One of the things that I admire about General Conference President Jan Paulsen is the fact that he is willing to engage young adults in conversations (Q&A format) with forums known as "Let Talk". Here is a question that was apparently asked in Jamaica on October 27, 2007.Should Adventists be involved in politics? Do Adventists have anything to contribute to public life?
In many parts of the world Adventists are very much involved in politics. In Papua New Guinea, for instance, a number of politicians are Adventists including one who has served as acting Prime Minister. Another was Governor General for the five-year term ending in 2003. Throughout the world there are Adventists who are judges, ambassadors, and parliamentarians. They follow in the footsteps of the prophet Daniel who held high office in the government of Babylon and yet also remained true to God.
If it is possible without compromising their beliefs, Adventists should be involved in public life at a variety of levels. Someone who has an understanding of the great conflict between God and Satan; who supports religious liberty; who knows that people are more important than things; who has a deep respect for God's creation; who practices wholistic living; and who places God first in their lives definitely has something to contribute to public life! And this is a description of most Adventists. Of course, there may be times of tension between their life of faith and their public office, but these happen in many other work places as well.
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