When casting their votes, American voters, particularly those of Christian faith, may find it valuable to consider candidates whose policies reflect biblical principles. By choosing leaders who advocate for these values, voters can support policies that promote a just and righteous society, benefiting both the nation and honoring God.
The Biblical context:
The pervasive influence of sin in our world is undeniable, manifesting in various forms of suffering, often exacerbated by leadership devoid of divine guidance. As Proverbs 28:12 notes, “When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves,” illustrating how ungodly governance can lead to societal turmoil.
Scripture provides clear directives for Christians regarding their relationship with authority. While there’s an expectation to honor and obey those in power, this obedience is not absolute. For instance, Acts 5:27-29 recounts the apostles’ stance when faced with authorities who commanded them to stop teaching in Jesus’ name. Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29), highlighting that divine allegiance supersedes human authority when they conflict.
Similarly, Romans 13:1-7 encourages submission to governing authorities, as they are instituted by God. “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Romans 13:1). However, this passage also implies that the authority’s legitimacy is contingent on its alignment with God’s moral order, suggesting a nuanced obedience where loyalty to God’s commands takes precedence over human decrees when they oppose each other.
“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and praise those who do good” (1 Peter 2:13–14).
Christians are called to be “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9), which implies a responsibility to reflect God’s light in all areas of life, including political engagement. It’s about using the democratic process as a tool for blessing communities, promoting righteousness, and ensuring that Christian influence is one of constructive engagement rather than isolation or negative impact. This approach sees voting not just as a civic duty but as a spiritual act of worship, aligning earthly decisions with heavenly values.
1 Peter 2:12 emphasizes living in such a way that, through good deeds, those around us might glorify God: “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.”
Engaging in the electoral process represents an act of benevolence. By casting votes for candidates who demonstrate merit, capability, and wisdom, the aim is to advance the welfare of the broader community.
Christians should consider this Biblical perspective when approaching the act of voting, particularly those who prioritize integrating their faith into all aspects of life, including civic duty. Here’s an analysis based on various Christian viewpoints and teachings:
Biblical Values in Politics: For Christians, voting for candidates who align with biblical values is often seen as an extension of their faith in the public sphere. This approach is rooted in the belief that policies reflecting biblical principles—such as justice, compassion, the sanctity of life, marriage, and family—can lead to societal righteousness and honor God. This perspective is not just about personal morality but about influencing the moral fabric of society.
Supporting candidates or policies that contravene biblical directives concerning life, family, marriage, or faith is fundamentally at odds with the principles laid out in Scripture. Proverbs 14:34 states, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” This verse underscores the idea that a nation’s moral standing is elevated by adherence to righteousness, while deviation into sin brings disgrace.
When considering political support, this scripture implies that endorsing candidates or initiatives that undermine biblical values—such as the sanctity of life, the institution of marriage, or the freedom to practice one’s faith—potentially leads a nation towards moral decay rather than exaltation. Such actions not only reflect poorly on the collective character of its people but also invite the consequences of sin as described throughout the Bible, where righteousness is consistently upheld as the path to national and personal blessing.
Practical Application: However, applying this principle in practice can be complex. Christians might find themselves in situations where no candidate fully represents all biblical values. Here, various strategies emerge:
Voting for the “Lesser Evil”: Some argue for voting for candidates who, while not perfect, are less likely to enact policies contrary to biblical values. This approach acknowledges the imperfection of human governance but seeks to minimize harm.
Voting Based on Key Issues: Christians might prioritize certain issues (like abortion, religious freedom, or justice for the poor) over others, voting based on where candidates stand on these key biblical mandates.
Engagement Over Abstention: There’s a strong argument against abstaining from voting due to dissatisfaction with available options. Engaging, even critically, is seen as part of being a light in the world, influencing where possible. Christians must participate in voting to safeguard the liberties that God has bestowed upon the nation, ensuring these freedoms are not forfeited. Should a significant number of Christians choose abstention, there’s a risk that malevolence could fill this void, potentially leading to the erosion of these sacred rights.
Theological Considerations:
The Kingdom of God vs. Earthly Kingdoms: Some Christian teachings caution against equating any political system or candidate with the Kingdom of God, emphasizing that while Christians should engage, they must not idolize political solutions over spiritual ones.
Prayer and Discernment: Many advocate for prayer as a critical component of the voting process, seeking wisdom from God on how to vote in a way that honors Him, even in a flawed system.
Public Sentiment and Discussion: From discussions on platforms like X, there’s a mix of frustration with current political landscapes and a resolve to vote in alignment with faith. This includes calls for accountability from politicians claiming Christian values and discussions on how to vote when faced with candidates who might only partially align with biblical standards.
Critique and Balance: Critics might argue that focusing too heavily on aligning with biblical values in voting could lead to a form of Christian nationalism or the politicization of faith, which some Christian leaders, like John MacArthur, have warned against. However, the counter-argument often revolves around the duty to influence society towards righteousness without conflating political victories with spiritual ones.
The issue of Religion and the 1st Amendment:
The First Amendment’s primary aim concerning religious liberty, often encapsulated in discussions around the separation of church and state, is fundamentally about preventing government intrusion into religious affairs. This principle, rooted in the Establishment Clause, was designed to ensure that the government does not establish, favor, or interfere with the practices of any religion, thereby safeguarding the autonomy of religious institutions. The intent, as reflected in historical context and legal interpretations, was to protect churches from government overreach, ensuring that religious freedom remains unencumbered by state influence or control.
However, this does not imply that religious entities or individuals should be excluded from participating in governmental or public life. The Free Exercise Clause complements this by allowing individuals to express their faith in the public sphere, including engaging in political discourse or holding public office. The notion that the church should be kept out of government business misinterprets the amendment’s spirit, which instead seeks to prevent the establishment of a state religion or the coercion of religious practices, while still permitting religious voices to contribute to the democratic process. This balance underscores a system where government remains secular, yet open to the influence of its citizens, religious or otherwise, in shaping policy and governance.
The Christian’s influence on society:
Demonstrating exemplary citizenship can leave a lasting legacy for future generations. By integrating divine teachings into governance, individuals set the stage for enduring benefits. John Witherspoon was a Scottish-American Presbyterian minister and president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University). Initially, John Witherspoon maintained a private stance on politics while leading the university, yet his background in the Scottish Enlightenment eventually aligned him with the revolutionary sentiments of the era. He emerged as a proponent of American independence, serving in the Continental Congress in 1776 and again in 1780. Notably, he was the sole clergyman to affix his signature to the Declaration of Independence. During his college presidency, he instilled biblical governance principles into his students.
Author John Eidsmoe notes that from the 478 graduates under Witherspoon’s guidance:
• 114 entered the ministry;
• 13 became state governors;
• 3 served on the U.S. Supreme Court;
• 20 were elected to the U.S. Senate;
• 33 joined the U.S. House of Representatives;
• Aaron Burr, Jr., ascended to the Vice Presidency;
• James Madison was elected President.
Witherspoon’s Christian influence significantly shaped American political leadership.
While we might not possess Witherspoon’s talents, each of us has the potential to make a significant impact by applying our faith in civic life.
Concluding thoughts:
It’s crucial to understand that salvation and societal transformation are divine works, not governmental ones. Neither Jesus nor the apostles in the New Testament are depicted as focusing their efforts on governmental reform to address the idolatry, immorality, or corruption of their time. For instance, in Acts 5:27-29 (ESV), when confronted by authorities, Peter and the apostles declare, “We must obey God rather than men,” prioritizing divine obedience over civil compliance when they conflict.
Rather than advocating for civil disobedience against the Roman Empire’s injustices, the New Testament emphasizes the proclamation of the gospel and living in a manner that reflects its transformative power. This approach is seen in passages like 1 Peter 2:13-15, where believers are instructed, “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution… For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.” Here, the focus is on demonstrating the gospel’s impact through righteous living, not through political activism.
Regarding our civic duties, Romans 13:1-2 clearly states, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” This passage underscores the importance of obedience to lawful authority, which is established by God for our benefit, to promote peace and justice.
However, where we have the privilege of democratic participation, as Paul might imply in his broader teachings on living wisely in the world, we should engage in the electoral process. This engagement should be guided by Christian principles, aiming to support leaders who reflect these values, as hinted at in Romans 13:1-8 where Paul discusses the government’s role in upholding justice and peace, implicitly suggesting that believers should influence this process towards righteousness.
True and enduring transformation in America hinges on a revival of the spirit. The destiny of our nation won’t be determined solely by elections, but rather through fervent prayer.
Therefore, we must commit to both heartfelt prayer and voting in alignment with biblical principles.
And one more thing…
