The consensus evangelical document (For the Health of the Nation: AnEvangelical Call to Civic Responsibility) says that “faithful evangelical civic engagement must champion a biblically balanced agenda.” And it then deals with seven areas: religious freedom, family, sanctity of human life, justice for the poor, human rights, peace and creation care. This document refuses to lift out one area to “value most.” It says they all are on God’s heart and therefore central to faithful evangelical civic engagement.

Ron Sider is president of Evangelicals for Social Action.