Razor-Thin Line

“…I believe it is vitally important that we cast our ballots for candidates who base their decisions on biblical principles and support the nation of Israel. I urge you to vote for those who protect the sanctity of life and support the biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman. Vote for biblical values this November 6, and pray with me that America will remain one nation under God.”

                                                                                Billy Graham

     This was a full-page ad published in many newspapers across the country during the presidential campaigns of 2012.  The Rev. Billy Graham, now the mouthpiece for his even more conservative son, Franklin, is walking the razor-thin line between church and state, between keeping and losing the tax-exempt status afforded religious organizations for endorsing candidates for public office.

     This morning, the day before the election, I went to the office of the preschool where I work, which happens to be in a church. Just outside the office is a bulletin board, and on that bulletin board was the newspaper page with Graham’s image and words above.

     Oh, how I longed to take a sticky note and write on it, “And that’s why I’m supporting President Obama and Senator Bob Casey, for upholding Biblical values such as caring for the less fortunate, peacemaking, social justice, and stewardship of the environment.”

     It’s strange how Biblical standards can differ so much depending on our perspectives.

^“ I pray they will be one…”  John 17:21