You guys know me. So you know I’m actively involved in my faith, my community and current politics. In other words, I’m just your average TEA Partying Bitter Clinger.
When given the opportunity to review How Should Christians Vote? by Tony Evans for Moody Publishers, even though the “How Should Christians Vote?” question is one that I feel I am thoroughly well versed on, I figured it would be fun to check out what this book had to say. Also, if it turned out to be a sound read, it wouldn’t hurt to have some handy references to share when talking to Christians who are, well, not quite as sure on the question.
You will never hear a more self-righteous, “How dare you question my Christianity?!” than you will from someone actively voting pro-choice, for same sex marriage, for church rights infringements, or for some other cause that flies blatantly into the face of God’s values.
One event that comes to mind specifically was over Easter weekend last year. Some of you may remember the mass Facebook “cause” for gay marriage that went viral. A lot of my friends who claim to be followers of Christ were dutifully falling into line, changing their Facebook profile pictures to the red equal sign, conforming their views to the ways of the world. Ya know, exactly as we’re commanded NOT to do in Scripture.
The irony is that while they spent a solid week thumbing their noses at God’s values, they then proceeded to celebrate His Resurrection the following week.
When I spoke out for God’s principles and values on the issue, I was met with pompous and condescending comments from some supposed “brothers and sisters in Christ”, sporting a take on God and government that better suits the Antagonistic Crazy Loons Unleashed (isn’t that what ACLU stands for?), with modern reinterpretations of Christian duty that ultimately keeps faith removed from the public square.
Clearly, there is some confusion in the body of Christ on how Christians should vote. But is this the book to set everyone straight?
Christians are a large and influential voting bloc today. But as each governmental election approaches, an increasing polarity occurs within those claiming the Christian faith. This comes as a result of party-voting rather than voting according to Biblical mandates and authority. To refocus correctly, Dr. Tony Evans goes back to the basics and teaches on how God established government as a divine institution whose tasks include promoting the well-being of those within its realm and protection from evil.
Scripture trumps all political alliances making the voting decision a critical opportunity for Christians to promote God’s Word and His values through whom they elect. In the face of increasing emotions the Christians representing God’s Kingdom values should communicate His truths in a manner reflective of the King – in a gracious and strategic way. Dr. Evans also looks at the necessary qualities in a good candidate which include intellect, education, competency, skill and spiritual beliefs – whether certain issues are non-negotiables, and how a responsible citizen is to research a candidates’ position in order to evaluate it against God’s Word.
Tony Evans is the founder and president of The Urban Alternative, a national ministry dedicated to restoring hope in personal lives, families, churches, and communities. Dr. Evans also serves as senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas. He is a bestselling author of numerous books, and his radio program, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, is heard on more than 500 stations every day.
My Thoughts On This Book
In a nutshell, this book is amazing!
Only 83 pages long, Evans has that rare gift of being able to say a lot while saying very little. Articulate and well worded, each page is simple, strong, and full of truth, referencing Scripture without sounding preachy. For what some can perceive as a complex issue, Evans breaks the concept of the Christian vote down into an easy to read and easy to understand format.
If there was a fundraiser going to get this book into every church and preached from every pulpit and taught in every small group, I would be emptying my pockets for that cause. I am not even kidding.
Evans takes on foundational questions such as: What does the Bible say about the role and responsibilities of government? How can we be salt and light when our political systems fail us? Should we submit to candidates we didn’t vote for? What if we don’t know who to choose, or worse – what if there is no good choice?
Evans doesn’t pressure you to check this box or that, but he does equip his readers with solid biblical principles that will challenge you to vote with a kingdom perspective – to be informed, compassionate, and aware of who is really in charge.
The bottom line that Evans repeatedly drives home, is that the Bible should be the ONLY source of authority for the believer. We should vote for the candidate based on whose opinions best reflect the teachings of the Bible. As Evan’s says in his introduction: “Every question facing us today has two answers: God’s answer and everyone else’s.”
Evans also believes that as Christians we have the privilege, the right, and the God given responsibility to vote.
Engaging, compelling and quick, and easy to read, this is a must-read book that EVERY church should have in their lending library. It gets 5 stars from this gal!
[Disclaimer: There are no affiliate links in this review. I am an independent product reviewer. I only review products I am truly interested in. I don’t accept payment for reviews. The products I take the time to jabber on about are either items I have personally purchased, or the product has been provided for review after me incessantly nagging for a sample. All of my reviews are unbiased regardless of how the item was obtained.]
Just because some Christians take a different approach, have an opposing view to you, or are possibly simply confused/ in the beginning of their spiritual development, does not make them “supposed” Christians. They are Christians; and your suggestion of otherwise is offensive and judgmental.
“So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” John 8:7
I highly doubt you are without sin, should I consider you a “supposed” Christian?
While we may interpret the Bible in certain ways, it does not make us correct. & Frankly, it is very clear we are to love our neighbor. That does not mean we have to love sin.
I personally find the Democratic party much more “Christian” than the Republican. Right now, Christians are fixated on just a few social issues. There are so many issues that go against the Bible, and in which the Republican party does not align with spiritual teachings.
Whether you agree with this or not, does not entitle you to decide who can celebrate Easter, or that they should be judged for partaking in a Christian holiday. Just because they engage in a behavior you do not agree with, does not mean they can do no right.
I am so disturbed by your point of view, I don’t think I’ll be continuing to view your blog. It’s really offensive. It’s one thing to have an opinion, it’s another to attack others. You could learn a thing or two by opening your own Bible.
I am sorry you are “disturbed by my point of view” when I am only taking God at his word and stating biblical principles. To be a Christian means literally to be a “Christ follower”. If you take a stand for something that Christ clearly states is an abomination, (like my examples of abortion, homosexuality and religious freedom infringements) then common sense dictates that you are not following Christ, or acting like a Christian. No one is perfect or sinless, however it is one thing to stumble and quite another thing to willfully and openly walk in opposition to god. And I was not saying that these individuals ignoring gods word should not have celebrated Easter – I was simply pointing out the inherent hypocrisy of some who claim Christ with their mouths, but then deny him with their actions. If me speaking biblical principles upsets you so much, then maybe my blog isn’t the one for you. I believe that the bible is the inspired word of god and is meant to be taken seriously, and I am unapologetic on that point. ^_^
No problem girl. It’s easy to get snarky on the interwebs. 😉 I think as Christians we are called to hold one another accountable to scripture, and I don’t think god is republican or democrat – he is god! He’s given us a blueprint for living in his holy word and I think it is sad when people try to serve both god and the world. You simply can’t serve two masters as scripture says! I’ve always been one to “say it like it is” and this post was no difference. I don’t apologize for my stance but I do apologize if you misunderstood me or my tone. ^_^
Before I ever really ‘got into’ politics, I always voted with just ONE criteria…Pro-Life. That was the one issue I would not sway from. If the candidate was pro-life, then anything else didn’t matter to me. Unfortunately, I didn’t know or have the means to check to see if they were just giving lip service, or if their actions bore out their ‘stance’. Now, with the internet, there really is no excuse for anyone to be ignorant on the issues, or the different politicians & their true stance.
I think nowadays it’s less ignorance, and more willfully going along with the ways of the world. Too many Christians want to be patted on the back for “taking a stand” for the new cause of the week.. and then be able to claim the cross. God was clear that if we are to follow him, we must forsake all and follow him COMPLETELY.. And that includes voting HIS values.
Just because some Christians take a different approach, have an opposing view to you, or are possibly simply confused/ in the beginning of their spiritual development, does not make them “supposed” Christians. They are Christians; and your suggestion of otherwise is offensive and judgmental.
“So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” John 8:7
I highly doubt you are without sin, should I consider you a “supposed” Christian?
While we may interpret the Bible in certain ways, it does not make us correct. & Frankly, it is very clear we are to love our neighbor. That does not mean we have to love sin.
I personally find the Democratic party much more “Christian” than the Republican. Right now, Christians are fixated on just a few social issues. There are so many issues that go against the Bible, and in which the Republican party does not align with spiritual teachings.
Whether you agree with this or not, does not entitle you to decide who can celebrate Easter, or that they should be judged for partaking in a Christian holiday. Just because they engage in a behavior you do not agree with, does not mean they can do no right.
I am so disturbed by your point of view, I don’t think I’ll be continuing to view your blog. It’s really offensive. It’s one thing to have an opinion, it’s another to attack others. You could learn a thing or two by opening your own Bible.
I am sorry you are “disturbed by my point of view” when I am only taking God at his word and stating biblical principles. To be a Christian means literally to be a “Christ follower”. If you take a stand for something that Christ clearly states is an abomination, (like my examples of abortion, homosexuality and religious freedom infringements) then common sense dictates that you are not following Christ, or acting like a Christian. No one is perfect or sinless, however it is one thing to stumble and quite another thing to willfully and openly walk in opposition to god. And I was not saying that these individuals ignoring gods word should not have celebrated Easter – I was simply pointing out the inherent hypocrisy of some who claim Christ with their mouths, but then deny him with their actions. If me speaking biblical principles upsets you so much, then maybe my blog isn’t the one for you. I believe that the bible is the inspired word of god and is meant to be taken seriously, and I am unapologetic on that point. ^_^
I apologize, the last part was too harsh. I lost my cool. I’m sure you read your Bible (frequently).
I was just frustrated by what I read. I hope you can forgive me for that.
No problem girl. It’s easy to get snarky on the interwebs. 😉 I think as Christians we are called to hold one another accountable to scripture, and I don’t think god is republican or democrat – he is god! He’s given us a blueprint for living in his holy word and I think it is sad when people try to serve both god and the world. You simply can’t serve two masters as scripture says! I’ve always been one to “say it like it is” and this post was no difference. I don’t apologize for my stance but I do apologize if you misunderstood me or my tone. ^_^
Before I ever really ‘got into’ politics, I always voted with just ONE criteria…Pro-Life. That was the one issue I would not sway from. If the candidate was pro-life, then anything else didn’t matter to me. Unfortunately, I didn’t know or have the means to check to see if they were just giving lip service, or if their actions bore out their ‘stance’. Now, with the internet, there really is no excuse for anyone to be ignorant on the issues, or the different politicians & their true stance.
I think nowadays it’s less ignorance, and more willfully going along with the ways of the world. Too many Christians want to be patted on the back for “taking a stand” for the new cause of the week.. and then be able to claim the cross. God was clear that if we are to follow him, we must forsake all and follow him COMPLETELY.. And that includes voting HIS values.