all of the sensationalism.

I think that, as we draw nearer to the one world government, the US will diminish, and we may be heading into that period now.
I know that the parental rights amendment is out there trying to get passed to "protect" parents and families, but again, if you look at the political climate, you will see that there are many in BOTH parties that are for ratification of more than one UN treaty, one being the UN convention for the rights of the child, which would supersede our Constitution and take away our right to raise our children.
if you want to see what that will be like, look at the homeschooling battles in Sweden.

I believe that, as we fight for the sanctity of life and religious freedoms, we must also begin learning preparedness for emergencies. My family has a strong urgency to prepare for catastrophic events, so that we can feed and shelter many that may be displaced. This is how we will reap a soul harvest - by providing the needs to those that are left homeless, destitute and on the street - with no assistance from the welfare state. I think it is what God would have us do.

The TV must be replaced with study of the Word, prayer, and preparation for the times ahead..

Chuck,
I am VERY disheartened that your good friend and our brother in Christ, Al Quie, recently endorsed Mr. Horner for Governor of MN. Mr. Horner is a pro-homosexual marriage and pro-abortion candidate. What I cannot understand for the life of me (and I recently challenged Mr. Quie about this on his facebook page and have yet to get a response) is how a Christian can endorse somebody who goes against every principle taught by the Word of God. And not to mention, flies in the face of the Manhatten Declaration (which I have signed) who so patently spells out where we as believers stand. What are your thoughts on this?

Thanks I SO appreciate you doing Breakpoint.

Chuck,

I think Christians have given up. Republican leadership will never take the abortion issue head-on. They'll save it for rainy campaign days and pull it out when they need a boost in the polls. Once elected, they'll simply slip that card into their back pocket. It seems clear that Republicans have no actual intention of over-turning RoeVWade or anything related? What would they have to campaign on then? This cynical view does not justify inaction on the part of the people, but it does seek to explain some of the apathy and despair Christians feel.