“Our economy has recovered, a decade of war is ending, a long campaign is now over. And whether I earned your vote or not, I have listened to you and learned from you, and you have made me a better president,” stated President Obama, in Chicago, after results came in of his re-election.
Some may feel admiration towards these words, while others may feel frustration. America allows its citizens to express their opinions and reactions freely. Corban students had much to say about the results of the election, and the attitude of Christians toward politics in general.
After hearing the results, Megan Russell said, “I wasn’t terribly surprised. We got the president we deserved, but I was hoping for the president we didn’t deserve.”
Steffan Bard wasn’t shocked. “God is ultimately in control, and I think this is reason not to freak out about things – especially if they’re outside of our control ultimately,” he said.
“I guess I was surprised but not shocked,” Claire Richter said. “I don’t think cultural relevance and or tolerance should persuade us to vote for a candidate that we don’t share common beliefs with” she added.
The worlds of Facebook and Twitter have become prominent spots for expressing views during election season. Russell said the worst was when people posted things such as, “I hate political statuses so much. Everyone needs to shut up. #Obama2012.”
Bard was able to focus on the positive posts. “I actually saw a lot of people posting things about Romans 13 [respect for authority],” he said. “This could just be because I’ve learned to filter out what I think are often unproductive arguments.”
All three agree that Christians should have the responsibility to display political views in a way glorifying to Christ.
“I don’t think it is right, necessarily, to say God is on one side of the political equation [more] than the other,” Richter said. “As Christians, we should continually lift all our authority figures up in prayer,” she added.
“To me, the Bible clearly says we are to submit to and respect those placed in authority because no authority exists except that which has been instituted by God,” Bard said.
“We need to be tolerant of other beliefs, [but] ultimately, God is sovereign,” Russell said. “ So if you’re livid about the election, maybe you need to check your anger. God elected the president.”