How Should a Follower of Jesus Vote?
by Alicia Johnston
Please welcome Alicia Johnston as a columnist for Adventist Today. Alicia Johnston is an obsessive reader, a poor guitar player, and a lover of sunshine. She serves the Arizona Conference of Seventh-day Adventists as the pastor of Foothills Community Church, (foothillsaz.org). In a previous career she was a counselor and holds an MA in Clinical Psychology in addition to an MDiv. She got very tired of school before she was done.
Though it seems inconceivable now, there was once a presidential candidate that I not only supported, but believed in. This was someone whose political philosophy was exactly what we needed, who had integrity, and who I knew would be good for our country. It was the first time I was interested in politics, and I studied every twist and turn that election year. I knew the lies and mistakes of my opponent, and I excused or explained away the lies and mistakes of my own candidate. No politician is above them. If my guy won, I knew things could be better. Of course he lost.
Have you ever seen one of those bumper stickers that says, “Jesus for President”? I thought my guy was good. Can you imagine the loving, wise, compassionate savior of humanity as the leader of the free world? Christians argue about who to vote for—but if Jesus was on the ballot?
Alas, it’s only a dream. Jesus is not on the ticket. No one slightly resembling Jesus is on the ticket. So what should we do? As Christians, what role should we take in civic engagement? In the world of Jesus and the world of the Bible, politics were more straightforward. You lived with what you were born into. Only the very elite who were involved in the political world of Rome could directly influence government. That’s probably why the advice in the New Testament is simply to be a good citizen and obey the law until it conflicts with your loyalty to Jesus, then follow Jesus. They couldn’t vote, so the New Testament doesn’t speak directly to what we should do, since Jesus is not on the ticket.
Jesus for King
The Gospel of John has something to say about politics. Jesus had recently begun his ministry on earth. He was healing people, he was drawing crowds, and then he fed a group of five thousand people from basically nothing. The people came to a rather logical conclusion. This guy is popular, so he could raise an army. He can heal people, so his soldiers could go right back to fight after an injury. And even if his supply line gets cut off, he can create food from nothing. This man is powerful. We want him to be our king.
Jesus knew what was happening. “Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself,” John 6:15. This was really an astounding move. Jesus could have been king. Jesus could have been emperor. Jesus could have been the most powerful man in the world. We tend to think that in order to achieve something, we need power. The approach to politics that many Christians have taken is to try and accumulate power so they can get laws past that are in line with the will of God (as they understand it). The religious right, the moral majority, legal campaigns against activities conservative Christians have seen as sinful, all these have been an attempt to accumulate and exercise political power for the kingdom of God.
There’s just one problem: you can’t follow Jesus and ignore the decisions he actually made and the things he actually did or didn’t do. Jesus didn’t want to be king. Jesus wasn’t interested in political power. So why are some of his self-proclaimed followers obsessed with it?
The Kingdom of God
It would also be wrong to say that Jesus was not political. Jesus was intentional about his life and the language he used. When he entered his public ministry, he knew exactly what he came to do, and that was to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God. In ancient battles, the first news that the family at home heard of whether the kingdom was secure, of whether their loved ones were likely to return, and of whether their future was safe was through the runner who was the first to carry the news back to the city. There was a word for when this news was good. In the Greek, that word was euangelion, and we translate it gospel or good news. Jesus was there to announce the good news, that the battle had been won, that the king was on his throne, and that the king is none other than God himself.
Jesus and his followers also used words and phrases that were normally reserved for the emperor, such as “son of god,” “savior,” and “lord.” The church called itself the ekklesia which was a term for a political group that gathered in the Greek city-state to make decisions of political importance. Jesus was not afraid of politics.
In fact, I think a quote from the great Mahatma Gandhi applies here, “Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is.” Religion has everything to do with politics. In fact, religion has everything to do with everything of importance. If you are a follower of Jesus, that loyalty must be first in your heart and mind at all times and impact all things.
So Jesus came to announce the Kingdom of God, but what is the kingdom of God? It’s what happens when God is in charge. Yet it is also not a kingdom at all. All this political talk of Jesus’ caught up with him. He found himself standing before a Roman governor, being questioned about this kingdom of his and whether he was claiming the title of king of the Jews. “Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world,’” John 18:36.
Fighting for the Wrong Kingdom
Though it’s not unheard of, particularly this election year, the political process in America does not normally involve physical fights. It certainly doesn’t involve the type of brutal sword fighting Jesus was referencing, but we have our own ways of fighting for our political candidates. They fought with swords, we fight with slander, anger, and passionate debate about the vile wickedness of our opponents and the level-headed practicality of our candidates. That’s our way of fighting today. It’s on the radio, on attack ads, on social media, and seemingly everywhere we turn. We have our own way of fighting.
There are a lot of things broken in this country, and Christians should advocate for change. We should advocate for good government that doesn’t disadvantage the poor, protection for the vulnerable, equitable rule of law for all people, justice, and accountability for those who exploit others, because these are all biblical values. If I’m reading my Bible right, these are the result of following God as our leader.
However, when we fight for a certain politician or political party, we are placing our faith in them, and playing by the rules of a different kingdom. We are playing the power game, thinking that our loyalty for one party or candidate will be rewarded by that candidate using the power we have given them in the way we want them to. They don’t. For years, decades even conservative Christians mobilized voters to get politicians elected to end abortion, and it never happened. Politicians from different parties are not dramatically different. Every politician is beholden to lobbyists and big donors. We spend all our time advocating for candidates, trying to transfer power to the guy we think will make things better, when even Jesus himself rejected political power.
Jesus for Savior
If you think giving the right person political power is the answers to our problems as a nation, you have put your faith in the wrong person. If you think that one political party or another will be our salvation, you are fighting for the wrong kingdom.
This country doesn’t need more Christians putting their energy and influence behind advocating for a Christian nation or someone they believe is a Christian leader. This country needs Christians who recognize the fallibility of every government this world has ever seen. Adventists in particular should be aware of the way governments are dealt with in prophecy. In Daniel they are represented by an image (an idol perhaps) of man-made materials mostly of metal that are destroyed by a divinely crafted stone. Throughout Daniel and Revelation, they are fearsome beasts who fight, kill, and destroy. They follow the dragon. They oppress the poor. They concern themselves only with riches, power, and idolatry. None of them are good. All of them are destroyed in the end.
Yet we treat these people like saviors. We act like the right politician is going to fix this mess of a political system. We attack people who disagree. We are consumed with anger that people would be ignorant enough, selfish enough, or emotional enough to vote for the candidate we oppose. We are convinced that the opposition is morally bankrupt and incompetent. In all this fighting, we reveal who our savior is.
Misplaced Loyalties
What a mess the politicians would have on their hands if Christians stopped being loyal to them and started caring about the things that matter in the kingdom of God. What a mess they would have if on the local and national level we demanded transparency in government so oppressors could be held accountable, if we required campaign finance reform so the rich and powerful couldn’t exploit the political system, if we started asking why the poor struggle so much and what are the systemic problems that are keeping them down, and if we started demanding equal justice for all people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and financial means.
Maybe some of my suggestions make you nervous because you’re afraid I’m talking about something outside your political ideology. I don’t intend to do so. I’m one of those unfortunate (or fortunate) people whose views don’t fit well in any political party. What I do believe is that we are allowing partisan loyalties to distract us from the loyalty that matters. We have lost our relevance in this country because we have sold ourselves to political parties instead of the kingdom of God. We are fighting for a kingdom that is irrelevant in the end. We are making idols of politicians. And in the process, some of us are getting really nasty about it.
It’s actually quite a relief to let go of the notion that salvation can be found in the election cycle. A lot of people have a lot of fear about what will happen to this country. But I know a better country with a better King. I know a real Savior. I have put my hope in One who will not disappoint. And that’s where my loyalty, my hope, and my salvation is found. Goodbye, kingdoms of the earth. Welcome to the kingdom of God.
“Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his anointed… He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision,” Ps 2:1-4.
Rev. Johnston,
You write: What a mess the politicians would have on their hands if Christians stopped being loyal to them and started caring about the things that matter in the kingdom of God. What a mess they would have if on the local and national level we demanded transparency in government so oppressors could be held accountable, if we required campaign finance reform so the rich and powerful couldn’t exploit the political system, if we started asking why the poor struggle so much and what are the systemic problems that are keeping them down, and if we started demanding equal justice for all people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and financial means.
Tell me a little about the mechanics of demanding things from politicians, those who would rule over us. How exactly do we, as you say, advocate? What are the ways and means of demanding?
Only one way, but it will never come to pass. The apathy and complacency of the American voters are past the time when it could have had a chance. The past 60 years, the voters have not been responsible in demanding their “public servants” adhere to representing them and their values. Not 0nly at the local level, but the Federal level. Instead of “servants”, they have made them celebrities, and lesser god’s. These politicos promise to honor the public while campaigning, but the “old boys club” rules in the whole political system. It’s a “Mafia type organization”. The older active members of the clique, which includes members of both parties, rule. Rarely will a newcomer (an Independent) last more than one term, if they don’t
follow orders. The payoff comes with seniority and sharpness in development of billions of $$$$ annually into the graft coffers of the House and the Senate. These corrupt $$$$ come from organizations seeking favors in legislation, and in awarding favors of contracts, outside of bidding, of billions of $$$$. Every Large corporation in the USA pays this massive payola in order to maintain a continuing presence in the ever increasing largess. Also every other Nation desiring favors, contribute. It’s absolutely unbelievable how much money flows into this “slush fund”, unaccountable to the public. Many of the Lobbyists are retired former
Politicians returning to confer with their former career mates. Continued>>>>>
>>>>>>The Politicians themselves rarely negotiate with Lobbyists, t outwardly keep their hands clean, cough, cough, hhrump, gaaag. The whole game is handled by the career bureaucrats who work in each Politicians office. You can understand more clearly now why
both the Repubs, and the Demos are doing every thing possible to sabotage TRUMP. He
is threatening to break up the “old boys club”, and to demolish the “SLUSH FUND”. Trump
may still win in November, but he is a prime candidate for assassination. There will be a “contrived” basis of the attempt, to make it look like an accident. Trump would be wise to not have his family travel with him. Absolutely amazing how many of the Clintons enemies
and past associates have assumed room temperature. i am not promoting Trump. I refuse to vote, and sanction, the bloody ugly political corruption of both parties. However i believe a vote for any of the insiders within the Wash. D.C. belt, will continue the USA down the slippery slope of Socialist Governing and a One World Government.
We cannot even effect the politics in the church because politics is always there when more than three are in a group of equals, but members do not have equality in making decisions in the church except through political measures. Nepotism is also a problem in the church as well as all governments from local to federal.
For those who are agree with separation of church and state, there can be no “demanding by Christians” nor should there be. Adventists have always been against Catholic influence, should they now advocate doing the same?
Every politician gaining office by election is beholden to voters, so en masse voting by any group should be anathema for Christians. But if Christians do not vote, they have no legitimacy to complain about the results. In this presidential election, there is more reason than ever before to prevent a dictator from sitting in the White House.
All voter should read the U.S. Constitution and know the responsibilities of the three branches and for citizens.
As some of you know, I’m a little left of center politically and slightly off kilter generally. I despair for what passes as politics in our country and wish that more Christians would vote their beliefs and not their pocket books and on and on.
But every once in awhile, I get a glimpse of what could be. I don’t agree with everything the author says (I’m agnostic on a good day!) but she absolutely nails it with this:
“What a mess the politicians would have on their hands if Christians stopped being loyal to them and started caring about the things that matter in the kingdom of God. What a mess they would have if on the local and national level we demanded transparency in government so oppressors could be held accountable, if we required campaign finance reform so the rich and powerful couldn’t exploit the political system, if we started asking why the poor struggle so much and what are the systemic problems that are keeping them down, and if we started demanding equal justice for all people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and financial means.”
Alicia,
Welcome to AToday! I appreciate your thoughtful piece and commend you for giving us some things to consider thoughtfully.
Geing spiritually-minded teaches us binary, good-vs-evil thinking when we live in an analog world. It is one thing to elect leaders but quite another to get along with them, persuade and influence them, and allow God to use them to benefit the works He wants us doing. Working with politicians is something that Christians with opposed points of view often find difficult. For example, in my past community anti-drug work on several occasions I found myself having to work with public officials after having voted for their opponents in the last election and when I vigorously disagreed with them on particular issues. Still, we found ways to work together for common good. A more recent example of this cooperative work happened in West Virginia when archaic medical licensing laws threatened the success of the Your Best Pathway to Health event in Beckley. When the problem became known, church members began contacting public officials. The legislature was in-session, within two weeks the state’s laws were changed and the event was both fully-staffed and highly successful.
More than just looking at presidential candidates in terms of the most public issues, I suggest asking who would be more likely to create obstacles to doing what God wants us doing, and who would listen and cooperate.
Absolutely William. Sometimes we have to look at who can do the least bad. The ability to pull or put everything together (and sometimes just to make it happen) is also a very important part of leadership. As you state; a lot of non-binary decisions to weigh in our hearts.
Whoever is elected will be better than America deserves. USA is a celebrity obsessed, theater oriented, materialistic, culture of …debt, perversion & depravity.
Any reader ..do a survey in your church and see what % look at their bible other than in church…what % have ever read the bible all the way through once in their life…what 5 even look at their SS lesson before class.
The SS lesson introduction states that only 30% are involved in community outreach.
With these times that cause stress worry, anxiety…..will the platitude placebo: “God is control” sooth your nerves?
Destiny is determined by habitual sanctified thought patterns (transformed by cooperation with God’s grace), not regular church attendance, Jesus’ blood, SDA membership.
Those who are agitated and obsessed with politics are of the world and have a weak relationship with Jesus.
“Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them.” 1 JN 4:5 NLT
Jimbob,
As one who is actively involved in community outreach, I have to wonder what definition was applied to make that estimate of 30% involvement because what I’m seeing is a tiny fraction of that number. Guilt over this non-involvement is often soothed by the misconception that what the government does somehow substitutes for is failing to do what God wants us doing on a person-to-person basis. Accepting that misconception leaves us open to believing any sort of lie a politician promises about how they will make society better. Well, the track record of those politicians is a horrible disaster. Few are the actual believers in God who are willing to stand-up and trust God’s power to guide and provide for them to actually do anything that makes a difference and turns attention to Him instead of government.
The 30% is based on surveys in which church members were asked about their specific involvement. I have done studies in more than 2,000 local churches and this is a solid average, although it varies from church h to church. This is just another indicator that anecdotal evidence is not an accurate guide to really.
Precisely Monte. You know very well how unreliable surveys can be, especially when the responder is highly motivated to not be truthful. I don’t know what parameters your surveys set for what constitutes “community outreach.” If it includes distributing Thanksgiving baskets once a year, or “manning” a health food booth once a year at a community event…well, okay. Maybe you’ll get to 30%. But I doubt it. Loma
Linda Iniversity Church has 6,000 members. Pastor Randy Roberts would have a good laugh if you told him that 1,800 of his parishioners are involved in community outreach – unless of course you include all the members who work in health care at the Medical Center.
There are of course definitional issues. I don’t consider religious propagandizing to be community outreach. Maybe your surveys do. Because I live in a large institutional center of Adventism, and because my wife and son-in-law are deeply involved in community outreach, I will take my “anecdotal” reality over “scientific” surveys any time – at least when it comes to the community where I live, work and worship.
Monte,
Could you expand a bit on the definition of “community involvement” that was used to determine a positive response? For example, someone may think leaving a few tracts on a table in a doctor’s office that will get thrown in the trash the next time the waiting room is cleaned is involvement where another person’s definition may be volunteering weekly at a local soup kitchen.
I have to say “amen” to the following from the writer: “We have lost our relevance in this country because we have sold ourselves to political parties instead of the kingdom of God. We are fighting for a kingdom that is irrelevant in the end. We are making idols of politicians.’
Our following of political parties is disturbing since both of them are used by the Adversary. Even when we vote for the person, independent of a party, there is often to viable choice. Saying that, I don’t think the writer meant that we should be ignorant of the persons running, their morals, honesty, caring, transparency, and overall character. One problem now is that so many voters don’t know or want to know the truths about each candidate and are lead by party loyalty. That’s following the world.
The number of options available within this USA Presidential election cycle with any hope of our vote making a difference are binary at best. We can decry the nature of this election cycle all day long but it doesn’t change the fact that we are to render to Caesar the things that are his. To the Kingdom of Heaven we give our life in service. To the nation where we live we do our best to promote a safe, healthy environment where all are given the best chance to succeed in life and take care of ourselves and our families.
With what wisdom should we approach our national responsibility and render what is required including an informed vote. Don’t like the options? That does not lessen the responsibility does it? Choosing not to vote because we don’t like the options means we accept the will of the majority of voters right or wrong, and the consequences. May I suggest to go upstream with each candidate until we find principles that guide the candidate, principles, which if followed will bring responsible results.
Allowing ourselves to be offended and using that to justify inaction becomes an exercise in personal politics. Time for tough choices. Not a time for the faint of heart who have to have everything going there way before being able to take a position.
Proverbs 19:11, “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.”
Admittedly there is plenty that could offend. We have to choose to look past it and vote.
Many of us are skeptical about supporting political parties and their candidates. We think it is futile, or even unwise. At the same time we are reluctant to work untiringly to hasten the Kingdom of Heaven. Well, we shall have a v e r y l o n g, l o n g sujorn in this cold, cold world! Brace yourself for it!
Supporting a part and voting in the general election are two different things.
supporting a PARTY… my bad
Alicia welcome! I enjoyed your fresh way of looking at things and look forward to more of the same! Glad you have joined the Today team!
Alicia, I’m sure your views will be welcome here. They resonate with most of the writers for AToday. As far as the role of money in politics, i suppose that’s why Jeb Bush won the Republican nomination. He had the big donots sewn up.