What Christians want in a president

On Faith asks: Dr. Richard Land recently suggested that “people who campaign as traditional moral individuals are asking to be judged by different standards. If you’re going to stand up, you have to walk the walk.” What kinds of ethics, values and morals should we expect from our candidates?

A: From my perspective there are baseline non-negotiable qualities and characteristics that anyone must first embody in order to be considered worthy of holding a position of leadership – at any level. These same standards apply whether or not you’re leading a Boy Scout troop, a Fortune 500 company or serving as President of United States of America, even though such a role takes on an even greater importance given the level of responsibility.

Therefore, to suggest that a “family values” candidate must be held to a higher standard diminishes the very definition and essence of genuine leadership. In other words, I do not judge a leader by how well they meet their own standards, for what of the individual who sets their personal bar low? No, I judge a leader by standards which transcend cultural and subjective norms.

What are they?

Character and integrity sits atop my list of non-negotiable traits of leadership. It thrills the world to see an individual act and lead with honesty and conviction, both privately and publicly. The candidate who possesses the moral nerve and courage to withstand the “slings and arrows” of what might not be popular – but what is right – that is a leader deserving of his or her position. Also, at the core of every true leader is a firm commitment and acknowledgement of the dignity of every person. After all, how can a person expect to command the allegiance of other people if they do not see the worth of every human soul?

At the same time, my worldview is rooted in a spirit of grace and the promise of ultimate redemption. In the history of the world, no man, except one, has lived a perfect life. After all, it was James Madison who aptly noted at the founding of this country that “If men were angels no government would be necessary.” But they are not, and so as a country we are left to elect an imperfect person to tackle a nearly impossible job.

It is good for us to understand character is learned throughout a lifetime. Youthful mistakes occur, but as someone matures, these errors in judgment should be replaced with wisdom and knowing right from wrong.

It was the late Christian writer C.S. Lewis who wrote about the universal “ought” in every person, that it is a God-breathed habit to continuously examine our own lives and think we “ought” to be more patient, honest or selfless, etc. In 2012 we will once again return to the polls to vote for the candidate whom we believe “ought” to be president. On critical ideological issues we may differ, but it is my prayer that we might find some degree of consensus on these baseline standards.

As for me, as the campaign unfolds and shifts into high gear, it is my hope that Americans will be carefully considering these non-negotiable “oughts” – critical standards which are rooted in lex naturalis – natural law.

Jim Daly  | Nov 22, 2011 8:41 PM