#BTColumn – Voting as Christians

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by this author are their own and do not represent the official position of the Barbados Today.

by Flloyd N Hall

The question of Christians voting and taking part in the democratic process of elective politics has always been vigorously debated. Most Christians are of the opinion that they should vote as citizens of the country. While others question the rightness of taking part and supporting a worldly system that is at variance with the kingdom of God!

There are basically two kinds of Christians who vote, and this would seem to be the case worldwide.

There are those who vote because it is the thing to do. They have been doing it all their lives and do not consider whether it is wrong or right for them to vote. They vote in good conscience. For them, it is a family tradition to vote for and support a particular candidate or party. Just like other citizens of the country, these Christians see it as a privilege and right – where none previously existed for their fore parents –to cast their vote.

Now, for other Christians, there is a more mental and psychological involvement.  They have decided that they must vote for and support a particular candidate or party whose policies are closer to the ideals of Christ. Of course, they are aware that no one party will ever measure up to these ideals completely. But in all conscience, they could not cast their vote for a candidate or party that is vehemently opposed to the Judeo-Christian faith! So these Christians take their voting very seriously as an exercise promoting the kingdom of God.

But what about Christians who do not vote at all – Christians who believe to do so is giving validation to a secular anti-Christian system of government? They believe that they can participate in society and bring about changes without voting for a particular political candidate that purports to do these things. These Christians are of the opinion that they “work for change by speaking up about their convictions around biblical and moral issues but won’t do so within… political parties,” (article by Megan Fowler, Christianity Today October 28, 2020, www.christianitytoday.com).

Also they feel that they can participate in the “political” process by serving faithfully in social and civic groups which advocate for change and improvement in the community. They claim that their non-voting stance increases their credibility among the people in the community. Being involved there is not seen as a plug for any one party.

However, whether Christians vote for one party or another, or they do not vote at all, one thing is certain – they are all cared for by a loving, heavenly Father and they themselves love Him in return. So, they ought to love each other and be careful not to let partisan politics divide them!

Addressing the issue recently in a sermon series entitled Kingdom Voting, Dr Tony Evans, pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas said, “When your political vote causes you to reject, demean, ridicule, curse, cuss others who differ from you but are not abandoning Scripture to do so, they just have a different set of priorities…” (article by Anugrah Kumar, Christian Post November 2, 2020 www.christianpost.com).

He emphasized that Christians should not let politics “get in the way of your fellowship in the program of God.” This is really a good admonition for Christians worldwide, especially during the season of political election.

We, as Christians, should adhere to the passage in Romans 15:7, and referred to by Dr Evans in his sermon: “Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us, for the glory of God.” (NASV).