I was at the Hillsborough, NH County Fair on September 12. I was there to work in the Hillsborough County Democrats booth at the fair and ask for some votes as I was running for County Register of Deeds with a primary to take place in two days. When the crowds would thin (often, as this was a small fair) I'd walk through the building, asking others in other booths for their votes as I would then continue on to watch events at the Fair. At one booth, selling homemade wood and wrought iron objects, the large man told me,
I don't vote for Democrats -- I'm a Baptist.
.
Why?
I asked.
Democrats are in favor of two mortal sins. They want legal abortion and they support gays getting married. Both those positions make it a sin to vote for a Democrat
Maybe I should have just walked away. For certain, I knew I wasn't going to get this person's vote. But I just couldn't resist responding.
My response and the discussion continues over the fold.
First, let me make clear that I am not a Christian. But that doesn't stop me from reading and thinking on Christian matters.
That is an interesting view point
I said,
but I think you are missing something when you choose to vote Republican rather than Democratic. If we are to accept that your two concerns actually are sins, surely you are aware that the Republicans are supporting sin as well and are more sinful than Democrats.
He looked up at me with a slight smile. He was welcoming the idea of discussing religion with a sinful Democrat.
Howso?
he responded.
Doesn't Christ teach that we are to take care of the poor and to heal the sick?
I said.
Well, yes
he responded, reluctantly. I responded
The Republicans consistantly block programs to help the poor and refuse health care to those who can't afford it.
In fact, Christ doesn't talk at all about abortion or gay marriage but teaches often about how we need to take care of those who are poor and sick.
Where in the Bible does he say that?
said the Baptist, trying to change the subject and return to ground where he felt more secure. I answered
"The books of Luke and Matthew, to name two. You quoted Leviticus as your source of sin. That is the Old Testament. I thought Christians followed the New Testament rather than the Old.
I continued,
Now, if you are a Baptist and a Christian, surely the teachings of Christ are what you should be following, and Christ would never vote Republican.
As he started to sputter, I walked away to go watch the Ox pulling contest.