Question: Is it wrong for a Christian to vote in national elections? Is there a difference in issues that are local rather than national? What about school levies etc.? (Ok., Ohio)

Answer: The subject of voting is not directly addressed in the scriptures. Since representative democracies, such as we have in our modern world, are of relatively recent origin the subject was never raised in the days of Christ and the apostles. It is the belief of this writer, however, that the answer to the question lies not in its specific mention in the scriptures, but rather in principles that regulate the relationship of Christians to civil government under all circumstances and in all ages. It is noteworthy that the church of our Lord has existed in nations throughout the world, for almost two thousand years, in political climates as diverse and different as day and night. Yet in every situation one principle was predominate: there was a separation between church and state.

In Luke 22:15-22 Jesus gave credence to the authority of earthly rulers. He stipulated, however, that what belongs to Caesar and what belongs to God are different, and that to confuse the two invites disastrous results. In Lk 13:1-2 He recognized the right of the State to maintain order and bear the sword against evildoers. Not once do we see Him trying to overthrow the government, or leading a march in defiance of governmental regulations. His example is one of submission to and non-involvement in governmental affairs.

In Romans 13:1-7 Paul writes a very comprehensive dissertation on civil government. We learn from his writing that Christians are to be in submission to the "powers that be". The only exception to this rule is when authorities require of us something that would interfere with or prohibit us 'from doing the Lord's will. In such cases we must obey God rather than man. Acts 4:16-19; 5:29 Secondly, Paul declares that God ordains the authority of civil government, with its purpose being the maintenance of order and the preservation of justice. Christians are also required to submit to civil authorities 'for conscience sake" or as Peter would say "For the Lord's sake" I Pet 2:13-17. This simply means that Christians want to submit to civil powers because they are ordained of God. The Kingdom of Christ Jesus teaches that His kingdom is not of this world. If it were, "then would my servants fight," but "my kingdom is not from hence." Jno 18:38. There is a vast difference in the kingdom of Christ and the civil governments of this world. We have already studied the primary purpose of civil government. The Lord's kingdom has a spiritual mission. It is never charged with the maintenance of order in this world. Its appeal is to the heart of man and its goal to change the lives of men. Those who comprise it are spoken of as "strangers and pilgrims" I Pet 2:11, an indication that this world is not our home. Early Christians assumed a position of non-involvement, in governmental affairs. They were unattached. Never do you see them marching or crusading for moral issues. They believed that the gospel transformed men and not special legislation made by man. They saw their mission as greater than involvement in political issues and the consequences of sin reflected in the ills of society.

Now that we have defined the roles of the Church and the government, we are ready to deal with the issues directly related to voting. Does God put men in office or governmental positions. The answer is both yes and no. He certainly has in times past. (Dan 2:21-22; 4:17; 5:17-23) However in Hosea 8:4 there is a clear indication that these rulers were installed without the help or approval of God. While Dan 4:17 teaches that God can and has set men in office, it does not teach what some have affirmed i.e. God often places the very worst of men in such positions. The word "base" literally means "average or lowly" the idea being that God can use ordinary men to carry out his purposes. Thus, we must conclude that God may, if he so chooses, place men in office but doesn't necessarily do so at all times and in all places.

Given the scriptural background presented in the first parts of this article, it is my conviction that Christians should assume a role of non-involvement in governmental affairs. Our calling and mission, our goals and ideals are so much greater than the mundane events of a passing, perishing world that we should have little time or attention to give to its business. Are all matters that affect us in today's society to be treated equally? Or is there a difference between hard core political, governmental issues and other matters that affect our every day life? I am inclined to say there is a difference. If one took the extreme position of David Lipscomb (which I reject) it would be wrong to work for the Post Office department because it is an arm of civil government. The same would be true of all public school teachers. Education is clearly an arm of the State, with tremendous Federal regulatory and financial involvement. I do not believe Christians compromise their religion by being affiliated with either, yet these people are working for the government.