Casting a confident vote

I believe in voting. Many Christians are disillusioned with the political process, but I believe that as followers of Jesus we have an obligation to make our voice heard for the candidates that best reflect a biblical worldview.

Growing up in the Bible belt, I thought being Christian meant voting Republican (I’m aware that that cliche’s wearing thin, so I’ll leave it at that), and I had a pretty narrow view of what it means to really be pro-life. My first major political discussion in Australia involved a small room full of mostly Christian people incredulous that I had voted for George W. Bush not once, but twice. I defended my voting record but felt really small and cornered in that room. It made me angry and defensive at first, but I had to admit afterwards that there were some good points raised.  I walked away knowing that I needed to more thoroughly evaluate a candidate’s every position in light of Scripture, not just one or two “litmus-test” positions.

And so I have done some thinking and reading and discussing over the last 4 years about this next election and about what kind of candidate would get my vote. To be completely honest with you, none of the current presidential candidates excite me, sitting President included. Between the career politicians and the talking heads and those who play the game so well, say all the things we want to hear… how do we begin to sort through all the politicization, talking points, voting records, private lives—how do we cast a confident vote for a President that will lead the country in the right direction, in the direction Jesus would have us go as a nation?

We’re only responsible for the decisions we make in the light of the revelation and discernment we have at any given time, but where does the average Christian voter begin?  Does each of us need to have some grasp on macro-economics and welfare reform? Healthcare theory and banking systems? Government regulatory agencies and global climate change?

In some ways, I actually think the answer is yes.

We need to be informed on the most pressing issues.  We need to know why our nation is in such bad economic straits (or at least be aware of the major differing opinions on why we are).  We need to know a little bit about the best way to take care of our neighbor. We need to know what we believe about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and how the American dream gels (or doesn’t) with the Great Commandment and Great Commission. And we need to know what role we think the government should play in the transformation and betterment of society, what role the Church should play and where/if they overlap.

I believe in voting.  Not because I don’t believe in being salt and light in the world, but because it is a way of exerting influence for Christ as part of a bigger life-picture. And I want to cast a confident vote this November.  So I’m praying and thinking and trying to match every potential candidate’s character and voting record and stated positions against what Scripture has to say to see how they stand up.  I’m not alone in this, I know. But, sadly, I’m not in the majority either.