In a recent article, published in Salt Shakers, Jenny Stokes penned a critique of Kevin Rudd, as he entered into the debate of faith and politics, to try to encourage Christians to vote for the Federal Labor party, recognizing the significance of their vote.
While agreeing that no major political parties of any affiliations have a monopoly on 'Christians Values,' Jenny Stokes highlighted that although Rudd was keen to emphasis the 'social gospel,' of taking care of the vulnerable and the oppressed, he was relatively silent of key moral issues.
In relation to these issues, he stated it was a matter of 'individual conscience.' Stokes in response, wrote: "This would appear to say he is suggesting that there is no firm moral teaching in Scripture and that we are free to make up our own moral laws."
The topic issue facing Churches in Australia was the issue of sexuality morality, especially in relation to homosexuality. On that issue, Rudd wrote in the Monthly publication, "I see very little evidence that this pre-occupation with sexual morality is consistent with the spirit and content of the Gospels."
Stokes claimed this was a 'very shallow understanding of Christ's many statements against sexuality immorality.'
In conclusion she wrote that Christians must be weary in trusting any political parties that claim to be 'Christians.' She further added that it was imperative, to 'analyze all the policies and general direction of each party and its leader, as well as assessing individual candidates, as we approach the election.'