The following is a statement that I had to write for an internship that I am applying for. The requirement is to summarize my choice of ideology in 150-250 words. This is the hardest writing I have ever done in my entire life. To explain something so broad in 250 words felt at times to be impossible. It has gone through three drafts each progressively better. I am indebted to a professor of mine who helped me bring clarity to my thoughts as they were put to paper. The following is exactly 250 words…
The cornerstone of my ideological view of the world is my faith in Jesus Christ and my faith informs my view of everything else. History, politics, and economics take on new meanings when viewed through this perspective.
History becomes a story of how God has moved to draw people to Himself instead of just about the actions of men and women. The Bible reveals the evil that resides in men’s hearts but it also reveals the amazing grace God shows us.
Politics becomes more than just the struggle for power and instead about service, justice, and mercy. Christ laid out the perfect example about how to be a servant leader.
Economics, my chosen field of study, gives me the tools to understand the world. It helps me to understand markets, how prices signal information, and how the macroeconomy works.
My passion for public policy allows these three threads of thought to come together into one coherent ideology. Together they allow me to make normative judgements about policy, about how things should be done.
The key normative statement that I live by and argue for is to live life with freedom and responsibility. Jesus Christ set me free from sin not so I can continue on my way but so that I can freely pursue my Creator in a loving relationship. In terms of policy this means advocating for freedom of thought and economic freedom so in turn we may treat each other with dignity given to us by our Creator.
