Christians, Politics, and Voting

[Vine Abider]

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 that he didn't "judge those outside the church" and we should be more focused on what is internal to the church.  Why?  Because the world is the kingdom of darkness and those in it behave accordingly, so it should be no surprise.  And things from that tree (knowledge of good & evil) will just manifest more and more.

But that doesn't mean we shouldn't vote our conscience as children of the light. (I like the thought of voting for what will make things better for our grandchildren!)  However, I know for me there is a point where the Anointing tells me, "Back off being so focused on these things and turn to Me, the One who is your life-giver." 

Historically, we can learn from the religious right Moral Majority movement of the 1980s.  In their most insightful book on that subject, "Blinded by Might," Cal Thomas and Ed Dobson highlight the pitfalls of going overboard and getting fully into bed with politicians and political causes. And they also convey that believers should never think that putting outward laws and restrictions in place will save anyone - only the good news of Christ can do that!  They conclude that with the Moral Majority the church got all caught up in politics and lost focus of the real mission on earth - the testimony of Jesus.

[unworthyservant]

On 4/26/2025 at 2:35 PM, Orion said:

Considering the awful nature of modern politics, and the continual evil of men and women from the left and the right that are in politics, should God loving God fearing Christians be involved and thus be complicit in the evil that continually grows out of modern politics?

I do not believe that a Christian should espouse controversial political views on either side unless it's to bring to light some actual sinful behavior and one should call that what it is regardless of party affiliation. If one takes a hard far left stand they risk damaging their Christian testimony with those on the right and vice versa. Christ didn't get involved in political opinions aside from the famous "Render unto Caesar" quote and that was only to remind everyone that he wasn't here to get involved in political matters such as tribute as either way He answered it would alienate someone. So he added "Render unto God that which is God's". The two were separate. "Render unto Caesar was telling us to go ahead and obey the civil authorities and "render unto God" was reminding us that His message was about more important things, those things which are God's and we should not forget them. 

[farouk]

32 minutes ago, Vine Abider said:

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 that he didn't "judge those outside the church" and we should be more focused on what is internal to the church.  Why?  Because the world is the kingdom of darkness and those in it behave accordingly, so it should be no surprise.  And things from that tree (knowledge of good & evil) will just manifest more and more.

But that doesn't mean we shouldn't vote our conscience as children of the light. (I like the thought of voting for what will make things better for our grandchildren!)  However, I know for me there is a point where the Anointing tells me, "Back off being so focused on these things and turn to Me, the One who is your life-giver." 

Historically, we can learn from the religious right Moral Majority movement of the 1980s.  In their most insightful book on that subject, "Blinded by Might," Cal Thomas and Ed Dobson highlight the pitfalls of going overboard and getting fully into bed with politicians and political causes. And they also convey that believers should never think that putting outward laws and restrictions in place will save anyone - only the good news of Christ can do that!  They conclude that with the Moral Majority the church got all caught up in politics and lost focus of the real mission on earth - the testimony of Jesus.

Interesting thesis there. I am reminded of the pilgrim remnant there in Malachi 3.16.

[AnOrangeCat]

5 hours ago, Vine Abider said:

But that doesn't mean we shouldn't vote our conscience as children of the light. (I like the thought of voting for what will make things better for our grandchildren!)  However, I know for me there is a point where the Anointing tells me, "Back off being so focused on these things and turn to Me, the One who is your life-giver." 

Historically, we can learn from the religious right Moral Majority movement of the 1980s.  In their most insightful book on that subject, "Blinded by Might," Cal Thomas and Ed Dobson highlight the pitfalls of going overboard and getting fully into bed with politicians and political causes. And they also convey that believers should never think that putting outward laws and restrictions in place will save anyone - only the good news of Christ can do that!  They conclude that with the Moral Majority the church got all caught up in politics and lost focus of the real mission on earth - the testimony of Jesus.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way. I've had a similar sense of the church becoming somewhat entangled with certain political causes and losing focus. Less and less it seems the politicians care to even do convincing lip service, yet the entanglement and lose of focus remain.

I do think voting is generally a good idea, mind. It's a tool we can use to try to sway things in a more Christlike direction sometimes. But we do need to take care to avoid the entanglement and giving politicians/political parties our blind faith and support. 

A side effect of the entanglement that I think most don't even stop to consider is that the world tends to closely scrutinize people who profess Christianity and wait for them to make a mistake so it can be pounced on. It's bad enough that some of the more outstanding examples of politicians who profess Christianity but blatantly disregard it exist. But when large portions of the church endorse them unquestioningly despite that I think it reflects poorly on the church.

I suspect that Paul was aware of this in a general sense not tied to politics specifically, and that's part of why we're to maintain certain standards and judge within the church. We have to maintain distance from those who profess Christianity yet blatantly disregard its tenets and don't repent. Otherwise it sends the wrong message to the world and to newer believers who lack spiritual roots and a deep knowledge of scripture.

[BibleStudent100]

On 4/26/2025 at 11:35 AM, Orion said:

The Bible doesn't say anything about whether Christians' should be involved in politics, i.e., voting, or running to hold political offices, or campaigning for others' who aspire political office, or campaigning for particular politically driven issues, etc. 

Jesus did not get involved in the politics of his day, nor did any servants of God mentioned in the NT; it seems reasonable to follow that same pattern today...

[Dennis1209]

Proverbs 29:2 (KJV) When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (KJV) I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

God established human government after the flood as recorded in Genesis 9:6, giving authority to judge criminal matters and punish offenders[1][2]. This institution of government is considered one of three established by God, alongside the home and the church[2]. The articles suggest that any form of government is preferable to anarchy, and that God has appointed all existing authorities, even if He doesn't approve of all their actions[1]. The mandate for human government includes the authority for capital punishment, which is seen as a means to ensure justice and recognize the sacredness of human life[3]. While government has limitations, it is presented as necessary due to the evil in human hearts, serving to restrain potential lawbreakers through the fear of punishment[4]. The articles emphasize that Christians are obligated to be subject to human government, as explained in Romans 13, regardless of the specific form of government[1][2][4].

[1] MacDonald, William. 1995. Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. Edited by Arthur Farstad. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
[2] Wiersbe, Warren W. 1996. The Bible Exposition Commentary. Vol. 1. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[3] Morris, Henry M. 1976. The Genesis Record: A Scientific and Devotional Commentary on the Book of Beginnings. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.
[4] Wiersbe, Warren W. 1998. Be Basic. “Be” Commentary Series. Colorado Springs, CO: Chariot Victor Pub.

To be brief, there is a government, a structure, and a divine council with participants in heaven. In the millennial reign of Christ, there will be a perfect government. Jesus is the head, and King David also has a throne and rule. Based on how well we manage the resources God gave us for kingdom use, we, too, may be given cities or areas of responsibility to govern.

2 Thessalonians 2:6-8 (KJV) And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

The Holy Spirit indwells each believer, collectively called the ekklēsia. Acts 11:26 (KJV) And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. We can say the church is God's representative government here on earth, to influence (participation) our leaders. No matter what form of government.

[BibleStudent100]

On 4/27/2025 at 7:30 AM, AnOrangeCat said:

As I see it when any given arena is abandoned by Christians or largely left to the world it largely becomes a cesspool.

True enough Cat:  we see corruption in the public sector and in corporate America, with its focus on profits over the benefit of the earth and people.  Hollywood also generates a lot of garbage (I am now hard pressed to find a decent movie to watch on Netflix).  

[Orion]

1 hour ago, BibleStudent100 said:

Jesus did not get involved in the politics of his day, nor did any servants of God mentioned in the NT; it seems reasonable to follow that same pattern today...

I tend to agree with your position. There are local elections currently where I live, and I am predisposed to refrain from participating, while still praying for our office holders to do what is right and just in the eyes of God. 

[Alive]

I wonder if Christians not voting results in the bad guys being voted in.

[Orion]

54 minutes ago, Alive said:

I wonder if Christians not voting results in the bad guys being voted in.

Are all men liars?  Are all born-again men able to lie, cheat, deceive, defraud, etc?

There is none good but One, that is, God. (Mark 10:18).