Politics - Of course!!!

Christians should definitely get involved in politics. They should be on city council, act as mayors, senators, congressmen, governors, presidents, lobbyists, etc… The average person should write to their representatives and encourage them as well as inform them of what they think about their decisions they have made. Above all else, Christians should be informed voters. God calls us to "Love our neighbor as ourselves." Cities, state and the national government need to have people in charge who will do this.
We don't exist in our own little bubble. There is a world that interacts and we need to put out our voice so that God's will is done. Voting is a simple task and so many people don't participate let alone make informed decisions. It does take time and research to know the ideas of people who are trying to get elected. If we don't take the time to get involved then we have no right to complain about the government and our country. It is our own fault that it is decaying.
Look at Hollywood. Christians left the world of entertainment because they thought it was of Satan. Now it is producing some pretty negative stuff. With Christians going back into Hollywood, there is some good wholesome stuff coming out. If we leave politics the same thing will happen. The one thing we have to be careful is that not all people believe in God and as a politician you can't make them. You have to live your life in a pleasing way towards God but if other people don't you can't create laws to punish them. God will take care of that, as long as each of us is living a lifestyle to is glorifying to Him.

Political Involvement

I know very little about politics, so it's hard for me to say whether or not Christians should get involved in them. It could certainly present some ethical problems, but so can any job. I think Christian politicians have to be above reproach because they're representing themselves as Christians in front of a large audience.

Mostly, though, I have to agree with Dan. The best way for Christians to get involved with politics is to vote. However, I think it's very important for Christians to cast an educated vote. Don't just check "republican ticket" because that's what your parents do, or because you think that Christians have to be republicans. Look at the issues and educate yourself about them. Vote according to the issues that are important to you . . . and ultimately to God - which may or may not involve voting for a democrat. ;-)

Christian Politics

I believe that it is very hard to be a Christian politician in todays world. Our country has strayed farther and farther from what its foundation is, which is on God. Saying this, we need Christian politicians more than ever. I think the best way is for Christians to get involved in politics is first of all to vote. Secondly, is that we need to vote our beliefs. So many people, including Christians, grumble and throw a fit at what goes on in the country, yet so many of them don't vote! Whether Democrat or Republican, I feel that Christians have an obligation to vote for someone who resembles God. Getting directly involved in politics is a whole different situation. It obviously takes someone special to make laws and battle everyday over issues that face our country day in and day out. Christian politicians are definitely needed to help keep this country structured in the way our founding fathers envisioned.

Prompt 7

What are the best ways for Christians to get involved in politics, if in fact they should get involved in politics?

Unfavorable View of Cornerstone

I'm surprised that so many people think Cornerstone is viewed well in the eyes of our area. My brother-in-law was the assistant general manager at Damons a few years ago, and always recounts his experiences with Cornerstone waitresses. He said they were the most promiscuous, the biggest partiers, and the worst employees.

And especially since Soulforce's visit, I think we are viewed less favorably. I think most people in town consider us bigots for refusing to allow them on our campus. Everyone seems to applaud Calvin for their open-mindedness in allowing them to speak in their chapel services, and frowns on Cornerstone for our legalistic, old-fashioned ways.

Positive view of Cornerstone

I think Cornerstone is viewed quite positively in the Grand Rapids area. I have heard many positive things of our programs and students who graduate from the education program are generally viewed quite highly. Our leadership is very professional and we show that we want integrity from our students, such as the way our leadership handled the recent athletic issues regarding the men's basketball team. The younger crowd can sometimes view Cornerstone as very rule-bound. I'll meet people and tell them I go to Cornerstone and they can't believe that we sign a lifestyle statement or that we have required chapels to attend. They just think it's a different kind of college experience. I guess overall, I think it is viewed positively in the community and respected by future employers.

CU viewed by GR

I believe that Cornerstone is viewed positively in Grand Rapids. The reason that I think it is viewed positively is that we are a small higher education community that works to help the community. We also have two radio stations that portray the campus to the community and the information that they pass on is generally about positive things that are happening on campus or by students/staff/faculty. Athletically, we also have the "champions of character" initiative that works with area schools. These schools get to see first hand how to implement the program by watching CU athletes. My perspective is limited. I do not interact with people very often in GR and/or ask them what they think about Cornerstone. With this in mind I have not "heard" anything specific as to the way the community views Cornerstone.

View on CU

I feel that Cornerstone is viewed quite positively by the community. Maybe it is because I listen for more feedback about CU because I go here. I still think that Calvin is considered the cream of the crop in educational purposes, however, I feel that Cornerstone is being viewed as near equal status. I think the leadership here at CU has made the public notice how much we've grown. I feel that CU is represented as Christlike in their decision making. Our education program has improved greatly as well. We have Kuyper and Grace Bible College students finish up here. I think this is a good exposure to see that these colleges can work together. Overall, the view of Cornerstone in my opinion is very positive.

Life right now...

Life right now, today, this moment, is a whirlwind. The present is always a whirlwind, just like the past is always a whirlpool and the future is always calm and simple. I am content. At this moment, some things are good, some things are bad, but who am I to say that life itself is bad? I will never say it because I will never think it.

God's blessings are heaped upon my head, and while Satan fights to turn those blessings into curses, his power is limited to how much I believe his lies. I admit that I do not always see through his lies, but even then, I know God is good, and I am in Him just as He is in me. No one can pluck me out of his hand!

Life right now is good.

Prompt 6

How do you think Cornerstone is viewed in the greater Grand Rapids area? What have you heard?

What I am enjoying...

Right now, I am enjoying my last year of college. It's easy to get stressed and worried about the future, but I am trying to focus on the here and now and enjoy this year. I love still being a college student and am living in a house with 2 great roommates. This may be the last year we are all together, so I am concentrating on making these friendships last and allowing myself some "fun" time. I also enjoy my work as a nanny and find it laid back and also good experience for my future as a teacher. I also enjoy this season. I love a perfect, fall, crisp day and am excited for this new season.