WARNING POLITICAL PET PEEVES:

WARNING POLITICAL PET PEEVES: I have enjoyed studying and following politics since I was a boy. I have voted every opportunity possible, even since living outside the country for more than a decade. I do not usually say much about politics on facebook - not because I am not passionate about my beliefs and opinions, but because some people share their opinions so often that most people grow weary of finding political posts in their feed. However, this rant will be one of my rare exceptions.

I have developed two pet peeves this political season that I want to publically confront. (Please believe that I have no one in particular in mind as I write these.)

Pet peeve #1: "Our only choice is to vote for the lesser of two evils." This is so wrong on several levels. First, it is never right to chose or vote for evil no matter how bad the alternatives are. Evil is evil. Choosing or voting for "evil" is sin no matter how you try to rationalize your decision (Amos 5:15a; Proverbs 24:20-25).

Second, there are legally and literally millions of choices available this presidential election. The last time I voted for president, my ballot offered 8 options. One of those options was "write in." Do not fall for the lie that you only have 2 options, and they are both evil. This is simply not true.

Third, you do not need to violate your conscience by voting for a lesser evil. In fact, you must not violate your conscience when you vote. The Bible teaches that everything you do should be done in faith. "For whatsoever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23). You may chose not to vote and thereby sin not, but you cannot vote for evil and be free from sin.

Pet Peeve #2: "A vote for A is a vote for C." I have heard nearly every single presidential candidate (running and dropped out) use this emotionally, guilt trip loaded and completely illogical line. There is no field or genre on earth that supports this fallacy. Let me break down reality in simple terms. A vote for A is a vote for A. A vote for B is a vote for B, and a vote for C is a vote for C. (Thanks for the years of algebra, Mom) ;) If C is the best man for the job, and you decide to vote in faith for C, don't let any con man try to badmouth you into thinking that your vote is somehow "wasted," or even worse, "a vote for the most evil candidate." Such rhetoric may come from the mouth of a sincere person, but it is completely irrational. Don't fall for this. Rant finished.