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Post by Just curious on Sept 11, 2012 20:05:36 GMT -5
My question is: Should Christians vote? If the answer is yes how do you choose between a Muslim and a Cult member? Do I look at their platform such as pro life vs pro choice? Whether they support Isreal?
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Post by Mike Miller on Sept 17, 2012 15:25:45 GMT -5
This is actually not an easy question to answer. While Christians are to be salt and light and to work to improve our culture, we are never commanded to vote. Nor does abstaining from the electoral process constitute sin. By the same token, being politically active is also not a sin. Therefore, I see it as a matter of conscience. Christians should pray and seek God's will, then act in the best way we think we should.
As for voting for either a Muslim or a cult member, one thing I will say is that I have heard President Obama profess his faith in Christ and articulate the Gospel as well as any Christian can. I believe that referring to him as a Muslim is baseless and inflammatory and therefore a direct violation of the command to honor the emperor in 1 Peter 2:17 (see 1 Peter 2:13-17 and Romans 13:1-7--two passages written under the reign of Nero--a wicked and anti-Christian ruler). Unless you have clear evidence that he is a Muslim, I would encourage you to refrain from such accusations.
As for Mitt Romney being a cult member, that is entirely accurate. However, I suppose the question is whether or not one can vote for a non-Christian. Again, since this is neither commanded nor forbidden in Scripture, I encourage Christians to vote their consciences. Not all of our presidents have been Christians. In fact, our very first president was an active member of a cult (Freemasonry).
Most of us will likely vote on values--what issues we think are most important based on a Christian worldview. For some, abortion or traditional marriage might be key issues, while for others, healthcare or poverty are the key issues. And even if we know which issues are most important to us, deciding which candidate will effectively uphold our values is not always clear cut.
Therefore, my answer is that Christians are not required to vote, but I personally encourage prayerfully participating in the electoral process for the good of our society. After all, if Christians don't vote, then non-Christians will be completely setting the agenda. As for choosing a candidate, we must let our biblically-informed consciences be our guide.
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