I’m Never Going to Vote again!
PERSPECTIVE — I was never going to vote again. I had just read “The Politics of Jesus” by John Howard Yoder and was absolutely convinced that getting involved in the political rancor of my culture would lead me down an unredeemable path of spiritual fornication with Babylon! I reasoned that, yes, the Constitution gives me the right to vote. Therefore, it must also mean that I have the right to abstain from voting. It made perfect sense at the time. Although Yoder and other Anabaptists made a compelling argument, I couldn’t escape this feeling that voting is something that I should do. But why?
My opinion was steeped in Platonic dualism. This is a mistaken idea that our spiritual lives and our physical, messy civic realities should be kept separate. This argument has led some to withdraw completely from the political process. When we avoid the ballot box out of spiritual aloofness, we fail to care for the physical realities of our communities. James said it this way: if we see the physical needs of people and do not give to that need, what good is our faith? (cf. James 2:15-17). My Christian faith isn’t about pie in the sky in the sweet by and by when I die. It is about loving my neighbors while on the ground while I’m still around. It has been said that “everything is spiritual.” Dividing life into two things (spiritual and physical) is unbiblical. Jesus didn’t focus on getting people to heaven as much as He announced that the Kingdom of God had come. He deeply cared for people. This was demonstrated by Him when he fed the hungry, healed the sick and loved the unlovable. He left us an example we are meant to imitate.
Jesus emphasized that the two greatest commandments are to love God with your entire being and to love your neighbor as yourself (cf. Mark 12:30-31; Matthew 22:39). Voting is more than a civic responsibility; it is a demonstration of love for our neighbor. As a United States citizen, I have been given the privilege of voting, something that many in the world do not possess. As Americans, we have the power to be governed not by despots, dictators, or kings. But by leaders WE select. A government of the people, by the people, and for the people. The ballot box is a practical tool for every Christian to demonstrate their love for their neighbor. Voting is a tangible act of spiritual stewardship.
Sadly, I have witnessed during election cycles good Christian people driven by fear and anger when it comes to politics. Partisan politics take center stage, and the words and teachings of Jesus are twisted to fit that narrative. Once again Platonic dualism comes back and says: “If you vote this way, then it means you must believe that way.” That is utter nonsense. Some have even taken it so far as to pressure people with opposing political views to leave their church. These well-intentioned people have labeled their brothers and sisters as “satanic” or questioned their salvation if they voted a particular way. Some political candidates have leaned into this and have employed it in their rhetoric. In the words of the apostle James, “My brothers, these things ought not be…” (cf. James 3:9-10).
So, I urge you to vote. Not out of fear. Not out of anger. But out of a quiet sense of duty to your community. Our faith does not belong to any political party. It does not belong to any one candidate. But our love for our neighbor belongs in the ballot box. This election cycle don’t just protect your peace—steward your privilege.
This piece was submitted as part of our Pairing Perspectives series, which features two intentionally paired local Christian perspectives on timely topics. This topic of this edition was Christian civic responsibility. Read the paired perspective from contributor Caron McCullough here:
Caron McCullough
— With 40 years of ministry, Daniel Toops has served as pastor, missionary, author, and chaplain. He and his wife currently attend Christ Episcopal Church in Suntree and lead Focused Prayer United, a ministry offering prayer in public spaces.
— Christians of Brevard is a multi-church initiative that seeks to amplify the voices of local churches and ministries for the purpose of encouraging the local body of Christ and advancing the Kingdom of God. Join our Facebook community @ChristiansOfBrevard
