Masland Library Blog

As the vote on the Scottish referendum approaches, the vote to stay or go has drawn near to a 50/50 split. For decades, many of the Scottish people wished to be their own country, separated from England and the Queen. But becoming an independent country is no easy task; there are many details that must be considered in order for independence to be a wise choice. Although Scotland already has their own educational system, health care, and police force run independently of England, questions such as the economy and currency, energy, oil and gas, pensions and welfare, citizenship and immigration, military, and the possibility of obtaining EU membership, must be considered.

Scotts desire to have more control in what takes place within their own government. Currently, with the UK’s system of government and parliament there is devolution (the delegation of power to a lower level) this gives Scotland a certain amount of control within their country. Many Scots are currently arguing that they do not have enough power and that the only way to truly make the best decisions for Scotland they need to have their own government system in place. Others argue, that a No vote for the referendum is better, for with it, they are not giving up the possibility of gaining more control, but rather, from a no vote a greater devolution would take place. 

As of this point, the current polls are:

No - 47%

Yes - 46%

Don’t Know- 7%

                

There is much or the UK’s system of government that I still yet to fully understand, there are so many different approaches that countries can set in place to be run successfully. Although I may not understand all of what is taking place, it has been fascinating keeping up with this news through the use of The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Wall Street Journal that are both located within the library, along with the BBC’s website. Having both of these newspapers and many more at the library are a wonderful resource to expand out of the “bubble” of college and keep connected with all that is taking place in the world.

November is here! All of the debates and political conversations will finally begin to come together and it will be time to decide who you think would be more fitting to lead this country.  With all of the different aspects to contemplate it can be overwhelming. Who is the lesser of two evils? Who will be able to handle this great responsibility? Where should I place my trust? What will really happen if you are put into office/stay in office?

The Agora Conference this past weekend was centered on Politics and how as Christians we should function within this. During the sessions that I attended a broad framework was provided in how we as Christians should look at different events that take place within our government. It is important to remember that no matter who is in office, it is an accurate reflection of the United States of America as a whole; whether we agree or disagree with the President's actions, it is the people who gave him this position. We must pray for the individuals in our government and trust in God's ability to use them in whatever way He pleases. 

No matter if you did or did not attend the Agora Conference, there are many issues that we should be praying about and trying to gain a further understanding of within our government. Every vote does count and so not only should we take advantage of the right that we have a citizens but we should also be informed in our decision making. Besides watching the debates on television, reading articles online, and discussing political issues amongst friends books can be a great resource to help challenge your thinking and give you a better understanding of the information you already have.  Unfortunately, the books I am about to suggest I have not yet had the chance to read myself, but as I look into the issues further I felt as though these books could be helpful  - and the best part is we have them here within our own library! (:

Christianity and Politics by William Wilberforce

                BR 115 .P7 W474 2004

Voting as a Christian: The Economic and Foreign Policy Issues by Wayne Grudem

                BS 680 .P45 G782 2012

Voting as a Christian: The Social Issues by Wayne Grudem

                BS 680 .P45 G783 2012

The Bible in Politics: How to Read the Bible Politically by Richard Bauckham

                BS 680 .P45 B38 2011