Why My Christian Worldview

Prohibits Me from Voting For President

in the 2008 Election                                                        By William G. Radvansky

            I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior in November of 1978. I began to study scripture so that I could correctly apply it to my life as instructed in 2 Timothy 2: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  It was many years before I allowed the Spirit of God to takeover every area of my life. Because of the wickedness and sin in my life that God saved me from, I was overwhelmed at His love and mercy in those areas and was slow to consider that He indeed wanted to be in control of every facet of my life. Acts 17: 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; It was much later that I came to realize that the election of our public officials matters to God and we are to be diligent in exercising our right to vote in a discriminating manner. Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

            The first year that I voted in a Presidential election was 1980. I had received Christ as my Savior and began to develop a Christian worldview at that time. As a new Christian I slowly realized exactly what a Christian worldview was and how it must necessarily permeate every facet of both my outward life and my inward thoughts. This is in obedience to scripture in 2 Corinthians 10: 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;  During the 1976 Presidential election I read and heard media coverage of Mr. Carter that indicated that he was a Born Again Christian. It naturally followed then, once I was saved, that it was my duty to support the “Christian” candidate against Ronald Reagan in 1980. My worldview had not matured to the point that caused me to look beyond labels at the candidate’s stance on issues of importance to Christians and the church. Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. It was only later that I realized how much of a wolf in sheep’s clothing that Mr. Carter was. I learned some valuable lessons during that time. First of all, just because a candidate claims to be a Christian doesn’t mean that his religious beliefs affect his political positions. Secondly, a candidate does not have to be saved in order for me to vote for him, provided that he is right on issues of importance to me. That said, my worldview became much more of a determinant in my actions as well as my votes. That Biblical worldview will not permit me to vote for any of the candidates currently in the field. Let me explain.

            On the Democratic side it is patently obvious that Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton have virtually no positions that I agree with. Therefore I cannot and will not vote for either one of them. On the Republican side at the time of this writing, John McCain is the presumptive nominee. Mr. McCain has long been known as a maverick Republican and seems to pride himself on compromising with the liberal Democrats. Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. I believe that this passage is a clear admonishment to us to use even our vote to prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. I see no indications in scripture that Christ or Paul or any New Testament saint used expediency to make important decisions. The lesser of two evils is not acceptable to my worldview, whether it be in voting, entertainment choices, dress standards or anything else.Mr. Bauer,

         I am shocked and dismayed that you would continue your slide away from righteousness and integrity and endorse Mr. McCain. Make no mistake about it, I am not a Huckabee fan and am totally disgusted that the party of Reagan cannot come up with a true conservative candidate at such a critical point in history. I am afraid that you and those like you in high profile positions within the  religious-conservative movement epitomize what has befallen our party. Apparently engrossed with the idea of being a spokesman for evangelicals in politics, and in a desperate attempt to remain relevant, you continue to compromise true conservative principles. What you fail to realize is that that this shifting  away from hard line conservatism, has long ago made you and your self proclaimed endorsements, totally irrelevant.

         I was a United Steelworker back in the 80's, carrying on a proud tradition of unionism in our family. I was very active within our local and was a delegate. After being so disappointed at the blind eye that USW leaders turned toward anything Republican, I alienated those in power within the union by publically affirming what most politicos quietly knew; that the political arm of the USW in no way represented the views of the rank in file members. I was also the Executive director of LifePac for Pennsylvania from 1986-1991. We endorsed Pro-Life candidates for office and supplied grassroots workers to campaigns. I met with a then unknown lawyer from Pittsburgh who was campaigning in the 18th Congressional district. His views on the abortion issue at that time were merely pragmatic, and in no way went fasr enough for our endorsement. He was more ProLife than Doug Walgren, the incumbent, but I said thanks but no thanks to Rick Santorum. He consequently rethought his position, we endorsed him and worked tirelessly within his campaign and the rest is history. Eventually the PAC began to cave in to external forces who simply wanted us to list all of the candidates who claimed to be Pro Life rather than endorse and actively support the ProLife incumbents.

       I left LifePac in 91 to take a job with the Pennsylvania State Police. During that time as a member of the FOP, I was elected as a state delegate as well. The reason I am providing you this little bit of background is to show that I am not just an outsider who doesn't understand how the system works. It is that very system that has poisoned the modern conservative movement and made it a shell of what it was 20 years ago. We have enough opposition from the liberals and the media, without wasting ammunition by shooting ourselves in the foot.

       I am afraid that endorsements like yours are no different in their affect on voters, than those of the USW had on its members.  As LifePac director I got sick and tired of hearing how we had to "understand" the way that politics works. Now I am what every voter should be, one who votes for the person who I feel would be someone who exemplifies what conservatism is, and doesn't assume a conservative posture to attract our votes. If our candidate for President falls short of the standard of conservatism, I refuse to vote for him as the lesser of two evils.

      I have long ago decided to not compromise my values and my integrity for the sake of relevancy. I sleep much better now knowing that when I stand before our God in that last great day, I will not have played political games with his truth. It is a shame that our national leaders such as your self, cannot come to that same position.

                 Respectfully,

                         William G. Radvansky

                         Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Mr. Bauer,

         I am shocked and dismayed that you would continue your slide away from righteousness and integrity and endorse Mr. McCain. Make no mistake about it, I am not a Huckabee fan and am totally disgusted that the party of Reagan cannot come up with a true conservative candidate at such a critical point in history. I am afraid that you and those like you in high profile positions within the  religious-conservative movement epitomize what has befallen our party. Apparently engrossed with the idea of being a spokesman for evangelicals in politics, and in a desperate attempt to remain relevant, you continue to compromise true conservative principles. What you fail to realize is that that this shifting  away from hard line conservatism, has long ago made you and your self proclaimed endorsements, totally irrelevant.

         I was a United Steelworker back in the 80's, carrying on a proud tradition of unionism in our family. I was very active within our local and was a delegate. After being so disappointed at the blind eye that USW leaders turned toward anything Republican, I alienated those in power within the union by publically affirming what most politicos quietly knew; that the political arm of the USW in no way represented the views of the rank in file members. I was also the Executive director of LifePac for Pennsylvania from 1986-1991. We endorsed Pro-Life candidates for office and supplied grassroots workers to campaigns. I met with a then unknown lawyer from Pittsburgh who was campaigning in the 18th Congressional district. His views on the abortion issue at that time were merely pragmatic, and in no way went fasr enough for our endorsement. He was more ProLife than Doug Walgren, the incumbent, but I said thanks but no thanks to Rick Santorum. He consequently rethought his position, we endorsed him and worked tirelessly within his campaign and the rest is history. Eventually the PAC began to cave in to external forces who simply wanted us to list all of the candidates who claimed to be Pro Life rather than endorse and actively support the ProLife incumbents.

       I left LifePac in 91 to take a job with the Pennsylvania State Police. During that time as a member of the FOP, I was elected as a state delegate as well. The reason I am providing you this little bit of background is to show that I am not just an outsider who doesn't understand how the system works. It is that very system that has poisoned the modern conservative movement and made it a shell of what it was 20 years ago. We have enough opposition from the liberals and the media, without wasting ammunition by shooting ourselves in the foot.

       I am afraid that endorsements like yours are no different in their affect on voters, than those of the USW had on its members.  As LifePac director I got sick and tired of hearing how we had to "understand" the way that politics works. Now I am what every voter should be, one who votes for the person who I feel would be someone who exemplifies what conservatism is, and doesn't assume a conservative posture to attract our votes. If our candidate for President falls short of the standard of conservatism, I refuse to vote for him as the lesser of two evils.

      I have long ago decided to not compromise my values and my integrity for the sake of relevancy. I sleep much better now knowing that when I stand before our God in that last great day, I will not have played political games with his truth. It is a shame that our national leaders such as your self, cannot come to that same position.

                 Respectfully,

                         William G. Radvansky

                         Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

 Mr. Bauer,

         I am shocked and dismayed that you would continue your slide away from righteousness and integrity and endorse Mr. McCain. Make no mistake about it, I am not a Huckabee fan and am totally disgusted that the party of Reagan cannot come up with a true conservative candidate at such a critical point in history. I am afraid that you and those like you in high profile positions within the  religious-conservative movement epitomize what has befallen our party. Apparently engrossed with the idea of being a spokesman for evangelicals in politics, and in a desperate attempt to remain relevant, you continue to compromise true conservative principles. What you fail to realize is that that this shifting  away from hard line conservatism, has long ago made you and your self proclaimed endorsements, totally irrelevant.

         I was a United Steelworker back in the 80's, carrying on a proud tradition of unionism in our family. I was very active within our local and was a delegate. After being so disappointed at the blind eye that USW leaders turned toward anything Republican, I alienated those in power within the union by publically affirming what most politicos quietly knew; that the political arm of the USW in no way represented the views of the rank in file members. I was also the Executive director of LifePac for Pennsylvania from 1986-1991. We endorsed Pro-Life candidates for office and supplied grassroots workers to campaigns. I met with a then unknown lawyer from Pittsburgh who was campaigning in the 18th Congressional district. His views on the abortion issue at that time were merely pragmatic, and in no way went fasr enough for our endorsement. He was more ProLife than Doug Walgren, the incumbent, but I said thanks but no thanks to Rick Santorum. He consequently rethought his position, we endorsed him and worked tirelessly within his campaign and the rest is history. Eventually the PAC began to cave in to external forces who simply wanted us to list all of the candidates who claimed to be Pro Life rather than endorse and actively support the ProLife incumbents.

       I left LifePac in 91 to take a job with the Pennsylvania State Police. During that time as a member of the FOP, I was elected as a state delegate as well. The reason I am providing you this little bit of background is to show that I am not just an outsider who doesn't understand how the system works. It is that very system that has poisoned the modern conservative movement and made it a shell of what it was 20 years ago. We have enough opposition from the liberals and the media, without wasting ammunition by shooting ourselves in the foot.

       I am afraid that endorsements like yours are no different in their affect on voters, than those of the USW had on its members.  As LifePac director I got sick and tired of hearing how we had to "understand" the way that politics works. Now I am what every voter should be, one who votes for the person who I feel would be someone who exemplifies what conservatism is, and doesn't assume a conservative posture to attract our votes. If our candidate for President falls short of the standard of conservatism, I refuse to vote for him as the lesser of two evils.

      I have long ago decided to not compromise my values and my integrity for the sake of relevancy. I sleep much better now knowing that when I stand before our God in that last great day, I will not have played political games with his truth. It is a shame that our national leaders such as your self, cannot come to that same position.

                 Respectfully,

                         William G. Radvansky

                         Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

         I am both disappointed and dismayed, though not surprised, that the party of Reagan cannot come up with a true conservative candidate at such a critical point in history. I am afraid that Christians in high profile positions within the religious-conservative movement epitomize what has befallen our party. Apparently engrossed with the idea of being a spokesmen for evangelicals in politics, and in a desperate attempt to remain relevant, they continue to compromise true conservative principles by nominating someone who has not stood solidly with the party on key issues, and has actually worked against it. What they fail to realize is that that this shifting away from hard line conservatism in a pragmatic attempt to win the presidency, if successful, will destroy the conservative movement as an alternative to far left liberalism. This will result in a disconnect with the Republican base and in the Christian Right being marginalized in all national elections.
         I was a United Steelworker back in the 80's, carrying on a proud tradition of unionism in our family. I was very active within my local and was a delegate. After being so disappointed at the blind eye that USW leaders turned toward anything Republican, I alienated those in power within the union by publicly affirming what most politicos quietly knew; that the political arm of the USW in no way represented the views of the rank and file members. I refused to stand quietly by as family values were trampled by such far left candidates as Walter Mondale and Michael Dukakis.  I was also the Executive Director of LifePac for Pennsylvania from 1986-1991. We endorsed Pro-Life candidates for office and supplied grassroots workers to campaigns. I met with a then unknown lawyer from Pittsburgh who was campaigning in the 18th Congressional district. His views on the abortion issue at that time were merely pragmatic, and in no way went far enough for our endorsement. He was more Pro-Life than Doug Walgren, the Pro-abortion incumbent, and clearly would be considered the lesser of two evils, but I said thanks but no thanks to Rick Santorum. He consequently rethought his position, we subsequently endorsed him and worked tirelessly within his campaign and the rest is history. He became one of the most vocal opponents of abortion in either house of Congress.
       I left LifePac in 1991 to take a job with the Pennsylvania State Police. During that time as a member of the FOP, I was elected as a state delegate as well. Even in that position, I would not work for or endorse a candidate who was not strong on Christian principles. This background information is to show that I am not just an outsider who doesn't understand how the system works. It is that very system that I know all too well that has poisoned the modern conservative movement and made it a shell of what it was 20 years ago. We have enough opposition from the liberals and the media, without wasting ammunition by shooting ourselves in the foot.
       I am afraid that appeals to true conservatives to support a moderate like McCain will have no more of an effect on voters, than those of the USW had on its members.  As LifePac Director I got sick and tired of hearing how we had to "understand" the way that politics works. Now I am what every conservative voter should be, one who votes for the person who I feel would be someone who exemplifies what conservatism is, and doesn't assume a politically expedient posture to attract our votes.

            If our candidate for President falls short of the standard of conservatism, I refuse to vote for him as the lesser of two evils. I am a Christian conservative first, and as such I choose to be a Republican. It is my understanding that a worldview is an integrated system of beliefs and concepts about the universe (natural and/or supernatural), society and the self, which inculcates cultural and religious aspects that give value, meaning, and order to the experiences of life. Therefore, my actions should reflect my belief that God will hold us accountable for the choices that we make. Our worldview comes from the indwelling of His Holy Spirit and to not allow Him to lead and guide me is quenching the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5: 18,19 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. We are to be separate from the world and its ways. 2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

              I have long ago decided to not compromise my values and my integrity for the sake of relevancy. I sleep much better now knowing that when I stand before our God in that last great day, I will not have played political games with his truth. Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. It is a shame that our national leaders and the rank and file Christian voters cannot come to that same position.