I wouldn’t say that it’s generally sin not to vote, or a sin to vote for a third-party candidate who upholds truth. Then again, in some circumstances it might be. Even if in my heart I thought it was in a particular instance and under certain circumstances, I don’t know how strongly I would say this publicly. I’d have to think about it. It’s interesting that for some time the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America didn’t allow their members to vote at all.

I voted for Tom McClintock in the California governor’s race in 2000 simply because I couldn’t think of voting for abortionists. I hate abortion so much, and see McCain as the only one who will be able to do anything about it by appointing judges. I have to go to work now, and I’ll pass by the baby butchery on Beach Blvd. I pray that God would change the hearts of the current justices and those who work at this detestable place. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thanks for responding. You really gave me some things to consider.

I have been to “Christian” websites that are 100% against political involvement, who make it a sin to vote. (Though, one website in particular has a entire page devoted to telling you that a certain candidate is an abomination)

I have also been to those who are 100% for political involvement, who make it a sin not to vote. (Though what they mean is that it’s a sin not to vote Republican, no matter what!)

Because of a condition that I discovered recently that I suffer from, called “Lazy Extremism”, I’ve decided to do more than just “side with a side”.

We should indeed pray for all of those who are in positions of authority, especially for their salvation.

You asked: Although we may be “judging” his heart to say that McCain is only pro-life for political expediency but you both have basically stated that your intention to vote for him is one of political expediency. If a third-party candidate’s stance is completely compatible with the issues that affect your conscience, then how would voting for him/her be a wasted vote? At least before God? This is an honest question.

I probably used the wrong word by saying waste. No, when someone votes their conscience it is not a wasted vote. Third party candidates who do not have enough support to win always take votes away from one candidate and help another. I just know that Obama will not appoint pro life Supreme Court justices if/when given the chance. Again, the president cannot just declare Roe vs wade null and void; it must be overturned by the Supreme Court. I vote my conscience when I vote against the possibility of pro-death Supreme Court justices being appointed. Others vote their conscience differently.

You asked: Do either of you gentleman believe that a Christian is morally obligated to participate in politics at all? What if a Christian doesn’t vote at all, is he/she in sin?

I personally do not believe that we are obligated to vote, but merely have the privilege to vote. When you chose not to decide, you still have made a choice.

I have voted, abstained from voting, voted republican, voted third party and voted for a few local democrats.

When I vote I am almost always voting against something more than for something. I feel like I am voting for the individual I feel with mess the country up the least.

I believe…

Most politicians are liars and have spin doctors and talking heads that do the same.

Most politicians are not interested in serving the people in righteousness but rather are interested in money, position and power.

Government and politics are a necessary evil and a consequence of the fallen condition.

That I am an alien and stranger sojourning in a land that is not my own-I ultimately serve a different kingdom.

I love America and feel privileged to be a citizen, but that America is not the Kingdom of God and is as much a part of the world system as any other country.

Please do not feel under attack by my questions or statements. The issue of voting is something that I am wrestling through right now so it is vitally important that you see these as honest.

When I here Christians speak about the Supreme Court, I get the sense that they are hoping for the death/retirement of one of the more liberal judges so that that judge can be replaced by a more conservative one. But I’ve never heard a Christian say that he/she desires/prays for the conversion of any one of the judges on the court. Why is that?

Although we may be “judging” his heart to say that McCain is only pro-life for political expediency but you both have basically stated that your intention to vote for him is one of political expediency. If a third-party candidate’s stance is completely compatible with the issues that affect your conscience, then how would voting for him/her be a wasted vote? At least before God? This is an honest question.

Do either of you gentleman believe that a Christian is morally obligated to participate in politics at all? What if a Christian doesn’t vote at all, is he/she in sin?

Thanks for your help on this. I have more questions but I’ll wait for your responses to these.

That is the issue that has made up my mind for me and the only reason I cannot “waste” a vote on Baldwin although I agree with him much more than I agree with Mcain.

As you mentioned, the president cannot overturn Roe vs Wade only the Supreme court can. So in essence I am voting for potential Supreme Court justices.