The United States constitution provides for the protection of religion. This guarantees the individual expression of faith. Christians are called to participate in public discourse and decisions as part of Christ's command to love our neighbor. The Apostle Paul encouraged good citizenship for the wellbeing and witness to our community.
"Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities. They should be obedient and ready to do every good thing. They shouldn’t speak disrespectfully about anyone, but they should be peaceful, kind, and show complete courtesy toward everyone." (Titus 3:1-2)
In a democracy, voting is a privilege for participation in determining leaders and policies that affect ourselves and others. A Christian should take their faith into consideration for both everyday personal actions but also how voting impacts what we believe for our community and the world we live in.
No one ever has the whole truth. There are Christians on either side of many issues, from the death penalty to welfare to the environment, from immigration to zoning laws, from taxation to school curriculum. None of these things are simple and there's more than one solution. Compromises are often a necessity.
People of faith should search prayerfully for God's guidance, in the Bible, based on Christ's teaching and example, and looking at past and present discernments of the universal church. Openness to new insights and respect for each other helps avoid conflict and outcomes based on personal opinion.
Most citizens choose one party over another based on some person, issue or slogan. How many of us really examine specific policies or the underlying values? What a politician passes off as Christian patriotism may contradict Christ's spiritual kingship. And the common good may not always be good for everyone.
The way I see it, no organization, politician or law is perfect. Faithful Christians should therefore participate in public matters with humbleness, question motives, and hold their government accountable based on God's basic tenets like mercy, respect, or sacrifice. Unfortunately, sensational soundbites get more attention than sensible solutions.
I am glad that I have a right to vote in a democratic country. I therefore take my responsibility as a faithful citizen very seriously. As a Christian I follow the values of my faith in local, national, and global decisions by seeking to adhere to God's divine will for justice, peace, and unity for all.
 |
| My first time voting after becoming a US citizen was a proud exercise of my civic right and faithful discipleship. |
As your fellow citizen and as a Christian, I invite you to trust in God and each other. If you are a believer, trust and represent the good news of Christ who suffered and died to give freedom and life to all. Pray about issues before us all and how we might respond together faithfully. And then vote as an act of faith.
