A Christian Response to America’s Political Divide

August 1, 2024 / by Todd Haynes

By now most of us here in central Illinois are ready for the November 2024 election to be over, or at least for an end to all of the negative campaign ads and requests for donations.

I understand and agree with those sentiments. So what are we, as followers of Christ, to do in light of the deepening political (and I would say moral) divide and polarization in our country?

Some Christians choose to abstain from politics based on scripture that tells us “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20), which is absolutely true as well as comforting. Others may be discouraged from voting by the dominance of one major political party in Illinois, which does not align with our traditional Christian beliefs on most of the important moral issues (e.g., sanctity of life from conception to natural death; marriage; sexuality/gender, etc.), and conclude that their vote is meaningless (at least in national and statewide races). On the other end of the spectrum are those who think the USA was founded as a Christian nation (i.e., a theocracy), which is not true, and are trying to use politics to achieve the same (e.g., the misguided Christian nationalist movement).

While I do believe that my ultimate, eternal citizenship is in heaven, I also recognize that for as long as I live in this perishable mortal body, I am also concurrently a citizen of the USA and resident of McLean County and the State of Illinois. As such, in addition to trying to fulfill our greatest calling on earth (i.e., the Great Commission), I think it is important that we try to make our world, country, state and local community a better place, and one means of doing so is by exercising our civic right, privilege and responsibility to vote.

So, how then should we determine for whom we will vote? First of all we need to pray that God will raise up godly candidates and for His wisdom, discernment and guidance before we enter the voting booth and in examining the candidates to see how they stood and now stand on issues important to us. We all know there are no perfect candidates (“all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 6:23), and assuming neither major party candidate is at least of noble and good character, which has been well demonstrated in the last three Presidential elections, one should then assess through the lens of scripture the respective party platforms, programs and agendas. Again, no political party is perfect, but it is abundantly clear which party more closely aligns with traditional, foundational Christian beliefs and values.

Therefore, as we enter into the final months of the 2024 campaign season, let me encourage you not to fear (2 Timothy 1:7) or to grow weary in doing well (Galatians 6:9; Romans 2:7); rather engage in the process prayerfully and vote as the Lord leads you.

*The opinions expressed herein are the personal opinions of the author and, therefore, are not to be considered as an official policy or position statement of East White Oak Bible Church or the Elders.

Todd and his wife, Laurie, have been married 39 years and have been attending/members since 1997. They have two married children, an incredible grandson, and another grandchild on the way! Todd is retired from State Farm Bank and serves on the elder board.