David Kuo calls for evangelicals to "Fast from politics" - any effect?

[derby378]

Could this affect the dynamics of the 2006 elections?

[lumberjack_jeff]

1. Yes, make a difference, and Yes, a good idea.

They don't have any aptitude for governance.

[hashibabba]

2. Sure, throw their votes away--more votes for us! eom

[Horse with no Name]

3. Had a very in depth conversation with a Mennonite nurse that I work with

today. Was very enlightening. We were very slow, so had time to chat.
She was very gracious about allowing me to ask the questions.
I found her to be fascinating because she is in her mid-20's, unmarried, and a college graduate which is very unusual for her faith.
Some of the Mennonites (the German ones in particular) do watch television and listen to the radio--however, her sect does not.
She said she had to get special permission to go to college from her minister and had to affirm that her faith was strong enough not to be swayed while in College.
She said that it is starting to become customary for some Mennonites to go to College because it is becoming more and more difficult to maintain living off of farming. However, only certain degree plans are acceptable--for instance, a CPA is acceptable, a business major is not.
Talked a little about politics. I asked if she was going to vote and she said no. However, she shocked me when she told me the reason. It was because of the page scandal in Washington. So I asked her how a Mennonite that did not watch TV or listen to the radio knew about this, she said that it was discussed at church.
I thanked her very much for allowing me to ask questions. Like I said, she was very gracious. I didn't encourage her to vote since obviously it was something that her church as a whole had decided, and she is very faithful.
But there are MANY sects of Mennonites in our area. Apparently they don't mingle outside their sect. She told me that several of the German Mennonite communities are arguing within--whether to be Progressive or Conservative and that they are splitting into sects of each.
So it is hard to say how many sects are NOT voting.

[StoryTeller]

4. Could go either way

I understand totally what he was saying, and hope that many of my evangelical friends and family will take his suggestion to heart. I think there may be some who are ready to do just that. But what we have to remember is that there is a TON of pride on the line here. And a lot at stake, especially for pastors and other church leaders who have led the charge on politicizing the Christian faith, from the pulpit and in the media. It's going to be incredibly difficult for them to turn around now and admit they were wrong. Some, like Kuo, will have the moral and spiritual fortitude and humility to do it. But a lot of them will not. Many in the conservative evangelical community have become very arrogant and prideful, and I think a lot of them will decide to choose trying to preserve their power and reputation over their personal and moral integrity.

Maybe I'm selling them short. I hope so. I don't hate them--I grew up in that world, and to some extent still function in it though my beliefs have greatly changed. It breaks my heart to see what they've become. I admire Kuo for having the integrity and humility to speak out about what has happened and to take responsibility for his own part in it. I hope evangelicals will listen. I hope they don't turn ugly toward him.

But it wouldn't surprise me if they do.

[sam sarrha]

5. the political Jesus Freepers are like a bunch of monkeys at a salad bar

grabbing all they can get.. 'they' are not likely to stop grabbing all they can get till they get another scheme to grab more from somewhere else..