Readers respond: How do you feel about the election and the outcome?

God made us free moral agents, able to follow His leadership or to rebel against it. The collective voice of the American electorate has been heard, from which accrues critical consequences for our land’s governance. How could God’s elect do other than invest considerably in fervent prayer to God for officials thus elected? God alone is capable of touching the hearts and intervening in the lives of the individuals American voters have elected to high office. I implore my fellow Christians to join me in prayer daily that God’s perfect will may be accomplished in this land!

In my view this election points to a symptom of the moral sickness in our country. The moral decline, the lack of respect for the Constitution and Bill of Rights, and for the principals our country was founded upon, result in an election giving us what we deserve.
This country has never been, nor should be a theocracy, but we must come back to our roots quckly or we will only be several pagagraphs in a history book in a few decades.
When we remove religion from the public square the void is filled with egocentric values, satisfying base desires, greed, and the worst of human potential. Every society in history collectively, eventually get what they deserve.
It will be ugly.
Royce Ogle
Monroe, LA

Presidents come and go, but Jesus was, is, and will always be Lord.
Gollamandala Noah,
Church of Christ,
WYRA (Post & mandal),
Khammam – Dist., Pin: 507 165,
Andhra Pradesh,
INDIA.

God is in control and God will guide the President of the United States. We need to keep our Country and President in our prayers. I believe that prayer is powerful and that God can work through the President. Let us never forget that God in all powerful.

I’m deeply disappointed that so many of my well-meaning fellow citizens voted “to end racism,” or “for change,” or something other than for how the person will govern and what his policies are. However, he is now my president. I prayed for him Tuesday night and will continue to pray that he will govern in a way that pleases God and preserves our country. I cannot wish him ill – our nation’s future depends on his being a good president.

Like Beth (see her comment above), I like the fact that my son can see that a man with his skin color can be elected to the highest political office in our country. On the other hand, I am deeply disappointed that America has rejected the idea that a government should try to protect pre-born children from those who would kill them. South Dakota rejected a proposed law that would have outlawed abortions except in the cases of rape, incest, and serious threats to the mother’s health. Colorado rejected a proposal to define life as starting at the moment of conception. California rejected a law that would have required parental notification for a minor to obtain an abortion. The pro-life position was soundly defeated across the nation.
We must work to build a culture that respects the lives of all people. We must serve the most vulnerable among us, as our Christian tradition has always done in our best moments.

Yesterday morning, I woke up my eight year old son with these words, “we have a new president and he looks like you”. I wonder how many other mothers woke up their children with those words. It is an awesome moment in history. Now children of color know they can grow up to be president – or anything else they aspire to become.
Now for my son’s response – “I know Mom, but he’s going to take all of our money!” My son was an Obama supporter until a few weeks ago. As he was playing soccer he asked a teammate if he were for Obama or McCain. The teammate replied ‘McCain’. My son asked him why he was not for Obama and the teammate replied “Obama is going to take all of our money”. My son then said that he was going for McCain, too, because he didn’t want Obama to take our money”.
And now for my response to my son yesterday morning – “We will just have to pray that God will help President Elect Obama make wise decisions about our money.”
I am reminded of the words to this song –
“Because He lives I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone,
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives.”
We live in a wonderful country –

Each election day we are all mindful of the importance of the day. I pray we each are acutely aware of our duty as Christians and our duty as American citizens to stand up and cast your vote for those who will lead America and that you�ll vote on the Acts that will become laws that affect us all.
Please be prayerful that at the end of the day there will be peace and that our country will still be one nation under God with liberty that enables us to freely serve God and justice that embraces laws and morals in obedience to God�s will and His commandments. No matter the outcome of any election on any issue or any person in office, may we all unite to be the best Christian and the best American we can be to serve God and country. May we be obey the Holy Word and pray for the leaders of our country, may we respect the authority of the office and obey the laws of our country.
Our concern is to be for our soul and to campaign to win souls as we wait patiently for a much better place

I understand the worlds’ jubilation that a mere man is their way to peace, but the Saints should know better. God does not have a physical nation that He will curse or bless. Our folks today is as ignorant as the Jews in Jesus’ days that thought He came to set up an earthyly kingdom. As many have already said, we need to use every opportunity in our families, with our friends and foes to teach them Gods’ ways. We need to spend much time in prayer for the unborn and that the government not make laws that will cause Saints to have to choose, I believe most of us will choose Barabbas.
robert brooks

So many people have been fearful of a Democrat taking office. We all need to remember who’s in charge. Apparently God put George W. in office to bring us to our knees, to stop our insatiable consumerism, to reign in our lusts & greed. I can’t wait to see what He has in store for us with Obama! May God continue to bless America.
Jody Nowak

“The kingdoms of the world are become the kingdom of our Lord, and He shall reign forever”.
“I love thy kingdom, Lord”.
‘Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, the clouds ye so much dread,
Are big with mercy, and shall bread with blessings on thy head.
His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower.”

How many of us were willing to donate to political campaigns yet stand by as our Christian colleges close (Cascade College)? Is it any wonder that churches are in decline and we feel that our influence on the culture has lost its impact? We need to stop relying on the government and other people to do what we should be doing. This is a wake up call regardless of which side we voted for. Hate only brings more hate and there is no hope apart from Jesus Christ. It’s time to refocus.

It never ceases to amaze me at how gullible the American public is when it come to politicians and their promises. We are headed for a rough ride and would have been no matter who was elected. Thank the Lord that He is still in charge and we are not. I pray that the politicians will realize this real soon.

The future of our country does not rest on the shoulders of our President, regardless of how godly he is or isn’t. While I am disturbed by some of his religious views and his personal feelings regarding the american flag and the pledge of allegience, I cannot be surprised that he is our President-elect. Look at our country and see the percentage of people that even attend a “Christian” congregation and you may not even get 50%. I guess I expect a nation that is less than 50 % Christian to elect a leader that is not one.

The end of this election allows us to start anew. For too many years this country has presented what should be called entertainment as news. TV, radio, newspapers and blogs on the left and the right have been vicious. The meaner the attack the higher the ratings. I don’t know when it started but it is time for it to end. For a brief time after 9/11 we were “one nation”. I hope this country will now appeal to our better selves and show respect for one another. At this time of economic crisis and war we need to stand together be the great nation our forefathers desired us to be.

The election was important because God holds nations accountable. However, It was no more important than any other.
We will also be held accountable for our treatment of the poor, our genocide against the unborn and our acceptance of perversion as an “alternative lifestyle.”
One writer opined that perhaps this election will be the punishment that brings America back. I hope he is right, but I don’t think America can be brought back. I don’t believe John McCain was the savior we missed, either, although I believe him to be an honorable man and a patriot.
In the end, our job is the same regardless of who is in power – glorify God and proclaim His gospel to all we can reach.
I am a veteran and a patriot as well, so the words of Habakkuk are often in my thoughts these days, “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like the hinds feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.” Habakkuk 3:17-19 KJV

Remembering that this election was for the leader of all the people in this country and for the representative of all the people in this country within the global community of man and NOT for the head of the church (Christ is the head of the church), I think that it turned out just fine. The government and the church are not the same. We should be citizens of both though not, of course, two kinds of people in those two roles but rather recognizing the requirements of our dual citizenship and holding ourselves to the higher standard and remember Rom 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

I believe we need to stand on faith and not in fear. We cannot fear the future because it is in God’s control. We need to support our government, speak out when we see wrongdoing, and shine as lights to those who don’t know where to look. I see this as an opportunity to show others what I truly believe in.

I’m very pleased with the outcome of this election. It’s exciting that our nation has chosen to elect an African American man to the presidency. Obama is young, charismatic, very bright, and has Christian values which will undoubtedly save lives because of an earlier exit from Iraq. Our yearning for change and our prayers for a better nation are being realized.

Over the many months this campaign raged I was often reminded of the struggles going on in the Church of Christ tradition. It was a classic battle between old ideas versus new, pessimism vs. optimism, the way things have always been vs. desire to try something else, fear vs. hope, attack vs. pursuit of noble and timeless principles at all costs. Many would say that Obama won because he is simply more in touch with a constituency hungering for that which the old, tired institutions haven�t provided in decades. Upcoming generations are leaving the church for the same reasons.
It�s a new era in which care for God�s earth is demanded, love for the lowest in our society is a priority, obscene accumulation of wealth simply won�t be tolerated, war for any reason is never an option, and unyielding, cold out-of-touch leadership will not be entertained. Are you listening Church? Obama�s victory has serious warnings for you.

I prayed and prayed about the election. I believe God answers the prayers of a righteous man, and many righteous people were praying. Maybe we are going to learn a hard lesson. Comparing America now to America 50 years ago, there has been a huge change in the character of the nation. The liberals are pushing to have homosexuality accepted, even to allow them to be married. This is an abomination to the Lord. The killing of the unborn surely is an abomination to God. Perhaps we are going to see just how bad things could get in America by electing men who are an affront to God. Christians need to be bold for Christ. We need to be teaching people the Gospel, and we need to live it. That is the only way to change the hearts of men. God has promised to be with us, and that is an encouraging thought! Let us realize the power of prayer and continue in prayer for our nation.

I am disappointed because I feel that most of the individuals who voted were mad at President George W. Bush because of the mess we are in now and did not fully understand the messages or platforms from both candidates nor the agendas for which they stood. I will be in compliance with my new President, however, as I know that God is in control and will help us through this time of need as He has before. I urge all Christians everywhere to pray for our country as we prepare to go through some very difficult times.

I never expected a McCain win so I’m not disappointed. America is a great nation because of her people who are hard working, God fearing and family oriented. No president can change that; only individuals can choose their behavior. I congratulate President-elect Obama on running an effective campaign. He is my president as much as George W. or Bill Clinton was my president and to treat him as anything less, in my opinion, is to go against the commands of God. I pray this nation will lift up this man as we face difficult months ahead.

My King is still on throne.

We do the best that we can but God makes the final decision as to who will serve. We do not always understand but we accept. Let us do our best to serve God in His way. Paul W. Cooper

This is really more of a question. Looking at the vote demographics the urban areas for the majority of the states went Democratic. The rural areas overwhelmly voted Republican.
What is this saying to us?

My son is a Marine and when I voted, I voted for his boss. I voted for a man I trusted to know what the military needs and how to take care of my son. I am praying that God will guide this leader elect to do just that and to help me find a confidence in him. He is not the one I chose, but he has been chosen by the people of this country. I trust that God will hear the prayers of his believers and protect us, guide the president and provide wise counsel for him. My faith gives me hope that good will come from us because “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” He is there for us. He will protect my son, He will protect our nation.

I’ve been wondering…..if the people who prayed that God “providentially” do something to protect this country, consider their prayer answered or ignored..
Is Obama the answer to the prayers or has God turned his back on the United States? Just wondering.

I attended a joint prayer session last evening for our election. This was a gathering from several different religious groups. The general mood was somber. It was recognized that God remained in control. A constant in the prayers of the group was an attitude of repentance. Repeatedly it was stated that God-fearing people had stood by while those who pushed an acceptance of sin were allowed to operate without opposition. However, the thing that stood out most was the fear that existed throughout the group. There was a feeling that God would punish this nation because of the tremendous sin in the land. Again and again I heard reference to the 40 million babies that had been killed since Roe vs. Wade. The growing sins of immorality were considered a scourge in the land. It was readily recognized that we have strayed far from the Christian foundation that had made this country great.
As I write this blog it looks as if Senator Obama will be our next president. Is it possible that God will use this government to punish the United States? Could this election be an humbling event that brings us back to God? Perhaps this will bring an attitude of repentance and revival to this land. On the surface this looks bleak. It appears that those who push an agenda of sin and permissiveness are gaining the upper hand.
Let me remind you of a couple things. If Senator Obama is indeed elected as our president, he will be president because he is allowed the office by God. As such he deserves and needs our prayers.
We need to never forget that God remains in control. This is a time for us come together in our direction. We may not agree on doctrine. We may not worship in the same way. Yet, the one thing we can agree on is the need to move this nation back to God.
Finally, let me encourage all to pray that Obama and our officials have the opportunity to hear about Christ. What a difference it could make in the direction of our nation if this man could hear and obey the Gospel of Christ! Never in the history of our nation has our government needed our prayer more than now. May God show mercy to our nation!

I believe that we are as much to blame for the outcome as anyone. Our posture for many years has been defensive. We have been tring to minimize the influence that our culture has on the church rather than actively influencing our culture. In Matthew 16:18 Jesus says that the “gates of Hell” will not prevail against His church. A gate is a defensive weapon. Clearly Jesus intends for us to be on the offensive against Satan and against his influences on our culture. I believe this result is due to our collective apathy.

As christians we say we believe God is in control. If that is true, He can, and will, use the outcome of this and all elections to achieve his will in the world. I am reminded of three passages from the New Testament:
1 Peter 2:17
17 Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear God , honor the king.
Titus 3:1-2
3:1 Remind them to be subject to rulers , to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
2:1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers , petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
NASB
Let us believe these words and put them into practice in our daily lives. Maybe, just maybe, God will answer our prayers with a true spirit of hope and revival in our land.
Ken Davidson Jr

As a member of the United Church of Christ, the winner has a historical connection with the primary audience of the CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE, despite the current religious differences. A succinct explanation by Thomas H. Olbricht appears in his essay “Who Are the Churches of Christ?” (http://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/who.html):
“Early in the 1830s the churches from the Stone and Campbell groups commenced merging in Kentucky. The amalgamation expanded to churches in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. Several churches from the New England Jones-Smith, and Virginia O’Kelly movement in these mid-west regions also became a part of the Stone-Campbell merger. After the Civil War the Christian Connexion churches that did not merge established headquarters in Dayton, Ohio. In 1931 they merged with the Congregational Church, then with the Evangelical and Reformed Church, to form in 1957 the United Church of Christ.”
This connection, surviving partly in the name, offers at least a conversation starter and thus an opportunity for spreading the gospel and helping people who might otherwise be unreached.

Ruth Calvin you said: “We are not to speak evil of those in authority.”
If those in control are doing evil, we are to speak out against them. John the Baptist did, Elijah did, and Jesus did. In fact, if our leaders are doing that which is evil, the loving thing to do is speak out against their evil. We can do so without sinning, but speak out we must. The church must give over the fear of boldly speaking the truth over moral issues.

We just have to pray for the leaers of the land, whether they are good or evil. WIll be a hard thing to do but we also need to keep our mouths in control after January. We are not to speak evil of those in authority. But I am afraid the Lord is going to give us what we deserve, not what we need. Look at the bible and see how many other nations God used to “beat the backsides” of the children of Israel. I really believe that we are in for some hard times. But like my son says, “It isn’t the Christian’s job to save America. It is our job to save AMERICANS.”
We know God is still in charge, no matter what happens.

Remember the Matrix? America decided to swallow the blue pill! The financial crisis caused fear in a whole bunch of Americans who looked at their withering 401k or IRA and decided to “swallow the blue pill and wake up in the morning and forget everything.”
My prediction for an Obama presidency: Socialized medicine that will in due course be used to take from us our private property and usher in euthanasia of our aging baby boomers.

I think everyone is pleased that we as a country can vote for someone of a different race for president. On one hand, I don’t worry about who is in charge because God is really in charge. However, on the other hand I feel a sense of duty to vote. I do think that many have forsaken the unborn for their own personal security. I also think that many rush to the altar of the government instead to the altar of God. What I do know, is that our contributions will be affected by the additional taxes placed upon some of our members. Instead of going for the advancement of the Gospel, they will go to programs we do not approve of and would never support. Unlike God, government never lives up to the lofty promises that are made in campaigns. Ultimately, God is in control and whether we are pleased or unpleased with the results, I know that He will take care of us.

Regardless of my vote, I would and will honor the newly elected president. The anxiety and fear that has run rampant through the e-mails in the past months have challenged me and been a disappointment to me. My hope is that we can trust in God and convey gospel message of trust and reconciliation in the weeks and months ahead.

I’ve been astonished at the number of people I’ve met who commented before the election about their fear. Depending on their political views, I found people who were afraid that Christianity itself was severely threatened by one outcome of the election or the other.

Who won wouldn’t have changed this feeling of “let’s get things moving forward.” I’m tired of the fussing back and forth. I pray that our country can find a common perspective (through the eyes of our Lord) and move forward.

Our candidate won almost 2000 years ago!

Presidents come and go, but Jesus was, is, and will always be Lord.