The Wake

Many Christian perspectives exist for most issues. Therefore, I must start with a disclaimer: I don’t represent all who call themselves “Christians.” This article is to explain what I believe, based on Scripture, should be the Christian perspective of the election, not what is every Christian’s perspective.

To get a proper Christian perspective, we must start with the Bible. Micah 6:8 says, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” God requires justice, mercy, and walking humbly with Him.

There is a current movement among Christians that says these requirements from Micah are only for individuals, not societies, trying to separate politics from faith. I disagree.

Paul says, “And [God] made known to us the mystery of His will, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ,” (Ephesians 1:9-10). The duty of Christians is to bring everything in our society under the leadership of Christ, including politics.

Therefore, I can say without hesitation that we must at every turn oppose the current genocide against the unborn (Isaiah 1:17). It’s immoral and ungodly to vote pro-choice, given an alternative. It’s also important that Christians stand up for moral values, including (gasp!) opposing gay marriage.

Beyond this moral realm, it seems clear that the Church must remain apolitical. It sickens me that, on October 6 there was a rally of churches to demand that the government spend more money to fight poverty, an economic issue. Christians should be giving to the poor themselves, not asking the government to give for them.

For all other issues, we are called to renew our minds (Romans 12:2), ask God for wisdom (James 1:5), and subject every area of our lives, including politics, to Christ (Galatians 2:20). This is best understood through studying Scripture, using the reason and common sense God has given us.

I hate endorsing a candidate because I’m more focused on issues. However, to rid you of any uncertainty, let me make this clear: a vote for Kerry by a Christian is either ignorant or immoral. It’s against all principles I see in the Bible. That is why I will be voting for Bush. He isn’t perfect, but with good conscience before God that must be my vote.

Whatever the outcome of the election, we as Christians are commanded to submit ourselves to the governing authorities (Romans 13) and pray for our leaders (I Timothy 2:1-2). There is an assumption in Romans that the government upholds the commands of Micah. When it fails, it’s the role of Christians to do what they can to implement change. In all things, we are called by God to love others as ourselves and do what is right. In this, we humbly follow Him while we act justly, all the time loving mercy.

Chris Hill is a member of the Navigators Christian Fellowship and welcomes comments at hill0532@umn.edu. Check out October issues of The Wake for more cultural perspective on the 2004 election.