Throughout the centuries, Baptist have held to the belief that the Bible is the sole authority for our faith and practice.  In many circles this is considered the first "Baptist Distinctive."  It is the first in a series of doctrine that identifies someone as uniquely Baptist.  Historically, Baptists have been forced to stand alone on this issue in spite of the fact that at times it has brought on intense persecution and cruelty. At times they have resisted popes, kings, teachers, pastors, and bishops who have tried to teach otherwise.

Baptist statements of faith down through the centuries have included Bible references for each tenant of their beliefs.  Because of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, Baptists believe that people should be free to own, read, and study their own Scriptures for themselves.  Spiritual interpretations should not be forced on anyone nor should people be coerced into believing certain way by a church, pastor, or hierarchy.

Just a few short months ago, John McCain's presidential campaign was sidelined in the news media by the more prominently displayed political battle taking place between Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Hilary Clinton.  Each day found these two political pundits trashing each other and boasting of their own goodness or what little goodness they have.  And then the day arrived that Sen. Clinton threw in the towel and handed the presumptive Democratic nomination over to her extreme liberal competitor.  The news media went wild.  In their eyes, Barack Hussein Obama had already stepped into the presidency.

As I stand by the sideline and watch the political zoo that is our 2008 election, I stand in awe at the stark contrast between the principles in the Word of God and the positions of our extremely liberal presidential candidate, Barack Obama.