The 2024 Presidential election is just one week away; and here is our “roundup” episode on the election, voting, and Christian citizenship after the election is decided. This includes a review of Biblical principles concerning voting; a brief moral and practical analysis of the various positions I have heard over the last few months (and a reminder to vote your conscience); and an encouragement to be the centered (in Christ), courageous, and compassionate citizen in your sphere of influence before and after the election.

Moses’ father-in-law, named Jethro, encouraged Moses to consider four criteria as he selected civic leaders. And his list of qualifications–what I have termed “Jethro’s Voting Guide”–can assist us in the complicated moral exercise of voting for civic officials in the United States.

Four qualifications for government officials according to Exodus 18:21:

1. Competence
2. Morality
3. Honesty
4. Financial Integrity

Questions we address:

• Should Christians engage in the two-party system?
• Do all Christians vote the same way? Can a person be a Christian and vote for the party you oppose?
• What about voting third party or not voting at all?
• What is the most pressing moral issue in public life?
• How should pastors address election season?
• What about voter guides?
• What happens if the election is undecided for days or even weeks?

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Church Resource Toolkit
• ivoterguide.com
• https://www.transparencyusa.org/
• Link to graph showing political engagement by denomination or network.
• Link to full blog post.