On September 4, 2012 by Brian Zahnd

A Christian Voter’s Guide

A Christian Voter’s Guide

Praise be to Nero’s Neptune
The Titanic sails at dawn
And everybody’s shouting
“Which Side Are You On?”

I am fine with a Christian voting for Mitt Romney if they feel that action best reflects their commitment to follow Jesus Christ. I know sincere Christians who will do this.

I am fine with a Christian voting for Barack Obama if they feel that action best reflects their commitment to follow Jesus Christ. I know sincere Christians who will do this.

I am fine with a Christian voting for someone else (Green Party, write-in, etc.) if they feel that action best reflects their commitment to follow Jesus Christ. I know sincere Christians who will do this.

I am fine with a Christian choosing not to vote because they don’t like any of the options and view it as inconsistent with truly believing that Jesus is Lord. I know sincere Christians who will do this.

I am not fine with a Christian who insists that their particular way of voting is the only faithful Christian response. Such Christians are narrow-minded partisans who divide the body of Christ over politics. This is a grievous sin.

“This is my commandment: That you love one another.” -Jesus

(The artwork is Puritan Place by Harold Town. The quote is from Bob Dylan’s Desolation Row.)

elstevis

A grievous sin? Ha Ha. Where is it written in scripture? Oh please, just ignore goofy people and their goofy beliefs!
congamyk

this zhand lives in a mcmansion on a cul de sac. clueless. this is not a voting guide, it”s a fluff piece of crap. it’s people like this let Roe vs Wade “happen”.
Guest

him quoting dylan is the cherry on the turd
congamyk

yes there are issues we can disagree about but what about the precedents? Obama is the first President the Catholic church or any church has ever had to sue because he is denying their first amendment rights to practice their religion freely. Obama is repression, pure and simple.
Denny

What a bunch of baloney that provides cover for people who cheer lead the cult personality – Barack Obama. Conveniently forgetting that ” Thou Shall Not Murder” is a commandment and voting for people who are enablers for the abortion crowd cannot be squared with the teaching of the scriptures. Please stop inventing ‘sins’ that are explicitly called out in the Bible.
http://www.facebook.com/bbwindow Bill Benson

It is grievous to me that I see so many of my brethren reflecting hateful and worldly attitudes over politics. Worldly kingdoms have no concern for us in the end.
http://twitter.com/tsupasat Tyson Supasatit

Just because you’re getting so much flak in the comments, I’m posting to say that I agree with you, Ps. Brian. Politics are just one more area of life where we need to be as faithful according to the revelation given us. “For I see in part and know in part …”
Tim

Thank you for your wise advice, Brian. Sadly, many Christians would rather be known by their unswerving devotion to their own interpretation of scripture, than by their love. An unfortunate(and grievous) misunderstanding of Jesus’ teaching. Quite reminiscent of the Pharisees.
I hear in your article years of experience with partisan divisions in the past, and your desire to leave that divisive mess behind us. May God give you favor in this pursuit.
Denny

Please let me know how you interpret “Thou shall not kill”!
PastorMikeB

Grievous sin is neglecting our responsibility to protect innocent life. Surely the Church should unify behind that? Pastors and Christions refusing to stand for obvious Biblical truth in society is the reason many Church establishments are becoming ever increasingly ineffective. Whether you like it or not your choice to be silent instead of being vocal about the truth of God’s Word is nothing more than the fear of man. Worldly Kingdoms have a direct effect on our ability to share the gospel.it will be a shame to see the American Church lose it’s freedom to spread the Gospel as it once did. All because some pastors were to afraid to stand, and even worse tried to shame other pastors into doing the same. I won’t be shamed or silenced.
Denny

THANKS!!!! Political correctness has taken over many Churches, so they will castigate people as pharisees etc. when people call them out.
http://www.facebook.com/BillRoseHeim William B. Rose-Heim

Well said. I see in this election cycle evidence of a subterranean conflict among Christians: the cohort who passionately believes that Christianity as all about a right personal relationship with God and the world and the cohort who, with equal passion, believe that Christianity is primarily about a right corporate relationship with God and the world. The two are not opposing positions – only partial. Our national politics reflect (sadly) the state of the Body of Christ wherein some members claim they have no need of the other. In fact we need the metaphorical arms to be better arms, the legs to become better differentiated and healthy, etc. The Church is one for the sake of mission – to inspire (versus require) disciples of Jesus, immersing them in the fullness of God’s self-revelation and instructing them (particularly by our holy example) in the way that Jesus embodied. A pile of parts is not only ineffective . . . if they become too far separated from each other, they are a pile of dead parts. Fortunately, God has far too much compassion for the trillions of folk who will come after us asking “Who am I? and “Why am I here?” God will reunite us. God grant me the humility and desire to be a ready and willing participant in Your revival..
Aaron

I would urge you to check your history on worldly kingdoms and the influence they have on the Gospel. The church thrives in the face of persecution. It’s designed to be that way. Your statement reflects a lack of Biblical Literacy. Check your historical and Biblical facts.
Erik

Danny, let’s be consistent in our views. If you are serious about being pro-life and not killing, then also take into account our massive war machine (when Jesus said to love your enemies) and our insistence on the death penalty (when Jesus said that God was not willing that any should perish). To truly be consistent in following Christ will leave you in a place where you will find no party which represents his views.
http://www.facebook.com/janene.collins.7 Janene Collins

You’ve gone too far for me on this one. No, I don’t want to be a narrow-minded partisan, but our president stood before us four years ago saying that marriage should be between one man and one woman. It seemed to me that he didn’t mean it. Now, he is endorsing gay marriage, endorsing abortion, offending the Catholic Church with his HHS mandate, and all references to God have been removed from the democratic platform. There are some things that truly divide. Jesus said “Love one another.” He also said that believing Him and following Him would require a Christian to stand for what is right according to what God has revealed to us in His Word.
Curt

None of the parties are truly consistent with Christ’s kingdom – all were derived by humans, all have been changed by humans and all continue to be molded, modified and run by imperfect humans. The founding fathers of this country (there were 100s that came together, not just the 3 that are referenced Jefferson, Franklin, Washington) had great vision, a majority of them were beleivers, were clergy, bible scholars, etc. They stated that there was no other way for our Constitution, Bill or Rights, etc. could come together other than by devine Providence. Many of them also predicted the political divide of today, they predicted what could or would bring down this Republic which they created based upon the one book that they all referenced – the Holy Scriptures.
As citizens of the human race we are duty bound to find Christ and to follow Him otherwise we are lost.
As citizens of the United States we have a civic duty to our history, to our fellow citizens and to all those future citizens to maintain the Constitution and founding principles by ensuring liberty. We must vote to protect and prosper those foundings..
We as Christians do and have done a poor job in fighting in the public arena, since the late 1800s we’ve been losing the fight. The United States will never be the Kingdom of God! The US is maintained and run by imperfect humans – it is an inclusive republic with religious freedom – thus it will never be or fit into a Christian’s perfect mold.
Coexist (even though I have issues at times the way this has been used). Vote the way you are directed by the Holy Spirit. Help those around you, those you influence understand your position. Pray for them, love them-(especially if they are on the other side of the isle), hopefully the Holy Spirit will give them guidance…maybe through these community actions and the Holy Spirit you will change them to your position…maybe, you will be changed to their’s. There is nothing that will turn an individual the other way is when you condemn them for standing with a political party. My father is a life long union man, a life long Democrat from his youth. Nothing drives him more mad and more away from any other view than when Democrats are called not Christian! He is a Christian, we pray together and he prays to the same God every night, but 75 years of political belief is difficult to change without love. Love, not condemnation. Reason, not confrontation. Most of all love.
onlyafewawake7

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
christsdciple

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
http://www.facebook.com/artistKarenKay Karen Kay

Are you fine with a Christian choosing not to go to church because they don’t like any of the options? I know sincere Christians who do this.
Denny

Thanks for the response. I agree that we need to be consistent. However, there is no moral equivalency between the slaughter of innocent defenseless unborn children and someone fighting on behalf of the country or capital punishment for a heinous crime. Let’s not go on the path of moral relativism
http://www.facebook.com/kathy.glaze.10 Kathy Glaze

It would be good for everyone to go see the Movie 2016 Obama’s America It is a eye opener and show with fact that he does not love America. They are both members of a secret society as most Presidents have been. Regan was not and a few others. This is info I found by googling.
Don’t be deceived

I pray that God will open your eyes Pastor!
Do not be deceived

I pray that God will open your eyes Pastor!
revdroth

thank you. the reaction you are getting shows the truth of your words. just want to voice my support.
Do not be deceived

I pray that God will open your eyes Pastor!
Of Course

Yes, if you found it through Google then it MUST be true!
Jason

Denny’s right on that one…neither capitol punishment nor war are remotely the same as abortion. This isn’t to say, however, that a candidate who is pro-life is the right choice. As has been pointed out, every theory of government has flaws and inconsistencies with scripture. The real choice to weigh is what is the best use of your vote. If you believe that voting for one particular candidate will make a difference for good, great.
Norm

Jason, I think your last sentence pretty much sums up Mr. Zahnd’s post in the first place so I’m not sure where everyone’s outrage is coming from.
Louise

I am a Christian and I am not fine with voting for a party that supports and encourages and enables the taking of the lives of the unborn. I am pretty sure that Jesus and Father and Holy Spirit agree. If that is narrow minded, well, He is the one that said that the way is narrow. Choosing life is the way of the Life Giver. And PS I am fine with Loving One Another. And the unborn are people and they deserve to be a part of that.
truthsetree

Examine both parties and thier candidates. Start with their world view and core values, examine the roots of thier political philosophies, discover thier affiliations. Who are thier thought leaders? What groups are affiliated with the party? What type of legislation have they supported and do they support? Do they support groups that attack people of faith and the expression of faith? Do they routinely
drive legislation that is fundamentally unbiblical? Get informed then make your decision.
Gerald Lewis

I have chosen not to take a part of the political process this year. Not because I do not love my country but because I find it difficult to love everyone once I pick a side. I end up becoming part of a mob instead of a peacemaker.
Anonymous

I use to be a part of the political arena. Years ago I walked with Arthur Blessitt and David Wilkerson at a Washington for D.C. for Jesus rally. Years later I put together the bid books for the Republic Convention in Kansas City when I worked at the Kansas City Convention and Visitors Bureau. The political warfare game is so divisive and quarrelsome. Rights, agendas, freedom of speech……..it turns and becomes a cruel joke. It is like a chess game, pawns, moves, it never ends. Somebody has to win. Somebody has to lose. When it is over, who really wins? God is in control. 1) Control the tongue. 2) Pray 3) Vote.
http://www.fivedills.com Greg Dill

And yet you are fine with a party that supports the razing of villages and towns in foreign countries where thousands of innocent men, women, and children (possibly Christian) are killed by collateral damage in some senseless war? You are fine with a party that believes in killing perfectly redeemable men and women caught in a cycle of a system that believes in capital punishment? You are fine with a party that believes in upholding and maintaining a centuries old Amendment that promotes and supports gun violence where 1 MILLION innocent people have been killed since 1981? You support a party that spends billions of dollars on war machines and armament and yet wants to reduce funding in helping our nation’s welfare system to help the poor?

This seems very contradictory to the Christ I know.
http://www.fivedills.com Greg Dill

Actually, Denny would be wrong. Thousands of innocent men, women, and children (possibly Christian) are killed by collateral damage in time of war. American gunships and bombers have razed entire villages in Iraq and Afghanistan where numerous innocent people were killed. This, not to mention several instances of brutal and inhumane torture committed by many of our troops. One of which went on a drunken rampage and killed a handful of innocent Afghanis. We can’t dismiss the atrocities committed during war in order to bring to light the atrocities committed during abortion. They MUST be viewed with equal disdain for what is both evil and unjust. As Christians we MUST do something about both.
http://www.fivedills.com Greg Dill

Abolish capital punishment. Don’t support the US war machine that kills innocent people. Tighter restrictions on gun control where 1 million innocent people have been killed since 1980. Make abortion illegal. Love your enemy (yep, terrorists, abortionists, homosexuals, and murderers too). Turn the other cheek.
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Gerray

As odd and perhaps “unchristian” as it may seem to some, I strive to keep my religious views out of it, and narrow my voting choice to what I feel is the best interpretation of what is right for America, both now and in the future. I personally feel that religion permeating politics is wrong, and should be separated from our “earthly citizen” duties and obligations. I know that many will take issue with this position, but so be it! That’s one of the greatest things about our country, you have a right to be offended, or disagree with my position, and I have a right to maintain it! Peace!
Anonymous

Ps Brian, I am going to be a bit direct as you have influence over people in your sphere.
This is pathetic advice from a pastor. A believer should not be voting for people who are doing things against the Kingdom of God. Voting for someone who promoting the killing of children, blaming others instead of doing their part, and attacking success will continue the decline of a nation. For abortion alone, the blood of the innocent is on the hands of those who support people who murder the unborn. Believers must not associate with this. There are many other issues as well.
We should be praying for godly people to be voted into office. We must vote, not tell our church families to be apathetic. Otherwise we will lose what spiritual/political freedom we got in forming the US.
We should definitely not be voting for people who do things against the Kingdom of God. If believers follow your advice, we might as well close down the US and go live on some island of chaos somewhere.

Put away the granola and get back to the Word of God. We are all judged for what we’ve done and how we’ve influenced others.
Anonymous

Amen!
Anonymous

You hit the nail on the head.
Anonymous

That is exactly it. No faith, no action. Only mediocrity.
David

Why Should We Vote For Mitt Romney?

Voting for Romney is material cooperation with evil

Why Mitt Romney’s Mormonism Does Matter
Norm

By the logic of what you are saying the person you will vote for is 100% the candidate of God?
Norm

Picking a side only to damage your soul would defeat the purpose of being a christian. Good words Gerald. Not saying it can’t be done but if hate comes from politics then you have defeated yourself.
Norm

Sadly I would say in my opinion our two driving forces in politics both do this. So what is one to do when no one completely follows God?
Sage

A lot of the outrage seems to be coming from people aligned with the republican party (apologies if I’m generalizing). I have no problem with someone voting for that party if that action best reflects their commitment to Jesus. But would you vote for someone who doesn’t believe in God or Jesus if they were Muslim, Atheist or Buddhist just because they belong to a certain party? Also when you condemn someone for voting another way are you not also saying that my candidate is 100% in line with Christ?
Sage

We should probably also be careful that we don’t make war and kill in the name of God as America has a history of and one might even call it an addiction.
Red

That’s legalism, Greg. God no longer operates by legalism but by grace. Neither should we “fight” for laws to be created to enforce various things.

By enforcing such laws, we’d only be changing the outside. We’re not changing people’s beliefs. In fact, we’re probably pissing more of them off. God works from within. We ought to let the Holy Spirit do that, too.

Last note: Christianity (not Christendom) cannot ever hope to reform or “take over” politics. Once Christianity wins in the world, then Christianity has really lost.
http://www.fivedills.com Greg Dill

You may have your definitions mixed up. Legalism is when religion becomes a set of rules imposed on people. My list is simply a response to someone asking what does “thou shall not kill” mean in the context of politics.
John

“Party spirit”….last time I looked….did NOT figure among traditional Christian virtues. It makes Paul’s “not nice” list in Gal. 5. I think Christian loyalty to any political party could become some kind of idol in their lives. It sure seems to be a realm where many Christians feel free to abandon Christian standards. They will forward slanderous emails. They will “rejoice in the wrong” if it reflects poorly on their rivals. And some will misrepresent opponents’ positions (bear false witness)….the most seedy of political strategies. Christians may reject others’ viewpoints.—but we should frame them in ways they would accept. Politicians rarely do that. We should not simply parrot the politicians we like. Doesn’t the golden rule figure into our political lives?
FredWaring

Until you can see that some honest and good-hearted people do not believe the unborn are people, it will be hard for you to have much real influence on this topic. I too am pro-life….but we need to engage others respectfully and say WHY we believe the unborn to be human. Biblical references are not decisive on the matter. So what is your view based on? Are you willing to rely only on this one issue while we blast countries to bits?
John

Why is it “obvious” that the unborn are fully human? If that were the case, why isn’t the OT penalty for causing a miscarriage the same as for causing death? That’s the only passage I can think of that even relates to ending fetal life. Can you think of others? Christians should unify on what is clearly taught in the Bible….not on speculative inferences even when those are on important matters.
Anonymous

There is no party of God, there are only PEOPLE OF GOD.

Apathy and lethargic responses will just bring apathetic and lethargic leadership. We highly respect Pastor Brian, but we all have areas that we need to seek God on.

Pastors must encourage and uplift the family of God. Joshua, Daniel, Rahab and others didn’t just pray, they acted.

Jesus people MUST be praying and acting as the Spirit leads.
phil

how are homosexuals possibly your enemy? What have they done to you?
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Full-time pastor. Occasional author. Would-be mountaineer.

Brian Zahnd is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church, a Christian congregation located in the heartland of America in St. Joseph, Missouri. More...

On September 4, 2012 by Brian Zahnd

A Christian Voter’s Guide