The Australian federal election is about mid-way through the six weeks election process; and sadly, there are a number of Christian groups who are entering this process to endorse candidates who most closely align to the ‘Christian’ view.  I don’t have an issue at all, with Christians being involved in a political process. Yet, I think, Christian groups in general are naive about politics.

Here are two examples: First, the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL). The Canberra-based non-denominational group yesterday launched its election website, compiling party policies on issues ranging from gay marriages and abortion to homelessness.  [Link to article: Christians target Labor's libertarians  by Siobhain Ryan | October 30, 2007 ]

In this article, we read: “It is using the responses to mobilise the Christian vote in 15 key marginal seats. ACL managing director Jim Wallace praised both Labor and the Coalition for engaging with Christians pre-election. But he said the ALP was “less clear” on where it stood on a recent Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission report. (The opposition leader)  Kevin Rudd needs to reject the “libertarian views” of his party colleagues if he is to pass a key test of faith, says the ACL.”

Mr Jim Wallace (and others), please understand this -  the Liberal or Labor Party will abandon Christian values if it means that by adopting them, they will lose votes – their advisers can count the difference between the votes for the Christian position and the vote for the ‘popular’ position! That’s why, they protect their Christian ‘identity’ for lost political positions by having a conscience vote – the ‘numbers’ people  know the outcome on the floor of the ‘house’ before any parliamentary vote. Hence, for example, an abortion drug debate may end up with a conscience vote because the leader of the prevailing Christian-supported party, will have been advised that it’s already a lost position.

In Australian politics, Prime Minister Howard has already demonstrated that he will spin mis-information to protect his Christian position (kids overboard); yet will disclose his reading of the voting population (the popular vote) by introducing bills on immigration, targeting West Papuans – an ethnic (and largely Christian) population suffering ‘political’ and cultural genocide. A federal Labor government will be no different – an issue that will cause Kevin Rudd many sleepless nights.

Mr Wallace, the Liberal government if re-elected will introduce legislation on such issues as: ’homosexual rights’, etc.; and, whoever is leader will most likely – have a conscience vote – the legislation will pass. Is that clear! The ‘libertarian’ views of the general population – that is, the most votes – will prevail.

A second issue: represented by this article ”Heat on PM to cut link to pastor.” by Misha Schubert, October 31, 2007 -  it’s my view that Pastor Nalliah should not address any League of Rights meeting, for any reason. If he feels led to minister to their members then he can invite them to his meetings.

In a general sense, all those who are against Jews, because of their race/culture – are not Christians. To clarify this issue – it’s appropriate to critise Israel, for example on their treatment of Palestinians in Gaza ( re with-holding of electricity / water) – but, it’s not alright to malign Jews because they are Jews.

Extract from the article, as follows: “PRIME Minister John Howard and Treasurer Peter Costello are under pressure to distance themselves from an evangelical church leader who has spoken at a meeting of the far right-wing League of Rights. Pastor Danny Nalliah, the head of Melbourne-based Catch the Fire Ministries, has confirmed he addressed the group, despite being warned that they were ‘anti-Jewish’. Pastor Nalliah has been given top-level access in recent months to the Howard Government, which he has endorsed enthusiastically.”

(He has actively lobbied against most other political parties.)

Pastor Nalliah has the same problem as the ACL – political parties are not homogeneous beasts – they play the lobby-group game – try to please all, and alienate none – what wins the most votes, count! Pastor Nalliah is a pawn in their game! A potentially happy pawn because he may get to share in the lime light, if Howard wins the election!

Posted on October 31st, 2007 by Shayne
Filed under: ViewPoints