How I Voted. And Why.

If anything, expect this post to reveal my complete ignorance on the Australian Political System. It was only when I got to the polling place that I remembered that there are two bits of paper. A green one and a white one. 


Firstly, a note on Christianity and Politics. Separation between church and state was originally advocated by Christians in order to stop the state from controlling things that should be decided by religion. I don't think it is necessary to have Christian politicians. But I also support the right for churches to say that Islam or Homosexuality is wrong, as long as they are not inciting hatred. Those matters are religious, and should not be dictated to by the state. 


Let me address a few of the core policy issues.


1) Indigenous Affairs.
I think this is the most pressing need in our country, and the most ignored. Anyone who has not visited a community would not understand. It is like entering another country. Major parties don't give a damn, because these things do not affect the voting majority. I am passionate about the fact that real change will require, not more money, but politicians who care enough to spend time, consult experienced people, and be innovative.
My choice on this issue is clear. Yodie Batzke, an Independent. She knows the issues that face our local region, and cares about them passionately. She is also a friend of mine ;)


2) Economics.
I don't believe that going into debt is a responsible choice, regardless of the benefits. It would not be wise for me to get a credit card and give all the money to someone in need, leaving myself in debt. I am all for Social Justice, but we can only give what we have. Currently our debt is climbing at an astronomical rate. The only party that has clearly shown the ability to maintain a surplus is the LNP. I understand that labour has given more in aid, however it was not theirs to give. Frankly I feel that ignoring "matters of money" to pursue "matters of conscience" is naive. On this issue, my choice is clear. LNP.


3) Freedom of Religion
I recently found out that the big stink about greens wanting to force churches to hire non-christians, would not apply to ministers or pastors, as obviously a non-christian would not have the "abilities" required for the job. This would really only apply to other staff, e.g. gardeners, etc. I'm quite certain that our church wouldn't discriminate against non-christians for staff roles of this sort anyway, so to me this is a non-issue.


4) Christian Politicians
While I love the fact that the Lord's Prayer is said in parliament, I don't think the issue is big enough to warrant changing my vote. I also don't feel that an atheist Prime Minister would necessarily be a bad thing. I am in favour of the separation of church and state, so long as that term is not used to limit Christian freedoms, and this does not. I will not vote for or against someone based on their personal religious persuasion. My decision: non-issue.


5) Overseas Aid
Taken into balance with my views above on the economy, I do feel that the LNP is rather stingy with overseas aid. I am sure that the LNP will remove debt at all costs, but perhaps, once they are in surplus, a few Greens in the house of reps will force them to increase aid expenditure. I admire greens for their commitment to helping the human race. Social Justice is incredibly important, and plays a large part in my decision making. So, in this area I favour Greens.


6) Life Vs Choice
The critical issue in the life vs choice debate is whether a foetus is a living child or simply a bunch of cells. All other arguments are useless in the face of this one. (Obviously no-one is debating whether a mother should be able to CHOOSE to kill her 3-year old child). As a part of my faith, and Christian worldview, I believe that a human becomes a human, not at birth, not at conception, but prior to conception. The Bible says that God has known us, and has a plan for our lives, since the creation of the World. It also says that he knits us together in our mother's wombs. Every human is a creative work of God that should be protected. This worldview puts me squarely into the "pro-life" side of the fence. I feel that the ONLY case where abortion is acceptable is if the life of the mother is at stake. For a doctor, sworn to the Hippocratic Oath, it is simply a matter of logic. Loose both lives, or save one by killing one.


With all that said, I am disgusted at Christians who act judgementally toward mothers who have abortions. These women need support, not punishment. In the end, I feel that my strong views on this subject are a non-issue for this election, as from what I have seen none of the major parties are suggesting changes to the current abortion or euthanasia laws.


7) Same-Sex Marriages
This is one area where the separation of church and state is important. To me, the holy union in the sight of God between a man and a woman, committed solely to each other for life, is a spiritual thing. The legal institution of marriage is completely different. The secular idea marriage is constantly invoked in today's world between two people who have no intention of staying together. They readily divorce and marry again. If a same-sex couple want to engage in this behaviour, I see no reason why that should be illegal. In fact, I would support the state from changing the name of what they recognise to something else, so the church could retain the name marriage for what it was originally intended for. If we want to get technical, I believe that a man and woman, who have had a wedding and are legally married, could be not married in the sight of God and would be therefore committing fornication. Why? Because true marriage is spiritual, not legal. I am also, frankly, appalled at the way Christians have treated this debate. A vocal minority have presented a view of Christianity as judgemental and aloof. This is one area where I am at odds with all Christian parties and the ACL. In relation to this election, I consider this to be a non-issue.


8) School Chaplaincy
I'm running out of motivation to write so I will be brief. I strongly support school chaplaincy, as I have seen first-hand the incredible work that it is doing. I am even considering being a chaplain at some point. The party with the firmest promise of ongoing support for the NSCP is the LNP.


9) Wise Counsel
I asked many friends what they thought of the election, and found that most older, wiser friends, who I tend to trust, favoured LNP. Friends who favoured ALP were younger, with less experience.


10) Censorship
I am strongly opposed to government-controlled censorship of the Internet, which I could discuss in detail elsewhere. This is another reason that I am opposed to all Christian parties and the ACL and I'm appalled at their FUD campaigns. Both LNP and Greens have stated that they will not implement mandatory filtering at the ISP level, but will instead put measures in place to allow parents to filter their personal internet connection, with things like rebates on filtering software. This is of course, the responsible way to protect children from viewing unsuitable content.




Based on all these points, I voted:
1: Yodie Batzke (Independent)
2: Warren Entsch (Liberal National Party of Queensland)
3: Neville St. John-Wood (The Greens)


I hope I did the right thing!




P.S.
7: Jim Turnour (Australian Labor Party)


P.P.S.
Has anyone noticed that Jim Turnour and Tony Abbott look very similar?

New.

My cry is to you oh my God! I, more than any other, need your renewing power. Because I am the chief of sinners. And you are the one who makes all things new!

Of Grace

Reading a book on the history of theology and I noticed a recurring pattern, and thought I'd write a poem about it. I guess its some sort of cross between a Tanka and a Haiku. (I'm no poet)


Our pride screams merit
While those who know God's true heart
Filled with love for us
Fight tooth and nail to reclaim 
The doctrine of Grace

Scholasticism at it's best.

The appeal to reason, the logical marshaling of arguments, the relentless exploration of the implications of ideas, and the fundamental conviction that, at its heart, the Christian gospel is rational, and can be shown to be rational.


- Alister E. McGrath: Christian Theology, an Introduction