Voting Evangelical

By Dr. Chris Seiple on 01 February 2008

It has often been quipped that the “religious right” is neither religious, nor right. The same might be said for most pundits and academics who claim to understand that mysterious “monolith,” the evangelicals. As someone of that peculiar persuasion known as “evangelical,” I do not claim to know the multi-varied dimensions of the different groups who embrace this label, nor do I claim to speak for any of them. However, I offer my perspective on their role as Christian-Americans in this election year.

The Greek word evangelion means “good news”—the gospel of Jesus—and as such true evangelicals are acutely aware of the imperative to define themselves by their love for their neighbor. They put Christ at the center of everything and let God draw the boundaries. They recognize and respect that believers of profound conviction will draw those boundaries at different places. Despite deep differences, evangelicals know well that they honor the Author of life and freedom when they choose to respect the other, no matter his/her opinion, precisely because that other is made in the image of a holy God. Foremost, evangelicals remain in humble awe of the majesty and mystery of their Creator—whose ways are not theirs.

What then does this mean for Super Tuesday and the November election of our next president?

Evangelicals have an inherent bias for reconcilers. They recognize that a poisoned public discourse according to immovable ideological positions serve no one. While they hold deep convictions, they are tired of the leftover left and the self-righteous right. They seek a radical middle rooted in respect.

To achieve this middle, however, demands more than politicians with transcendent rhetoric. It requires transcendent leaders who are not afraid to discard ideological boilerplates and create new, transcendent policies. It requires leaders who are willing to sit down at the table and fashion and implement solutions with the other party.

If they choose, evangelicals can lead the way in creating this new pattern by choosing to discuss, not demonize, deep differences. If they choose, they will contribute to a new and respectful public discourse. If they choose, evangelicals can create a context in which a leader is elected who will steward this new discourse; a leader who, as a result, will better steward the immense power—hard and soft—that has been entrusted to America for a time. More importantly, though, if evangelicals choose to create a new discourse, they will signal that no one political party owns them as they bear witness to their identity in Christ and His command to love all neighbors ... as it should be for those commanded by Scripture to be ambassadors of reconciliation.

Last updated 29 November 1999