Many Christians find it necessary to take a side in political debates. Many find it convenient to choose a party to help them define their political stance. I have asked myself whether it is both Biblical and rational to do so. Should Christians align themselves with a certain political party? What are some of the costs and benefits which come from this?
If Christians choose not to have any political stance to maintain an “inviting“ atmosphere, what ultimately occurs is that everyone else voices their opinions and the “Christian voice” dies out in the public political sphere. This leads to public opinion being swayed by all the non-Christian voices. Theoretically, if this country were truly run as a democracy, public opinion would influence the law, and thus be important. It is important, however, inasmuch as it has the ability to bring about social change.
I therefore must conclude that Christians need to have political opinions. Informed ones, preferably. This would mean the onus is on Christians to figure out how their government is being run and think critically about issues of justice. I admit I have often found this a challenging task. Still, I believe there is a responsibility.
Should Christians side with a political party publicly? If a party advertises many values which the Christian holds, it may seem tempting. However, caution is advised. Aligning with a certain party tells others that you agree with most of its positions, some of which you may be unaware of. One should fully examine a political party before attaching oneself to it. One should find out what the party is actually doing and what their political enemies say about them. One should get to the root of one’s own political beliefs, asking if one holds a Biblical position or not. One should only choose a political party after having done the homework.
That being said, though I think it is necessary to have a voice about political and social issues, I do not find advocating a certain political party to be necessary. I think some Christians choose parties, and then candidates based on parties, sometimes relying solely on one issue. For example, if one is Pro-Life, as the Republican party is most well-known for their stance on this (though Libertarians certainly are too), one may choose to align with this party and then begin choosing candidates who are Republican. Some Republicans aren’t even Pro-Life!
I really don’t mean to sound condemning nor arrogant, so I apologize if I do. The point I am making is: don’t side with a political party for the sake of siding with a political party.
Personally, I grew up in a very Democratic household. I have always had a heart for the less fortunate, and the Democratic party was always painted as “having a heart.“ If asked when I was younger, I am sure I would have responded that Bill Clinton was one of the best presidents the United States had ever had.
I then had very Republican friends in High School and College. I began reading the newspapers and debating issues with friends. The more I debated, the more I found myself choosing a side that was neither Democratic nor Republican. I could make all my friends unhappy at once ;).
Now I am of a strong Libertarian persuasion, generally speaking. I know this only from taking numerous political quizzes and reading about the various parties. However, I refuse to label myself as such or confine my vote to only Libertarian. Each item must be carefully inspected. I also refuse to dress in strange costumes to support Ron Paul, even though I voted for him. But I digress.
This does not mean I believe the Libertarian party is the “Christian party,” nor the idyllic party, for neither exist. I thus will not speak to a certain issue from a Libertarian standpoint. Instead, I want to speak from the platform of being a Christian. This does not mean all Christians have to agree with me, but my faith is primarily what will inform whatever position I assume.
Christians need to boldly make their faith inform their political opinions. They need to use reason to understand the broader implications of these opinions. They need to voice their opinions humbly, being willing to listen to others. And by the grace of God, we will be light and salt in this world.
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