Should a Christian Vote

[Salty]

I have put this thread in the Gen Bap forum for a couple of reasons.

1) Should a Christian vote in public elections?
2) Should a Christian be involved in local politics
3) Should a Christian run for public office

Is there Scripture foundation for our opinions, or is simply Scripture does not forbid it?

IF we should vote, especially from a Scripture point of view, than how about the last election. Many Evangelicals did not vote because they did not like Obama (many reasons) or Romney (Mormon). Should they have vote for "the least of two evils". a third party or even a write in?

any interesting thoughts?

 

[saturneptune]

I have put this thread in the Gen Bap forum for a couple of reasons.

1) Should a Christian vote in public elections?
2) Should a Christian be involved in local politics
3) Should a Christian run for public office

Is there Scripture foundation for our opinions, or is simply Scripture does not forbid it?

IF we should vote, especially from a Scripture point of view, than how about the last election. Many Evangelicals did not vote because they did not like Obama (many reasons) or Romney (Mormon). Should they have vote for "the least of two evils". a third party or even a write in?

any interesting thoughts?

First of all, I would answer yes to all three questions. The Scriptural foundation for answering those questions is Paul addresses ideals of good citizenship. The government we are under, local, county, state, and federal are in power because it was ordained by the Lord.

As far as the lack of quality of the nominees since Reagan, that is a function of ourselves, and this speaks to the heart of questions 2 and 3. We get the quality of nominees we deserve. It is a byproduct of laziness and lack of interest on the part of the American people.

 

[abcgrad94]

Yes to all three questions.

I'm of the opinion that one has no right to complain about the election if they didn't vote.

 

[Matt22:37-39]

YES, YES, YES

Romans 13



13 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

 

[salzer mtn]

Christ never got caught up with the politics of the time. The disciples was much interested in him to restore the kingdom to Israel. Christ kingdom was not of this world. Years ago christians didn't get caught up in politics as they do now, you cannot legislate morality. Christians today act like the Jews when they wanted a king to rule over them. God told Samuel, they have not reject you but they have rejected me. Politicans are crooks they know just what to promice to each group to get their vote. Since Jimmy Carter declared he was a christian every president since has been playing the born again card and voters fall for it. I believe, regardless of who is president, there are certain prophesies in the bible that will come to pass like, as it was in the day's of Lot, so shall it be in the coming of the son of man. The men of Sodom were homosexuals. today we are contending with this same issue. We are in the end time. Christians of today should be looking to God like the Israelites should have done and not looking to a man or a political party.

 

[Arbo]

I'm of the opinion that one has no right to complain about the election if they didn't vote.

Absolutely agree.

I cannot understand the mindset that comes up with the idea that Christians ought to sit idly by and lament the state of things while not making an effort to right what they think is wrong. It's as if they find a type of holiness by first cursing then remaining in the darkness.

Why is it that people forget about David, Joseph, or all the other Godly people in Scripture who were involved as leaders in their societies?

 

[Oldtimer]

Christ never got caught up with the politics of the time. The disciples was much interested in him to restore the kingdom to Israel. Christ kingdom was not of this world. Years ago christians didn't get caught up in politics as they do now, you cannot legislate morality. Christians today act like the Jews when they wanted a king to rule over them. God told Samuel, they have not reject you but they have rejected me. Politicans are crooks they know just what to promice to each group to get their vote. Since Jimmy Carter declared he was a christian every president since has been playing the born again card and voters fall for it. I believe, regardless of who is president, there are certain prophesies in the bible that will come to pass like, as it was in the day's of Lot, so shall it be in the coming of the son of man. The men of Sodom were homosexuals. today we are contending with this same issue. We are in the end time. Christians of today should be looking to God like the Israelites should have done and not looking to a man or a political party.

First, the answer to all three questions is yes.
Second, one of the problems we have is, not enough true members of the body of Christ run for office. (Question 3)

Agree that Jesus didn't get caught up with the politics of His time. There were no "politics" as we know them, in this country that used to be a republic. Unless I'm missing something, the average person living in the time of Christ did not have any say (vote) over who governed them. However, Jesus did not ignore the "government" either.

Agree, too, that we are near, if not already in the end time. Final resolution may not be within our lifetimes or those of following generations who are alive today. If we are near, history may repeat itself, as has happened with the Hebrews before God's patience comes to an end. If we are in the end, itself, we may see that glorious sunrise, before He calls us home.

Sometimes I wonder how close we are to God being unable to find this age's equivalent of the "10". Christians of every era, past, present, future should be looking to God rather than man. As Christians, in this nation, we have (had) an opportunity keep politics on the narrow path. Our failures in 1, 2, and 3 have put us into the place we are today.

May God have mercy on us all.

:null:

 

[Salty]

Christ never got caught up with the politics of the time. The disciples was much interested in him to restore the kingdom to Israel. Christ kingdom was not of this world.....

Interesting thesis,
Now will you please answer the questions in the OP

 

[Deacon]

Joseph and Daniel held high political positions.

1 - Yes, vote - it's your civic duty - we are members of our country even while we await our place in a better world.

2 - Yes, if God leads, be involved in politics - publically make a statement for Christ by living and forming our nation.

3 - Yes for some - no for most - God will call a few select people

If a Christian did run for government they should do it with their eyes wide open - they will be subject to ridicule, they will be tried and tempted, they will be subject to the forces of Saten like some of us have never been.

It's sort of like putting a bumper sticker for Christ on your car - people will complain if you follow the rules, others will complain if you don't break them.


Rob

 

[HeirofSalvation]

you cannot legislate morality.

That tired oft-repeated canard is false on it's face. You cannot have legitimately thought through that statement if you assume it's truth. "Morality" is, by it's very definition the only thing you DO legislate. Even if the "moral" positions are corrupt or ungodly, it is Always, and Only someone's view of morality which is the basis for law.

Yes to all three questions. BTW.

 

[go2church]

Sure, but don't get too caught up in it.

You have the right to say whatever you want, vote or no vote.

 

[salzer mtn]

I don't know of one single person that said they were a christian and went into politics but what was worse off from it in the end. Mike Huckabee is a good example. Quit preaching ran for president got beat, now working for Fox news. Preached the possums funeral, made crazy statements about how heaven was a better place because George Jones went their. Ronald Reagan claimed to be a christian, met with the Pope often, lied about Iran Contra, wife was into sourcery and star gazing. In the last several years many in the house and senate claimed to be christians both democrates and republicans, had affairs and quit office. My best friend, a christian ran for Sheriff won the election, cleaned up our county of drugs and dope heads, put the Ten Commandments up in the jail house yard. The devil through the lost world fought him tooth and nail. He died about three months ago of a heart attack due to to much stress. Now everything is going back to the dogs again. We are not living in a make believe world of Beaver Cleaver or Andy of Mayberry. Christ said, my kingdom is not of this world, or my servants would fight. I am just a stranger and a pilgram passing through this kingdom on earth and looking for a heavenly kingdom.

 

[Yeshua1]

That tired oft-repeated canard is false on it's face. You cannot have legitimately thought through that statement if you assume it's truth. "Morality" is, by it's very definition the only thing you DO legislate. Even if the "moral" positions are corrupt or ungodly, it is Always, and Only someone's view of morality which is the basis for law.

Yes to all three questions. BTW.

didn't God "legislate morality" in isreal by the giving of the law unto them?

 

[HeirofSalvation]

didn't God "legislate morality" in isreal by the giving of the law unto them?

Even a speed limit or the necessity for handi-capped parking is essentially a moral precept codified into legislation.
Even wicked laws are predicated upon someone's twisted moral viewpoint. Either way, it is morality alone which is the source of nearly all law.

The ordinances of the Jewish law, and some of it's injunctions are likely not so much "moral" but rather designed to teach something. Such as the ordinance not to eat certain animals or to wear mixed fabrics. Those likely have a point they are trying to convey more than anything.

(No, I don't think the dietary laws are fundamentally or predominately health-based).

 

[Gregory Perry Sr.]

Trying To Walk The Balance Beam...

I have put this thread in the Gen Bap forum for a couple of reasons.

1) Should a Christian vote in public elections?
2) Should a Christian be involved in local politics
3) Should a Christian run for public office

Is there Scripture foundation for our opinions, or is simply Scripture does not forbid it?

IF we should vote, especially from a Scripture point of view, than how about the last election. Many Evangelicals did not vote because they did not like Obama (many reasons) or Romney (Mormon). Should they have vote for "the least of two evils". a third party or even a write in?

any interesting thoughts?

And from PAGE 2


By salzer mtn....."I don't know of one single person that said they were a christian and went into politics but what was worse off from it in the end. Mike Huckabee is a good example. Quit preaching ran for president got beat, now working for Fox news. Preached the possums funeral, made crazy statements about how heaven was a better place because George Jones went their. Ronald Reagan claimed to be a christian, met with the Pope often, lied about Iran Contra, wife was into sourcery and star gazing. In the last several years many in the house and senate claimed to be christians both democrates and republicans, had affairs and quit office. My best friend, a christian ran for Sheriff won the election, cleaned up our county of drugs and dope heads, put the Ten Commandments up in the jail house yard. The devil through the lost world fought him tooth and nail. He died about three months ago of a heart attack due to to much stress. Now everything is going back to the dogs again. We are not living in a make believe world of Beaver Cleaver or Andy of Mayberry. Christ said, my kingdom is not of this world, or my servants would fight. I am just a stranger and a pilgrim passing through this kingdom on earth and looking for a heavenly kingdom."


Salty....I would say an absolute YES on all three questions but at the same time I recognize and understand how easy it is for salzer mtn. and others to come to the type of conclusions that they have as well. The big problem I have is that, 1)...many of the politicians that are running these days will say just about anything to get elected and 2)...there are so few men or women of sound character and principals running that there simply aren't enough suitable choices at the ballot box. In the last election I tried to get as informed as possible about the candidates for the various offices that were contested on the ballot and I found myself having to abstain in some of the races because I vote (as a Christian) my convictions, conscience and values. I, like Salzer (and everyone else who is saved) am a resident of this world and a citizen of the next one to come. It really is a dilemma when the choices get so "thin". That said...I do believe that the act of voting is just another way that the born-again Christian can and should exercise a Godly influence on the increasingly hostile secular world in which we live as we seek to "occupy" until Christ returns. We should participate in the process as far as we legitimately can as long as we don't vote for unbiblical or ungodly principles or people who blatantly oppose those things which we live for and by as Christians. It IS getting more difficult to do with each passing year as our society in this country marches ever closer toward complete secularization. Sadly....many, if not most of the choices we are faced with ARE "the lesser of two or more evils" with no clear GOOD choices available. MY take?....step up to the ballot box....do what you can and participate as far as your convictions and conscience will allow you.... and abstain where necessary. Never....NEVER vote in contradiction to the Biblical values and truths that you KNOW are true!

Bro.Greg:saint: