The Abramoff Scandal is very interesting. Let's look at this scandal as a Christian. As we do this, we will see there is a much bigger issue than this scandal for Christians who mainly vote Republican. I think of hypocrisy when I think about this scandal.

Let me first say I almost always vote Republican. Not that I am proud to be a Republican, but more that I would be too embarrassed to be a Democrat. But then that is a whole other topic. I vote Republican because on most issues the Republican candidates represent my moral positions and my concept of limited government. I am pro-life, anti-gambling, limited government involvement, pro-marriage, etc.

Wit that backdrop, lets talk about Abramoff. I find some interesting factors in this scandal.

If I am remember the figures correctly, 1/3 of the questionable funds went to Democrats and 2/3 went to Republicans. So neither party has a right to point their figure at the other party. Both parties were willing to receive the funds. It is just that Abramoff was more supportive of Republican causes. It is also very obvious that he was very supportive of casinos.

Since I am a Christian who votes almost always Republican, I will address Abramoff's contributions (many appearing illegal) to Republicans. Tell me something. How is it that the Republican Party is seen as the party of Christians, conservatives, and specifically evangelicals and yet the many Republican politicians received apparent illegal funds, illegal trips, etc.

Does this mean that Republicans are against abortion, big government, same sex marriage, euthanasia, stem cell research when using embryos, etc. and illegal money is OK to promote these causes? The ends justify the means? Of course I think most of the money was probably to promote big business, not moral causes.Regardless of what Abramoff was trying to get or promote, it is really hypocritical for a party that is suppose to represent morality is so willing to receive illegal funds. This should shock Christians who vote Republican. It should cause us to speak out against the sin of greed. It should cause an outcry. However, if you listen to conservative radio, there is no outcry. We will speak on that in a moment.

The same man who supported conservative Republicans, is a man who supported Casinos. This would seem to be a paradox. You would think that conservative Republicans, who many claim to be solid Christians would be against Casinos. Are they? Appears not as the investigations continue.

So why is there no outcry? Why are there not Republicans speaking out against illegal campaign funds? Especially Christian Republican politicians. Because the reality is many Christians do not live moral lives themselves. The real issue is not Abramoff's illegal practices. It is the fact that many Christians see their political causes more important than morality. It is as if they say, "oh well, politicians do immoral things, but we need to support them anyways if they are 'on our side'." This mindset is very distressing.

It is distressing because many Christians believe that homosexuality is more of a sin than adultery or fornication; don't ordain a homosexual pastor, but it is OK if the pastor is a practicing alcoholic; abortion is more sinful than lying to your boss or cheating on your taxes; bingo gambling is ok if it raises money for a church project; the list goes on and on. Either sin is sin. A congressman who is against abortion, but takes illegal money is sinning.

Isn't it time for Christians to say, "We want more than a politician who is prolife, we want them to be a person of moral character." But why would they do that when they do not require elders and pastors to have moral character. Many times it is about who is most popular, not who is walking in holiness and purity. Holiness is not very politically correct in many churches nowadays-it is labeled as legalistic. That is a whole other topic.

We did not even cover the Democrats receiving 1/3 of the donations. For you Christian Democrats you have a problem yourself. Your party will try to win elections this fall based upon this scandal. But watch out, it might backfire. Take heed lest you fall. Your candidates are suppose to be against big business, but they do not have a problem taking money from big business. As a matter of fact, with the latest 'campaign reform', it is a fact that the democrats have taken advantage of the loopholes and have abused the system in a much larger manner. Democrat candidates receive many more out of state donations than Republicans.

What is the solution to the greed in Congress? Repentance. And repentance must start with Christians first. It must start with us first. We cannot expect a politician to be honest if we are not honest. Judgment starts in the church first. It is time for the church to get right with God and this nation to get right with God.

So, who are you going to vote for this Fall? A Democrat who supports abortion. A Republican who is against abortion but lies? How about demanding a candidate that is pro-life and is a man of integrity regardless of political affiliation.

Maybe you are a Christian and pro-abortion. That is a whole other topic.

What to discuss what we have shared? Feel free to make comments or carry this into the Christian Forum site.
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