Rabbi Lapin on why religious Americans must vote!!

Toward Tradition ^ | Oct. 2004 | Rabbi Daniel Lapin

[Babwa]

At least five million fervent Jews and Christians, most of whom are conservative politically, sat out the election of 2000. There are very disturbing indications that these same citizens of faith have no plans to vote this coming November.

Politics is nothing more than the practical application of our most deeply held religious convictions. Any passionately held belief must surely translate into some specifi c practical policy that would further that belief.

Why would so many otherwise patriotic and law-abiding citizens avoid the ballot box? It turns out that large numbers of fervent Christian and traditional Jewish conservatives plan not to vote because they can’t bring themselves to vote for an imperfect candidate.

It seems that these Americans, who take their commitment to Jewish and Christian values seriously, are forgetting one vitally important Biblical value: only God is perfect. One of the great gifts of faith is the ability to live an imperfect life in an imperfect world. When facing a choice between two candidates, religious Americans put themselves into an impossible predicament by seeking perfection. Perfection simply doesn’t exist among mere mortals so the perfection-seeking voter has little choice but to vote for nobody.

There is a far better way for the voter who takes Biblical values seriously to cast his vote. Perfection may not exist among men, but evil certainly does. Simply identify the candidate whose policies and affi liations are worse and then vote for his opponent.

[SJackson]

With Jews like this, who needs anti-Semites?

All Jews are wierdos I guess. Not such a bad thing. Einstein was a wierdo.

[Fiddlstix]

Rabbi Lapin makes a great argument for religious citizens, Jews and Chrisitans, to vote. I understand this brochure can be printed for your own use or ordered from Toward Tradition.

It is not just a great argument, it is excellent.

[SJackson]

If you didn't read it, don't miss the Voter's Guide

[Fiddlstix]

Thank you. I have it marked to read later and read it I shall.

[Tabi Katz]

It's sad that this guy looks down on Orthodox Jews, who are hurting nobody. That said, I'm glad he will bring whatever sense he has into the ballot box with him. As a Jew, I am at a loss to explain why many of my co-religionists are more concerned about disarming citizens, allowing mothers to murder their children and gays to marry than they are about a secure Israel.

[infowarrior]

LOL!! Alouette, you have a wicked sense of humor!! Nice shot!!

the infowarrior

[Bandaneira]

People should take an interest in how their nations are run. I think compulsory voting is a good system. The voting public must realise that they are both the puppets and puppeteers of their nations' process of government. People can change things. i.e. The ripple/butterfly effect...

[Susannah]

Bush did not endorse civil unions. Every media outlet has put their own spin on what he was addressing.

Bush still stands strong on the marriage amendment and appointing conservative judges. His statement regarding civil unions was specifically directed toward states' rights. Some state legislatures, including some left-leaning republicans, have already passed laws giving various rights and partnerships to same-sex couples.

[Bandaneira]

Catholic Doctrine and Orthodox Judaism are quite simliar. The only real difference are a few technical issues and the identity of the Messiah. That last part, i.e. who the Messiah is, will be answered fairly soon...Give me a good Catholic any day over an angry atheist.

[Jeremiah Jr]

Rabbi Lapin makes a great argument for Lighting the Chanukiah!
Rabbi Daniel Lapin on Chanukah.
http://www.tckillian.com/greg/chanrabn.html

[Fiddlstix]

Thank you