A Case for Political Pacifism, From a Non-Pacifist!

 What I am definitely not saying:

I am not saying that the Bible forbids Christians voting for political candidates or for various amendments, laws, etc.

I am not suggesting that Christians should decline to fight in wars, or refuse to defend themselves or others under certain circumstances. I do believe a case could be made for choosing personal pacifism, not fighting for your own life or rights. However, fighting to protect the weak and defenseless, those in the category of widows and orphans in the Bible, are certainly worthy of our taking up arms if needed, either personally or as part of the armed services. Defending our own lives, so we can continue to protect and provide for the weak in our care, seems like a reasonable case for self defense as well.

I am not saying that I have all the answers about any of these topics.

What I am trying to prove:

That Christians are not commanded to vote in elections, based on Biblical teachings.

And,

That using terminology such as "Christians are obligated to vote", "Christians should vote" or saying things like "All Christians should support... in the coming election", is potentially making a law where God has not. This would be a very dangerous thing, assuming there is no actual biblical mandate to vote! 

The case for Christian political participation: 

I am not aware of any clear biblical teachings about voting in secular political elections, as those who followed Jesus in the time the Bible was authored, had no opportunity to exercise such a right.

Further, 

Even though there was much political corruption and abuse of power, by terrible evil rulers, there is very little said about politics in the NT scriptures, and most rebuking of political characters is reserved for the Jewish leaders and later false teachers in the church, as opposed to secular government figures.  

John the baptist did take the time at some point to rebuke Herod for his sexual sin, but Jesus and Paul used all their time before evil Roman leaders to highlight the kingdom of God and preach the gospel.

With that said, I do think you can make a good case for voting based on general biblical principles of doing what we can to bring about good in the world.

James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Rom. 12:18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Matt. 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.

1 Cor. 10:24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.

OK, now that is a pretty short list, but these verses represent the kinds of biblical passages we might use to promote Christian political participation. We would, based on these, likely seek to vote for candidates and policies that would best protect orphans and widows, promote peace, seek to establish a more righteous nation and support policies that are on the whole best for humanity.

I am all for that! However, I do think it is a stretch to insist these must be practiced in the political realm. Clearly they are aimed at our own personal lifestyle, and while that does not preclude using politics to further what we think is best, politics is not the most plain application of them and politics is always a mixed bag. 

We may just as well find we are supporting much evil as we seek to promote good in politics, and we are to be careful of our associations on earth:

2 Cor. 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 

Eph. 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

We also need to be careful we don't get too attached to this kingdom, as we are truly citizens of God's kingdom:

Col. 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 

Am I taking these verses somewhat out of context? Yes, but I had to do the same with the verses which might be used to support Christian voting. Do I believe these passages forbid Christian voting, definitely not! Nor do I believe any other passages command Christian voting!

What are we commanded to do regarding politics? 

Rom. 13:1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

1 Tim. 2:1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

OK, so  here are my conclusions based on this very short survey of NT biblical texts regarding the obligations of Christians for politics and in particular voting:

First, while I am very thankful for the freedom to vote, and I generally try to stay informed and exercise that right, I don't believe the scriptures would compel or forbid voting by Christians.

Further, trusting God's sovereignty in the realm of politics is absolutely essential to our faith and witness! Whoever God allows in power, we are to pray for them, and obey them, unless they ask us to sin, in which case we must respectfully decline (Acts 4:18-20). 

Finally, we must be very careful that those lost people we interact with never have the slightest notion that our hope is in anything but Jesus!

1 Pet. 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; ¹⁶ having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. ¹⁷ For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Heaven forbid anyone gets the impression our hope is in any particular candidate or political party!