NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--Voters have a lot on their minds as they ponder which candidate to support in the upcoming
presidential election -- a shaky economy, the war on terrorism, the energy crisis, increasing pressure to redefine marriage as something other that what the Bible says it should be. "With so much at stake, we all need to do our homework before we step into that voting booth," Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, has said. To Land, voting is not an option. "There is no reason for any voter to willingly forfeit their right to vote in this election or any other election," Land said. Even if none of the candidates seeking the presidency exactly squares with what a voter desires in a candidate, Land said that doesn't allow for a pass to sit at home on Election Day. Voters don't have to wonder where the two major U.S. political parties stand on the issues of the day, Land said, referencing the ERLC's recently published guide that compares the Democratic and Republican platforms side by side. The quadrennial Party Platform Comparison Guide, which covers a wide range of issues, pulls selected excerpts from both the Democratic and Republican party platforms on such issues as civil rights, human trafficking, illegal immigration, judicial appointments and stem cell research, among others. The guides are available for download online at www.iVoteValues.com. Full-color print copies can be ordered as well. "Many pastors are naturally suspicious of so-called 'voter guides,'" Land acknowledged. But, he noted, "The Party Platform Comparison Guide contains no analysis or commentary. This resource was designed to be well within the guidelines set forth under the IRS tax code for distribution within 501(C)(3) organizations." The SBC's entity for moral and ethical concerns has published a similar guide every presidential election since 1992. Read More
New poll: Calif. marriage amend. leading SACRAMENTO, Calif. (BP)--A proposed constitutional marriage amendment in California has taken a lead in a new statewide poll, days after supporters of the proposal began airing their first statewide television ad.
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U.S. aid blocked to abortion provider WASHINGTON (BP)--The Bush administration has cut off federal aid to a leading international provider of abortions because of the organization's alleged support of China's coercive population control program.
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Mont. Baptists to strengthen churches KALISPELL, Mont. (BP)--A new executive director, new strategy and newly revived newspaper were key highlights of the Montana Southern Baptist Convention's Oct. 1-2 annual meeting at Easthaven Baptist Church in Kalispell.
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Paul Brewster Economics & the soul of America
HAMPSTEAD, N.C. (BP)--For perhaps the first time in my life since the final exam, I wish I had paid more attention in Economics 101.
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