From the posting date of this article, California is less than one month away from the general election, and getting Christians to the polls is like pulling teeth from an elephant. The problem stems from a belief in the separation of church and state, and the theological view that Christians are not obligated to vote. So, as Christians, should we vote and be involved with politics?
Christian apathy in America
In my opinion, the most significant setback to the church has been apathy, including political apathy - at least for Christians in America. If you are a United States citizen or naturalized citizen, you have a right to vote - and for Christians, this is where the debate begins.
For many Christians, anything political should be ignored. The idea of pastors addressing political issues in the church and to their congregants is unwelcome in many churches. They would instead read the passage of Psalm 139:13, “For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” then inform the church about a measure, as in California, that enshrines a text in the California constitution that will allow the killing of a baby up to birth. (State Measure 1 will be on the ballot)
California governor Gavin Newsom signed 13 abortion bills that strip the rights of the unborn. S.B.1142, A.B.2223, S.B.1245, A.B.2586, A.B 2134, S.B.1375, A.B.1242, A.B.2205, S.B.2091, A.B.2626, A.B.1918, S.B.523, and A.B.657. This is a governor elected by the people of California - Christians included.
Abortion is just one of the many issues facing California. I am not writing about children's gender transitioning, gender identity, ethnic studies, and racism in our public schools and colleges. Our young children are being indoctrinated with studies outside of science, logic, and morality. Politicians influence our culture and, combined with the media, celebrities, and money, can promote their ideology across many platforms. So, let me remind Christians of covid, policymakers, and its effects on the church these last two and half years.
How politics shaped Christian living during covid
The church's apathy was prominently displayed to the world during covid lockdowns. All eyes were on Christians as the unbelieving world watched church doors being locked, and Christians disassembled to their homes, just when the world needed a place of refuge, hope, and comfort.
Pulpits abandoned, pews void of believers and non-believers, no ushers, no choir, no musicians, no youth leaders or youth, no Sunday school teachers, and no sounds of kids running, laughing, and playing on church property. The doors were closed and locked; parking lots were empty and void of God’s people for months and for some churches over a year.
An unknown author penned one of the most outstanding commands the church received from our Creator in the book of Hebrews 10:25.
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
God did not tell pastors to close the church; politics told pastors to shut the church. As restrictions were being lifted politics crafted a plan on how the church should get back to what they have done for 2000 years.
Politics told the believer when to go to church, how to attend church, and how many parishioners could attend. Politics told the church how and when to worship; no chanting or singing. Politics told the church when to cover up (masking), get vaccinated, and social distance. With its hands in the church, politics created a plan to funnel money into churches, the Payroll Protection Plan (Loan Forgiveness) to secure ongoing payroll for pastors and staff.
After two years, government and health departments "realized" that politics jumped ahead of science. Yes, covid has killed thousands of people. However, we also know that heart disease and cancer are still the top killers of Americans for many years before covid appeared.
Should Christians be involved with politics?
Throughout the Bible, God’s people were moved into politics. Many were associated with pharaohs, kings, queens, judges, governors, and many other local political seats. Little did Joseph, the son of Jacob, know that his brother's betrayal would position him as the second in charge of all of Egypt. His position in government allowed safe passage for his people from Canaan to come to Egypt during the famine.
Hundreds of years later, Moses would have to tend to another Pharaoh in Egypt. A new generation of Hebrews was now enslaved in the country they once found refuge. A Moses who went against a political agenda to enslave, oppress and kill his people stood up to confront the pharaoh.
As Americans, we have it much easier than Joseph and Moses. We have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. But as these rights are slowly being taken away, it’s not because we live in a monarchy but because we Americans have allowed it by forfeiting our rights and morals.
Should Christians in America vote?
Yes, especially Christians. I believe it’s vital to vote and be informed of those politicians making major decisions in our country because it affects not only Christians but unbelievers too. When we vote for the wrong politician, we have bad policies. For example, Gavin Newsom signed 13 policies against children.
As a Christian are you obligated to vote?
Of course not. Christians are not forced to vote, but if a vote could make a difference in changing policies that end life - wouldn't it be the believer's duty to vote?
Maybe it's not apathy affecting Christians not to vote, perhaps it's a seared conscience as written in the book of Timothy. That is to cauterize (seared) the conscience, meaning to prevent, stop or kill the conscience. A conscience that is void of righteousness, morality, and God.
The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
1 Timothy 4:1-2
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