Faith has always been fundamental to determining my political views. First and foremost, it should always be my faith which impacts my politics, and not my politics which impact my faith. This means that, despite political persuasions, a Christian worldview is to be one that is neither explicitly liberal nor conservative.   » Read more…

I believe that God calls us to care for all of creation. I am inspired by the verse that follows one of the most-frequently quotes passages in the Bible. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:17).   » Read more…

As I reflect on my political involvement as an Anabaptist, there is no hesitation on my part. I have a moral and ethical responsibility as an Anabaptist to be involved in the political arena. The Goshen College core values of Christ centeredness, global citizenship, servant leadership, compassionate peacemaking and passionate learning must be present at the table to impact the decisions made about health care, war and peace, the impoverished, education and the environment in our society and the world. As Christians we have a moral obligation to be political active!   » Read more…

I care about many political issues and they all play some part in my decision this election. During this historic and long presidential race, however, the primary matter that will guide my vote is the war in Iraq. It is my view that the way the Iraq war was promoted and handled has considerably damaged America’s great promise, and our military families and the Iraqi people have paid a tragic price.   » Read more…

I used to and at times feel apathetic about my country. I feel as though my little vote cannot make that much of a difference, but then I think of countries that don’t have democracy set up as conveniently as the United States and I reconsider my ability to impact my surroundings.   » Read more…

How has an experience abroad impacted my view of U.S. foreign policy? In addition to leading the German Study-Service Term, I lived for four years in Germany, serving a German national laboratory similar to Oak Ridge, Los Alamos, or Argonne. During three of those years I was an employee of the German Government. This gives me no greater insight into the Germans than anyone else. But it may have provided me with a different perspective.   » Read more…

How does my faith inform my political views, engagement and assessment of candidates? I believe strongly in the separation of church and state. And this extends to elections. I try not to impose ideals or litmus tests on candidates. However, I cannot claim that my commitment to being a disciple of Jesus does not affect my judgment.   » Read more…

What is there about this election that is important to me and has me wanting to vote or be engaged? I’m tired of all the seedy politics going on in Washington – mainly with business interests being taken more seriously than human interests. Our system is NOT working. Capitalism is NOT working. Democracy isn’t happening. I’m scared about the direction things are going, and think we need a radical change.

What are these historic campaigns teaching me about race and gender in America today? It’s an unpleasant reminder that these are still huge issues. We like to think of race and gender as issues of the past, all solved in the Suffrage or Civil Rights Movements, and anyone who thinks differently is just whining. That’s just not true.   » Read more…

How has an experience abroad impacted my view of U.S. foreign policy? My experiences abroad have been very enlightening for me politically. Talking with people on the other end of the crooked trade deals like NAFTA really helped me understand that people are not the main beneficiaries of the government. Right now, the government is much more business friendly than people friendly. The almighty dollar has won, and people are no longer important. We need to continue to put people first.

What is the most important political issue to me, and why? I refuse to be a one-issue voter. Foreign policy (trade/immigration and military intervention) is really a huge issue that I think deserves a lot of attention.

How does my faith inform my political views, engagement and assessment of candidates? God is the God of the poor, the powerless, the people who have been silenced by society. With this understanding, it becomes clear (to me, at least) that this should also be our focus as well.