By Andy Argyrakis
Ask anyone at a social gathering their opinion of the most potentially polarizing topic, and chances are politics or religion will be on the tip of their tongue. Mixing the two can be even trickier, especially as a Christian artist who’s expected to uphold matters of faith both on and off stage, but still promote social responsibility in all aspects of their listeners’ walks (even if it’s as complicated as this year’s election).
“I don’t feel as though this election is more important or less important for Christians or Americans to vote because I think we should always prayerfully vote,” reflects Dustin Ruth, front man for Tooth & Nail alternative rockers Ruth, suggesting the 2008 race is not as convoluted as it sometimes seems. “When I pray over things like politics, it allows me to let go of all the fears and worries I might have and trust that God has control and loves us. He has allowed a lot of great leaders and a lot of wicked ones. But just like Pharaoh, He still uses them in His plan. That’s not to say we have a wicked leader and a good leader to choose from. Pray; do what research you can until you start feeling like you’re signing up for a cell phone plan or a credit card; then, it’s probably good to stop and cast a vote. After that, let go of it. God’s bigger than the president.”
With Election Day nearing, secular artists are coming out in droves endorsing one camp or the other, often drawing some controversy along the way. Spiritually-centered acts have also been known to speak their mind, with Michael W. Smith perhaps most visibly paling with the other “Dubya” (that would be current President George W. Bush), while slightly more under the radar folks like Derek Webb often share incredibly passionate feelings about political activism in general.
“I can’t judge the passions other artists [have] to be involved to whatever degree they become in politics, but I will say a lot of the time [when] I see musicians pushing a political party, it seems they have their own political agenda at hand,” Ruth continues, citing no one in particular. “I think it’s just a real fine line you have to walk if you do have influence. The reality is that an artist or famous person only has one vote to cast, just like you or me. That’s the beauty of it. There are no extra points for being ‘famous.’”
Everyone’s indeed on the same playing field come this November 4, but that doesn’t mean a believer should simply sit back and watch the results unfold on TV or the Internet. Actively participating is especially encouraged by new singer/songwriter Francesca Battistelli, who’s urging fans to cast their ballots throughout the music video to her piano pop hit “It’s Your Life” (recently featured on the homepage of youtube).
“I believe it’s important for Americans to vote because it’s a right and a responsibility that countless people through the history of this country have fought for,” she stresses. “As Christians, it’s not biblically mandated that we vote, but we are called to act on behalf of the poor and oppressed, to seek justice and to obey the governing authorities. Because of this, I believe it’s important for us to stand up for what is right and do our part by making our voice heard.”
Rather than choosing sides or stating her personal candidate choices, Battistelli feels her role is merely to nurture action. As the day nears, she’s putting particular emphasis on “It’s Your Life” in concerts, simply suggesting believers look at all the facts, consider the moral stances of each candidate and not get involved in squabbles over scenarios someone hasn’t properly researched.
“When it comes to moral issues, I have no problem being vocal about what God is vocal about, but I don’t find it necessary to speak out about any other issues, as they are intricate, and again, I am no expert,” she adds. “I think it’s important to encourage people to be educated in the political process and to use their voices for the greater good. At the same time, I don’t pretend to be an expert in the field, and so I want to lead mostly by example, not by offering lots of opinions.”
Perhaps critically acclaimed troubadour Sara Groves summarizes the entire scenario best, musing that while voting is vital, Christians answer to a much higher code and calling in the long run. “To me, voting is one part of the civic life,” she offers. “As a citizen of a community, I pay taxes and I vote, but my Christian worldview tells me that divisiveness for the sake of a political idea is not as important as loving my neighbor, loving God and reflecting the way of Jesus the best I can… Personally, I think our conversation should transcend politics as much as possible in true belief that no country or government can save us and that only Jesus can save us.”
www.myspace.com/ruthrock
www.francescamusic.com
www.saragroves.com