CHRISTIANITY OR CULTURE????

I just finished reading an excellent article by Eric Redmond entitled, How Can Any Christian African American Vote for Obama? Throwing the Race Card on an All Black Table. And for the most part, the article did open my eyes better to why many blacks will vote for Barack Obama this November.

Although being a serious Conservative Christian, I must state that the points Redmond makes in his article cannot be ignored. If I'm being honest, I must admit that it would be great to see a black president in my lifetime. Also, I have to admit that it would be nice to have someone in a high position who is experiencing the "black struggle", and can pass laws and sign bills that would give blacks more equal footing in this nation. These points, among others I cannot deny.

However, I also have to ask (again as serious conservative Christian) are these issues enough to cast a vote for a candidate that stands by immoral ideas? For example, as a black man, I would definitely vote for a candidate that I believe would have my best interest in regards to social, economic, and judicial issues. And like it or not, the candidate that would fit that bill the best would (more than likely) be one who shares my skin color. After all, who can relate to the joys and pains that I go through, as an African-American, but an African-American? But on the flip side, being a man who came close to becoming a victim to the byproduct of abortion, I cannot--in good conscience--vote for someone who stands by this idea, no matter what skin color he/she has.

So, while I can understand why the nomination of Obama is exciting for the African-American community, I feel in some sick sense that this upcoming election will expose a painful truth within our culture: that we value our Race over our God!

Now, I know this is a heavy statement that I have just made. But how else can it be construed? Ask yourself: Why are most African-Americans excited about this upcoming election? Why are Obama T-shirts selling like hotcakes in the black community? Why is it that blacks get heated when Obama is attacked in the media? and why do you see more blacks going to presidential rallies than you had ever seen before? Well, the answer is simple: Obama is the "Great Black Hope": The Champion of African-American advancement. And while I am definitely proud that we have advanced to this level in our struggle, in the end we must hold to the reality that we are commanded by Scripture to "do all things for the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31). And this command goes for all Christians--whether you're black, white, green, or orange.

So in short, we must ask ourselves, "Although we have advanced in our struggle, would God be proud if we voted using another barometer besides our Christian ethics"? I believe this is the question we must answer before we choose to vote for Obama, McCain, or any other candidate. And while God is Sovereign, and will ultimately do what He wills through our next president, this doesn't give people an "out" to vote for anyone they want. We must remember that we are commanded to hold up the banner of Godliness in whatever we do. Because before we are black, white, Asian, or Spanish, we are Christ's and Christ is God's!!!!!