Not voting = a sin ?

[J.A.I]

I was surfing a church website and saw the following:

......it is a SIN for Christians to not vote. To not vote is just as much of a sin as lying, stealing, or committing fornication or adultery.

Now, is this Biblical ? If so, what scriptures prove this ?

 

[jameseb]

Absolutely not Biblical... and I stand by my words.... till disproven.

 

[Flynmonkie]

I was surfing a church website and saw the following:

......it is a SIN for Christians to not vote. To not vote is just as much of a sin as lying, stealing, or committing fornication or adultery.

Now, is this Biblical ? If so, what scriptures prove this ?

Ok I wrote this long reply and the forum ate it!! UGH!

I think this is extreme! I am not sure what church says this or what their reasoning is but by no means do I feel this is scriptural! I would like to know what their reasoning behind this statement is?

I think it is important for us to vote as Christians, it is our chance to voice our opinions. However, we should be VERY CLEAR on what we are voting for. Thouroughly investigate everything. Educate yourself on what it is you are actually voting on. Sometimes you have to choose the lesser of the two evils in options presented, it is hard to distinguish. Sometimes I will obstain, or I will not vote for a law that is not clear, even if the pretense seems justifiable.

I do however have very strong opinions on the Church and Politics,

The Church and Politics, Do they Mix?

 

[Bulldog]

I don't see any biblical reason to believe that.

 

[bjh]

I was surfing a church website and saw the following:

......it is a SIN for Christians to not vote. To not vote is just as much of a sin as lying, stealing, or committing fornication or adultery.

Now, is this Biblical ? If so, what scriptures prove this ?

I could find a number of Scriptures that would indicate that we are to vote, but I know of other Godly men who would argue with my interpretation. For that reason, I would argue strongly against that "SIN-ful quote".

"Give to Caesar..." Matt 22:15-22

Although it is not a direct interpretation, I would argue that the parables of the talents or minas (Matt 25:14-30; Luke 18:11-26) tell us we are to vote. God placed us where we are, with all its opportunities for righteousness. Are we not to take advantage of them? How are we held accountable if we do not take advantage?

 

[billwald]

Let the dead bury the dead. <G>

Vote Libertarian and sleep with a clear conscience.

 

[Ginsu]

... thats ludicrous. One of the reasons why I don't go to the internet much for doctrinal information is that anyone can make webpage these days and express their goofy views and make their own sin lists.

 

[Bulldog]

"Give to Caesar..." Matt 22:15-22

Although it is not a direct interpretation, I would argue that the parables of the talents or minas (Matt 25:14-30; Luke 18:11-26) tell us we are to vote. God placed us where we are, with all its opportunities for righteousness. Are we not to take advantage of them? How are we held accountable if we do not take advantage?

How do you get that conclusion from those parables?

 

[bjh]

How do you get that conclusion from those parables?

How do I conclude that we are to vote?

Am I correct in my understanding of the aforementioned parables that we are to take advantage of what has been given to us, and not let those talents, etc., sit by the wayside?

I was born a citizen of a nation where we choose our leaders by voting. God, by giving me life, gave me this opportunity (or "talent" if you will). Do I not have the the opportunity to take whatever has been given to me and use it for righteousness' sake? If I have the opportunity, how can I not use it? When it comes to voting, how can I just bury that talent and let the unbelievers pick rulers and issues that reflect their ungodly condition?

If a David is running, how can I sit by and let the rest pick Saul to rule over them? Saul was chosen as king because the nation of Israel rejected God. On the other hand, David was called a man after God's own heart. Which would you rather have? If we can do something about it, and we don't do it, wouldn't it be our fault for letting Saul rule?

In my country we have had rulers (on different levels of government) that were elected, but whose policies and actions I believe to be ungodly. They do not belong in power, and by my vote I let it be known.

Regarding the other passage, if Caesar asks you to vote, are you not then responsible before God to do so? "Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's".

What other options do we have? Why?

 

[The Thadman]

I was surfing a church website and saw the following:

......it is a SIN for Christians to not vote. To not vote is just as much of a sin as lying, stealing, or committing fornication or adultery.

Now, is this Biblical ? If so, what scriptures prove this ?

No Biblical backing. REJECTED!

Pharisees: It's not Lawful for you to pick and eat grain on the Sabbath!
Jesus: Where did you read that? Not in the Torah!

Shlomo,
-Steve-o

 

[nephilimiyr]

Some people consider not voting as a vote in itself, it's a statement of objecting to the choices. I know I have been tempted to do the very same thing but usually end up voteing for someone...

The point is that a non vote is sometimes a vote in itself.

 

[tesnusxenos]

uhh.... wasn't Saul chosen by God and anointed king by Samuel ?
1 Samuel 9
15 Now the day before Saul came, the LORD had revealed this to Samuel: 16 "About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him leader over my people Israel; he will deliver my people from the hand of the Philistines. I have looked upon my people, for their cry has reached me."
1 Samuel 10
1 Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on Saul's head and kissed him, saying, "Has not the LORD anointed you leader over his inheritance?

 

[bjh]

It is true that the Lord "removes kings and establishes them." (Daniel 2:21). I'm not denying that, at all.

However, there are some things that God plans, but holds men responsible for. How many individual aspects of the crucifixion could we go into? Was it planned by God? Absolutely, and praise His name because of it. Did God hold men responsible? I would venture to say "Yes". (Acts 2:36; Acts 4:10; and others).

With the case in point, yes, Saul was chosen by God. I could make the same case for both Presidents Bush, and Bill Clinton as well. However, although God may choose to use someone, (whether it be the president or the voters who put him there) He is still free and just when He holds responsible those instruments of His will. Consider the book of Habakkuk and the nation of Babylon. Consider Judas Iscariot, Caiaphas, and the rest of those who put Our Lord to death.

I do not wish to be held responsible for letting some people into office, and that is why I vote.

 

[nephilimiyr]

I do not wish to be held responsible for letting some people into office, and that is why I vote.

LOL, funny that's the same reason why I usually end up voteing republican all the time, I hate the idea of baby killers, and tortures being in office!

My man is Alan Keyes and I will always, without hesitation or shame vote for him as my President! Since he's not running this time I guess I have to vote for Bush as it's looking to be another close election.

As long as America has the sin of abortion over it's head don't expect much blessing.

 

[Cmarlin]

I know I've read on these boards that many do not believe in voting, please tell me scripture for your reasoning. I want to understand why Christians do not think it very important to cast our vote. I do understand it is only a temporary solution and ultimately God is in charge, but I believe we now can vote for better politicians and it is our "enlightened" responsibility to do so.

 

[Curt]

Isa 9:6
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
(KJV)
If we are members of His body we sure do need to support the head and shoulders wouldn't you say?

Isa 22:21
21 And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah.
(KJV)
We should definitely assist our Saviour by serving Him?
2 Pet 2:10
10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
(KJV)
We need to be careful not to fall into this category.

 

[vanshan]

I am starting to believe it may be a sin to vote!

When I vote, I normally vote Republican because they at least share my view on some basic moral issue, but there are other issues that I don't agree with them on. So I'm left with the feeling that I'm voting for the lesser of evils, but isn't that still voting for evil.

I believe we are aliens in this world. Let the rulers of this world and their followers elect whomever they choose. I would rather accept whoever is in power and focus on making it into the kingdom of God.

I'm seriously considering changing my party affiliation to independent so I will not be judged for supporting everything the Republican party stands for.

Basil