I grew up in a very religious family. I was taught from an early age the values of Christianity. My family is very Republican. A few months ago we went out to dinner, and the conversation turned to politics. After I voiced my view, I was asked how I could be a Christian and support Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.

Why do many Republicans think God belongs exclusively to their party? I vote mostly for Democrats because I am a Christian and support the values that the church and Christ preached.

Christ preached a message of peace and love. According to the Bible, the apostle Peter pulled out his sword and cut off the ear of one of the mob. Jesus healed the ear and told Peter to put away the sword. He said that if you live by the sword, you would also die by the sword. Christ, even in His defense, did not want to use warlike behavior.

That is why it was wrong to support the invasion of Iraq. The Democrats know we will be perceived as a warlike country in the international community. That will be our undoing.

Christ also preached of what is called in the King James Bible “charity.” Charity is the main focus of the Democratic Party. I can think of no larger demonstration of Christ-like love than to make sure that all people, regardless of social status, have access to good healthcare. A Christian should have no problem paying a little more in taxes to make sure that all have access to healthcare. That is the self-sacrificing part.

Christ is also pro-choice. One of the biggest gifts God gave us was the ability and right to make our own choices. One of the ways that we prove to Him that we love and follow Him is to make the “right” choices. If you do not think abortion is right, then that is fine; don’t get one. But you still have the right to choose.

Republicans need to stop thinking that God is their exclusive property. They make that claim when their policy, at times, goes against everything that Christ taught. It is as if they claim God as a political move to get votes. Democrats do not flaunt their Christianity. They let their actions speak. I am a Democrat because I am a Christian.

— Jeremy Riggs is a senior from Lawrence.