WHY I AM NOT A CULTURE WARRIOR...

I've said it before and I'll say it again: When it comes to the culture wars, I am a conscientious objector.

Since the 1970's evangelicalism in America has taken to getting involved in public cultural activism and the political sphere with unprecedented vigor. Evangelicals have followed the voices of religious leaders like Francis Schaeffer, Jerry Falwell, D. James Kennedy, and James Dobson to raise their voices in the public debate about such issues as abortion, the erosion of personal morality especially as portrayed in the entertainment media, and the gay rights movement. In the process, evangelical Christianity became so connected to the conservative wing of the Republican party that at times the two seemed indistinguishable. This involvement had its high water mark in the presidency of George W. Bush and the Republican domination of Congress.

As a result of this evangelical embrace of a culture war approach to their mission in the world, churches, pastors, and individual Christians have been swept up into having to choose sides on many complex issues and to adopt a "Christ against culture" mentality. This has coincided with the development of an entire Christian subculture, which in my view has isolated believers from their neighbors and genuine redemptive interaction with the world.

Thus, evangelicals find themselves in the equivalent of spiritual trench warfare. We are dug in to our positions, separated from our "enemies," seeing things only from one perspective, and having no real contact with those on the other side except to bombard them relentlessly. Doesn't sound like a Great Commission lifestyle to me!

As Michael Spencer observes on his Internet Monk blog:

Every day I listen to and read Christians whose consideration of other persons is on the basis of politics and cultural conflict. Not the Gospel. Their anger and frustration dominates, not the Gospel.

Frankly, I don't want any part of that approach. And so I've decided to conscientiously object to that path of life and "ministry."

Here are some of the reasons I've gone AWOL...

(1) The culture war approach assumes the position that America is somehow different than other nations in our manifest destiny, a "Christian" land that must be "saved" and "brought back" to its Christian "roots."

In the minds of those who assume this, there is an idea of some kind of vague Eden that once existed in our nation when people all went to church, lived moral lives, and the government supported the teachings of Christ. 'Twas never so.

(2) The culture war approach holds that the media is the arena in which we should fight our battles, that it accurately represents the reality of the situation on the ground, and that therefore we must make our voice be heard through the media in order to win peoples' hearts and minds.

The simple fact is that most people listen to broadcasts that confirm their beliefs, not challenge them. You won't find the conservatives lining up to see the latest Michael Moore or Bill Maher film. Nor will you pass many liberals listening to Rush in their cars or catch them watching Fox News at night. Culture warriors generally preach to the choir.

But that's not the only problem. By moving to a media-driven strategy, Christians have become conditioned to seek the spectacular and forsake the down-to-earth path our Savior teaches us to take--the small, seemingly insignificant, seed-planting approaches of loving our neighbors in the context of real daily life. That is the mystery of how the Kingdom comes and how the world is changed.

(3) The culture war approach relies on political machinery as a primary weapon to restore righteousness to the land.

This means we have allowed the world to choose the arena, the weapons, the rules, the referees, and the definitions of what it means to "win" or "lose" in the conflict. In addition, it makes Christians vulnerable to the temptations of power, which are among the least understood among us.

(4) The culture war approach teaches us to fear, dislike, oppose, and look down on our neighbors rather than lay down our lives for them in sacrificial love.

It pits us "against" them, when the Incarnation teaches us to be "with" them.

(5) The culture war approach leads to Christians unwisely choosing our battles and showing a misleading face to the world.

Must a person have "correct" political or cultural opinions before he can come to faith in Christ? The simple Good News of Jesus and his gracious salvation can become so mixed with righteous "positions" that the Gospel itself gets distorted.


IMHO, the culture war approach has a lot more in common with the way the Pharisees lived out the religious life and ministry than it does with our Lord Jesus Christ and his Apostles.

AN INTERVIEW YOU SHOULD READ

Check out Michael Spencer's interview with Christine Wicker, author of the challenging book, The Fall of the Evangelical Nation.

Here are a couple of quotes:

The evidence comes entirely from evangelicals themselves. When I talk about demise, I’m talking about numbers, growth, attitudes and behavior. The preachers often say that the culture has had more impact on the church than the church has had on the culture.

...What worries me is that the split between evangelical ideals and evangelical actions may be getting wider. Not because evangelicals are comfortable being hypocrites but because societal pressures are more intense.

For instance, I’m told that many evangelical kids and single adults come to church on Sunday and are regularly sleeping around or living with people they aren’t married to. Why? Because waiting until you’re married to have sex means that you are very likely never to get married and never to have sex either. Those are the “facts on the ground.”

...For the brand [of Christianity] I like best, you would look among the quieter, more humble, probably the older members of the congregation. I’d look among those with the least power. Not because powerful people can’t be Jesus-shaped, but the temptations are so much greater for them. I suspect it’s easier to become like Jesus if you’re among the “nobodies” of the world.

For more of Ms. Wicker's perspectives, visit her website. I also recommend her book highly. You won't agree with all her comments or interpretations, but the the analysis is one we need to hear and ponder.

Huh?

I have great respect for anyone who would put himself or herself in a position of prominent public service in our country. The scrutiny these folks are under is incredible. Everyone gets to watch, evaluate, and criticize their work. Each misstep is splashed all over the media for the public to see. Sure there are perks, but I simply could not imagine myself wanting to be that out front, that naked, that vulnerable. The limelight, the spotlight, the interrogation light--not my cup of tea.

Even so, with regard to those who choose this vocation, there is something I simply can't grasp. What's the deal with all these people in public positions not paying their taxes?

Is this a besetting sin for political leaders and other public servants? How can people whose job day in and day out not only depends upon taxes, but also deals with government and its fiscal programs all the time miss this? Is this like the evangelical pastor who never reads his Bible, the shoemaker who walks around with his soles flopping, the president of GM driving a Honda?

The Bible tells me, a humble Christian, that the bottom-line in being a good citizen in my society is paying my taxes (Romans 13.7). And I belong to another kingdom!

C'mon Mr. Geitner! C'mon Mr. Daschle! C'mon all of you who would have no patience with me failing to pay my fair share. Pay attention and pony up! For everyone's sake, can we please just get a few basics right?

President Obama

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone, ²for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. ³This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, ⁴who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1Timothy 2.1-3)

MONDAY MUSINGS: Who Sets the Agenda for the Church?

The sign in the picture is not real, just someone's impression of what the real message is in many churches today.

Somehow in the last twenty years, the evangelical church has often allowed those who advocate culture war politics to set the agenda for the church and Christian people. We have become known more for the political positions we take and the particular sinful practices we oppose than for the Good News we promote!

• In many cases we have bought the questionable argument that there is only one correct "Christian" position, not only on a moral or ethical question under discussion, but also on the one right way to go about changing things. Anyone who disagrees with that position or method, or who even wants to consider other options, is automatically considered suspect.
  

• Furthermore, and even more dangerous, is the fact that we have been drawn into the political arena and have accepted the premise that this is the arena in which we fight our most important battles.
  

• Finally, we have accepted the "culture warrior" definition of ourselves, which makes it impossible to treat those with other political views as anything other than "enemies" in the struggle.

In short, we have allowed the world system, the media, and those who have anointed themselves war strategists and generals in the culture war to set our agenda for us. Why don't we believe the Bible? Why do we get sucked in like this? Why don't we allow words like these, from Paul, to protect us from being drawn into the world's agenda?

Indeed, we live as human beings, but we do not wage
war according to human standards... (2Cor 10.3)

In this light, Scot McKnight has posted a remarkable letter on the Jesus Creed blog today. It is from a conservative pastor who struggled with the issues during this past election and ultimately voted for Barack Obama. In the process he shared his struggles and decision with a few close friends. It became known, as things tend to get known within church families, and now he is facing severe criticism, people leaving the church, folks saying he is not qualified to be a pastor, etc. I encourage everyone who reads this to go to Scot's blog, meditate on this letter, and give a comment.

WEDNESDAY QWOTE: A Day of Pride in America

Today, I am proud to be an American. Yesterday's election confirmed the special nature of this great country in which we live. I don't believe in "manifest destiny" or "American exceptionalism" in a theological sense. God has only chosen one nation in world history, and it's not us. Nevertheless, the fact that we could elect an African-American President one generation after the assassination of Martin Luther King is an amazing accomplishment that says a lot about the goodness and opportunity that thrive in our land.

I am also proud because last night two of the most gracious, hopeful and civil speeches I've ever heard were given by the two candidates, one conceding and the other celebrating victory. If only the entire campaign could have been conducted with the respect and civility of these speeches! Nevertheless, these men should be commended for their inspiring words, and it is to be hoped that the goodwill expressed in words last night will continue in days to come.

McCain's Concession Speech

"...A century ago, President Theodore Roosevelt's invitation of Booker T. Washington to visit — to dine at the White House — was taken as an outrage in many quarters. America today is a world away from the cruel and prideful bigotry of that time. There is no better evidence of this than the election of an African-American to the presidency of the United States. Let there be no reason now for any American to fail to cherish their citizenship in this, the greatest nation on Earth.

"...I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our goodwill and earnest effort to find ways to come together, to find the necessary compromises, to bridge our differences and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited. Whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans..."

Obama's Victory Speech

"...The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.

"There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who wont agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government cant solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way its been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand...

"Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, We are not enemies, but friends; though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too."

TUESDAY TRAVELS: First in the Nation

Since 1948, people in the tiny towns of Dixville Notch and Hart's Location, NH have been the first to cast their votes in national elections each four years. Folks gather before midnight to get first position in the election, and the towns take pride in having a 100% turnout. Each voter gets an individual booth, so there is no waiting at the midnight hour.

Earlier today, the good folks in these New England burgs continued the tradition, and here are the results:

• In Dixville Notch: Obama—15 votes, McCain—6 votes.

• In Hart's Location: Obama—17 votes, McCain—10 votes, Ron Paul—2 votes (write-in)

Ralph Nader was on the ballot in both towns, and received no votes.

With this wonderful tradition intact, an historic day in the United States commenced.

MONDAY MUSINGS: The Church and Politics

On election eve, some wise thoughts from Greg Boyd.

No matter what happens in tomorrow's election, God will remain in control and the church will still be called to be Body of Christ in this world. Some may lure us into thinking that the political process is the only effective way to get things done, and those in positions of power may get the most press for their decisions, but the world will only truly be changed when ordinary people of faith begin getting involved in the world as Jesus did, laying down their lives day after day to benefit others.

By the way, if someone thinks I am picking on the "Christian Right" here, the article from which these thoughts are taken is an extended criticism of the "Christian Left." Both are misguided when they buy into the notion that exercising power over others and passing laws to enforce desirable behavior is what God's people are to be pursuing as their primary agenda. Jesus' words could not be plainer:

"You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
(Mark 10.42-45)

It is in the context of this radical approach to changing the world that Pastor Boyd writes:

The church should provide leadership to the world by our spiritual and moral example of how we live together and serve the world, not by our self-designated superior wisdom on how to fix society by political means. Swearing allegiance to Christ doesn’t mean we know more than others. It just means we are willing to sacrifice more than others. Swearing allegiance to Christ thus doesn’t mean one has more wisdom on domestic or international social issues. It just means one is willing to bleed more to bring God’s love to domestic and international social issues.

This willingness to suffer gives the Church a unique and powerful authority to address issues and transform the world. But it does so only if the Church in fact is willing to sacrifice more than others. If the Church would model the beautiful life as a community and in our Christ-like service to the world, we would win authority to speak into domestic and international issues. But when we focus on how we should speak into domestic and international issues before we ourselves model the beautiful life, we have no more authority than anyone else. Like everyone else, we have only our opinion to offer.

Trying to get the Church to participate in the political process the “right” way is like trying to motivate a secular person to pray the “right” way. So it is, for example, that we have the “Christian Right” trying to get Christians to vote to “save the family” by outlawing gay marriage while Christians happen to have a higher divorce rate than the national average. And the “Christian Left” is trying to get Christians to vote to end poverty while the vast majority of churches in America don’t have any of their day-to-day budget or activity allocated to helping alleviate poverty. What Jesus said of individuals applies to the Church as a whole: first take the plank out of your own eye before you look for a dust particle in your neighbor’s eye (Mt. 7.1-3).

Our singular focus ought to be on the church simply being the church, manifesting the beautiful life of the Kingdom. And we ought to do this not as a practical step toward gaining some of Caesar’s power – as though this was our ultimate goal — but because this is simply what it means to faithfully follow Jesus.

WEDNESDAY QWOTE: Lincoln's Second Inaugural

On March 4, 1865, John Wilkes Booth and a number of other conspirators stood in a great crowd and heard one of the most moving speeches in American history: Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address. As the nation neared the end of the Civil War, Lincoln's tone was melancholy and not triumphalistic. He expressed an uncommon realism about the short-sightedness and failures of both sides. However, he also stated in the clearest terms the evils of slavery and the righteousness of God's judgment that had fallen upon America for tolerating it. In a month, he too would give his life for this conflict.

The London Spectator said of this speech, "We cannot read it without a renewed conviction that it is the noblest political document known to history, and should have for the nation and the statesmen he left behind him something of a sacred and almost prophetic character." It is now inscribed on the Lincoln Memorial, along with the Gettysburg Address.

In the light of the cultural conflicts of our own time, which have raised so much heat and so little light, let us hear the words of our greatest President today...

Fellow Countrymen:

At this second appearing to take the oath of the Presidential office there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first. Then a statement somewhat in detail of a course to be pursued seemed fitting and proper. Now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the attention and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented. The progress of our arms, upon which all else chiefly depends, is as well known to the public as to myself, and it is, I trust, reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all. With high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured.

On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war. All dreaded it, all sought to avert it. While the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving the Union without war, insurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war—seeking to dissolve the Union and divide effects by negotiation. Both parties deprecated war, but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive, and the other would accept war rather than let it perish. And the war came.

One-eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the southern part of it. These slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was somehow the cause of the war. To strengthen, perpetuate, and extend this interest was the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union even by war, while the Government claimed no right to do more than to restrict the territorial enlargement of it. Neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration which it has already attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with or even before the conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces, but let us judge not, that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered. That of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has His own purposes. 'Woe unto the world because of offenses; for it must needs be that offenses come, but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh.' If we shall suppose that American slavery is one of those offenses which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, He now wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South this terrible war as the woe due to those by whom the offense came, shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a living God always ascribe to Him? Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said 'the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether'.

With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan – to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.

MONDAY MUSINGS: Reformation Day Thoughts

Yesterday, in the Lutheran church we attend, the congregation celebrated Reformation Sunday. With one strong voice we sang:

Did we in our own strength confide
Our striving would be losing
Were not the right Man on our side
The Man of God's own choosing
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He!
Lord Sabaoth His name
From age to age the same
And He must win the battle!

(Martin Luther, "A Mighty Fortress")

This matchless hymn, and a song the choir sang, "God Is Our Refuge and Strength," are both based on Psalm 46, which begins,

"God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea..."

Therefore, we will not fear. These words express the strong sense of confidence and assurance by which believers face the troubles and upheavals of the world around us. It is a given that such convulsions and even cataclysms will occur in this fallen world. However, the believer has a refuge. The believer has a God with him who presses strength into the depths of his being. The believer has an Advocate who is present and active to help in time of trouble. Therefore, we will not fear.

How disturbing it was then to hear about the most recent appeal to fear published by Focus on the Family Action. It is called, "Letter from 2012 in Obama's America," and it paints a frightening apocalyptic scenario that the organization says will likely occur should Barack Obama be elected president in the upcoming election—everything from terrorist attacks to the end of homeschooling to energy blackouts and rampant inner city crime because of gun restrictions. For a Christian organization to distribute fear-mongering propaganda like this is utterly counter to the great message of Reformation faith.

Please don't interpret these musings as support for Barack Obama. That is not my point. As a Christ-follower and pastor, I just cannot understand when professing Christian people completely jettison Biblical perspective in order to achieve political gain. The sole purpose of this letter is to scare good people silly so that they will vote for the candidate Focus on the Family Action believes is best for America. That is not acceptable behavior for people of faith.

Should we rewrite the words of Luther's great hymn and make them, "A mighty fortress is McCain"? Is he the real "right Man on our side"? Where is our trust? Do we really believe that one election that doesn't go our way can overturn the sovereign purposes of almighty God? Will the sky really fall? Where is the Biblical perspective? Where is the confident assurance that, no matter what happens, our God reigns and his purposes will be accomplished? From the strong foundation of faith, why can't we participate positively in the political process, giving hearty, confident affirmation to the candidates and positions we approve of, while maintaining a spirit of civility and respect toward those with whom we disagree? Are Christians really called to play "hardball" like this?

Such tactics betray the feebleness and wrong-headed nature of so much conservative evangelical American Christianity. The "culture war" mentality of fear and fear-mongering does not represent the Biblical perspective that says, "Therefore, we will not fear." I wish Focus on the Family Action would hear what God says to the world in Psalm 46.10—"Be still, and know that I am God." This command is not the soothing devotional invitation that many imagine. The real point of God's words here are more like—"Hey, you people that are stirring up so much trouble in my world, shut up and sit down and remember who is in charge around here!" We could use a whole lot more Reformation Day thinking and acting in this election season.

God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2Timothy 1.7)

THURSDAY THINGAMAJIG: Political Humor (Not an oxymoron)

One of the funniest groups around is the Capitol Steps. Made up mostly of former Congressional staffers, they pick on everyone, and as they say, put the "Mock" in Democracy. Let's lighten up today and laugh a little, whaddya say?

WEDNESDAY QWOTE: On Being a Faithful Citizen

One of the great traditions represented in our American democracy is that of Roman Catholic social teaching. Every four years, the US Council of Catholic Bishops prepares a statement on Christian political responsibility, or "Faithful Citizenship." This insightful essay outlines what it means for followers of Christ to be involved as wise and faithful members of society, fulfilling their civic duties as an integral element of their discipleship. (Check out the website HERE.)

Today's quote comes from this statement.

"Unfortunately, politics in our country often can be a contest of powerful interests, partisan attacks, sound bites, and media hype. The Church calls for a different kind of political engagement: one shaped by the moral convictions of well-formed consciences and focused on the dignity of every human being, the pursuit of the common good, and the protection of the weak and vulnerable. The Catholic call to faithful citizenship affirms the importance of political participation and insists that public service is a worthy vocation. As Catholics, we should be guided more by our moral convictions than by our attachment to a political party or interest group. When necessary, our participation should help transform the party to which we belong; we should not let the party transform us in such a way that we neglect or deny fundamental moral truths. We are called to bring together our principles and our political choices, our values and our votes, to help build a better world."

The statement concludes with these points:

• Participation in political life in light of fundamental moral principles is an essential duty for every Catholic and all people of good will.
  
• The Church is involved in the political process but is not partisan.
• The Church is engaged in the political process but should not be used.
• The Church is principled but not ideological.

Furthermore, they call for "a renewed kind of politics":

• Focused more on moral principles than on the latest polls.
• Focused more on the needs of the weak than on benefits for the strong.
• Focused more on the pursuit of the common good than on the demands of narrow interests.

May these principles and others like them inform our choices during this election season!

TUESDAY TRAVELS: Endorsements around the country

Today, we travel around the country and give you links to newspaper endorsements for the presidential candidates. While it is debated how influential these endorsements are, they do give voters an opportunity to hear what news outlets around the country are saying to the voters in their regions. One of the more interesting endorsements in 2008 is that of the Chicago Tribune, which for the first time in its nearly 200-year history endorsed the Democratic candidate.

I encourage you to follow the links and read what folks around the country are saying. Perhaps we will all gain insight about the candidates, our country, and ourselves.

Newspaper endorsements for Obama/Biden...

• LA Times
• Denver Post
• Chicago Tribune
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution
• Boston Globe

Newspaper Endorsements for McCain/Palin...

• San Francisco Examiner
• Dallas Morning News
• New York Post
• Boston Herald
• Tampa Tribune

For a complete up-to-date list of newspaper endorsements, visit DemConWatch.

MONDAY MUSINGS: Politics week on otium sanctum

I am just about the most non-political person I know. I avoid talking about the subject because whenever I do, I get in way over my head and that always leads to trouble. I don’t think in political terms, I detest what it often takes to be successful in politics, and I fear the temptations that politics bring to those that choose to participate. If you were to ask me where I stand on the political spectrum, I would have to say that my positions at times reflect a libertarian streak, sometimes I’m more conservative than a far right Republican, at other times I’m more liberal than a far left Democrat, and then often I hold non-participatory convictions reflecting the Anabaptist tradition. No party would have me, and to be honest, I probably wouldn't have them either.

With that out of the way, this is an important realm of life and Christ-followers cannot simply stick their heads in the sand. It's election season in the USA and so I will devote my blog this week to the subject of politics, particularly the Presidential race.

For your own musing today, I will direct you to the websites of two political action committees that recommend voting for a certain candidate based on their own evangelical Christian convictions.

• Evangelicals for McCain. This PAC touts McCain's "common sense conservatism" and lists where McCain stands on such issues as the Ten Commandments, sanctity of life, fiscal responsibility in Washington, the Middle East, border security, and enviro-stewardship. Here you can find videos of McCain interviews on Christian networks like TBN.

• Matthew 25 Network. Taking their name from the parable of the sheep and goats in Matthew 25, this PAC endorses Obama. Their mission is to endorse candidates that they think embody the values expressed in that parable: promoting life with dignity, caring for the least of these, strengthening and supporting families, stewardship of God’s Creation, working for peace and justice at home and abroad, and promoting the common good.

From what I can ascertain, both of these web sites offer good information and a positive spirit of advocacy for their candidates without veering into the excesses of negative, attack campaigning.

Think on these things.