Derek Webb wrote a piece for Patrol Magazine (www.patrolmag.com)on voting. His well thought out article articulates my concerns far better than I ever could.
Others would say, ‘Jesus said to “render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s.” Therefore we have a biblical obligation to vote.’ And of course Jesus said that. That’s why I pay my taxes and try to drive the speed limit. These are among the laws of the land. But my conscience doesn’t belong to Caesar, therefore I don’t render it unto him. Caesar cannot force me to violate my conscience. Voting is a legal right, like carrying a gun or having an abortion. And I can abstain from doing anything that I have a legal right to if it violates my conscience.
Here is the link to his complete article.
How Shall We Then Vote?
By Derek Webb | Nov 03, 2008
If you’re a Christian and still torn about how to vote tomorrow, there’s only one thing to do: don’t.
Filed under: The American Way, The Way, abstaining, voting
Just think, whoever wins the election tonight will be the one that God ordained to be the next president.
Paul said, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.”
Thank you b4dguy,
I have tried talking to someone regarding the vote, but your scripture say’s it perfectly.
Ric – good stuff. Webb puts it so clearly. He once performed at our old church and he really came across as guy who lives by his conscience.
Bad – I disagree. Personally I don’t think that God ordains our secular leaders (or many of our religious ones either). He certainly didn’t ordain Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin or Castro. Certainly the United States electorate will ordain someone leader today but I don’t know if God is in the habit following the will of the people.
or Reagan, or Bush, or Bush Sr.? nobody?
then what does that scripture mean? what is the context I am missing?
Good question. How would Bonhoeffer answer that? Martin Luther King? Nat Turner? Sam Adams? I think they did. Were they wrong?
Hey, l love Derek Webb! and this makes more sense than anything I have heard through out all the campaigns and all the Pastors sermons.. God is in Control..and If I let this election tear me up or down..then I have given the government that kind of control over me, and all I can say to that is NO thank you…I will keep my peace, my joy..and ultimately i am fine
You guys are sounding like Christian Anarchists. Come on in, the water’s nice.
Oops. Hit submit too soon.
I think Paul was writing to a specific group of people who found themselves in a very unique situation. Rome had expelled the Jews, ‘Christian’ Jews and traditional Jews alike and when they allowed them to return the Jewish Christians now found themselves beholden to the Gentile Christians who never left. So like all good churches they found cause to bicker.
Nah, the Christian Anarchists won’t even work in government, including the military. Won’t work on road or bridge crews, won’t work for the National Institute of Health and won’t even work as medics in armed forces. So they are freely able to follow their God, on the backs of others. (Sorry if that sounded trite.)
But to abstain from voting because you have serious misgivings about both candidates – why doesn’t that make sense? Conversely, is the huge voter turn-out expected today only because more people are afraid the ‘wrong’ guy is going to be elected or is it because they are excited about the ‘right’ guy?
I think you are thinking of anabaptists – not anarchists…maybe? Maybe I’m wrong?
“is the huge voter turn-out expected today only because more people are afraid the ‘wrong’ guy is going to be elected or is it because they are excited about the ‘right’ guy?”
Very interesting question. I wonder if any exit pollsters even ask that question. Similarly, a co-worker commented today at lunch that people are voting for the wrong reasons. I asked what is a right reason to vote? I’m not sure I could answer my own question.
(I still don’t vote).
Ah, what an opportunity to do some trolling:
http://sharpiron.wordpress.com/?s=anarchy
I, for one, sincerely regret going back to standard time last weekend… like I DID NOT NEED 1 EXTRA HOUR OF CAMPAIGNING… seriously.
The word trolling is apropos to politics so yeah, go for it.