SHOULD CHRISTIANS VOTE?
ELECTIONS, STEWARSHIP, AND THE DUTY TO LOVE OUR NEIGHBOR
Key Facts
During the Obama-Romney contest in 2012, 59 percent of evangelicals turned out to vote.[1]
The 2016 National Election Pool Exit Survey had Donald Trump leading Hillary Clinton among white evangelicals by a staggering 79% to 16%. In that exit survey, white evangelicals composed 46% of Trump’s coalition compared to 9% of Clinton’s coalition.[2]
Evangelical protestants tend to vote republican 56% compared to 28% leaning democratic.[3]
Key Facts
Romans 13:6-7 –“For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”
Mark 12:31 “The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
Matthew 5:14-16 –"‘You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.’”
Mark 12:17 “Jesus said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they marveled at him.”
1 Timothy 2:1-2 “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
Other relevant verses include: Galatians 5:13-14 and 1 Peter 2:13-17
Analysis
The Bible was written in a political context very different from that of modern America. The Old Testament deals mainly with Israel, which was a theocracy in covenant relationship with God. The New Testament was addressed to Jews and Gentiles living under Roman rule. This is different from the United States, where we have a constitutional republic. However, there are some guiding principles that the Bible teaches that can be applied today.
Stewardship
The Bible does speak of political involvement to the effect of paying taxes and being upstanding citizens, but it also shows Christians using their political opportunities to share the gospel and advocate for Christian principles. While obedience to governing authorities can be a good display of Christian principles, Christians can go beyond mere obedience in modern America. Each citizen in America has a voice and a platform. Christians can steward their voice and platform to advance the gospel and love their neighbor.
Stewardship is deeply rooted in Christianity, and we have been called to be good stewards of the things that God has created from the beginning (Genesis 1:26-30). This stewardship carries on today with how we take care of our families, our land, and our country. One way that Christians can help to be good stewards is by voting for politicians who enact policies in line with Christian teachings.
One example from Scripture is when Paul uses his political power to advance the kingdom in Acts 22:22-29. Paul employs his Roman citizenship in an attempt to keep from being flogged for sharing the gospel. In doing so, Paul was able to have the message of the gospel heard by even more people. It is clear to see that Paul used the blessings afforded to him (citizenship and familial ties) to be more effective in sharing the gospel and the truth of Jesus’s teachings. This should be an example to Christians today as we share a common goal with Paul in advancing the gospel. We should use all our God-given opportunities for the furtherance of the kingdom of God. Voting is one such way.
It is crucial one recognizes the question of voter responsibility does not apply to every Christian living in every nation on earth in the same way. If you live in a democratic nation, then God has given you specific roles and opportunities in that nation. For those who do not have voting, their advancement of the kingdom may look different. But in America and other democratic nations, Christians have a unique platform and opportunity. It is one more gift that God has given to us that we may use for the Kingdom. In order to be good stewards of the nation that God has given, “Christians have at least an obligation to be well-informed and vote intelligently.”
Loving Our Neighbors
Loving those around us is not always accomplished simply through speaking kind words and directly supplying needs. In the political system, Christians have an opportunity to love their neighbors through the elected representatives and policies that they vote for. For example, Christians are called to care for orphans (James 1:27). By voting for individuals who advocate for foster care reform, Christians can help to advance the well-being of such individuals. This positive influence upholds the human dignity of orphans and children in need.
Of course, voting is not a holistic fulfillment of the biblical commands regarding love. Simply voting a certain way during elections is not a complete picture of what Christian love should look like. But just as any other single activity, it is just one way to express Christian love. Concerning the example of caring for orphans---this command is not fulfilled just by voting for a politician who advocates for foster care reform. It is important that Christians do not look to voting as a replacement for the actions of love we are called to implement everyday.
Voting, however, can be one way in which Christians help to legally protect and shelter those in need. Voting in elections is a great opportunity to show care and concern for the wellbeing of all people as well as advocate their protection under the law. Politics and democracy are an integral part of our society and determine matters of safety, financial freedom, and religious liberty. While these issues can be difficult to navigate, it is reflective of Christian love to be diligent and work through political matters to help create a legal system in line with biblical values.
Conclusion
While Christians should recognize that we cannot bring utopia through politics, it is greatly beneficial for Christians to advocate for justice and mercy through the political systems that we have been gifted with. The opportunity to advocate for Christian principles in government is not afforded to every Christian. Those that have been provided with such an opportunity have a responsibility to use it to the glory of God. Christians can be good stewards and love our neighbors through voting for politicians and policies that reflect biblical care.
Being active participants in government and justice displays Christian values to the world. Many of the values that Christians are known for (advocating for babies in the womb, supporting families staying together, etc.) are made known through Christian political involvement. While this results in Christians receiving a lot of pushback from mainstream media, it reveals that the biblical principles are being communicated to the public through politics. Christians are called to be the ‘light of the world’ (Matthew 5:14-16) and what is Christian involvement in politics if not just that---being a light in a dark world.