On the 28th May at the regular St Mary’s Breakfast Time Discussion there was a debate about the extent to which our Christian principles should guide our voting. Below are the notes which were handed out. How would you answer the question.
What Christian principles should guide our voting? Would Jesus have voted?
ñ Government in biblical times: the examples of local kings (and Herodian rulers); Greek city states (but slaves excluded!); and Roman patrician families and emperors.
ñ The idea of democracy: where the people elect their leaders, as opposed to leaders who rule by military, political or financial power.
ñ Exodus 18, v.17-22: Moses guidance on choosing leaders. Mark 12, v.17: Rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar’s – the principle goes beyond paying taxes. Romans 13, v.1-7: submitting to authority. 1 Timothy 3, v.1-7: choosing overseers.
ñ Development of democratic voting in Britain: 1832 Reform Act, 1872 secret ballot, 1918 votes for women over 30!
ñ The issues should be more important to us than the candidates, or the parties they represent: the four Cs for assessing candidates: Character (integrity), Competence (can they do the job?), Connections (associates), and Content (policies).
What principles guide you when voting?
What Christian principles should guide our voting? Would Jesus have voted?
ñ Government in biblical times: the examples of local kings (and Herodian rulers); Greek city states (but slaves excluded!); and Roman patrician families and emperors.
ñ The idea of democracy: where the people elect their leaders, as opposed to leaders who rule by military, political or financial power.
ñ Exodus 18, v.17-22: Moses guidance on choosing leaders. Mark 12, v.17: Rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar’s – the principle goes beyond paying taxes. Romans 13, v.1-7: submitting to authority. 1 Timothy 3, v.1-7: choosing overseers.
ñ Development of democratic voting in Britain: 1832 Reform Act, 1872 secret ballot, 1918 votes for women over 30!
ñ The issues should be more important to us than the candidates, or the parties they represent: the four Cs for assessing candidates: Character (integrity), Competence (can they do the job?), Connections (associates), and Content (policies)
What principles guide you when voting?
What Christian principles should guide our voting? Would Jesus have voted?
ñ Government in biblical times: the examples of local kings (and Herodian rulers); Greek city states (but slaves excluded!); and Roman patrician families and emperors.
ñ The idea of democracy: where the people elect their leaders, as opposed to leaders who rule by military, political or financial power.
ñ Exodus 18, v.17-22: Moses guidance on choosing leaders. Mark 12, v.17: Rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar’s – the principle goes beyond paying taxes. Romans 13, v.1-7: submitting to authority. 1 Timothy 3, v.1-7: choosing overseers.
ñ Development of democratic voting in Britain: 1832 Reform Act, 1872 secret ballot, 1918 votes for women over 30!
ñ The issues should be more important to us than the candidates, or the parties they represent: the four Cs for assessing candidates: Character (integrity), Competence (can they do the job?), Connections (associates), and Content (policies).
What principles guide you when voting?
The next series of discussions are:
BREAKFAST TIME AT ST. MARY’S CHURCH
Come and join us on the fourth Sunday for breakfast and discussion, starting at 9.30 a.m. with Coffee/Tea and Croissants followed by an informal discussion at 10 am. The following topics are:
25th June:
Would the world be more peaceful without religion? (Matthew 10:24-39)
23rd July:
Why does God allow evil? (Matthew 13:24-30)
27th August:
Can there be forgiveness without remorse? (Matthew 16:13-20)