How many times have we heard that this election is one of the most important in our country’s history?  Even if we don’t follow the news, many of us could surely reach that conclusion on our own.  Assuming this to be true, shouldn’t we meet such a momentous event in our country’s history (and in world history) with the most meaningful aspect of our lives?  Shouldn’t we meet any election, or any political event in general, with the one thing, whatever it is, most responsible for the make up of our personality, dreams, and thoughts about life? 

It wouldn’t make any sense if sports were the most important thing in our lives and then we voted for a candidate who wants to somehow federally limit spending on sports in schools and towns.  No doubt many of us take this idea for granted. Of course the major factors contributing to who we are influence our voting decisions.

Unfortunately, for many of us, faith is (or should be) the one thing that most defines who we are and what we think, but rarely influences our political decisions. I don’t think trying to convince you one candidate better represents the Christian faith, or any faith, would serve any purpose, especially because we all know who the majority of students at this school will vote for, and I doubt anything much could change that. 

I only urge all the faithful, of whatever faith, to seriously contemplate how faith translates into the political arena. What does your faith say about war? About dealing with enemies? About the economy, poverty and charity? About the role of government? 

Some issues aren’t directly addressed by religions, but all religions have teachings you can apply to the role of government and every other issue. If your religion teaches every man and woman should live free from restrictions and boundaries, then maybe you should vote for a candidate supporting a smaller, weaker federal government.

For all the faithful, faith should guide the voting decision. Separating faith from our day to day life is an easy thing to do. We go to church on Sunday and pray in the privacy of our rooms, and many times that ends our involvement in faith. No faithful person can argue, though, that this is the way we should live our lives of faith. Incorporating faith into our voting decision this election year is one good way to make sure our faith plays the role it should in our lives.