A CANDIDATE’S STATEMENT OF FAITH

Why should faith in our Lord Jesus Christ play a role in governance?

The phrase “under God” is fundamental to our American identity. Our freedoms are based on the God given rights of every person. How can we expect the ones we choose to govern us to function if we disregard the rules ordained by our Lord? Nowhere in the Lord’s word have I read “the ten suggestions”. Psalm 33:12 says “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord”. In 2 Corinthians we are cautioned “bad company corrupts good character” and in Daniel we are reminded that no government can thwart the Lord’s will.

If a Christian runs for office he or she should only do so if they can faithfully execute the duties of that office without compromising their Christian principles.

Prayer is real! We call on our Lord for wisdom, guidance and salvation. Why was the phrase “we the people” chosen to begin our Constitution? Why not “we the government”, “we the states”, “we the lawyers”, “we the judges”, “we the media” or “we the academics”. I believe that “we the people” was chosen because the power to govern was given to each individual by the Word of God.

George Washington in his inaugural address cites heaven and in 1789 to the Reformed Dutch Church “true religion affords to government its surest support”. In his farewell address “of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity religion and morality are indispensable supports”. Samuel Adams said “religion and good morals are the only solid foundation of public liberty and happiness”. Alexander Hamilton warned us that “morality must fall without religion “. John Adams told us that “religion and virtue are the only foundations of all free governments”. Thomas Jefferson said the “interest of society require the observation of those moral precepts in which all religions agree”.

The mention of God, religion or faith is in or on the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and the Roosevelt Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, the United States Capitol Building, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, the Ronald Reagan Building, the White House and our state capitols and courthouses.

Too many elected officials are reluctant to acknowledge their faith. I can’t tell you why nor do I judge them. I do know that Romans tells us “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ”. Faith in our Lord is a choice – it’s a pledge of behavior. We choose to have faith by putting the well-being of others in our hearts as well as our minds and above all by accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Choose those of us who would govern wisely.

Those of faith will serve us well. We will not compromise our traditional family values, marriage, the right to life and freedom of religion (not from religion). Nor will we compromise our conservative principles of a smaller more responsive government, tax and spend policies, personal responsibilities for our own actions, individual rights and our right to defend ourselves.

 

 

 

 

Do not sit in silence any longer! Get involved! Support the right candidates! Vote! 

Mike Verchio

District 30 House of Representatives

Rep.Verchio@state.sd.us

Share

46 comments for “A CANDIDATE’S STATEMENT OF FAITH

  1. Sandee Bonawitz
    January 19, 2011 at 6:30 pm

    This will be the internet site I read on my new Iphone. Ill be back.

  2. January 14, 2011 at 12:11 pm

    I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good work Look forward to reading more from you in the future.

  3. Bosley
    December 16, 2010 at 5:43 am

    NOBama!

  4. Cyndi Cooey
    December 16, 2010 at 3:01 am

    You are so funny!!! I’ve become obsessed with your website and I spend most of my work hours reading all your archives. And I made an account JUST to post comments. I wish I’d found you sooner, and I wish you posted as much as you used to! You must be constantly busy now though because you are so famous!!

  5. December 10, 2010 at 8:56 am

    I have to say that overall I am impressed with this blog.It is easy to see that you are passionate on the subject of your writing. I wish I had your writing skill I wait for more updates and will be returning

  6. Greenrose104
    November 18, 2010 at 7:16 pm

    Terrific article, thanks for putting this together! This is obviously one great post. Thanks for the valuable information and insights you have so provided here. Keep it up!

  7. November 12, 2010 at 6:10 am

    Impressive blog! Super awareness on this issue. Absolutely a fresh bookmark.

  8. November 9, 2010 at 11:28 pm

    Just keep making good content.

  9. November 7, 2010 at 1:46 am

    Well, I believe that clears up a few questions for me personally. Anyone else think so?

  10. Joelle Flick
    October 29, 2010 at 10:27 pm

    How come “Independant” doesn’t comment under his real name like we all do? Just wondering. I enjoy reading this debate!

    • Independent
      October 31, 2010 at 7:15 pm

      Because my position in life prevents me from doing so at this juncture. I would if I could. Thanks for asking!

  11. Independent
    October 25, 2010 at 9:18 am

    I agree. Those of us in the majority should vote, support and protect American values and the Constitution by electing politicians who believe in the principles our Founding Fathers established while founding this great nation. First and foremost we must maintain the separation of church and state, so that we all might remain free to worship as we see fit. Politics and government were intended to be kept separate, as prescribed by Jeffersons “Wall of Separation,” and it is our duty to continue to enforce this vital concept. Please, do not vote for religious zealots posing as politicians, for those who would undermine our Founding Fathers and use our government to further their political agendas. Our continued freedom depends on your vote!

    • Ed Randazzo
      October 25, 2010 at 3:52 pm

      There is no such “separation of church and state” in the Constitution.

      • Independent
        October 25, 2010 at 10:24 pm

        Of course there is, in the First Amendment. This fact is accepted by the majority of the citizens of the United States of America and most clergymen, excepting those people who place a higher value on their religious agendas than they do the intentions of our Founding Fathers and our clearly secular Constitution and Declaration of Independence.

        • Ed Randazzo
          October 26, 2010 at 6:21 am

          Praise the Lord that you accept the existence of the 1st Amendment!!! Regretably, you have misunderstood its intent to grant and guarantee religious freedom to all by KEEPING THE GOVERNMENT OUT OF THE CHURCHES NOT THE CHURCHES OUT OF THE GOVERNMENT. There is no mention of the “seperation of church and state” in the 1st Amendment, nor in the entire US Constitution. Can we get an AMEN. If you don’t acept that fact then there is no basis to continue this thread as you are in denial. Pray, my friend.

          • Independent
            October 26, 2010 at 8:51 am

            You can’t have it both ways Ed. There is no literal mention of the things you claim the First Amendment says either. There is not one single word stating your position the First Amendment intended only to keep government out of religious affairs. But, the Supreme court has repeatedly ruled the First Amendment was designed to prevent religion from directly affecting our government, and to prevent governemnt from establishing any particular religion. Apparently, no obviously you think you are right and the Supreme Court, the majority of our citizens and the vast majority of Constitutional scholars are wrong. That’s fine, I have no problem with that. The Constitution gives everyone the right to speak and worship freely.

            People who believe the Constitution should be interpretted literally compromise a small segment of our society. The Founders had no way of seeing into the future, and they did not intend that future generations should read the Constitution as if time should stand still the moment our country was founded. It’s just common sense and sound legal judgement that causes us to understand we must use the means God gave us to apply the Constitution and it’s many doctrines to modern issues, like the Internet, cell phones, newspapers, and increasingly political clergymen for example.

            I would like to know where you find a basis for your belief that if it’s not literally stated word for word in the Constitution. It’s not written anywhere in either Founding document. Did you pull it out of thin air? There are many examples of accepted and long standing Constitutional doctrines that are not literally stated in the Constitution. The following are a few conservatives feel very strongly about, because they pertain to criminal law and the limitations placed on the police to protect citizens from unwarranted police actions: “Probable cause,” “Reasonable suspicion,” Reasonable expectation to privacy,” and our “Miranda” rights. None of this specific language is found anywhere in the Constitution, but if you were harassed or unreasonably stopped by the police you’d be calling for your “Constitutional rights.” The Supreme Court has done a magnificent job of applying the doctrines and concepts of our Founding Fathers to modern times. Our Founder’s would most definitely approve.

          • Ed Randazzo
            October 26, 2010 at 6:11 pm

            Study my friend, and you will learn.

          • Independent
            October 26, 2010 at 9:01 am

            Sorryfor the confusion. There is not a single word in the Constitution stating the First Amendement was not intended to keep churches ot of government. In fact, it’s just the opposite. The prohibition on any religious test being used to qualify anyone from holding public office gives us that. The Founders most definitely did not want churches in our government. Since you claim to subscribe to a literal interpretation of the Constitution, then when confronted with the fact “Christian,” or “Christ” is absent in both the Constitution and Declaration, why do you guys on the far right always use religious quotes some of the Founders wrote to argue your point? That’s the total opposite of the literal translation of the Constitution stance you use to defend your position churches should be allowed into our government. It does not make any sense at all.

          • Ed Randazzo
            October 26, 2010 at 6:12 pm

            Study my friend and you will learn.

          • Independent
            October 26, 2010 at 9:59 pm

            I guess you don’t have the time or inclination to post a legitimate reply?

  12. Volpicelli2577
    October 24, 2010 at 8:06 pm

    I enjoy the commentary on this site, it really gives it that community experience!

  13. October 24, 2010 at 6:43 pm

    Hmmm this post is very interesting. I’ll use it for my essay :). Tandarts Reeshof

  14. Gordon Howie
    October 24, 2010 at 6:20 pm

    Mike is a genuine conservative who is not ashamed of his faith. Let’s all join together and fill the Legislature with more just like him!!!
    gh

    • Independent
      October 27, 2010 at 8:59 am

      Let’s not. Shall we keep on doing what we’ve been doing, and elect people who are capable of keeping their private lives and personal religious views out of their political lives and public service? It’s what our Founder’s intended, and as patriots we owe it to our country. Let’s elect mainstream politicians who accurately reflect the Amercian values and tradition of this proud nation. And let’s vote out extremists from either the right or left camps.

  15. Ed Randazzo
    October 24, 2010 at 8:58 am

    Thanks, Mike for sharing what is on your heart. The forces of evil that would remove God from our lives are active. We must stand faithful and make our voices heard through our support and vote for righteous candidates. God bless you, Mike.

    • Independent
      October 25, 2010 at 9:31 am

      Let me guess Ed, the “forces of evil” include everyone who does not share your particular religious beliefs. If so, that is completely un-American. We are a nation of tolerance and compassion. We were populated through immigration, by accepting people from all over the world, with numerous sometimes conflicting religious beliefs. Tell me you really don’t believe there are “forces of evil” dwelling in our country, in the hearts of your countrymen who exercise their right to worship as they see fit, and worship God differently than yourself. You just said that for effect, right?

      • Ed Randazzo
        October 26, 2010 at 6:10 pm

        So you don’t believe there are forces of evil in the world. How quaintly naive.

        • Independent
          October 27, 2010 at 9:06 am

          I corectly believe there is an equal capacity for both good and bad in the world. I do not believe in the Christian creation of a “devil” constantly lurking in the shadows, ever waiting at the ready to spring forth and snatch your soul should one stray too far from the Christian rhetoric. I see the folly of such a fear based doctrine for what it is; superstition.

          • Ed Randazzo
            October 27, 2010 at 6:38 pm

            For some the devil hides in the shadows (your words, not mine) but he is really in plain sight all around us and he loves your opinion and how you so love your opinion and how you worship logic as though it were a god.

          • Independent
            October 27, 2010 at 9:37 pm

            The “devil” only exists in the minds of those who accept his existence, mostly Christians unfortunately. It is a severe deficiencies of that faith, that it is fear based as opposed to simply following the word of God, as is the Jewish faith. It’s a shame, because Jesus really didn’t preach that way. His words were perverted by the alleged disciples who followed him long after His death, yet never heard or saw Him.

          • Ed Randazzo
            October 27, 2010 at 9:55 pm

            What was your occupation at the time that these disciples allegedly perverted the teachings of Jesus. You speak as though you know these things when you are just another child of God. What was it like then oh oracle?

        • Independent
          October 27, 2010 at 9:10 am

          You really should put a little more effort into your replies Ed. You are not representing yourself very well with short canned responses. Suppose some young impressionable potential Christians are reading? You are letting them down, and they will surely be turned off the path of righteousness, and towards the road to intellectualism. They might even become Democrats!

          • Independent
            October 28, 2010 at 11:29 pm

            I don’t understand your question.

          • Ed Randazzo
            October 29, 2010 at 6:36 pm

            You don’t? Try again.

          • Independent
            October 29, 2010 at 9:04 pm

            A patient Christian man would explain himself, so others may understand his thoughts.

          • Ed Randazzo
            October 30, 2010 at 5:44 pm

            I am not God so somtimes my patience wears thin. I pray daily for patience and the grace of God to guide my thoughts, emotions and my tongue.

          • Independent
            October 31, 2010 at 7:16 pm

            So, are you going to explain yoiurself again or not?

    • Independent
      October 26, 2010 at 10:33 am

      Just how fragile is your faith in God if you fear others can remove Him from your life? Those of us in the majority do not wish to remove God from anyone. We strive only to keep you and others like you from ignoring our Constitution as you atempt to bring your churches into our government. We are the true patriots, protecting religious freedom for all, not just ourselves.

      • Ed Randazzo
        October 26, 2010 at 6:16 pm

        My faith is not fragile. Why do you assume that the majority is right? Inde, have you been reading Soro’s again? Same boring tactics.

        • Independent
          October 27, 2010 at 9:02 am

          I’ve been reading Thomas Jefferson Ed. He said, “That which we all agree on is probably right. That which none can agree on is most probably wrong.” Our Founders were far from boring.

          • Ed Randazzo
            October 27, 2010 at 6:34 pm

            I’ve been reading the Bible. That’s where you can learn what is right and wrong.

          • Independent
            October 27, 2010 at 9:45 pm

            ” Both read the Bible day and night, but thou read’st black where I read white.”

            I know what is right and wrong just as well as you do. You just don’t get it. God’s word can’t be learned or studied. Your ego won’t let see things any other way than the manner in which you’ve been conditioned by the rhetoric you cherish. Faith is in your heart Ed. Stop thinking so much and let God’s word move you.

          • Ed Randazzo
            October 27, 2010 at 9:59 pm

            I’m glad I didn’t quote that. You would be calling me a racist. God’s word can’t be learned or studied? My ego offends you? I’ve been conditioned? Rhetoric is your tool of choice, my friend. Faith is indeed in my heart…….faith in Jesus Christ. You should start thinking BEFORE you write.

          • Independent
            October 29, 2010 at 9:08 pm

            It’s a quote from “The Everlasting Gospel,” by William Blake. It means that no two men can read the Bible and come away with the same understanding or meaning from a scripture. There’s no recism in it at all, just insight. And it supports the Founder’s intentions to keep religion out of our government, becaue men will never agree on how to worship, and it will only lead to freedoms being taken away from some, or conflict.

          • Ed Randazzo
            October 30, 2010 at 5:47 pm

            Relax, Inde…..it was a joke. But I believe you err in your interpretation of the Founder’s intent.

          • Independent
            October 31, 2010 at 7:16 pm

            I am sorry Ed.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *