Jesus at the Ballot Box

So here we are again. Another election. Another chance to ask ourselves what kind of country we would like to have—and what sort of values we want displayed in our policies. Those of us who claim the Christian faith are accustomed to pondering what the Lord requires of us in all situations—of which voting is undoubtedly one of the most important. So how does Jesus want us to vote?

Political figures often claim to have the definitive answer—which inevitably includes supporting their particular positions at the moment. They know just how Jesus would vote, and they are eager to explain it to us.

In Illinois’ 2004 Senate race, Republican candidate Alan Keyes famously attempted to bait future Senator Barack Obama by declaring that Jesus would not vote for the Democrat. Sen. Obama’s off-the-cuff reply remains a gem of political class and intellect:

I leave it to God to decide how good a Christian I am. I leave it to the people of Illinois to decide how good a U.S. Senator I will be. I am unconcerned with Mr. Keyes’ opinion on either matter.

Well put, and fair enough. But while we are on the subject, what would Jesus’ opinion be? He would certainly be surprised—and likely dismayed—by the role his name and legacy play in our current politics. When we view the bundle of political goods peddled under the “Christian” brand, it is natural to wonder what Jesus would think of those politicians who most frequently and forcefully invoke his name. What would he think of the so-called “religious right?”

The problem here is in the question. It assumes the religious right is an exclusively modern phenomenon. In fact, however, most societies throughout history have featured those who use religion to consolidate and protect their political and economic power. The time of Jesus was certainly no exception. So the real question is not what he would have thought of the religious right, but rather what he did think of them.

Sadly for many of today’s politicians the answer is: not much. Jesus was unabashed in his opposition to the Pharisees, Sadducees, and other corrupted religious authorities of his day. He boldly challenged their version of God’s message. They could quote all the scripture they wanted, but to Jesus, they were missing the point—blind to the will and word of God.

Scripture demanded the adulteress be stoned, but Jesus declared that God had a better way. Dogmatic law dictated societal segregation, but Jesus embraced the Samaritan. Tradition allowed for shady financial deals in the temple, but Jesus would have none of it. Religious authorities sought to consolidate political power, but Jesus drew a line between God and Caesar.

And most importantly, when religious leaders stressed adherence to a particular interpretation of arcane rules, Jesus told them to toss out the book. All we need, he said, is to love the Lord our God with heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Politicians often tell us that voting for “Christian values” means supporting certain views on abortion or sexuality. But are those really the priorities of Jesus? Is that the extent of his message for us? It seems to this Christian that he had his eyes on a bigger picture.

How would he vote? I do not know. But I can follow his example to the best of my ability by praying to God and voting for the benefit of my neighbor—rich or poor, American or Iraqi, Christian or not. My heart and soul tell me to vote against war-making, against hypocrisy and dishonesty, against corruption and injustice. My mind and strength will lead me to stand up for a change.