Jamin Bradley

There are several ways Christians can theologize voting.

1. Don’t Vote | This used to be me. Under this mindset you can recognize that the Kingdom of Heaven is not the kingdoms of this earth and that your allegiance is to Jesus regardless of who sits on the thrones of earth. You’re just doing your best to follow Jesus and cultivate the earth to look like Heaven. (However, you can fully believe this theology and vote at the same time.)

2. Vote the Issues | Laws and political aims are important to all of us—that’s why we fight so dang much about it. However, Jesus is neither Republican or Democrat, so you will always have to sacrifice something with your vote. You will still have to break from your party of choice to follow Jesus over the next four years. When voting the issues, recognize that not all Christian morality should dictate the morality of non-Christians. In my opinion it’s best to focus on changing the laws and political aims that are the most oppressive and damaging to people.

3. Vote the Personality | While I like to hope we don’t usually have to consider this option, it is the one I’ve had to settle for for a third election. The fruit of a leader is important to me in any role, especially the most powerful one we can offer. Trump’s personality, mannerisms, and divisiveness terrify me more every election. Unshockingly to those who know me, I will be voting against him for a third time.

Regardless of the outcome, Jesus is my King, Heaven is my Kingdom, and America is my mission field. I just feel like I have more work cut out for me in that mission field whenever Trump and Christian nationalism collide. And on that front, I will continue to be annoying. (Sorry ahead of time.)