By James L. Lambert
September 30, 2004

(AgapePress) - You might have heard the heard the popular phrase, "My vote doesn't count, so why should I." After the 2000 presidential election, everyone should know the answer to this age-old question. Yet how quickly we forget that the final outcome in that election was decided by a mere 537 votes.

Dr. Gary Cass

Some prominent conservatives offer a unique perspective. As the director of one of the most active pro-family groups in the nation, Dr. Gary Cass says "the next generation of Christians will either curse or bless our memory based on whether we did our duty when it is still easy to take a stand for righteousness." Representing the Center for Reclaiming America, an organization affiliated with Coral Ridge Ministries in Florida, Cass is certain that this election cycle is particularly important.

Cass is convinced it is important for evangelicals to register to vote -- and to vote wisely. He further states that "if Christians do not get involved in this election, we can see the pro-family movement set back ten to twenty years due to the [anticipated] appointments to the Supreme Court." Cass was referring to several of the nine Supreme Court Justices who have hinted they would like to retire soon. Since their seats on the federal bench are life appointments, these nominations take on added importance for the voting public. In making his case regarding the important of registering this week, Cass adds that "we can't affect the culture if we refuse to engage in the process."

Syndicated conservative radio talk-show host Paul McGuire elaborates: "Radical activists from the left are registering people to vote so they can promote their radical humanistic agenda," he says. "The left understands that the next president will appoint a number of Supreme Court justices who will affect the moral and spiritual condition for years to come."

Paul McGuire

McGuire, who hosts a weekday syndicated afternoon radio talk show in Los Angeles, postulates on the future of America if Christians continue to ignore the political process by not voting.

"What can easily happen is that our religious liberties could be endangered by homosexual marriage," he predicts. "All forms of porn could be legalized [or ignored by the Justice Department]." McGuire can see an America were "prostitution and various forms of drugs are legalized. America could become like Amsterdam, Holland, where even euthanasia [is justified]." That is how important this election should be to the faith community.

"The tragedy," in McGuire's words and according to Pew Research, "is that only one of four evangelicals voted in the last presidential election. If we don't vote in this election, our children and our grandchildren will pay an incredibly bitter price."

Being a student and teacher of Bible prophecy, McGuire looks into the future reservedly. He sees the future in dark tones if Christians remove themselves from the voting booths.

"Humanistic writers like Aldous Huxley in Brave New World, Ray Bradbury, and even George Orwell in 1984 point to a future totalitarian government that will not tolerate thinking that is not politically correct," he explains -- then asserts that "Bible-believing Christians could be identified by the state, not allowed to have high-paying government or corporate jobs because they are characterized as extremists. Our society will quickly become a soft totalitarian government where any individual who is labeled as a Christian will be criminalized as a thought [felon] of the state."

McGuire continues with his dire predictions if Christians slowly withdraw from the public arena. "In America, two kinds of Christian churches will emerge: the true Bible-believing church, and the state-approved church. Already many evangelical churches impose on themselves a form of self-censorship where they preach a politically correct gospel." The talk-show host concludes by saying that "the only way that we will be able to preserve our religious freedom in churches, in crusades, on TV, and on radio is to vote with wisdom."

Rev. Adlai Mack

Another perspective comes from a pastor from the black community in Southern California. As a graduate of Princeton University, Rev. Adlai Mack -- pastor of Christians' United Church in the Word of God in San Diego -- has seen philosophical viewpoints from many perspectives. Mack is convinced it is important for every eligible citizen in the faith community to register and to vote.

The pastor realizes only a few days remain for most people to register so they are eligible to vote in the November 2, 2004, election. Mack reminds voters that "just a few votes can decide an election," adding that early in America's history, one vote determined the national language in the U.S. was to be English.

Most believing Christians cannot afford not to vote, Mack contends. "America will be robbed of a godly witness if people become apathetic, lazy, indifferent and [demonstrate] unbelief," he says. Rev. Mack implores Christians "to have faith that God will use our humble efforts."

The deadline for registering to vote expires over the first weekend in October. Since the specific dates are set by each state, deadlines can vary. Nevertheless it is most important to register soon. You can do so by contacting these websites.

American Family Association
Focus on the Family
IVoteValues.com
Project Vote Smart
Redeem the Vote
Youth Vote Coalition