Many in the church are uncomfortable with the terms “liberal” and “conservative,” stating that God is neither a liberal nor a conservative.  Others say He is both liberal and conservative.  The terms are used today to define where one stands in the arena of politics.

Some are firmly convinced that politics have no place in the church.  Others contend that since Jesus stated we are salt and light, we are to shine that light in every area of human activity, including and especially in the political arena, since that is where policy decisions are made for all citizens.

The term “Liberal” usually refers to someone who believes that our government should solve most all of society’s problems through funding various programs.  These fiscal liberals are accused of supporting continuous tax increases, especially for those they consider wealthy.  Most Liberals support abortion on demand and nearly unlimited homosexual rights, including marriage and adoption.  They are usually not sympathetic toward traditional values.
 
The term “Conservative” usually refers to someone who would support preserving existing conditions, institutions, etc., or to restore traditional ones, and to limit change.  They typically believe in smaller government, less taxes, family values and traditional marriage.  A social conservative would also be pro-life.  A fiscal conservative would believe that by reducing taxes the economy will grow resulting in a higher standard of living for everyone.

Coach Dave Daubenmire, the keynote speaker at the League’s annual Banquet in October of 2007, talks about the subject of liberal and conservative in a recent article entitled “Christians Need A Nose Job”.  You can read it here.

An Action Alert came out this week from the American Family Association who posed the question “What If Liberals Win in November.”  You can subscribe to the Action Alert by going to the AFA website.

If you don’t know whether you are a liberal or a conservative, here are some questions to consider that may help identify where you are.

Would you agree or disagree with the following statements?
1. Protecting the environment is a primary social responsibility we  
    have, regardless of how it affects businesses.
2. Current immigration policies are too strong.
3. Gay marriage should be the law of the land.
4. Public education is wonderful and needs more funding.
5. If you smoke marijuana...you should be protected.
6. Affirmative action is still needed in our culture.
7. Carrying a gun is something that should be outlawed.
8. Some people have less luck than others.
9. Social Security will solve the needs of retirees.
10. Taxes should be increased and the rich should pay more since they
      can afford it.
11. It's not important for our country to reduce the deficit and national
      debt so we can help the poor and helpless.
12. The Fed should not be concerned with controlling inflation or 
       unemployment
13. The only social responsibility of a company should be to pay the
       highest wages and benefits possible.
14. Everyone has a right to health care, even if they can't afford it.
15. All authority, by its nature, should be questioned.
16. Abortion should be protected forever.
17. Military action that defies international law is never justified.
18. The war in Iraq is unjustified and is, in fact, illegal.
19. The problem with the US justice system is that it doesn’t have enough   
       rehabilitation.
20. The death penalty should be abolished.

I heard an evangelical pastor of one of the largest churches in Maine say that he intended to tell his people that he is personally voting for Chandler Woodcock.  Does that take your breath away?  Actually, it is legal.  What is illegal is to tell your people who they should vote for.

The League is doing profiles on the gubernatorial candidates on WHCF-FM radio.  The well-known Christian station broadcasts from Bangor.

Governor Baldacci did not respond to the League’s questionnaire, but you can go to his web site and read what his campaign message is here.

Senator Chandler Woodcock also did not respond to the League’s questionnaire, but you can discover his views at his web site here.

I have been encouraging people to use the League Voter guide to inform themselves about all the candidates before they go into the voting booth.  Some candidates did not respond to the 15 point questionnaire but if they are an incumbent running for re-election, their voting record will be compared with the questionnaire and a rating given.  Just click on the League’s online voters guide here. Once you are there, click on “Search for candidates” at the bottom of the page.  They are listed by town in alphabetical order so the inquirer can easily locate their candidate. 

One of the things believers can do is educate themselves and then support and vote for those candidates that best represent Biblical values. 

One of the things pastors and church leaders can do is go to the League voter guide and print out the voter guide information for the towns that their congregation represents.

Can you help the League?

I am asking individuals and churches to support the League.  The League does the hard work of influencing lawmakers -- work that most people don’t have the stomach for.  That work is extremely important.  The State of Maine has seen the positive result of that Biblical witness.  The League can’t do the job without adequate resources.  Individuals can send regular offerings to the League and churches can support the League as a local mission with regular support.

Please feel free to contact me if your church is interested in getting more information about including the League in your missions budget.  It would be extremely helpful at this time.