marvin olasky
Marvin Olasky is editor in chief of WORLD, provost of The King's College-New York City, and a professor of journalism at the University of Texas at Austin. He is the author of 20 books including Compassionate Conservatism and The American Leadership Tradition.
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Minding our P's and C's

Now is the time for neither political correctness nor conservative pessimism | by Marvin Olasky

Let's react to the election of Barack Obama with three P's: prayer on our lips, peace in our hearts, and perseverance in the face of the challenges he is likely to offer.

First, prayer. We should pray for Barack Obama because the Bible declares that all authority comes from God. The early Christians were supposed to respect even homicidal Roman emperors like Nero: How much more should we respect presidents we have elected? If you're tempted to curse at Obama, read chapter 13 of Romans.

Second, peace. I've noted before how Horatio Spafford lost his four daughters to death by shipwreck in 1873 and then wrote a hymn that still resonates: "When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul." Since God comforted Spafford after his terrible loss, He can certainly comfort those who politically despair. If you're sad or mad, read Psalm 131 and ask God to quiet your soul.

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