What Does The Bible Say About Voting?
Voting is a civic duty that many Christians take seriously. With election seasons heating up, Christians may wonder how their faith should inform their voting decisions. After all, the Bible doesn’t explicitly mention elections or referendums.
However, there are some principles in Scripture that can provide guidance for Christians as they vote.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Overall, the Bible does not give direct instructions about voting. However, there are principles related to governance, authority, justice and wisdom that can guide Christian thinking on participating in the political process.
This comprehensive guide will examine relevant biblical principles, examples and themes to answer the question: What does the Bible say about voting?
Old Testament examples of leadership selection
Israelite leaders chosen by God
In the Old Testament, God directly chose many of the leaders of the Israelite people. For example, God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt (Exodus 3:1-4:17). God also chose various judges, like Gideon and Samson, to deliver the Israelites from their enemies when they turned away from God (Judges 6-16).
The prophet Samuel, acting on God’s instruction, anointed both Saul and David as kings to rule over Israel (1 Samuel 9:15-10:1; 16:1-13). These leaders had a special calling from God and were empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry out their roles.
Kings anointed through prophets
While God directly appointed some leaders, in other cases He designated prophets like Samuel and Elijah to anoint new kings on His behalf. For example, after Saul disobeyed God and was rejected as king, God sent Samuel to secretly anoint David, even though Saul was still ruling at the time (1 Samuel 16:1-13).
Years later, after King Ahab led Israel into idolatry, God directed Elijah to anoint Jehu as the next king and pronounce judgment on Ahab’s household (1 Kings 19:15-16). So prophets acted as God’s representatives to install new kings according to His timing and purposes.
Elders appointed to provide counsel
In addition to kings and judges, God directed Moses to select elders who could help provide leadership to the community (Numbers 11:16-17). These elders continued to give counsel and oversight in the promised land after Joshua led the conquest (Joshua 24:1).
The book of Proverbs emphasizes the wisdom that elders can offer if they live righteously and justly (Proverbs 16:31; 20:29). So elders played an important advisory role, guiding the Israelites based on their life experience and spiritual maturity.
New Testament teachings on government authority
Jesus on giving to Caesar
In the Gospels, Jesus teaches that we should “render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21). This refers to paying taxes to the governing authorities.
Jesus did not seem overly concerned with politics, but recognized the legitimate temporal authority of earthly rulers like Caesar while still giving priority to God.
Paul on governing authorities
The apostle Paul writes more extensively about submitting to governing authorities in Romans 13. He argues that “there is no authority except from God” and therefore resisting authority means opposing “the ordinance of God” (v.2).
Paul instructs believers to pay taxes, custom duties, fear, and honor to human institutions of government.
However, if the laws of government conflict with God’s higher laws, the biblical example shows that “we must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). In a pluralistic society, Christians should respect political authority while still advocating for just laws.
Peter on honoring authority
1 Peter 2:13-17 echoes many of Paul’s sentiments. Peter advises believers to “submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority” – whether the king, governors, or those sent by them. However, as free people under Christ’s lordship, believers should live as “servants of God.”
Even when governments are unjust, Peter teaches that believers will often bring more glory to God when they do good even under unjust suffering.
Biblical principles related to politics and governance
Seeking justice and the good of others
The Bible encourages us to seek justice, mercy and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). As responsible citizens and servants of God, we should promote the well-being of all people, not just our own interests. We are called to defend the marginalized and disadvantaged in society (Proverbs 31:9).
The prophets often confronted corrupt leaders and called for repentance, integrity and care for the vulnerable.
Wisdom in discerning good leaders
The Bible advises us to choose leaders who rule justly and walk faithfully before God (2 Samuel 23:3-4). Wise and discerning judgment is needed to assess the character and competence of political leaders and candidates.
Their values, policies and track record should align with biblical principles of justice, human dignity and care for creation.
Civic participation as stewardship
Rather than blanket endorsements or condemnations, the Bible commends responsible engagement with secular authorities for the common good (Jeremiah 29:7). Just as we are called to steward our own lives and gifts, we share responsibility for the governance of society.
Voting, advocacy and constructive criticism of government can be valid expressions of Christian stewardship. Reasoned public discourse is vital for a healthy democracy.
In an age of polarization, the church must model how to respectfully dialogue on complex policy issues rather than vilify those we disagree with. We can participate in the political process while still recognizing that our ultimate hope lies not in partisan victory or any human ruler, but in the consummation of Christ’s eternal kingdom.
How Christians approach voting and elections
Praying for guidance and wisdom
Many Christians believe it is important to pray for God’s guidance when deciding who or what to vote for in an election. They may pray privately or gather with other believers to pray for wisdom and discernment in selecting candidates and issues that align with biblical principles and values.
Christians recognize that voting is a civic responsibility, but also an opportunity to make choices that can positively impact society. Through prayer, they seek divine direction in making God-honoring decisions at the polls.
Researching issues and candidates
In addition to prayer, Christians often conduct research on candidates and ballot measures prior to an election. They may read party platforms, analyze voting records, and evaluate statements made by candidates on key issues.
Groups like the Christian Coalition, Faith and Freedom Coalition, and Family Research Council provide voter guides summarizing candidates’ stances on topics like religious liberty, abortion, and marriage. Resources from nonpartisan organizations are also used to compare candidate positions.
The goal is to become responsibly informed so their votes align with biblical values.
Weighing moral considerations
Christian voters try to weigh moral and ethical concerns when deciding how to cast their ballots. Certain issues like abortion, religious freedom, poverty, and human rights take priority because of clear biblical teaching on the sanctity of life and dignity of all people.
Christians consider whether policies promote justice, compassion and family values. They evaluate candidates’ personal character and public service record. While no candidate or party perfectly represents Christian morals, believers aim to support those who most closely align with biblical values and a biblical worldview.
This requires applying scriptural principles to make the best choice among available alternatives.
Motivations for voting
Christians are motivated to vote out of a sense of civic duty and the privilege of living in a democratic society. They see it as an opportunity to have a voice and influence government for good (Jeremiah 29:7).
Many are inspired by religious values to protect human life, preserve religious freedom, defend biblical morality, and care for the poor and vulnerable. Christians also vote to elect competent, honest leaders who will act justly and ensure all people are treated equally under the law.
Ultimately, believers vote with the aim of advancing God’s kingdom purposes and bringing glory to Him.(Philippians 2:14-16).
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible does not provide direct instructions for voting in modern democracies. However, biblical principles encourage Christians to seek justice, wisdom and the common good through any opportunity to influence society, including elections.
While voting is not mentioned in Scripture, Christians can research issues, candidates and their own motivations while praying for guidance from the Holy Spirit in carrying out this civic duty. Though imperfect, voting can be an act of faithful stewardship and loving one’s neighbor.
