Election season is here. If you are like me, you are more than ready for this year’s election to be over. We are in the process of witnessing the longest Presidential campaign in the nation’s history. A few candidates began their bid for the Whitehouse the day after President Bush won his second term. The amount of money raised and spent to promote candidates, their image, and message is staggering. In the midst of all of this, we have seen a resurgence of the culture wars.

There is definitely a cultural and moral divide in our country. At times it seems the divide is widening at a frightening pace. Then there are times when it feels that maybe our worst fears have been overblown. No matter where you believe we are presently, it is important to pay attention to what the leaders in society are saying. Their rhetoric can prove to be influential. We need to be praying that our leaders will advance the cause of righteousness, morality, and justice.

I realize there is an old saying that says you shouldn’t talk about politics. It’s right up there with the one that says, you shouldn’t talk about religion. What we must realize however, is that there is a concentrated movement by a loud and vocal minority to radically alter the moral fiber of our nation. Politics is often the vehicle used to advance their cause. Political party affiliation should make little difference to a son or daughter of God. If a Democrat upholds God’s standard of morality the Christian should support him. If a Republican upholds godly values, then the Christian should get behind him. Rest assure, the opposition will not rest. They will use every means necessary to advance their agenda. The media is their willing cohort, ready to carry the water and spread the cultural rot with no qualms whatsoever.

As the Presidential race has heated up over the last three weeks, so has the rhetoric on both sides of the cultural divide. We have heard discussion on abstinence and abortion. What some people are saying reveals much about who they are.

The discussion on abstinence is swirling around the daughter of Alaska governor Sarah Palin, John McCain’s vice presidential pick. Bristol Palin is seventeen years old and five months pregnant. Conservatives are being charged with hypocrisy on teaching abstinence. Since many have rallied behind the Palin family and not condemned them, those on the left feel they have a point. Theirs is a  false charge, however. There is a purpose behind teaching teenagers the principle of abstaining from sex until marriage. First of all, it is God ordained. 1 Corinthians 7:3-4 and Hebrews 13:4 specify that the sexual relationship is to take place inside marriage. Even though pop culture glorifies the gratification of the flesh and tells us that it is impossible to fight off the urge, we can be a master over our bodies and not engage in sexual sin, 1 Corinthians 6:18a. The temptation may be extreme, but it can be overcome. Teens can make good decisions in this matter, and much of it is rooted in solid teaching, support, and encouragement by parents. Second, the principle of abstinence helps keep the unmarried teen from having to undergo serious and life altering consequences. While families can deal positively with a less than pleasant situation, the consequences of fornication can radically change a persons life. This is why it is important to rally behind a young person in this situation, not condemn them. Those on the other side of the culture war need to realize that it is has never been about judging the person, it is about judging the behavior. Immoral behavior has its consequences. And, good kids can fall prey to temptation, even with the best support and teaching at home. When these entanglements come up, adults need to get behind the young couple and encourage them. Yes, there should be contrition for the sin, but once that is seen families need to come together and turn things into a positive. Sometimes difficulties can bring about life’s greatest blessings.

Contrast this with what seems to be a culture of darkness and death on the other side. Earlier this year, one Presidential candidate said, "Look, I got two daughters -- 9 years old and 6 years old. ... I am going to teach them first about values and morals, but if they make a mistake, I don't want them punished with a baby." Did you catch that? “Punished with a baby.” In other words, abortion should be a viable option for a teen mother. Unfortunately, millions of persons in our country would agree with the candidate’s rhetoric and not hesitate to take their daughter to get an abortion. Never mind  the life of the baby. Never mind that the baby is completely innocent and can in no way defend itself. Never mind the lifelong emotional scars that take place among women who have had an abortion. There is life inside the womb, Luke 1:41; Ecclesiastes 12:7, and it must be protected.

I understand there is no perfect candidate. Politicians are no different from anyone else: they all have flaws. I also understand that abortion and abstinence are not the only issues in our election this year. But, matters of life and death should register very high on the moral standard by which we measure a political candidate. Pay attention to what they say, listen to their rhetoric and make the decision to support the candidate who will best will hold up God’s standard of righteousness.