November is election time, south of the border ... down ... Canada and before ... Mexico way. The famous American humorist, Mark Twain, once said, “There are lies, damn lies and statistics”, and even though he never said so, he must have been thinking of election season in his country.
The brazen lying, daily falsehoods and shameless exaggerations on both sides – is something most citizens are generally used to. What’s different this time around is the vicious partisan speech-making that identifies a political rival as “a threat to our democracy, saying “It’s time to put [xxx] in a bullseye.” Two failed assassination attempts later, the party in power smirkishly denies any culpability for their incendiary rhetoric. Actually – they blamed their opponent. It reminds me of the time my mom caught me with my hand in the ‘cookie jar’ yet I still pled innocence and said it was her fault for leaving the fresh baked cookies on top of the counter.
What I find particularly amusing this presidential cycle is that nutty activists have segregated themselves into shameless identity-politic groups like White Dudes for Harris, Black Men for Harris, Black Queer Men for Harris, Latinas for Harris, South Asian women for Harris and Native women for Harris. The only groups yet to appear, apparently missed in all of the fawning over Kamala are ... Left-handed people ... Roadkill Cleaners ... Golf Ball Divers ... Bed Testers ... Snake Milkers ... and Cornhole Players for Harris. There is even a tribe called “Evangelicals for Harris”. Ah yes, “Evangelicals for Harris.” Has a nice ring to it – you think?
You know its election season in a country, when
citizens are bought-off by politicians using citizen money to tell us how grand things will be when
‘they’ get to the biggest seat in government.
A 2022 Gallup poll determined that some 32% of American citizens self-identify as ‘born again’ or evangelical. 1 Now ‘Born Again’ in its most basic Christian construct, means in the words of Romans 10 ...
“... you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved” (vv. 9-10).
Romans is not talking about behavior modification, but regeneration, wherein by our heart-felt repentance and turning to Christ for salvation, Christ’s righteousness clothes us to be a part of God’s family. Now our identity is wrapped up on Christ and we bear the name ‘Christian’ (Acts 11:26). Think of Romans 10:9-10 as the unifying statement among all Christian groups.
When it comes to identifying who / what a ‘Christian Evangelical’ is, things get a little more complicated given that ‘Born again’ and ‘Evangelical’ are not synonymous terms. Subtle, but a substantive distinction. It has often been lamented that identifying and defining them is like trying to nail Jello to a wall. Not everyone suffers from such possible confusion, it seems. I can still recall the words of a gruff, pipe-smoking, traditional Prayer-Book Anglican at a city-wide ministers’ gathering in Winnipeg some years ago. Pausing between sucking and blowing, and clearly agitated by the morning speakers reference to Evangelicals, he snapped, “I’m as damn Evangelical as anyone else.” I confess, to my shame, I had a great belly-laugh – but suffered through it in silence with a silly grin on my face. 2
Though we exist beyond labels like Christian
or Evangelical, labels nevertheless guide the
spaces we live in. That’s not a bad thing.
A diverse group within the broad spectrum of religious / Christian organizations, evangelicals are only one family within a wider ecclesial ancestry; one branch of a much larger Christianity tree that includes Holiness, Anabaptist, Reform, Pentecostal, Charismatic and others. Regrettably in today’s political conversations, evangelicals are typically identified as ‘white,’ even though it is factually wrong. 3
British author C.S. Lewis was right to remind his readers with clarity and incisiveness, that within the Christian faith, there is a ‘Mere Christianity’ – a core of discernable Bible-based beliefs that are basic to the Christian faith. 4 The same holds true for Evangelicals. Historian David Bebbington (Bebbington’s Quadrilateral) has identified four primarily distinctive characteristics:
Conversionism - the impulse to see oneself and others converted or be ‘born again’;
Crucicentrism - a strong emphasis on the centrality of the cross and the sacrificial atoning work of Christ as sufficient for one's salvation;
Activism – participating in the mission of God in the proclamation of the gospel and by reaching out through charitable work;
Biblicism – a devotion to the Bible as God’s Word.
While this cumbersomely academic quartet will not get everyone’s approval, it is a reasonable start from which to launch a broader discussion and make my point.
As conflicting world-views try to erase the innocence of our children, how Evangelicals vote this election cycle will be a telling marker of how firmly they have embraced cultural values.
So – when we read this American election cycle that there are ‘Evangelicals for Harris’, surely it would not be wrong to presume that such a group, while exercising their right to choose the candidate they prefer ... would be largely guided by their fidelity to their distinctive evangelical identity – including the 4th identity marker – which John G. Stackhouse Jr. so ably clarifies: “Evangelicals affirm the Bible as God’s Word written, true in what it says and functioning as their supreme written guide for life.” But do they? And more importantly, will they demonstrate such commitment this election cycle?
Evangelicals and the Vote
Our identity is invariably linked to our being sojourners here on earth, since by biblical authority and spiritual instinct we understand that, “this world is not my home, I’m just a passing through.” Nevertheless, our owner has determined that we should briefly live in this foreign world (2 Corinthians 5:20) eschewing the unbelieving values and conduct of this world, so that we make his glory known (words) and live out our believing faith (deeds).
“You are a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light”.
(I Peter 2:9)
There is therefore a double identity to being a Christian. We are citizens of this world so that we can make God great among the nations; think Psalm 145. Likewise, we are citizens of the next world, when one day soon we will “glorify God and enjoy him forever”; think Westminster Shorter Catechism. Two passports ... two homes – one foreign and temporal, the other native and eternal.
Voting is fundamentally an act of hope and wise Evangelicals put their hope in God, not some political candidate. That said, their voice and vote in the market place is not without importance.
Not voting has been part of the political landscape of some religious traditions for some time. The Jehovah’s Witnesses do not vote, given their belief that the Kingdom of God is the singular legitimate form of governance. The Amish separate themselves from the broader elements of society since in their worldview, they are first and foremost citizens of God’s kingdom. Anabaptists have historically subscribed to a ‘Two-Kingdom’ doctrine, tempering their involvement in the political process. Into this mix comes a small minority of Evangelicals who advocate for Christ’s kingdom without allegiance to any one political platform. Here, the thinking seems to be, “Since Jesus brought about his kingdom by laying down his rights and spurning political power, I will do the same thing, though I do intend to share my convictions on biblical and moral issues.” That said, this passive approach to democracy is not a general feeling or habit among Evangelicals.
“When Mennonites vote, we are not voting for who we support to lead us. We are voting for who we would rather struggle against.”
Anabaptist World (Mennonite publication)
Evangelicals vote every week when they assemble in their local church to sing their allegiance to Jesus and affirm Him as King over every nation – including Canada. Having publicly affirmed that allegiance ... casting a vote through that Christian worldview lens seems a logical outflow, allowing believers to engage in transformative good words, good deeds ... and good Christian example setting – in the public square.
Was the emancipation of the slaves a positive or negative change? It took a vote.
Was the civil rights movement a positive or negative change? It took a vote.
Was the women’s right to an environment free from sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination a positive or negative change? It took a vote.
Privilege and duty are not contradictory!
We know believers voted on who was to replace Judas Iscariot – kind of. Sure, God ‘chose’ Matthias (Acts 1:24) ... but the people prayed, the people asked God for direction ... and they also cast the lots (v. 26). No cloud formations! No voice from heaven! They did their bit ... and in the end, the results conformed to God’s determinative will. Doesn’t it always? Each plays a role.
Evangelicals, ‘Confessions’ and the Bible
In recent months some 300 Christian leaders signed a statement outlining their shared beliefs about faith and politics -- as the 2024 Presidential election looms. Called ‘Our Confession of Evangelical Conviction,’ it is not unlike the ‘Barman Declaration’, a document released in the 1930s by Germany’s Confessing Church during the rise of Nazism.
The seven ‘Confessions’ ... coming generally from left-of-center and center signatories [Review the signees], encourages believers to consider a candidate’s “character and not merely the promises or political success.” 5 For sure, there are several commendable points and much of the ‘Confession’ is pretty elementary stuff, like “We give our allegiance to Jesus Christ alone,” and “Our worship belongs to Him [Christ] alone” (Article 1). All sounds like Bible – right? Why is it then that when I read the entire document, I feel as though my ‘mother’ is pointing her finger at me, tsk-tsking?
Article Two: “Unlike the false security promised by political idolatry and its messengers, the perfect love of God drives away all fear (1 John 4:18).” OK – but finish the sentence please! The Bible verse ACTUALLY says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” I guess context and accuracy don’t count.
One’s ability to separate untruth from truth is a core
Biblical discipline. It’s called discernment, and Evangelicals need to practice it when voting.
Article Three: “We submit to the truth of Scripture,” the Confession argues ... appealing to the authority of 1 John 4:1 ... “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” But then they take free-license with the Bible, misapplying and mixing John’s warning about spiritual claims by leaders within the Church ... as somehow equivalent to claims pushed by political candidates outside the church. Really?
Article Five: Commenting on the prophetic mission of the church, “We seek to reconcile people to one another by addressing issues of justice, righteousness, and peace (Amos 5:24). We accomplish this by loving our neighbors (Mark 12:31), and by engaging our public life with humility, integrity, and a commitment to the common good as defined by our faith in Christ (Romans 12:18). Hmm! Precisely what Bible means are appropriate for the “common good”? What is Bible justice? Are there limits to “reconciling people to one another” in the Bible? Are we best to stand on the sidelines with our piety intact ... or shall we venture into the turbulent waters of public engagement, for this common good? The signees offer readers no constructive vision of what “common good” looks like.
Article One of the ‘Confession’ says “We give
our allegiance to Jesus Christ alone.” I had no idea
that among the many alleged sins of Evangelicals is
that they are less committed to JC than their
favorite politician. Thank the media!
In the end confessional Lutherans have the Book of Concord, the Presbyterians their Westminster Confession of Faith, Congregationalists their Savoy Declaration and the Mennonite Brethren, their Confession of Faith ... so I should be happy that Evangelicals have at least risked some sort of confessional guide policy, as inadequate as it is, to handle the cultural hurricane we find ourselves in. Sorry, but when reading the ‘Confession,’ I still imagine mom here pointing her finger at me and frowning ... asking me to reject a biblical world-view for a progressive one.
Voting the Bible
“Vote the Bible”, some will ask incredulously? “How is that possible?” Well, actually, its easier than you think. You walk into a voting booth and cast a ballot consistent with a biblical world view. Said another way, vote a summary of the faith. Take your understating of the clear elements of Christine doctrine ... say on questions of sexuality like gender fluidity and ideology, abortion, or the integrity of the justice system ... and cast a ballot consistent with that doctrinal commitment – instead of your perceived political, cultural, social feelings.
A. Gender Fluidity and Ideology
Through simply reciting pronouns, apparently men and women can magically change form.
Amazing! When you submit to that kind of lie, you know more officially sanctioned lies are coming. Evangelicals might not like it, but the Bible is clear ... “He created them male and female” (Genesis 1:27). “Yes but, what does the Hebrew say”? Well, it says ... בראם ונקבה זכר “Male and female created he them” (Genesis 5:2). That’s it! There is no wiggle room for Evangelicals when it comes to the gender-file. We need to love and practice what is true, not what is make-believe. God does not stutter!
To gently rephrase Francis Pharcellus Church’s
1897 editorial in the New York newspaper The Sun,
“Yes, Virginia, there are only two genders”
B. Abortion
Abortion is, and remains, a terrible pox on any society, A government that actively advocates for no limits on abortions, including the denial of healthcare for babies that survive an abortion does not deserve the support of any Evangelical who meets even the bare minimum of what a Christian is suppose to be. 6 Frankly, to support abortion is to be morally compromised.
Recently, legendary NFL coach Tony Dungy, took umbrage with a candidate who said “One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree: The government should not be telling a woman what to do with her body.” Making it clear he has no candidate of choice, here is Dungy’s reply on X:
“Exactly what ‘Faith’ are you talking about when you say you don’t have to abandon it to support abortion? Are you talking about the Christ faith that says all babies are made in the image of God (Gen. 1:26), that God places them in the womb (Jer. 1:5) and that we should not take any life unjustly (Luke 128:20)? Are you talking about that faith or some nebulous, general ‘faith’ that says we’re good enough, and smart enough to make our own decisions.” What ‘faith’ are you talking about?
Yes, I understand that libertarian activists, who have little interest in the concept of imago dei, will frame it as a social justice issue, a reproductive rights issue, even a bodily integrity issue for Evangelicals. Still, it will not change the hellish nature of what awaits that innocent, vulnerable baby in the womb: vacuum aspiration, dilation and curettage (D + C), dilation and evacuation (D + E) or dilation and extraction (D+X).
Yah, but what about incest ... rape ... poverty ... blah, blah, blah? Well, how about Evangelicals, quit the mind games and vote on the glaringly obvious use of abortion as a form of contraception and leave the 3% ‘exceptions’ to God? I mean, straining at a gnat, while ignoring the larger moral log, is an acceptable biblical response? Really?
C. Law and Order
Are Christians called to pursue justice? Absolutely! The call of Micah 6:8 “to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God” is one that every believer needs to heed. Ultimately, the only solid foundation for grounding human rights is in biblical theism. 6 However, there is another side to justice – one frequently ignored – Judgment! Romans 12 helps us here:
“The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever 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 if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason.” (vv. 1-4)
“When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, peoples’ hearts are filled with schemes to do wrong.” Ecclesiastes 8:11
The Bible neither opposes or supports the existence of prisons and interestingly, for the first 500 years of Israel’s history there were no prisons, because justice was comparatively swift. Murderers once convicted in court were executed, and thieves were compelled to repay their victims (up to 5x in some cases). It was only with the appearance of kings that the guilty were put in the slammer. To suggest prison is unbiblical – is an imagined stretch given that “rulers do not bear the sword for no reason,” says God. Prison would appear to be a better choice, to the alternative. You think?
Frankly, there are people who are imprisoned because that is where they justly belong. They rebelled against God. They broke His law. After due process, they were found guilty and put in prison – a place that Psalms 107 metaphorically describes as “in darkness and in the shadow of death” (v. 10). As I see it, when it comes to consequences, believers have two choices before them: (1) fixate on the sovereignty of God as a problem or (2) take confidence in the providence of God. We should bear in mind here that v. 12 says it was God who orchestrated their imprisonment:
So, he bowed their hearts down with hard labor;
they fell down, with none to help.
Some Evangelicals argue that punishment as payment is not a Christian value. Nonsense! Tell that to God who had Jesus withstand His infinite wrath to satisfy payment (Romans 3:25).
We are not innately good; we are innately evil. We call this in theology ‘Original Sin’. That does not mean that every person is as evil as they could be, only that no person is as good as they should be ― Christians included. That is why justice is so important. So, when entering the voting booth, Proverbs 28:5 is helpful “Evil people do not understand justice, but those who follow the Lord understand it completely.” BTW - A justice system that at times is / can be inequitable – is not a biblically justifiable reason to not practice justice!
While the survival of God’s Kingdom has never been in jeopardy, the kingdoms of this world are generally shaped by the votes people cast, when permitted. In a few days Americans will go to the polls to express their values. Perhaps in 2025 Canadians will as well. In both cases, political platforms will not solve their moral decline; only a spiritual renewal that comes from Christ and His church can do that.
Voting for the candidate of choice in a free democracy is a reasonable exercise for Evangelicals called to be ‘salt’ and ‘light’ and we should be guided by Biblical values. Perhaps when “Evangelicals for ... (insert name),” step into that booth, they will have a moment of conscience, vote “their supreme written guide for life” - the Bible ... and cast a ballot consistent with their Evangelical doctrinal commitment. Perhaps they won’t! “OnlySaying ...”
2. Evangelicals can also be identified as individuals or corporate entities associated with the historic movement known as “evangelicalism”
3. Presidential Exit polls (like 2016, 2020) labeled “evangelical” as white only. So, if you are an evangelical of non-white race or ethnicity—Latino, Black, Asian, and so on—your closest option is usually “Protestant or other Christian”. So how did Black or Latino evangelicals vote? No one knows - a reason therefore to be skeptical of any media that claims to know how ‘evangelicals’ voted.
4. Such basic truths would include God’s love, the reality of sin, the need for atonement, the deity of Christ, the efficacy of his death on the cross, the historicity of his resurrection, the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, and the necessity of faith.
6. Born-alive abortion survivors is not a myth. https://lozierinstitute.org/questions-and-answers-on-born-alive-abortion-survivors/
A seminal contribution to Christian ethics, Nicholas Wolterstorff's Justice: Rights and Wrongs is impressive and deserves the attention of every believer
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