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Allegiance to the Kingdom of God and Voting

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Brother Wayne, Sep 22, 2024.

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  1. Brother Wayne

    Brother Wayne New Member

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    Haven’t been on the forum for years, but I decided to probe this subject to refine my own beliefs with voices outside my echo chamber. I am from the Anabaptist tradition, which has generally rejected voting and most forms of government service since its inception during the Reformation. I have never voted, and neither has anyone in my family or church, as far as I know. I realize this seems an unconscionable or even irresponsible position to many people, but it’s just the norm in my tradition. I am familiar with a number of the reasons for this position, but I want to clarify where I’m at personally.

    What I think sums up the strongest argument for our position on voting and government involvement is our understanding of the Kingdom of God as a present and alternative allegiance to the kingdoms of this world. We have a King to which we are loyal, and alignment with a political party here would, or at least could, adulterate that loyalty.

    Also, we take literally Jesus' teaching to love our enemies and take no vengeance on those who wrong us, with no exception. Therefore, voting for the Commander-in-Chief of the US Army is a compromise we cannot make. Anabaptists have claimed conscientious objector status in American wars, and in many cases, been persecuted for their refusal to take up arms. We do, of course, pay taxes and recognize that God has authorized governments to use force to punish evil and encourage good (Romans 13). God indeed uses governments to keep order, but it is the church that is a light to the nations of God’s better way of being and living. We are ambassadors of God’s Kingdom. God has chosen us to change the world, not by voting in Christian leaders but by exemplifying holiness and obedience to Jesus' teachings in our local communities.

    I'm sure there's more that could be said, but this is the concise and 'top of mind' version of my position. I've heard some arguments in the past that Christians ought to be 'salt & light' by using the ballot box to choose leaders whose positions align more closely with Christian values. I really don't see that working out though.
     
    #1 Brother Wayne, Sep 22, 2024
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  2. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    I believe that we are to be "salt and light". We cannot do this by relying on secular "world powers" which Scripture describes as our enemies to do this. If we do we cease being "salt and light" and take on the label of a political party instead.

    The idea that Christians have an obligation to vote is called the "social gospel" (the idea that it is up to Chriatians to change the World from being the World". I am not sure a man can serve two masters.

    I don't vote. I don't hold it against those who do, just explaining my position. I will not participate in those powers.
     
    #2 JonC, Sep 22, 2024
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  3. Deacon

    Deacon Well-Known Member
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    Where I live, I'm surrounded by Amish and Mennonite Anabaptist farmers...good people.
    I'd guess that many of them will simply not make voting a priority, it being harvest time and all.
    I'm told that as an individual they can choose to vote, and some do.

    As you mentioned, God has used a variety of people in the past to advance his plan.
    But I don't believe the church, as a body, should be associated with a particular party or candidate.
    Historically some church leaders have voiced their vote for people who became notorious despots.

    It's not so unreasonable!
    Many of us will be voting this election out of duty rather than conviction.
    Of late elections have been dirty,
    and the chosen candidates are quite stained.​

    I would hazard to guess that many will sit this one out.

    Rob
     
    #3 Deacon, Sep 22, 2024
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  4. 37818

    37818 Well-Known Member

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    Don't belong to a political party. But vote per one's understanding of God's will.
     
    #4 37818, Sep 23, 2024
  5. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    I Timothy 5:8 admonishes me, "If any provide not for his own, especially for those of his own family, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."

    "Provide" is often limited in our thinking to food/clothing/shelter. The inspired Word pronoeo includes these but means far more! It is to "consider in advance" and "look out for beforehand". When I see an opportunity in this free country to vote AGAINST perversion, slaughter of babies, destruction of law and order and vote FOR protection of my family, provision economically, freedom from fear, et al, I would NOT be "providing" for my own if I did not take advantage of that opportunity.

    To be part of the temporal world we live in demands social consciousness. If voting for a particular platform/program "provides" for my family, I will do so. But each who will not vote must answer IF they did what is best to provide in this election season.
     
    #5 Dr. Bob, Oct 22, 2024
  6. canadyjd

    canadyjd Well-Known Member

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    Thank for sharing your position. You stated it well.

    Let everyone act according to their own conscience in such matters. I wouldn’t presume to criticize or attempt to persuade otherwise.

    peace to you
     
    #6 canadyjd, Oct 22, 2024
  7. MrW

    MrW Well-Known Member

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    The Kingdom of God is not now of this world but is only in believer's. I am to love God and love my neighbor, even the lost.

    Therefore, it is my Christian duty to vote in every election, and I have done so for many decades.
     
    #7 MrW, Oct 23, 2024
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