Should Christians vote?

[Ken]

I understand Ken's critique, it does feel strange to join a campaign to encourage others to do what you are not willing to do. It's one of the reasons I rarely identity as prolife without offering more context. I usually say, "I believe people who are not yet born are people" and avoid the political label entirely.

This unease is part of a greater reluctance around government in general. On one hand it seems wrong to be silent or passive in the face of injustice but on the other hand, it also seems presumptive to claim the authority to solve it on a societal level. So I try to embrace that tension by not giving in passivity or moral crusading.

Its' not a critique. I just don't understand the theological distinction between voting vs other types of political engagement. It seems to be a distinction without a difference. But I also don't see political engagement as a bad thing if you are pushing for a more just and moral society.

[Neto]

I have a question that has been bugging me for perhaps that last year or so, but I've not dared to pose it, because it may come across as rather aggressive.

So with that preamble, here it is: Assume for the moment that you hold to a view of the "end times" that includes a real person as 'The anti-Christ'. Looking at the Scriptures that are commonly taken to refer to such a man, I have noted that he is thought to be, at the first (generally at least the first 3 1/2 years of his life as a political figure), a 'good' person. He is Pro-Israel, and makes a treaty with them which is favorable to their cause.

So I'm thinking that many people who may have a role in helping him into a position of political power, whether through direct action or through processes like voting, will be convinced that they are furthering good, even 'godly' causes. Assume for the moment that you were one of these individuals who contributed in perhaps even some very small way to his ascent to power.

How would this make you feel, after you realized his true identity?

[Dan Z]

I have a question that has been bugging me for perhaps that last year or so, but I've not dared to pose it, because it may come across as rather aggressive.

So with that preamble, here it is: Assume for the moment that you hold to a view of the "end times" that includes a real person as 'The anti-Christ'. Looking at the Scriptures that are commonly taken to refer to such a man, I have noted that he is thought to be, at the first (generally at least the first 3 1/2 years of his life as a political figure), a 'good' person. He is Pro-Israel, and makes a treaty with them which is favorable to their cause.

So I'm thinking that many people who may have a role in helping him into a position of political power, whether through direct action or through processes like voting, will be convinced that they are furthering good, even 'godly' causes. Assume for the moment that you were one of these individuals who contributed in perhaps even some very small way to his ascent to power.

How would this make you feel, after you realized his true identity?

This actually happened among Christians and even Mennonites in Germany in the 1930's, as they offered their approval to the rise of an "anti-christ" promising many things they wished for.

[silentreader]

I have a question that has been bugging me for perhaps that last year or so, but I've not dared to pose it, because it may come across as rather aggressive.

So with that preamble, here it is: Assume for the moment that you hold to a view of the "end times" that includes a real person as 'The anti-Christ'. Looking at the Scriptures that are commonly taken to refer to such a man, I have noted that he is thought to be, at the first (generally at least the first 3 1/2 years of his life as a political figure), a 'good' person. He is Pro-Israel, and makes a treaty with them which is favorable to their cause.

So I'm thinking that many people who may have a role in helping him into a position of political power, whether through direct action or through processes like voting, will be convinced that they are furthering good, even 'godly' causes. Assume for the moment that you were one of these individuals who contributed in perhaps even some very small way to his ascent to power.

How would this make you feel, after you realized his true identity?

If we assume that this is a possible scenario, then I think we must also assume that a large percentage of those supporters will not realize/accept the truth of his identity.

[MaxPC]

I have a question that has been bugging me for perhaps that last year or so, but I've not dared to pose it, because it may come across as rather aggressive.

So with that preamble, here it is: Assume for the moment that you hold to a view of the "end times" that includes a real person as 'The anti-Christ'. Looking at the Scriptures that are commonly taken to refer to such a man, I have noted that he is thought to be, at the first (generally at least the first 3 1/2 years of his life as a political figure), a 'good' person. He is Pro-Israel, and makes a treaty with them which is favorable to their cause.

So I'm thinking that many people who may have a role in helping him into a position of political power, whether through direct action or through processes like voting, will be convinced that they are furthering good, even 'godly' causes. Assume for the moment that you were one of these individuals who contributed in perhaps even some very small way to his ascent to power.

How would this make you feel, after you realized his true identity?

If we assume that this is a possible scenario, then I think we must also assume that a large percentage of those supporters will not realize/accept the truth of his identity.

Quite true with the caveats:
A) No one except God can read hearts.
B) No one except God knows the future.
As Christians, I have always felt it is better to be faithful to our mission of discipleship where we can truly be accountable and make an impact; that of ministry to those in our immediate vicinity. Politicians come and go but our immediate neighbors will always be available and in need.

[Robert]

Although my earlier comment was tongue in cheek, I still kind of chuckle at the title of the thread. Asking if we should vote is kind of a way to get people to give their "opinions" on the topic, which is kind of a vote.

Should you not just make a statement of your understanding from Scripture and then show validation of that statement since you tend to be on the side that Christians should not vote or maybe clarify "vote in governmental elections."

[Dan Z]

Although my earlier comment was tongue in cheek, I still kind of chuckle at the title of the thread. Asking if we should vote is kind of a way to get people to give their "opinions" on the topic, which is kind of a vote.

Should you not just make a statement of your understanding from Scripture and then show validation of that statement since you tend to be on the side that Christians should not vote or maybe clarify "vote in governmental elections."

Actually, that was the title of the podcast so I just used that. I almost extended it, but figured in the end that most folks would understand the context two weeks before a big national election. In the end I figured the title was more pithy kept short.

[JimFoxvog]

Here's what a Church of the Brethren friend and spiritual director posted on Facebook yesterday:

I don't put a lot of faith in voting, but I care about those on the margins and am glad to say NO to this wicked man, his enablers, the lies, the chaos, the brutality, and the failure to take COVID seriously. I often feel conflicted when I vote, but today, this was an easy choice!

Wow, he totally ignores so many Scriptures when he talks that way!

Maybe it's too Old Testament? Lies, greed, chaos, brutality, and other government failures are regularly addressed by the prophets. He's not ignoring that. Caring for those on the margins is both OT and New Testament teaching; he's not ignoring that. I respect the stance of not voting in support of the worldly kingdom, but it is a privileged position to not oppose oppression and destruction.

[Fidelio]

Here's what a Church of the Brethren friend and spiritual director posted on Facebook yesterday:

I don't put a lot of faith in voting, but I care about those on the margins and am glad to say NO to this wicked man, his enablers, the lies, the chaos, the brutality, and the failure to take COVID seriously. I often feel conflicted when I vote, but today, this was an easy choice!

Dale Gish must be talking about Biden because everything he said fits Biden.

[JimFoxvog]

Here's what a Church of the Brethren friend and spiritual director posted on Facebook yesterday:

I don't put a lot of faith in voting, but I care about those on the margins and am glad to say NO to this wicked man, his enablers, the lies, the chaos, the brutality, and the failure to take COVID seriously. I often feel conflicted when I vote, but today, this was an easy choice!

Dale Gish must be talking about Biden because everything he said fits Biden.

He didn't say. I do understand that people look at both candidates that way.