Trump, Harris, or Jesus - Christians in the USA

According to the Bible, "For this world in its present form is passing away" (1 Cor 7:31b). Initially, Christianity was not about national boundaries—and indeed, it has never truly been. When the faith was brand new in imperial Rome under the political leadership of Tiberius Julius Caesar Augustus—that is, Tiberius, the second Emperor—it spread, according to the New Testament, from Jerusalem into North Africa and into modern-day France and Turkey (ancient Asia Minor). Early Christians were not trying to change the government; they were trying to change the hearts of men and women.

American Christians who approach voting with the idea of achieving "the most good" to "minimize evil and maximize righteousness" are operating with a flawed perspective. Yes, we desire freedom of religion, but our desires are not synonymous with God's will. Furthermore, a candidate's position on issues like abortion (often framed as a woman's "rights") or salvation (misconceived as merit-based) should not overshadow what the scriptures truly teach. The implication that you are in sin if you do not vote is unhealthy—it removes God from the equation and can unjustly condemn Christians. While guilt and fear can motivate, they do not typically stem from a spiritually healthy place.

 American Christians who generally promote voting for Trump, based on the belief that it supposedly does the most good and minimizes evil, are adding fuel to a dangerous fire that has already been kindled—and Satan is surely laughing at us. The goal of the Christian faith has never been to build a Christian utopia or to make any nation more Christian or righteous. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles are overtly and explicitly eschatological, meaning they point to the return of Christ. 2 Peter 3:10-13 couldn’t make this clearer. Our faith, then, includes (a) as individuals, living godly and righteous lives, and (b) encouraging others to seek and follow Jesus.

One example of a Christian who recognizes that transforming society through political means is not the church's mission is Os Guinness. As a Christian apologist, he has long argued that the mission of the church is primarily a spiritual one, pointing people to Jesus Christ and calling them to live as authentic Christians "whose world is not their home." Guinness reminds us that the church should be a countercultural community, demonstrating how to live as Christians rather than seeking to manipulate temporal power through political action. His approach challenges the faithful to resist the temptation to substitute political power for true spiritual transformation.

Therefore, like the early Christians who stood out in the Roman Empire against the flawed and careless value systems and practices of their time, we should stand out against the racial and political anger and hatred that is tearing the U.S. apart. We should demonstrate love in our rhetoric and behavior. We should pray for all candidates. Just as early Christians took in babies left to die out of compassion, we should show such compassion today. This is not merely "social justice," but unconditional love that must also include the gospel message. We aim to encourage people to turn to God through Jesus Christ and submit their ethical, moral, and spiritual beliefs and practices to what is clearly taught in the Bible. When a person turns to God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, they will not promote or practice false sexual and gender ideas; they will not preach or teach that it's okay to get an abortion or abuse drugs or alcohol. Sure, people in Christ struggle, but as Peter wrote, "Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming." This is the primary "ought to" that comes from loving God and loving our neighbor while we are in this world. Voting for the candidate that will minimize evil is not part of that message. As it is written, "What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?" (See 1 Corinthians 5:12).

As Christians, we can show the world and the nation how to avoid race riots, anger, violence, and division based on worldly ideas that belong to this world. Abortion and LGBT beliefs and practices belong to this world, and "what business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?" Instead, part of our apologetic is to call Christians to righteousness (preventing moral failures that occur all too often) and showing the world a better way—even if it costs us our lives. Dying at the hands of a godless society may not seem like "the most good." Having candidates and political leaders that promote death or the rejection and suffering of the faithful may not seem like "minimizing evil." However, just as in ancient Rome, we are not called to fix or change the government—although if we can live in a society that allows Christianity to thrive, then yes, let's do so. Instead, we are called to be salt and light. We are in the world but not of the world. Let's represent Christ and be part of the truth, not part of a political solution that will not and cannot last—at best, it's a band-aid on a problem of the heart, not a problem that legislators, executive-branch officials, or courts can ultimately resolve.