Pastor’s Corner: How Can I Vote Like a Christian?

In just a couple of weeks, we’ll return to the polls (except for those who have already cast their ballot by mail) to select local, state, and national leaders. Which raises this question:

How can I vote like a Christian?

First, it’s important to know what the candidates intend to do, and there’s no substitute for solid research. Listen to a speech. Watch the debates (or read the transcripts). Read their position papers. Read outside analysis, too: Candidates’ claims for the impact of their policies may, or may not, be in line with other experts.

And ask this: Who gains under these policies? Who does worse? Most important of all, if this candidate’s policies were in place, what would happen to the most vulnerable in our society? What would happen to the poor, the marginalized, the sick, and the disabled? Would they be forgotten? Be raised up? Or would they suffer more?

It’s similar, but not identical, to the challenge that John F. Kennedy issued at his inaugural in 1960. “Ask not what your country can do for you,” he urged, “but what you can do for your country.”

I believe Jesus would say, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you and your country can do for the least of these, my siblings in the human family.”

Is this easy? No. Is it comfortable? Hardly. And this election season it has been positively distasteful.

Yet I believe Jesus would add one more word after he said, “Remember the vulnerable,” and that word is this:

“Vote.”

Peace to you,

Eric

The image is from the United Church of Christ’s Our Faith Our Vote campaign.