Comments on: Christianity and Partisan Politics

By: Ewan

Ewan — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 03:17:44 +0000

Your comments raise the question of just how do we define the terms ‘left’ and ‘right’ in the political sense? These seem to me to be relative terms and their meanings change depending upon the user’s own personal political convictions. For example on the moral issues, I would say that in Australia over recent decades all political parties have shifted toward the ‘left’ of the spectrum. Your corespondent Damien above would have us believe the federal Liberal party has moved too far to the ‘right’, but I would say that is an absurd claim. The fact that so many Liberal MPs are to be found taking an anti-Christian position on life issues would suggest that the party should at best be considered in the centre of the left/right spectrum.

Ewan McDonald, Victoria

By: Damien Carson

Damien Carson — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 12:35:43 +0000

That’s a good article, Bill. It’s important for us as Christians to know where we stand and to be sensitive to political shifts in our national and state parties. For example, it seems that the federal labor party is a little further to the left than it was 15 years ago but is becoming more conservative, especially since the last election. The federal liberal party seems to be moving to the right also, perhaps a little bit too much for my comfort. It’s a good thing that taxation and compulsory voting requires us to be active and thoughtful with our voice and our vote.

Damien Carson, Wynnum, QLD

By: David Sturdy, Launceston

David Sturdy, Launceston — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 07:00:27 +0000

An informed and interesting article.
Indeed Christians are represented across the political spectrum from Hugo Chavez to George W Bush. Of course people will have their own political preferences but I believe that we must see the benefits of each system. Unfortunately we seem to get lost in hypocracy. Take for example economic justice, I’m sure the poor in the developing world would welcome either a truly free market economy or the opportunity to create tarriffs and legislation to give them an advantage. However the west continually imposes its will on developing countries thus keeping them in a cycle of poverty. We must ensure that our actions although even sometimes well intentioned do not cause more harm than good.

David Sturdy, Launceston

By: Jessica Magno

Jessica Magno — Sun, 04 Jun 2006 05:19:38 +0000

We are in a priviledged position as believers to be able to vote, have a say and most importantly be able to pray for our nation and our leaders. In nations unlike our own we as Christians would be harassed, tortured or even killed for doing these things.
I believe that political parties like the Liberals (some of their members), Family First and other parties that stand up for Biblical principles and values should be backed by believers in intercessory prayer. Am I wrong to believe that we will see an end to abortion, homosexuality, pornography etc in this nation if we unite in prayer? I’m certain that it is not going to happen with believers sitting on their hands or even being critical of our government’s competency (including Christian representatives) to tackle the big issues.

Jessica Magno, Narre Warren, Victoria