Voting–Should Christians Vote?

Voting–Should Christians Vote?

By Dianne D. McDonnell

Many thousands of Christians believe that voting in a national election would violate their standing as members of God’s Kingdom.[1] They have been taught that they are like representatives of a foreign country—God’s own Kingdom—and like diplomats, they should have no part in the voting or politics of the country where they live. [2]But is this teaching backed by the Bible and the teachings of Jesus and the example of the early leaders of the church? Or is it just faulty reasoning based on misapplied scriptures?

A doctrine must agree with the entire Bible or it is simply the opinion of men. Must we forgo our national rights when we become a part of God’s Kingdom? What biblical examples apply? This article will reveal the truth from biblical examples of how the New Testament Christians viewed their own citizenship and their rights as citizens in their era.

Christians still Retain their Nationalities

When the apostle Paul wrote about newly converted Christians, he often mentionedtheir nationalities. Christians retained their national identities even after they became members of God’s Kingdom.

Acts 17:12 Many of the Jews believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.

They were still “Jews” as a nationality or “prominent Greek women” and “Greek men”. Obviously, each person DID NOT have to give up their nationality or the rights that went with his/her nationality!

Christians Keep their City Citizenship

In this verse we find that Paul still considered himself a citizen of Tarsus and even boasts about his city!

Acts 21:39 Paul answered, "I am a Jew, from Tarsusin Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city….."

We see positive proof that Christians still retain the citizenship connected with their city.

Jesus Identifies Himself by an Earthly City

When the resurrected Jesus spoke to Saul in a vision, he identified himself by the city where he lived before starting his ministry.

Acts 22:8

"'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied.”

It is not wrong to be identified with an earthly city or nation!

Paul Demands his Rights!

Paul had rights because he was a citizen of the Roman Empire. When those rights were violated, Paul protested loudly!

Acts 16:37-39

37 But Paul said to the officers: "They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out."

38 The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed.

39 They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city.

Citizenship in Heaven

Paul wrote to the Philippians that Christians have citizenship kept for them in heaven:

Philippians 3:20For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Yet having citizenship recorded in heaven did not stop Paul from using all his rights of citizenship in this present world!

We don’t Give Up one Citizenship for the other!

In still another city we find Paul again in trouble and about to be beaten with a whip. He AGAIN demands his rights, and he is protected because he is a Roman citizen!

Acts 22:23-28

As they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, the commander ordered Paul to be taken into the barracks. He directed that he be flogged and questioned in order to find out why the people were shouting at him like this. As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, "Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn't even been found guilty?" When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it.

"What are you going to do?" he asked. "This man is a Roman citizen." The commander went to Paul and asked, "Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?" "Yes, I am," he answered. Then the commander said, "I had to pay a big price for my citizenship."

"But I was born a citizen," Paul replied.

Dual Citizenship Rights

Paul knew that his citizenship in God’s Kingdom did not stop him from exercising his rights as a citizen of Rome! He had dual citizenship, and he had certain rights in both the present physical kingdom of the Roman Empire, and the future, far superior Kingdom of God! He represented God’s coming Kingdom, much as an ambassador does, yet he did not have to give up his Roman citizenship or any of his rights as a citizen.

In the United States, those who are native born Americans have ALL of the rights of citizenship. Our rights include the right to vote in all city and national elections! We do not have to give up these rights to become a member of God’s Kingdom!

He is a Roman Citizen!

The commander of the Romans troops took special note of Paul’s citizenship because it meant that Paul had certain RIGHTS that were guaranteed. The commander wrote to the Governor,

Acts 23:27 This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen.

“I appeal to Caesar!”

Later Paul was about to be turned over to Jews who planned to kill him! His reply was:

Acts 25:11 “…if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!"

Paul did not hesitate to USE ALL of his rights as a Roman citizen, even appealing to Caesar himself. In the first century the republic of Rome had become a monarchy. Yet there was still local voting on some non-appointed offices, but only Roman citizens could vote. Do you think Paul would hesitate for one minute to VOTE for the candidate he felt would be best for Christians? Certainly not!

Affiliations, Rights and Obligations

Paul had many affiliations—he was a Jew, a citizen of Tarsus, a Pharisee, a Roman citizen and a Christian looking forward to God’s Kingdom on this earth. His zealous Christianity did not negate or do away with his rights as a Jew, Pharisee, citizen of Tarsus or his rights as a citizen of Rome! We also have many affiliations with obligations and rights associated with each one.

Voting on Church Issues and Trash Hauling

Here is an example of the entire church selecting men for a certain job, and it looks like they voted.

Acts 15:22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them to send to Antioch….

Based on this and other examples of the entire church voting, the United Church of God allows limited voting within the church.

United also allows voting on local issues like sewage disposal and trash hauling.[3]

Limited Local Voting, but No National Voting?

If Christians can vote to remove sewage and trash—why can’t we vote to remove a corrupt local politician? Or why can’t we vote to remove from office a national Politician caught illegally skimming public funds into his own pocket? Yet United’s policy paper tells us we should not vote for any candidate—as if they won’t affect our lives. To explain their odd reasoning the doctrinal statement gets a little convoluted with scriptures taken out of context. The following section is a prime example.

Not Being a Part of This World

The United Church of God uses the following scripture as a key verse:

“But God tells His people, ‘Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities’ (Revelation 18:4-5). Therefore, as God’s people we should avoid involvement in the political systems of this world, …” [4]

What is Wrong with this Interpretation of Rev. 18:4-5?

Look at the context of this quote in your own Bible, chapter 18 of Revelation, the last book of the Bible. Verse 2 of the same chapter identifies what God is saying to come out of. It is “Babylon the Great”. In Rev 18:10 just past the quoted verse we find, “Woe! Woe, O great city, O Babylon, city of power! In one hour your doom has come!” Clearly God is not referring to the political systems of this world as the United writer would have us believe, but God refers to a rich, powerful, great city that sells “cargoes of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls;…” Rev. 18:12.

Revelation is a prophetic book revealing future events, and in the future this city will be consumed by fire in a single day, even a single hour, Rev.18:8. “In one hour suchgreat wealth has been brought to ruin!”

An argument can be made for Babylon being part of a church or religious organization for we read in Rev 18:20, “…Rejoice, saints and apostles and prophets! God has judged her for the way she treated you”. And in verse 24, “In her was found the blood of prophets and of the saints, and of all who have been killed on the earth.” This Babylon is a city where true Christians have been martyred.

To equate casting a vote for the candidate of your choice in a national election withbeing a part of this evil city called Babylon—that is just not logical! It is not a correct understanding of these verses.

Jesus and Politics

Sometimes the struggle to do what is right and refute what is wrong becomes “political”! Even Jesus found his teachings and actions being interpreted in a “political” light. When he rode into Jerusalem on a young donkey, Matt 21:1-11, he was demonstrating the first fulfillment of Zech. 9:9, “See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Fulfilling prophecy and pointing toward a future time when he would come as a King with great power—that was Jesus’ true motive. Yet some of the people of Jerusalem read a different motive into his actions. The people of Jerusalem were used to seeing Roman generals ride victoriously on fine horses with chained captives walking behind them with the people cheering wildly. So to some it looked like Jesus was ridiculing their military leaders or even the emperor himself when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey with crowds cheering him.

But wasn’t this a prophetic message being fulfilled? It was God’s own message which revealed that human ways are NOT the ways of God. Was Jesus getting involved in politics? No, Jesus was illustrating publicly what is God’s Way.

Politics and Right and Wrong

When we stand up for what is right in God’s eyes sometimes those who do not understand our motives might call our actions “political”. If we speak out publicly against partial birth abortion, a process in which a full term baby is killed just as he/she is being born, that could be seen as a “political” stand. But it isn’t a bit “political” for the innocent infants being killed! So do we say nothing and DO NOTHING on these issues of right and wrong because someone might call us “political”? No, we must stand up for what God reveals as right!

Jesus is a king who has qualified for world rulership. Yet when a sign was put over Jesus’ head saying “King of the Jews”, Mark 15:26, it was a political charge. If he was a King, then they felt he threatened the emperor. Jesus admitted to Pilate that he was a king, Mark 15:2, and had often alluded to a future world-ruling kingdom, Matt 8:10-12, Matt 25:34, Luke 1:30-33, Luke 13:29, John 18:36. Was Jesus being political or just telling Pilate the truth? It was God’s truth.

Do you see how deciding lines between right and wrong, truth and lies, sometimes emerge into a national forum, and that national dialogue gets labeled “political”? Issues of true right and wrong, and good and evil impact true Christians far more than issues of trash removal! Noone should be able to stop us from standing up for God’s truth and being counted!

The Good Stored within Us

Jesus said we must bring forth good from the good stored within us.

Matt 12:35 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.

We cannot bring forth good in our nation if we do not participate.

Doing Nothing in the Face of Evil

Are we guilty of doing nothing even though we clearly see which policies are good and right and what policies are wrong and evil?

James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

When it is in your power to stand up against evil policies with your vote—and you fail to doso, then you become partly responsible for the evil that results!

Living as Free Men

Peter instructed Christians to live as “free men”

1 Peter 2:16 Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.

Do we really live as FREE men and women when we can’t vote? Voting in a free society is one of the most cherished of all rights. We are not “free” to sin, but neither are we “free” to ignore evil and allow it to grow because of our inaction! Inaction can indeed be a “cover-up” for evil, allowing it to thrive because we do not truly live as “free” men.

Doesn’t God Decide Who Leads Us?

This next point is raised by non-voting churches and used to oppose the democratic process of voting in local and national elections:

Daniel 2:21 And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.[5]

Their reasoning is that since God controls everything-- why should we participate in any election? God can indeed influence minds and hearts and bring about events that change the course of any election. But whose mind and heart does God find easiest to influence? Since true Christians who love God, and are deeply converted, are given God’s own Holy Spirit-- then our minds and hearts are the most easily influenced!

The second part of this verse is “He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” If God gives His people His Holy Spirit, wisdom, knowledge and understanding—then WHY should they refuse to participate in selecting national leader of their country? Does it make any sense to have all these benefits from God and yet refrain from using your RIGHT to vote? It makes no sense!

Division as a Reason for Non-participation

In their Concluding Statement, another issue that is raised as an “underlying reason fornot voting or running for a public office, is promoting peace within the Church, not division over vote-related issues.” [6]

In other words, if you can’t vote, then you can’t argue about voting matters at church! This “don’t vote policy” is not the answer to the problem of division over political maters! If church members are arguing over what minister they like best, is it solved by firing all ministers? You know that wouldn’t happen. If the women are arguing about how long skirts should be, would the church decree that no woman can wear a skirt? No, of course not, members would be told that they should leave arguing outside the church doors. In the same way a voting church is reminded to leave its campaign buttons outside the church if arguments start sprouting.

Non-Participation and Withdrawal

Many of the same religious writers that urge Christians not to vote also teach a general non-participation in all things “worldly”. However, the definition of “worldly” differs from church to church. It is SIN in this world that we must withdraw from and avoid getting entangled with! We do not have to withdraw from ALL things—just that part that is the spiritual “leavening”. [7] We must work in this world, buy food and goods in stores of this world, and eat in this world’s restaurants. We live in this world. We must not withdraw from necessary things that keep our democratic nation running!

Jesus tells us to render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s regarding taxes, Matt 22:17-21. Taxes are necessary to keep our nation functioning. The authors of the United paper state that because voting is voluntary it is not the same as paying taxes. Yet isn’t votingnecessary to keep our nation functioning? If everyone follows what these leaders advocate, then how does our democracy continue to function?

Voting is how our present earthly leadership is determined. Jesus came to impact this world, even though some thought his actions were “political”! We are not to participate in the SIN of this world, but voting in an election is not a sin! Even the United Church of God admits this:

“…we do not consider it a sin to cast a vote,” [8]

“The Church does not declare voting, itself, to be a sin.” [9]

Since it is not a sin, then why isn’t it left up to individual decision?

Are you Accountable for your City’s Decisions?

Did Jesus teach that the citizens of a city are held responsible for the decisions of that city? Do you have “accountability” for what happens in your city? Believe it or not, Jesus taught that there was accountability city by city for the actions of the citizens of that city!

Luke 10:11-15

11' Even the dust of your city which clings to our feet we wipe off in protest against you; yet be sure of this, that the kingdom of God has come near.' 12 "I say to you, it will be more tolerable in that day for Sodom than for that city. [Here Jesus refers to the Day of Judgment when he returns to this earth.]

13 " Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles had been performed in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the judgment than for you. 15 And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will be brought down to Hades!”

Jesus is saying that each citizen of the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum will be RESPONSIBLE when they stand before him in judgment. These cities saw miracles and yet rejected the message God sent to them! This passage shows that we each share responsibility for our city and the decisions of our city! If our city become more and more evil and against God, and yet we have not even cast a single vote to try and counteract that evil and stand up against it—we will find ourselves answering to God and Jesus Christ for our lack of action!

Are We Afraid to Stand Up?

We must not be afraid to stand up for God’s Way of life socially or politically, for we must account for every word we speak, and every decision. Joseph of Arimathea was on the Council, a board of elders having religious and political authority. On that fateful morning those members voted on an issue fraught with political overtones—the fate of Jesus:

Mark 15:1 Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.

After the death of Jesus, Joseph came forward to speak to Pilate:

Luke 23:50-52 Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and he was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body.

Here was a good man who was “waiting for the kingdom of God” and yet he held an office in a group that had political power! He had “not consented to their decision”. In other words, he had voted against crucifying Jesus, but he was out voted. If Joseph had refused to vote on that day, if he had just hid himself—would he be responsible for failing to try to stop evil? Yes, he would have failed to try and counter evil. Would he be held responsible for a decision to hide himself rather than boldly voting against the murder of Jesus? Yes, hiding himself would also be a decision and a failure to oppose wrong.

Joseph did vote, but evil prevailed because it was God’s will for Jesus to die. Casting his vote was not wrong! Even after he had been unable to stop the crucifixion, Joseph came forward at great personal risk to claim the body of Jesus to put him in his own tomb. He didn’t say, “This is a political issue so I’m not going to get involved!” He spoke up before Pilate and his brave words and actions are forever on record. Perhaps Joseph had heard first-hand these words of Jesus:

Matt 12:36-37” But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

Remember, a decision to NOT PARTICIPATE is still a decision and we are held accountable for every word and every decision!

A Christian Holding Public Office!

United feels its members should not seek public office. [10] Yet we find in Rom 16:23 a Christian is mentioned by name who held a public office! “…Erastus, who is the city's director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings.” In Corinth a pavement has been excavated that bears the name of Erastus and his title as director of public works! It stands as mute testimony that Christians did and can serve in public office![11] Erastus was one of the first 70 apostles.[12]

Evaluating by the Commandments

As Christians we should evaluate the plans and backgrounds of those running for office from the standpoint of God’s Ten Commandments and God’s way of life. Does one party consistently mock God and those who believe in God? How does each candidate stand on whether or not a mother should be encouraged to take the life of her unborn baby? What about our tax structure? When the nation of Israel in ancient times paid a tithe they each paid the same percentage, ten percent. God is fair to both rich and poor.

We need to carefully evaluate candidates and their future plans from a true Christian viewpoint. Register to vote. Become informed, and then pray about it. Finally, vote! It is your right and obligation as a citizen, and as Paul did, you need to use your rights as part of being free. Your rights are given to you by the sacrifice of our country’s soldiers. If you take no stand against evil, then you will have to answer to God for your lack of opposition! Do not be deceived by false teachings that would deny you your rights as a citizen! You have dual citizenship, just as Paul did. As a Christian, you are a citizen of God’s coming Kingdom, and a citizen of the country in which God has placed you! Be accountable in all your decisions!

Here is a link to register to vote:

http://www.rockthevote.com/rtv_register.html

______________________________________________________

[1]

Churches that teach a “do not vote” doctrine include but are not limited to: the United Church of God, an International Association, The Living Church of God, and Jehovah’s Witnesses.

[2] From the paper “Voting and Involvement in Politics,” A doctrinal statement of the United Church of God, an International Association written in 2003. Page 3.

[3] Ibid, Page 20.

[4] Ibid, Page 20.

[5] Ibid, the first part is quoted from the Bible, the last statement is personal opinion. Page 6.

[6] Ibid, Page 20.

[7] Paul referred to sin as “leavening” or “yeast” in I Cor 5:7 “You must remove the old yeast of sin so that you will be entirely pure….” TEV Bible (Leavening is yeast, baking powder and baking soda, and is removed from homes during the Days of Unleavened Bread to symbolize sin being removed from our lives.)

[8]“Voting and Involvement in Politics,” Page 1.

[9] Ibid, Page 20.

[10] Ibid, Concluding Statement, “The United Church of God, an International Association, maintains its traditional teaching that a Christian should avoid voting and participating in political elections and running for public office.” Page 20.

[11] Erastus in Corinth, 2 Tim 4:19. Link: This pavement in Corinth documents him having the important job of aedileship meaning treasurer or head of public works. http://reasontobelieve.blogspot.com/2007/01/corinth-isthmia-and-cenchreae.html

[12] He was one of the 70 original apostles, Erastus was martyred in 67 A.D in Rome. See link: Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, Chapter 2.http://www3.calvarychapel.com/library/foxe-john/text/bom.htm#02

Ten Reasons Why Christians Should Vote

Ten Reasons Why Christians Should Vote

1. Voting publicly recognises that we submit to the authority of the political system in our nation as established by God. (Romans 13:1-7)

2. Voting recognises the equality of all people and their right to speak and be heard. (Deuteronomy 10:17-19)

3. It is one way that we can obey God's command to seek the good of those around us and our nation as a whole. (Jeremiah 29:5-6)

4. It shows that we care deeply about who our leaders are as we are urged to offer prayer and intercession on their behalf. (1 Timothy 2:1,2)

5. It is a simple yet significant way we can do something about politics in our nation. 'All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing', Edmund Burke. (Psalms 34:14)

6. It makes a difference the way a grain of salt makes a difference, and that is how we are to influence our society for good. (Matthew 5:13)

7. It is a privilege not to be taken for granted. Those of us who reap the benefits of living in a democracy should play a part in upholding democracy.

8. Not voting is a form of voting, as it will influence the outcome. We need to take responsibility for our actions, as well as our lack of actions. (Luke 10:25-37)

9. Voting has biblical precedence for example Acts 14:23 describes that the early Christians elected elders by voting.

10. Voting is part of our stewardship to use all the resources we have been given in ways that honor God; to waste a vote is to squander a gift.

Register to vote

 

When Godly People Do Not VOTE!

When godly People do not VOTE!

We are being told when and where we can mention and talk to or about God.

Our country was founded so we could worship freely and openly. Fisher Ames provided the words of the 1st amendment in our bill of rights.

Article [I] (Amendment 1 - Freedom of expression and religion)

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Will we sit in silence, allowing our faith and God to be compartmentalized even more by the progressives as they push a political agenda on the one nation under God?

Amazing people cry 'separation of church and state' thinking this is in the constitution. It is not. It is not in any founding document in our history. (in a personal letter of Thomas Jefferson's not in a document)

The fear of church and state keeps Christians out of politics and politics out of church, yet the progressives use it politically against the church and Christians because we are afraid of it.

How sad we don't know our history, or we would know better.

If Christians do not vote, do not serve in public office who does?

Christians in many countries in this world are oppressed and persecuted. They suffer under governments they are powerless to change and governments that hate their faith and silence their voices. These believers preach the gospel of Jesus Christ at risk of their own lives. In the U.S.A., Christians have been blessed with the right to speak about and choose their leaders without fearing for themselves or their families. In the U.S.A., in recent elections, about 2 of every 5 of self-professed Christians took that right for granted and did not vote. About 1 in 5 self-professed, eligible Christians are not even registered to vote.

In our day and age, there are many who want to drive the name and message of Christ completely out of the public arena. Voting is an opportunity to promote, protect, and preserve godly government. Passing up that opportunity means letting those who would denigrate the name of Christ have their way in our lives. The leaders we elect—or do nothing to remove—have great influence on our freedoms. They can choose to protect our right to worship and spread the gospel, or they can restrict those rights. They can lead our nation toward righteousness or toward moral disaster. As Christians, we should stand up and follow our command to fulfill our civic duties (Matthew 22:21).

God is most certainly in control, but that does not mean we should do nothing to further His will. We are commanded to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

In terms of politics and leadership, there is evidence in Scripture that God has been displeased with our choices of leadership at times (Hosea 8:4).

The evidence of sin’s grip on this world is everywhere. Much of the suffering on earth is because of godless leadership (Proverbs 28:12).

Scripture gives Christians instructions to obey legitimate authority unless it contradicts the Lord’s commands (Acts 5:27-29 ; Romans 13:1-7).

As born-again believers, we ought to strive to choose leaders who will be themselves led by our Creator (1 Samuel 12:13-25).

Candidates or proposals that violate the Bible’s commands for life, family, marriage, or faith should never be supported (Proverbs 14:34).

Christians should vote as led through prayer and study of both God’s Word and the realities of the choices on the ballot.

It is our contention that it is the duty and responsibility of every Christian to vote and to vote for leaders who promote Christian principles.

It may seem intuitive, at first, to attempt to answer this question by focusing on government. But the best way to determine whether or not the United States is a Christian nation is to compare the philosophy of its people to the Word of God.

The Declaration of Independence states that every person has these God-given, inalienable rights: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This philosophy is what we could call the “American Worldview,” and it drives everything about the nation— from its economic and foreign policy to the private lives of its people. This is the atmosphere in which most of us have grown up. But can this American Worldview be called a Christian Worldview? Can we really call the United States a Christian nation?

Life First, what does “life” mean to a Christian? Most Americans would say we have a right to be alive, just by virtue of having been born. Most Americans would say we have the right to do with our lives as we choose, because our lives belong to us. Christianity agrees that we have the “right to life” and recognizes that life comes from the Creator, just as the Declaration says. However, the Christian (biblical) view is that the right to live does not exist by virtue of being born, but by virtue of being created first in the mind of God (Jeremiah 1:5). 

Acts 17:25

says that God “gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.” The Bible is saying here that the life of man is sustained by God, and as such, it belongs to Him. But Americans generally believe that we are free to do with our lives just as we please because we believe our lives belong, primarily, to us. For a Christian, God’s law is the absolute truth, and the final authority. It tells the Christian “Thou shalt not murder” and “Thou shalt not bear false witness.” But the United States shows, both by the lives of her citizens and the laws passed in her courts that she does not recognize the authority of God, nor respect His laws.

Liberty What does “liberty” mean to a Christian? Freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion and the freedom to bear arms are some of the rights outlined in the Bill of Rights. All of these freedoms are good things valued greatly by Americans. Today, however, our nation has, for the most part, rejected the Bible as the standard of right and wrong. So, now liberty has an additional meaning to our citizens: it means that we are ultimately free to do whatever we want. It means that we control our own destiny—or that we should—and that nobody can tell another person what is right or what he should value. This mindset has had disastrous results. In America now, everything is subjective. In the face of the monstrous tragedy of abortion, Americans echo the words of Pontius Pilate: “What is Truth?” Our personal choice has become the only thing we truly value. We are tolerant above all, but only because to put down another person’s freedom is to endanger our own liberty. Practically speaking, since such a wide variety of religions are now represented among our citizens, how can we say “America is a Christian nation” without obliterating the Christian faith? A Christian individual will not kill or hurt someone of another religion who refuses to convert. However, the Bible is clear: we are not to tell people that all roads lead to heaven. There is one Way, and His name is Jesus Christ. The Bible informs Christians that freedom and liberty are good and right. But, it also gives us the context of that freedom: we have freedom as Christ’s followers, because we trust in His righteousness, instead of our own. We were slaves to this world, and to sin. Now we are slaves to Christ – and that is a Christian’s definition of freedom. That doesn’t sound much like the definition of Liberty that is held by the government or the citizens of America.

The Pursuit of Happiness Now, the Pursuit of Happiness: what is it, to a Christian? In the Bible, happiness is an emotion that is welcomed, but not to be sought after. We seek God, and joy is a result of closeness to Him. But joy is different from happiness. Joy is a spiritual contentment and pleasure that comes from the Holy Spirit. A person must be in fellowship with the Spirit to experience joy, and it transcends circumstance. The apostle Paul said that he had “learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11), and Paul’s circumstances were hardly the sort to produce happiness: beatings, stoning, shipwreck, hunger, thirst and danger. But his joy and peace were from God, not from his circumstances. In contrast, Americans tend to believe we are to pursue, at all cost, happiness in our lives here in this world. Pursue happiness, the American is told, at the cost of all else. If it makes you happy to leave your wife and children, do it. If it makes you happy to devote your life to stardom at the expense of friends and family members, you should follow your dream. If you are a man but you think being a woman will make you happy, have a sex change. Play video games 10 hours a day? Drink yourself to death? Get married to your dog? Sure, if it makes you happy! Perhaps when the Constitution was framed, the Judeo-Christian ethic of “love thy neighbor” was understood as a foundational principle upon which to base our right to pursue happiness. But it has changed over the years to mean a right to pursue individual pleasure, no matter how strange the means, without being judged by your fellow man and without regard to how that pursuit affects the other person’s rights or freedoms, or affects the fabric of society itself.

But consider Mark 8:36: “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” For the Christian, this thought is central: nothing is gained from pursuing comfort and happiness here on earth. Nothing is really gained, for a Christian, by “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” The Christian person pursues other things: “Pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22). 

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Romans 14:19).

“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11). 

Christians are concerned with the spiritual – because they belong to another country; they are citizens of a spiritual country, the Kingdom of Heaven.

So, is the United States a Christian nation? No. Not in its philosophy, or in what it loves, or in what it does. Despite its Judeo-Christian roots and heritage, and the beliefs of some of its founders, the United States today is a nation that follows other gods, and lives a lifestyle that is not compatible with Christianity.

Our country is supposed to be government "of, by, and for the people", including Christians. Each citizen has a responsibility to vote to keep the government in check. Christians especially are to be "salt and light" in our society, and we can't effectively be that if we don't exercise our right and responsibility to vote. A non-vote by a Christian is a vote for secular control of our government. – L.R.

All Christians should vote. If there is not a candidate on the ballot that reflects our values, write in a candidate. This is the only way to make our voices heard in the political process. You can find local candidates that reflect our values and support them in a primary bid if your standard party candidates do not support our values. – V.J.

Of COURSE this Christian will vote! Unless one thinks it is a sin or too worldly to vote, what Christian would stay home and pray that God will direct unbelievers to vote for leaders to govern over us? – R.D.

If a Christian doesn't vote, he has no right to complain when he sees things happening in his nation that go against his faith and values. Even when I'm not enthralled by either of the candidates, I can almost always tell which of them is closer to representing my position on issues that matter to me. - S.S.

We as Christians have a duty to vote. We may not agree with every position of a candidate, but as we now know full well, not voting sure was a bad idea! - D.M.

My Pastor says to vote for the candidate that most closely reflects Biblical Standards. While Christians have been complacent in voting, the enemy does not have that same complacency. But Christians have been complacent in other areas also....in other areas beside voting. - D.Q.

In the United States of America, "We The People" are the government. We should absolutely vote. If we don't, then I believe we are being negligent with just some of the responsibility we have (not given to us but) as our right. If the elected servants then go outside of the bounds of the U.S. Constitution, then we not only have the right to stop them but an obligation to stop them. Our founding fathers were geniuses. I believe they understood what they were doing by making "the People" the government. We are the owners of the house, if you will. The servants NEVER run the place the way they want. That is the owners' responsibility to make sure his servants are doing what he wants. - J.D.

Part of the problem we are currently in is because Christians for whatever excuse decided not to vote. We should pray, we are commanded to pray for our leaders and those in authority, but we also are responsible to vote. We have the freedom that was bought by the blood of countless Americans and to not vote is to put to question that cost. Yes, we should vote...we should choose wisely. It is rare to find the perfect candidate....but it is also rare to find the perfect spouse. - D.Q.

I believe Christians should vote because it is the only way, with our system of governance, that our government is populated. I vote for the candidate who is connected to the most moral of the political parties. Even though his personal moral values may conflict with God's Word, he is most likely to support the values of that party and thus give us hope for better legislation being enacted. Overall, though, it is Almighty God who directs the affairs of man, so our votes should be cast prayerfully, and we should research not only what the candidate stands for, but what his party stands for. One of the two major parties is woefully immoral in its platform and no born-again believer should have anything to do with them, for if they vote for a candidate from that party, they vote for everything that party stands for. – D.P.

Of course we should be praying daily, but it is our duty to help elect the correct people to guide our country. Right now the bunch we have in office are bowing down to the low percentage fringe groups. Christians far outnumber these groups and we must have our voice heard. – J.H.

My husband and I are poll workers, so we get to see how many people are really interested in voting. We need more people to be interested in what's going on in our nation. As Christians, we feel that if you don't vote and have your say, you can't very well complain when things don't go as you want. God gave us this great nation of ours and we should support what's going on. We don't have to agree, but we need to have a say. – Bonnie

I am Canadian, however, this logic is inescapable: Certainly pray! But, if you don't vote, someone else will make your choice for you!! God works, mostly, through the mundane – like a voting process. – G.H.

Yes, I believe we should pray. Jesus told us to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and unto God what is God's. We should be voting on civil matters and praying continually for spiritual guidance in all we do including voting. – S.A.

I taught politics and government for over 25 years, so you would think I might take my own advice. Believing Christians are often faced with the feeling of futility in voting contrary to the majority humanists. Here in New York City I have known how futile my vote seems to be. However, in these days of obvious contrasts in politics, I believe it is important to vote, even though the vote may not help elect someone, because the votes will show the greedy incumbents how the electorate sees things and feels and might make them think again about their venal and self-serving positions. The emperor Augustus initiated league sports in Rome to keep the citizens' minds off of politics; little did Augustus know how well that would work. – S.S.

Christians in America have a moral responsibility and civic opportunity to influence government that respects Jesus and Christians. By not voting, Christians are abdicating governance to a completely secular representation. Christians can change America if they vote from the Christian view. – J.B.

I absolutely believe that Christians living in this wonderful free country should exercise their right to vote. It is hugely important during this critical time in our US history and prayer is most important, but also is taking action and making your voice heard in the political world. The evil designs against this nation do not stop and the enemies of this nation, spiritual and physical, take advantage of every opportunity they can to destroy our freedoms that we enjoy in the USA. Yes..... GO VOTE! – T.G.

I get so disheartened during an election time because I know the majority of Christians do not vote. I think that is the least we can do; it is our civic duty. Christians should be informed voters and should get out and vote. Pray, yes, but vote also. Christians then complain about the government and how our country is going, but refuse to do their part to change it. – Luci

It is the duty of all Christians to exercise their right to vote for the leadership of America. I vote Christian values and Constitutional laws for our freedom. We as Christians are obligated to voice our choice in elections. If and when America falls to Globalism, I will still say we followed Biblical standards. Keep looking up, our redemption draws near. – G.H.B.

The mayor of Houston, Texas, who is now attacking pastors in Houston won by a mere 13% of the registered voters of the city. Where were the Christian and conservative voters? Sometime when you want to read something interesting, search what has been decided by one vote. – H.C.

I see no conflict between being a responsible citizen and being a Christian. As a citizen of the USA, where I have the Bill of Rights and the subsequent freedom to be a Christian, it is my duty to be politically involved to assure the continuation of those rights. – J.D.

How does one justify dialoging in the public square when not taking the time to vote? How does one exercise their voting responsibility without knowing what the candidate stands for and against? When one votes, one engages in the opportunity to select a candidate that is most likely to support the values the voter holds. I voted early, and I always exercise my voting privilege and responsibility throughout the year. – L.L.

Yes, we will be voting. My husband has already submitted his absentee ballot. I will vote on November 4th at City Hall. For our family it is an honor and a privilege to be able to vote … as Jesus told us, give to God what is God's, give to Caesar (or government) what is government's. We understand that as Christians with prayer and supplication our vote is submitted in Jesus' s name and God controls the outcome. God allowed us to be born in a country that we could vote in. We are humbled by the exceptional U.S. Constitution and find it a joy to vote!!! – Teresa

Yes, of course we should be voting. We have a responsibility before God and our fellow men to work towards placing God-fearing Men in these positions (or Women if no men have stepped up to do the job). Woe unto us when we take this awesome gift that has been handed down to us lightly. – B.Y.

Vote! As Christians, we must be involved in this process. We cannot complain if we neglect this civic duty. – Leon

Yes, I believe it's a duty to vote, but the duty is not absolute. I disagree with so many of the comments here. I'll break it down.

(1) I have every right to complain even if I do not vote. My rights to disagree, dialog, or to complain are not suspended merely because I don't vote sometimes. Understand the motive first. For instance, between 2 candidates, if both are "pro choice" or only give lip service to being pro life, I will not vote for either, because I will never, ever, vote for a candidate that does not meet a few of my qualifiers, one of which is that the candidate be pro life. Period.

(2) I will NOT vote for the lesser of two evils. How's that working out for us? Pretty much all we ever get is a greater or lesser evil. With some exceptions. Do you really think that God will be pleased with a nation that's a little less cold – and a little more lukewarm? It's actually more dangerous. It's also disingenuous to claim that not to vote for "A" is a vote for "B". No it is not. That's just bad reasoning. If a person does not vote, a "non vote" for A is also a "non vote" for B. Otherwise, you could say that a non vote for "B" is a vote for "A". Cancels each other out. A vote for neither is NOT a vote for either.

(3) I am not looking for the "perfect" candidate, but that reasoning is used to beat people like me who won't budge from a few specific positions that I know are God-honoring. I will vote (or not vote) according to my conscience (Christian liberty), and I will leave the results to Him. He will ultimately set up and take down who He wants to. I will participate in the process only to the extent that I believe I do Him service. – R.M.

OF COURSE I will vote, and vote for the candidate that will most likely support Godly values. While it's true there are no politicians who get it right every time, I will always support the ones who try their best to promote Christian Conservative goals. – W.S.

Every vote is expression of one's approval or disapproval of the issue in question. Even if not seen by others, it conveys agreement, or disagreement with God's position regarding same. – David

Yes, I am voting! We need all voting public to vote! Congress controls our nation, not the president and his administration! – S.R.

Definitely I should vote. If I do not vote when I have the opportunity, I may regret not doing so. In the past, I have said to myself, "Oh well. No vote, all governments are evil" and said to myself waiting for Jesus to come back and establish His righteous government. However, we do not know when this will be nor will we ever know until His return. We may only have one vote but we can pray it will be effective and be multiplied by the One who is over all things. Oh Lord, give us the advantage now so that we can bring something good back to the earth. – Patrick

By voting, one puts his small amount of political power behind whomever he is voting for and becomes surety for that candidate -- that is, he is now a fellow worker with that politician and takes his due responsibility for that person's actions if elected -- see Proverbs 6:1-2, 11:15, 22:26-27. Every voting Christian should keep this at the forefront of his mind when casting a ballot. In the past I have chosen to exercise this political power by voting "NO" to ALL candidates on the ballot, as both main parties (and the supposed alternatives) are all sides of the same coin, and penciled in my soon-coming king Jesus Christ as best choice for the job -- He is the only one who can fix this mess of a world that we live in and rule over it in true righteousness!!

That said, it has become very apparent to me that the "system" we are supposed to have a say in running is completely rigged and controlled by the elites at the very top (the international bankers and the like who choose our leaders for us). The opinion of the public (a Christian majority) is no longer considered. God has given them over to the delusion to believe a lie that most of humanity has chosen, and He also gave His prophets and apostles visions of the coming judgment upon this world. We should read His word and heed it carefully, and pray that we are counted worthy to escape the coming calamities. – D.B.