Issues
The Christian Action Commission covers a host of issues. To the left you'll see several categories with related subtopics. Select the issue(s) you're interested in. Here you'll be able to read and even tell a friend about it.
Christian Citizenship
We need more Christian politicians — not fewer
By State Senator Chris McDaniel
...There was a time, not too long ago, when Christianity had meaningful cultural significance. But the societal influence of our faith is diminishing. We’ve witnessed results of the decline in academia, the entertainment industry and in government. As many Christians remain unwilling to become involved in the system, ignoring their obligation to critique the culture and influence the political marketplace of ideas, our religion slides toward the fringe of society… Read Full Article
Christian Citizenship: Utilizing the Wall of Separation
By Lee Yancey
(From Salt & Light: May/June 2002, Vol. 15, No.3)
In George W. Truett’s address to the Baptist churches of Washington, D.C. on May 16, 1920, he spoke of Jesus’ words: “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s.” Truett said it was:
one of the most revolutionary and history-making utterances that ever fell from those divine lips. That utterance, once and for all marked the divorcement of church and state. It marked a new era for the creeds and deeds of men. It was the sunrise gun of a new day the echoes of which are to go on and on until in every land, whether great or small the doctrine shall have absolute supremacy everywhere of a free church in a free state. In behalf of our Baptist people I am compelled to say that forgetfulness …
Read full article
Who Will Get My Vote
By Jimmy Porter
Is it okay to assume you are going to vote? I hope you are not one of the 45 to 65 million eligible American voters who are not registered. Less than fifty percent of the voting population actually votes in any given election. What is even more troubling is that only about 43 percent of evangelical Christians actually bother to vote in any given election according to Focus on the Family.
Since you are going to vote, who will you choose in this upcoming election? John Quincy Adams, 6th U. S. President, said, “Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.” Lyndon B. Johnson, 36th U. S. President, said, “The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they …
Read full article
Who Gets My Vote
By Jimmy Porter
Political billboards and yard signs are now mixed with blooming azaleas and camellias throughout our state. Candidates running for political office are seeking name recognition which hopefully will result in more votes later in the year.
These signs raise several questions: Why should I vote? For whom should I vote? How can my church be involved in the political process?
WHY SHOULD I VOTE? The amazing fact is that many choose not to vote. It is estimated that 35 percent of eligible Americans are not registered to vote. Less than 45 percent of evangelical Christians voted in the non-presidential election year of 2002.
The Bible teaches us to be responsible citizens which means participating in the voting process. Exodus 18:21, NIV provides an example for us, “Select capable men from all the people — men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and …
Read full article
God and Government
By Jimmy Porter
Each day I look out my office window and see two buildings.
One is the First Baptist Church of Jackson where people go to worship God, and the other is the Mississippi State Capitol where legislators gather to govern our state. Seeing these two buildings in a single glance raises two questions, not only for me but for all of us. First, “Does the legislative session at the Capitol affect the lives of the people in the church?” and secondly, “Should the people in the church be concerned and involved in the legislative process taking place at the Capitol?” The answers are “yes” and “yes.” But it has been said, “Never talk to your friends about religion or politics because if you do, both of you will end up mad.” Therefore, many in the Christian community take these words to heart and do not allow their religion to …
Read full article
God & Government
By Jimmy Porter
Each day I look out my office window and see two buildings.
One is the First Baptist Church of Jackson where people go to worship God, and the other is the Mississippi State Capitol where legislators gather to govern our state. Seeing these two buildings in a single glance raises two questions, not only for me but for all of us. First, “Does the legislative session at the Capitol affect the lives of the people in the church?” and secondly, “Should the people in the church be concerned and involved in the legislative process taking place at the Capitol?” The answers are “yes” and “yes.” But it has been said, “Never talk to your friends about religion or politics because if you do, both of you will end up mad.” Therefore, many in the Christian community take these words to heart and do not allow their religion to …
Read full article
The Pulpit and Politics: Time to Come Out of Our Shell
By Jimmy Porter
Frances Schaeffer asks, “If not you, who? If not now, when? And if not this, what?” These remarks were usually made to motivate Christians to get involved with the world.
As a pulpit guest, I had completed a sermon on the family in which I encouraged the congregation to vote for and support the Mississippi Marriage Amendment. After the sermon a lady approached me and said, “Thank you for that word, Brother Jimmy. We know all these things, but we are not going to do much until our pastor tells us to.”
Her comments were not 100% accurate, but there is enough truth in them to cause us to stop and consider the importance of the pulpit and the influence of the church in our world. In a recent article, Coming of Age in the 70’s, (Faith & Family Values, March-April 2006), Richard Land sheds some …
Read full article
2006 Legilative Analysis
By Jimmy Porter
The 2006 Legislative Session is now history. The Christian Action Commission (CAC) spends a lot of time at the Capitol during the session especially if there are bills that relate to our areas of concern. Decisions were made that have and will continue to affect our lives.
As I write this brief analysis of this year’s session, allow me to remind you that the Baptist Record is not the “Democratic Daily” nor is it the “Republican Rag.” Also, the CAC is not an advocacy group for Republicans or Democrats.
This year the bills ranged from forbidding “hog dog rodeos” to adding $113 million to K-12 public education. The rodeos were commercial events that pitted a dog against a hog (with tusks removed) in an enclosed pen, a barbaric activity that needed to be stopped.
At the end of the session there was a $221 …
Read full article