Also Published in Challenge Weekly Sept, 2012.
I had a thought the other day and wonder what you think?—is there a need for one more political party in NZ, a party that upholds a centre-left-wing economic ideology while upholding traditional Christian values? (Not necessarily a Christian party, but a more general party for the wider populace of similar mindset).
I had a thought the other day and wonder what you think?—is there a need for one more political party in NZ, a party that upholds a centre-left-wing economic ideology while upholding traditional Christian values? (Not necessarily a Christian party, but a more general party for the wider populace of similar mindset).
Every election I am uncertain who to vote for. On the one
hand, I want to vote for those who believe a government should be very concerned
for social justice. I am not a hard-core leftie, believing in personal
responsibility, incentive and the ownership of personal property, but I do lean
left. Romans 13 and Jesus’ teaching in particular lead me to the view that the
State is God’s agent to help people who, in an unjust world, are in genuine
need, cannot work and are severely disadvantaged. A good government helps
people get a hand-up and ensure all can access cheap primary health care, get
a good education and feel safe (justice). It acts to ensure that our
egalitarian way of life is upheld. In an age of ecological threat, it will
wisely move the nation toward greater ecological sustainability. In these
issues I feel more comfortable with some of the economic and social ideals of left
wing parties like Labour (well its original values not its current form), and the
Greens.
On the other hand, as with most evangelicals, I am
conservative morally, valuing traditional marriage, the importance of family
and sexual fidelity. I find abortion and active euthanasia abhorrent. I oppose
gay marriage. I am dismayed at the on-going agenda to progressively dismantle the
Judeo-Christian ethic that has undergirded our nation from its inception. On
these things, I am more comfortable with parties that uphold these values
which tend to be right wing. Similarly, I am very uncomfortable with the social
agenda of Labour and the Greens in particular. Socially and morally I am right
wing and conservative.
So how do I vote? With my economic leanings? With my moral
leanings? Every election I try to make the best decision, but I never feel
comfortable. This is because there is a massive gap in NZ politics—a party with
a left-wing economic perspective but which affirms traditional Christian and
western ethics and morals?
Is it time for those who hold this point of view to get
serious and seek to form such a party?—one that is economically left but
socially and morally right. This would give Christians who see the gospel in
this way a place to vote at each election.
Or, has the horse bolted and would it now be a fruitless
waste of time? Would it be better to join an existing party and get active
and seek to influence it in the direction of the gospel in all facets? Is this
a red herring, and should Christians be focussing more on building redemptive
communities of faith that embody the Christian ethic? What do you think?
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