I don’t know how I could
have possibly gotten through seminary without learning about the colonial New
England custom of the Election Day sermon. It’s a fascinating bit of our
history. Sermons back in those days were preached at all significant public events—anniversaries,
thanksgiving days, fast days and election days. Most colonial ministers did not
mix religion and politics on Sundays. However, when they were asked to preach
an "Election Day sermon," it was very different.
Election Day sermons
followed a typical pattern (which generally lasted over two hours!). First,
they asserted that civil government is founded on an agreement between God and
citizens to establish political systems that promote the common good. Scripture
states that government is necessary, but theologically we know that no human-led
system is perfect. Second, the people were encouraged to promise to follow
those they had elected, and those who were elected were to promise to act for
the good of all. As long as elected officials acted "in their proper
character," citizens were to obey. On the other hand, if rulers acted against
the terms of the agreement, people were “duty bound” to resist.
In all civic actions, voters
and officials were charged to promote virtue, suppress vice and support people
of "proven wisdom, integrity, justice, and holiness." As we approach
Election Day 2012, we might still do well to measure our actions by these
criteria.
One way we might do that is
by refusing to bear false witness against our neighbor who might be making a
different choice that we do in the ballot box. These are difficult and
challenging times for our local communities, our country, and the
world. Divisive and heated rhetoric dominate the public dialogue, and the
power of money is shutting out the voice of the average voter. More and
more people are withdrawing from engagement in the political process out of a
growing sense of cynicism and mistrust.
In an age of partisan politics, what we need are more bridge-builders and conversation-engagers. As people of faith, we can play a unique role in this election cycle by encouraging civil, respectful dialogue that builds community and offers a hope-filled vision of the future for all people. May it be so, friends, and may it be soon.