Elections and wars have this in common

Elections and wars have this in common: They don't resolve political differences, they just determine who has the upper hand and who is forced to submit. And they sometimes go hand in hand because elections can avert war or cause war, depending on the willingness of the parties involved to yield to opposing views.

One doesn't have to look far back in history to see the truthfulness of the above statements. World War I didn't solve Europe's problems. Another World War was fought there -- and Europe still struggles and ideologies still clash.

America's Civil War didn't solve the issues which brought it about. Though slaves were freed, slavery didn't end with the war. It just took other forms, including welfare. And the real cause of the war -- the rights of states to leave the Union when Constitutional guarantees were threatened (if you doubt this, read Lincoln) -- remains a contested issue today, and even more so as the federal government usurps more and more power over the states by striking down state laws and enacting laws and orders where no constitutional authority exists.

We are drawing close to another election, and political views and opinions are in competition for the upper hand. And in this election, perhaps more than in previous elections, the fight is focused more on preventing one party or the other from obtaining power and getting its way than upon the merits of one party or candidate over another.

And the election won't solve America's woes. It wouldn't even solve them if my preferred candidates from a third party, the Constitution Party, were elected and empowered to do what (in my view) is right for America. Why? Because the rift in our thinking would still be there. Those who hold to the liberal and socialist views of modern society would still hold to their liberal and socialist views even if those in power held to Biblical morals and a constitutional role for federal government. And, should the election put in power those who reject traditional values and a limited constitutional government, those of us who hold those values and views are not likely to change our beliefs either.

As the divide gets greater and the views of the left move even further away from traditional, Biblical and moral values and away from the constitutional republic granted us by the wisdom and blood of our forefathers, I fear another war.

Sometimes I don't think our rulers know how close they push America toward civil war when they force upon Americans values and morals they cannot accept. I am truly surprised that decisions forced upon Americans by liberal court decisions allowing for abortion and protecting same-sex marriage haven't already led to war, with states refusing to yield and perhaps even seceding to preserve their integrity and morality. Now we have the issues of transgender-bathroom use being pushed and forced upon us, and who knows what is next.

Because so many Americans have an apathetic attitude and are unwilling to take a stand if the decision or ruling doesn't directly impact their lives and their plans, I expect the spark which may set off the fire could come over gun rights. Those on the left have already made it clear their ultimate goal is to make private ownership of guns and ammunition by the people illegal or so difficult that the freedoms protected by the Second Amendment would be gone. Look at the restrictions being put in place in California, where the left is in control. Ammunition sales will be restricted. Magazine size is restricted. Certain types of rifles and shotguns will be outlawed and must be destroyed. And the list goes on. What will happen if the left gains control and is able to legislate and take away citizens' rights to keep and bear arms across our nation? Then, it will become more personal to many Americans who have stood down when unethical and immoral rulings and laws were put in place which did not have a direct and visible impact on their own lives.

And, perhaps I shouldn't say that rulers don't know how close we are to civil uprisings and war. Why else would almost every federal agency have its own police or security force and have purchased a multitude of weapons and more ammunition than many armies? It would seem they see a possible need in the near future.

But civil war won't solve the problems which could or might bring one on. Wars don't change people's moral and political views, except maybe how ready one is to go to war. The divide remains and is sure to raise its head again at another time or in another generation. Dissolving a politically-divided nation might work, but only if the factions were already geographically divided by state or region.

I believe the only option for me is to preach and proclaim the truth of the Bible -- the judgment of God our Creator upon those who reject Him and His moral laws, and His grace and mercy in Jesus Christ upon those who repent and trust in Jesus and His cross for pardon, forgiveness and life eternal. I know many will not repent and believe -- the Bible tells me so -- but I also know that God will graciously bring His elect to see their sinfulness and to look in faith to the crucified and risen Christ Jesus. I can't and wouldn't even try to force anyone to believe the Bible. All I can do is proclaim it and point people to the evidence which supports it.

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Randy Moll is the managing editor of the Westside Eagle Observer. He may be contacted by email at [email protected].