PTM WEEKLY UPDATE -- SEPTEMBER 15, 2008

Does Jesus want us to vote?

Q. Hi Greg: Enjoyed your article in the September/October Plain Truth, "How Would Jesus Vote?" Actually I don't think he would want us to vote -- nor do I think we can find any biblical references where we are given rights to vote for leadership. I know we are to pray for our leaders. If we are truly sojourners then voting is moot. The people elected Saul and God chose David. God is sovereign and will establish whomever he wishes.

A. Glad to hear that you enjoyed our September/October cover story. If I understand you correctly, you believe that we (Christians) should not vote. If this is your position, you will have to engage in considerable hermeneutical (you may or may not know that hermeneutics is the science and art of understanding the Bible) gymnastics to come to such a conclusion. I am not trying to offend you -- but I would assume that you probably have been aided in this conclusion by some religious leader or group who had such an idea. My experience is that a person would not come to this position simply by reading the Bible, without an extra push from some source. I know, because I once had such a view -- and it did not come naturally. I have since discarded this view as so much bad news religion.

For example, if we are truly sojourners/ambassadors/pilgrims -- and voting is moot, then, following your reasoning, what else is moot? Home ownership? Having a checking account -- or a credit card? Being covered by health insurance? Sending your children to a public school? Attending a public university? Owning stocks, or gaining interest on an investment? Yes -- the New Testament teaches that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven. Historically, Christians have taken this teaching and applied it in many ways. And, without governments that allow them to freely exercise their religion, they have refused to vote (and of course refused to run for any elected office), refused to serve on a jury, and refused to serve in the military, among other positions.

Jesus does not force me to vote, serve on a jury, or join the army and go to Iraq. But then, he doesn't force me to drive a car, keep food cold in a refrigerator, buy clothing at a store (as opposed to making my own -- or better yet, having someone make me "homemade" clothing), frequent a Starbucks, fly in an airplane, swim in a man-made swimming pool, go to a movie, watch television, or use the internet (which both of us are doing in this communication). We are free in Christ to live 100 miles from the closest city. We are free in Christ to make decisions about many issues not strictly prohibited or prescribed biblically.

If my government allows me, I may refrain from voting. But there is one thing I may not do -- and that is to so interpret the Bible to say that all Christians are prohibited from voting. Or to imply that good Christians, the best Christians, will not vote -- or vice versa. Such a position is absolutely erroneous and wrong -- and again, there is no way of twisting Scripture to make it say such a thing. The evidence does not support such a view. If you choose not to vote, great. But please, do not say that the Bible insists that others must join you in such a belief.

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