If Jesus Voted

There are two topics most people agree you should never talk about at large family gatherings, Religion and Politics. Generally that’s good advice. If I had a brother who was not a Christian, trying to convince him otherwise at a Thanksgiving dinner would be unwise because he’d be forced to defend his position once again to everyone present and probably be angry at me for putting him on the spot. Those conversations are best done thoughtfully after much prayer one on one.

But what about politics? Thanksgiving is coming up. Is there a thoughtful way for Christian family, or friends to discuss the big issues dividing Americans and find some common ground with each other even if one person loves Trump and another can’t stand him. I think there is. By asking how Jesus might suggest Christians look at both the problem and possible solutions separately and then rule out any solutions we’re reasonably certain Jesus would not approve of and then begin thinking of some he might.

I began thinking about this idea more seriously following Charlie Kirk’s Memorial Service. Given the amazing worship music, the raised hands of thousands and several amazing presentations of the gospel it looked to me that the crowd was overwhelmingly Christian. Toward the end Erika Kirk announced her decision to forgive her husband’s murderer and my heart melted. A few minutes later President Trump said proudly that he hated his enemies and did not want the best for them. I wasn’t surprised by either statement. Both were very much in character. Here’s what shocked and saddened me; The largely Christian audience enthusiastically applauded both statements!

My immediate thought was, “What’s wrong with these people?” Whether you love Trump or not, whether you agree with his policies and decisions, or not, I could not imagine true Christians ever applauding a statement that Jesus would find horrifying and sinful. It had a, “give us Barabbas” feel to it!

Here’s what I’m observing in Christian culture. We want to elect national leaders whose policies we most agree with who we also know are imperfect people. “But at least they’re better than the other candidate,” we tell ourselves. Then many Christians appear to turn a blind eye, or stay silent when that leader does and says things to carry out those policies Jesus would never condone, as if it’s being disloyal, or unamerican to post, or shout out, “That’s wrong!” That may be patriotism, but it’s not Christianity. Loyalty and silence are not a package deal in a democracy. We can honor the office and still insist on virtuous actions and words.

So, I began asking myself, “If Jesus was physically present at our Thanksgiving dinner how might he urge us to think differently about many of the big issues facing our nation today? To be clear, it would be both arrogant and sinful for me to presume to speak for Jesus on any topic he has not clearly addressed in the Bible. However, I think all Christians would agree that whatever guidance, or commands Jesus might give us would be consistent with his love for the Father and others, justice, forgiveness, mercy, self-sacrifice and he would clearly favor “the least of these.” And every decision true Christians make must be based on those very same bedrock virtues whether that’s in their personal life, or in the lives of leaders they choose and the policies they advocate for in the public square. We are required to act like Jesus in the voting booth and on social media as we do in the pew.

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceful and considerate, and always be gentle toward everyone.” Titus 3:1,2

First, Christians need to be far more careful before conveniently lumping people into the “Them,” column. They, the “left-wing, or right-wing” radicals. Not all left, or right-wing thinkers are radicals. I lean right as most of you likely do. No one would consider me a radical politically. And there are thoughtful fellow Christians who lean left. Politicians and newscasters want us to think in terms of Us versus Them and then think of these two groups as enemies fighting for the soul of America! That idea is thoroughly un-Christian. Thoughtful Christians must be more nuanced in their thinking. “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:1

Here’s one example where “labeling” hinders good and wise solutions. Most of us would agree that we very likely have hundreds of thousands of people misusing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (the old food stamps program) and it needs to be fixed badly. The term “welfare Queens” has been used to describe this group of people which makes it sound like everyone receiving help is just cheating the system. Them! Christians have a right to demand abusers not get these benefits. But I’m guessing Jesus would consider it to be cruel to dismantle a whole program desperately needed by many poor instead of reforming it to make sure those who truly need help get it. Christians are obliged to both fight waste and also fight for the rights of the poor who legitimately need help.

I thought it might be helpful for Christians to analyze almost every big issue facing our nation today and break these Package Deals down into these three categories.

The actual issue, or policy being addressed.

How those policies are executed, or carried out in real life.I’m confident Jesus would expect everyone who considers themself a follower of his to hold their elected leaders to execute any law, or policy consistent with biblical commands and principles and never, ever cheer on or support any leader, or an idea that is antithetical to what Jesus taught. Can we agree; The will of God cannot be accomplished by violating the will of God. In other words, the ends never justify the means if it violates Jesus’ teaching.

The character of the people we elect to carry out these policies. Because if we don’t elect virtuous, trustworthy people, we will get the government we deserve—not the government we want.

To illustrate how American Christians might think about breaking down each challenge we face into these three categories let’s consider another huge topic of illegal immigration and border security. I think most Americans generally agree that our nation needs to control its borders whether it’s a wall, fence, or drone surveillance to monitor and control who comes and goes both as temporary visitors and permanent residents. In my opinion the last administration did a horrible job. Yes, there are political leaders who appear to disagree with that position and are fine with “open borders.” I’m not one of them and I’m guessing nobody around your Thanksgiving table is either. So can we agree that this is a serious problem that needs solving?

Let’s set aside the border security solution for now and examine how Christians might think about the estimated 12,000,000–20,000,000 immigrants who are already here illegally. Can we all agree they broke the law therefore they are legally criminals. However, just like not all criminals are alike, neither are all illegals. We have illegals who are MS-13 gang members, or have been convicted of violent crimes, or of selling drugs, or drunk driving. And I’m guessing most of us have absolutely no problem removing them from our country, back where they came from as quickly as we can do so safely, legally and humanely.

But on the other end of the spectrum there are millions of illegals who’ve been in the U.S. for 5, 10, 20 years or more. They are working in productive jobs, raising families, have never been arrested, or convicted of a felony. Many are fine Catholics who agree with most Christians on issues like marriage, abortion and strong families. These are good families who pose no threat to most of us. We need these people to work jobs many Americans won’t. What might Jesus advise is a humane and sensible approach? I have two thoughts.

The first; I cannot imagine Jesus ever advocating, or even staying silent over how some of these deportations are being handled. ICE is reportedly terrorizing people by knocking down the doors of these families in the middle of the night, separating parents from children and many times sending them back to whatever country they came from without a court hearing and legal representation, or taking into consideration all the factors of how they’ve lived while in the U.S. I understand that anytime you attempt to arrest someone it is going to cause fear and anxiety and there’s a good chance their first instinct is to run. And yes, resisting arrest is another crime. Peter’s first instinct when Jesus was arrested was to cut off the soldier’s ear! Fear does that. So I’m not sure that can be avoided. But for people who are arrested, even if they run, I’m reasonably confident Jesus would still want us to encourage our leaders to treat them with as much respect and mercy as they can.

Sadly for decades our political leaders have been unable to agree on any sensible legislation for this group. Some have proposed legislation allowing those who’ve lived in the U.S. for maybe 5 years, or more, who have no other criminal record than being here illegally and have jobs, to register with the U.S. Immigration Service and be given permission to live legally in the U.S. if they pay taxes and have no felonies. Some have insisted they may not qualify for Social Security, or other benefits.

Whether you like that idea, or not and even if you believe Jesus would still be fine with sending all of them out of the country to reapply for legal citizenship can we agree he would insist that every non-violent illegal would receive a fair hearing in court, every reasonable effort would be made to keep families together and the property they acquired (homes, autos, savings, etc) while here would be safeguarded until a court could rule on those matters. Yes, doing all those things is going to take time and money. The truth is we simply are not set up to deal justly and fairly with millions of illegals. This problem has been decades in the making with both parties guilty of doing almost nothing and it will not be fixed simply by rounding them up and sending them out of the country. Christians should insist of their leaders that we slow things up until we can do it right. The Bible commands us to champion the rights of aliens.

“The foreigner who resides with you must be to you like a native citizen among you; you must love them as yourself.” Lev.19:24

“Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow.” Deut. 27:19

In a democracy there are at least four ways we can “vote.”

At the ballot box

With our money supporting candidates who act honorably and justly.

On social media where we can voice our either our support, or criticism for our leaders and policies. (But that may involve cheering on a policy we like, while at the same time protesting unkind treatment.)

We can speak thoughtfully and biblically to our families and friends about how Christians ought to behave.

So, the next time you see anyone being mistreated on the news please make sure your friends and family know that it makes you angry and why. You don’t need to get into criticizing one party, or another. Simply say it saddens you to see minorities treated that way, even if they are guilty.

One final thought: This Thanksgiving while the adults are talking around the table or the family room, your children, or grandchildren may be listening. If the conversation begins to get tense, please remind everyone that “Let’s try discussing the solutions for these problems from Jesus’ perspective. What might he suggest?” And remember just last Sunday the kids listening as the adults talk were in Sunday School, or youth group where they were being taught to “love others more than themselves. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Love your enemies.” Are they hearing the same messages from you?

Be careful little tongue what you say. Be careful little ears what you hear. For the Father up above is looking down in love.

“Anyone who causes little ones such as these to stumble…”

Happy Thanksgiving.