After reading about and listening to discussions about the candidates in the upcoming U.S. Senate Race in Texas, I will prayerfully offer my thoughts.  They are my thoughts, and you have the right to your thoughts.  We may agree or disagree, and hopefully we can do so in a civil manner.

I have heard Christians, preachers, educators, legislators, pundits, and politicians argue about who and why we should vote for candidate X, Y, or Z.  Some of their arguments smack of Identity and Personality Politics. They are firmly entrenched in personal preference rather than in sound reason, either biblical or logical.

Some hate Donald J. Trump, the sitting president, so much that they would vote for Lucifer himself if he were the candidate opposing the president or someone he has endorsed.  That is sad because it only perpetuates problems rather than enabling us to move toward solutions.

In the Senate race, I have heard some argue that, because of John Cornyn’s failure to fully honor his campaign promises and advance conservative causes, he is not an appealing choice.   I do not disagree; he is not appealing.

I have listened to some Christians and preachers denounce Ken Paxton’s morals and insist that his moral issues disqualify him.  I would prefer the candidate, whoever they might be, to have godly moral character.  Paxton may be lacking in that area.   I know what I’ve read, heard, and been told; I do not know his heart.

I have listened to some choose the Democratic candidate James Talarico, and because he is reasonably articulate, seems to have moral fiber, and lacks some of the ethical questions of the others, he is the most desirable candidate.   They also, without saying it, have adopted the idea that because he is not Cornyn or Paxton, he is the most desirable candidate.   They seem to ignore his positions on numerous issues and his interpretation of the Bible.

Let me address it this way, and you decide.   If a candidate stands for everything I am opposed to and believes that he has biblical grounds for those positions using an interpretation that, in my view, violates the integrity of the Bible, am I supposed to ignore that?   If a candidate believes there are multiple genders, that the Bible teaches same-sex marriage, and that abortion is not only acceptable but approved biblically, how can I ignore that?

I have listened to some of James Talarico’s speeches and have not shaped my view based on sound bites produced to discredit him.  I have heard with my own ears and read with my own eyes his positions on numerous things.   He takes a position that is opposite mine on almost every point.   His views of government, taxes, marriage, abortion, immigration, and more are anathema to my beliefs.   Therefore, I cannot ignore that and support him even if I find the other candidates less than desirable.

On the other hand, can I support the Republican candidate when one has failed to fulfill the positions desired by the majority of Texans, and the other has some questionable, if not objectionable, moral issues?    When I consider the overall position of both Republicans and view the body of work Paxton has produced as the Texas Attorney General, I do not overlook his moral or even ethical issues, but in contrast to the political and even biblical views of the Democratic candidate, he becomes much more appealing.

If one candidate wants to tear down what I believe in and impose a government that I find reprehensible, and the other supports the views I hold governmentally do I let my personal dislike for the candidate who supports my views entice me to vote for the Democrat?    I cannot!   Jesus is not on the ballot, and we are faced with the decision of choosing between the political agendas of both candidates.

I will vote no on James Talarico based on his views, not his supposed morals, and I will vote for Paxton or Cornyn based on their being more closely aligned with my political views, not their morals or lack thereof.   I would always prefer a Christian who demonstrates a moral, ethical, and godly life.   Sadly, in American politics, those are few and far between.   I suggest that it is not moral to endorse anti-biblical things, so in that light, none of the candidates may qualify as prime examples of morality.

You have the right and the privilege to support whomever you choose.  I find it impossible to support the Democratic candidate in this election.  I urge each one to vote.   I believe that the future of Texas and the United States will be dramatically affected by this election.   I hope that you make your decision based on what is best for Texas and America, not on a personal dislike.  I hope you will evaluate the candidates’ political positions and vote accordingly.

God bless you, and God bless America!