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June 10, 2020
NEW 2nd Edition!
Worldview, Issues, and Voting
By David Closson
Dear John,
We live in a time of acute political polarization, exacerbated every election cycle by a 24-hour barrage of candidate advertisements on every communication platform. Unfortunately, the toxic tone and extremely partisan nature of our political system discourage many Christians from studying what the Bible teaches about government and considering how faith should inform one's view of politics.
Thus, it is no surprise that withdrawing from the political process has become a temptation for many Christians. After all, if God is sovereign and controls the heart of the king (Prov. 21:1), do we really need to get involved in the messy world of politics? Because political engagement can be divisive, shouldn't Christians abandon politics and direct their energies toward more spiritual pursuits?
Christians are called to honor God in every area of their lives. Therefore, we should seek to submit everything to the Lord, including our political engagement. Engaging in politics is not only unavoidable, it is also an opportunity to obey God and show love to our neighbors.
American Christians, with our right to vote, have a unique opportunity and duty to affect the political process. To that end, I have written a new publication to help Christians filter all issues, candidates, and party platforms through a biblical worldview and encourage God-honoring, faithful political engagement. This booklet provides clear answers to these pivotal questions:
- Do Christians have a moral or biblical obligation to participate in government?
- Is there a distinctively Christian way to engage in the political process? Do Christians have a duty to vote, and if so, what principles should inform them while casting their ballots?
- How should pastors think about politics, and how can they shepherd their congregations well during an election season?
I hope this resource helps you think about politics through the lens of Scripture and equips you to engage in a winsome, convictional, and faithful manner.
Sincerely,
David Closson
Director of Christian Ethics and Biblical Worldview
Family Research Council
Also, don't miss my interview on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins where I discuss how hot-button political issues are fundamentally theological issues, and also how important it is for pastors to engage with moral questions that are inescapably political and shepherd their congregations accordingly.
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