The Truth Famine: Voting Your Faith Rather than Your Opinion

We need to inform our Vote as we inform our conscience

Sure, we all have opinions on certain issues, but what happens when our personal opinions and faith clash, as is often the case with voting? Should we continue to stand with and vote with our political party, despite the glaring disparity with our own faith beliefs? Should we plead clueless, or is there a better way to be true to ourselves and our deepest held faith beliefs while engaging in the seemingly complicated voting process?

P class=MsoNormal>WASHINGTON,DC (Catholic Online) - In the course of a "normal" day, most people make approximately 2000 decisions per day. Some decisions are as straight forward and simple as "what should I wear today?" Yet, other decisions are life changing and far reaching, and require much thought, prayer, discernment and even discussion to sort it all out. Voting is certainly one of those weighted, enduring decisions. For those who say their vote does not count, they could not be more wrong! And we are all accountable for how we vote. If you want to preserve Democracy, you will vote against a Socialist candidate; the decision is up to you.

Certainly, when voting, it is imperative that we take some time to learn about the issues that are most important to us from sources we trust. However, regardless of the overflow of technology at our personal disposal-Online news, email, Facebook, Twitter and the like, it is my belief that we are in a TRUTH FAMINE. That is, average, everyday, people have a great challenge sorting through available public information in print media and online, and finding truth in the course of their day. However, there is help for the willing.

Even, and especially, in these times of advanced technology and social media, truth from mainstream media is hard to come by, and can be difficult to assess, and process. For instance, present day media regularly avoids faith-based issues as a matter of practice, and, instead, broadcasts popular issues, through half truths and with great vigor, to the ends of the earth via the internet.

There are some topics that are considered "popular," such as healthcare, taxation and immigration, while others are considered "orphan topics," rarely, if ever, mentioned at all, such as faith-based, Pro-life issues. But take heart. Simplicity in voting is possible, and truth can be found, even in this contentious election season!

Personally, I like to begin with the Bible and the Catholic Catechism on pressing social issues. My litmus test involves Pro-life issues and Religious Freedom. As an election resource, the basic teachings of Christianity at-large are based on Bible teachings and intrinsically peaceful and resolutely Prolife.  Though such news is often not easily accessible to most people, the implication here is that one must take some initiative to research high-impact issues embraced by their chosen faith independently, and the Bible may be the best place to start.

Despite the anonymity of the voting process, we are all, ultimately, and eternally, held accountable for all we do and do not do. Only YOU can decide if you will vote your personal opinion or vote in tandem with the tenets of your faith. The stakes may be higher than you think.

As for me, I will be voting for the candidate who most fully embraces a respect for human life, for all it's worth, from conception to the grave, and voting for the one who has the greatest respect for Civil Rights, "In God We Trust," and Religious Freedom.

   Copyright 2012, NEWS CONSORTIUM

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