Can a Christian be a Democrat?

Can a Christian be a Democrat?

It’s not fun to write so plainly on an issue like this. I don’t mean to cause division or stir up hard feelings. However, I do think that it is necessary to be plain and speak clearly, in a spirit of love, on issues that are important and that have real-life impact on peoples lives. Many ministers speak so vaguely and carefully that I have found that people on both sides of a moral issue feel as though the preacher is supporting their view and condemning the other. And while this serves to keep feelings from being hurt, it does nothing to further the truth or to bring about the change that truly helps people.

First of all, I would like to be clear that I have no commitment to any political party. I am a Christian, and every bit of my political views are formed through the lens of my Bible. As of right now, I feel like I can be both a Christian and a Republican without any contradiction. If that changes, then Republican will go, but not Christian. However, I do not think that one can be a Christian in the truest since of the word and also be a Democrat voter (if he is fully aware of Democrat policies). There are fundamental beliefs at the core of the Democratic Party that are at odds with Biblical truth. Of course, I know that many people call themselves Christian who are Democrat voters. But I must humbly suggest that they are either misinformed or have embraced an unbiblical ‘Christianity.’

Now before I get into the issues that make ‘Democrat’ incompatible with ‘Christian,’ I want to answer an objection is likely to come up. The common objection I hear is that it is hypocritical for Christians to support a man as immoral as Donald Trump has been. 

But here is my answer to that objection. The point of politics and government is to put policies and laws into place that have real-life implications on regular people. If I lived in the 19th century, and it happened that I was deciding between voting for a man who was found to have an adulterous affair in the past, but was against slavery, or another man, of whom there was no apparent immorality, but supported slavery, I would choose the former. Not because I approved of adultery, but because slavery is too important of an issue to withhold my vote. 

Furthermore, even if the candidate that supported slavery held some views that I agreed with and would like to see implemented, and even if he was a ‘Christian’ and the other man an atheist, I would vote for the atheist that supported emancipation over the ‘Christian’ who did not. 

My ultimate desire would be to have a good and godly man as president of the United States. And in the primaries in 2016, I voted for a man whom I felt best fit that description. However, when it was apparent that the man I voted for was not going to be the Republican candidate, but that Donald Trump was, I was faced with the option of voting for a business shark known for his licentious lifestyle, Hillary Clinton, or not voting at all. 

And, indeed, it was difficult. But for the reasons I will mention hereafter, I hesitantly voted for Donald Trump. And now, looking back, I’m glad that I did.

The Democratic Party

People on the left are sometimes referred to as ‘bleeding heart liberals.’ I think this is a good term for most ordinary people who are Democrats. They are generally the kind of people who will take you in after you’ve been hurt, make you some chicken noodle soup, and sit and listen while you vent your feelings. Most Democrats that I know feel that the Democratic Party best represents the people in life who have been hurt, cast out, abused, and forsaken. And because of this, and because they feel like Republicans are the party of the oppressors, they are extremely passionate about politics, even to the point of massive and constant demonstrations in the streets. And while all this might seem like a good thing, a wider view must be taken. 

In life, there are things that are intrinsically good and intrinsically bad. Things that are good will always produce life, and things that are bad, death. God has outlined those things for us in the Bible. We all want to be that person that takes in the wounded and applies the balm, but what do we do if we find that the wounded one is engaging in behaviors that are hurting themselves and others? Do we continue to nurse them into destruction, or do we speak difficult words that will ultimate help them if followed?

The truth is that everyone has to draw the line somewhere. Even though liberals love to care for the wounded and hurt, they will also draw the line. The question is not if the line should be drawn or not, but where to draw it. Humanity has historically drawn that line further and further away from where God draws it. And when it comes to the Democratic Party, they have drawn the line the furthest away. This is why democrats seem to be the more compassionate of the two parties. It’s not that they care more, it’s just that they are willing to embrace behaviors that God does not approve of. And while true Christians are ever ready to embrace even the vilest of sinners with compassion and love, they must come with a humble heart, ready to repent.

Policies that Christians CANNOT accept

The Bible speaks on many things, but not everything. The Bible doesn’t tell us what type of government to have, how long a presidential term should be, how much taxes should be, or whether or not it is constitutional to force people to wear a mask. These things are all up for debate with no one being intrinsically right or wrong. There are many such things like this in government. However, there are some policies that intersect with biblical truth. They are not up for debate.

As far as I know, there are no policies in the Republican platform that directly violates Biblical mandates. If I’m wrong, correct me. There are certainly Republicans who are bad, immoral people. There are certainly Republicans who are not Christians. But I am unaware of any republican policies that are immoral, per se. And I often challenge people on this. I say, “Show me republican policies that are in place, or even proposed, that are immoral, racist, bigoted, misogynistic, xenophobic, homophobic, etc.” No one has. If they did, I’d be opposed to those policies.

In contrast, the Democratic Party not only embraces immoral and unbiblical policies, but also celebrates them. Support for these policies is not restricted to outliners, but is core to their beliefs as a political party. As a Christian, it is impossible to be a supporter of these policies and a follower of Christ. Nor can a person vote Democrat and ignore these issues, claiming to not be a one issue voter; for if you vote democrat, you vote for these unbiblical policies, for they are embedded into the Democratic Party. 

The Policies

I will briefly outline each of the political issues that most intersect with Biblical mandates, and what the scripture has to say. They are:

1. Abortion
2. LGBT+ policies
3. Censorship
4. Welfare
5. Death Penalty

Abortion

What the Bible says: “if harm [comes to the baby], it shall be life for life” – Exodus 21:22-25

What Democrats say: “Democrats will always protect sexual and reproductive health and rights. We believe that comprehensive health services, including access to reproductive care and abortion services, are vital to the empowerment of women and girls.” – Democrat Party Platform, 2020

Abortion should be at the top of every Christian’s priority list. Abortion is certainly one of the most grievous sin of our nation. Not only is does our nation care little now for the command of God to enjoy sexual relations in the context of a marriage only, but many of those who break this command seek to do away with its consequences by killing a child made in the image of God. 

And that’s the big issue here. Is the child that is in the womb a child, a person? If it is not, then abortion should be no big deal, with no reason to make it ‘rare.’ But if it is, then abortion is the grossest crime and vilest human rights abuse of our time. Out of all people who are the most innocent and most vulnerable, it is those who are growing in the womb of their mother. 

So what’s the answer? Is it a person in the womb or is it not? Do they have a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? or are they to be treated as the slaves once were, when many argued that they also were not really people?

The Bible prescribes the death penalty to a man who hurts a pregnant woman in such a way that kills the child (Exo 21:22-25 – stay away from liberal mis-translations like the RSV). It sounds to me like God sees the baby in the womb as a child, not a blob of flesh. If this is true, how can we support a party that not only permits abortion, but actively strives to make it free and available at all times, even to minors without parental consent? 

Abortion is disgustingly EVIL. An innocent baby is literally torn apart inside the womb of her mother. How is this ever ok? It’s not. Not if it’s a child–which it is.

LGBT+ Activism

What the Bible says: “For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another…” – Romans 1:26-27

What Democrats say: “We will amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ persons around the world.” “We will…ban harmful ‘conversion therapy’ practices.” – Democrat Party Platform, 2020

A new litmus test has arisen among democrats as to whether a person is good or bad. If a person supports LGBT+ they are good, if they don’t, they are bad. Period. 

I’ve discovered this as I have discussed the gospel with hundreds of people over the last few years out on the streets and online. I’ve found many people will engage with me in conversation until LGBT issues arise. As soon as they find that I hold a Biblical stance on the matter, they instantly throw me into the ‘bad’ pile. 

Once, while discussing abortion, I was dismantling the absurd idea that conservatives only care about children in the womb and not after they are born. I brought up the hundreds of pregnancy care centers around the US and big organizations like Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Blessing, and the Salvation Army, that have helped millions. But she dismissed all the good they have done by her LGBT litmus test saying, “yeah, but they don’t support LGBT rights.”

Honestly, if I could pick one issue to take out of the Bible, I would pick this issue. I really, really, reallywould rather not talk about it. It’s just the hardest thing for a preacher to talk about right now. I don’t want to be hated. I don’t want to be called a homophobe. I just want to share the love of Jesus with people. 

But the truth is that the Bible does speak on this issue. God knows the hurt that homosexual behavior brings upon people and culture. I know people would argue against that, but if it didn’t bring hurt and pain, God would not have forbid it. 

We, as followers of Christ, have been called to be faithful to the Word of God no matter what the current culture dictates to us. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would not bow to the cultural demands of their day, we must not bow either. LGBT+ activism is an abomination in the eyes of God, a spit in His face. When LGBT+ activists walk together in parades declaring that they are proud of behaviors that God calls sinful, they ‘store up for themselves wrath on the day of judgment’ (Romans 2:5). ‘Though they join hand-in-hand,’ the Bible says, ‘they shall not go unpunished’ (Proverbs 11:21).

Of course, this fact does not take away our responsibility to show love and compassion and respect to all people, including the LGBT+. We are in no way to discriminate against them by refusing to provide goods or services to them in anyway. The only time we must object is when they ask us to promote or celebrate their lifestyle. As God-fearing people, we cannot. We must strive to please God and not man.

But this often upsets the LGBT+ crowd. Many Democrats become so enraged over this subject that they will destroy your life and livelihood over it. They will sue and boycott your business. They will malign you. They will kick you off social media. They will expose your physical address, hoping that someone might pay you a visit. And if they get enough power, you can be sure that laws will be passed to punish those that even suggest that homosexuality is an unacceptable lifestyle choice.

If Democrats obtain enough power, they will institute a nation-wide ban on what they call ‘conversion therapy.’ This broad category certainly includes Christian ministries that desire to help those who struggle with unwanted same-sex attractions. Democrats will, in effect, criminalize true Christianity, for we are to, like Peter, preach that men should ‘Repent, and be converted…’ (Acts 3:19).

This is why it is outrageous for any Christian to thrown in their lot with the Democratic Party. Those who do are helping to seal the doom of true Christians in this country, and God is watching. 

Censorship

What the Bible says: “Cry aloud, spare not; Lift up your voice like a trumpet; Tell My people their transgression, And the house of Jacob their sins.” – Isaiah 58:1

What Democrats say: “Democrats believe that freedom of religion and the right to believe—or not to believe—are fundamental human rights. We will never use protection of that right as a cover for discrimination.” – Democratic Party Platform, 2020 

In a shockingly dangerous trend, more and more voices are being silenced that buck against beliefs held by leftist Democrats. Democrats claim to be champions of free speech and freedom of religion, but only if you do not violate what they call ‘discrimination.’ Public Universities are striving to implement ‘safe spaces,’ forbid controversial speakers to their campuses, and limit free speech on public grounds. I know this personally, for if I have been reprimanded by police for preaching just three feet onto the campus of the University of Delaware.

It is also well-know that social media, controlled by democratic sympathizers, has routinely silenced voices that they find ‘dangerous.’ And while it could be argued that these businesses are private enterprises, with the freedom to do what they want, it reflects a broader mentality that will easily emerge in public life if Democrats get enough power. 

This is already a fact of life for countries like the United Kingdom. What used to be a bastion for free speech now has laws that punish those who dare stand up and preach against what the Bible outlines as immoral. A simple google search will find this to be true. 

If you don’t think Democrats will do the same here in American, your head is in the sand. By voting for Democrats, you can be assured that you put in jeopardy those who boldly declare the truth of the gospel and limit the scope in which sinners can hear and be saved. 

Welfare

What the Bible says: “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:10

What democrats say: “Democrats will increase funding for food assistance programs, including SNAP, WIC, and school meals.” – Democrat Party Platform, 2020

Democrats pride themselves on having a monopoly on compassion and kindness. Former president Barak Obama once expressed this sentiment: “Kindness covers all of my political beliefs.”

Part of an expression of that kindness is generous welfare for our poor. Now let me be clear, I am not opposed to welfare or food stamps or free school meals. But when I am opposed to, and every Christian should be opposed to, is incentivizing idleness.

Our current welfare system provides great opportunity for abuse. This abuse not only is extremely wasteful of taxpayer dollars, but it hurts the communities it is trying to help. When Paul told the Thessalonians that ‘if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat,’ he wasn’t railing against moochers. Instead, he was seeking to restore the dignity that work brings. He knows that some people need a kick in the rear sometimes to get them on their way. The average human can go weeks without food. Missing a couple of meals isn’t going to hurt anyone. Instead, that hungry belly will motivate a man to get up and get to work.

This is why I am for a welfare plan that promotes and rewards those who work and discriminates against those who refuse to work. I’m fine with helping people who are honestly seeking work or who don’t quite make enough money at their job to cover all of their bills. But we should all be against the idea of those who stay home and do nothing, yet received thousands in cash and food benefits. 

The government currently incentivizes sloth by provided a huge amount of welfare benefits for those who meet the right conditions. These conditions included making under a certain amount of money, having children out of wedlock, and staying un-married–all things that keep people in poverty. We will never bring people out of poverty by incentivizing things that keep people in poverty. 

Democrats probably know this, but by demonizing those who are for welfare reform and promising more free-bees, they secure for themselves a solid voting base. In other words, they keep the poor poor so they can be in power, all the while making themselves look like the compassionate ones. It’s sickening, and we all should be against it. 

Death Penalty

What the Bible says: “For [the government] is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.” – Romans 13:4

What Democrats say: “Democrats continue to support abolishing the death penalty.” – Democratic Party Platform, 2020

In yet another display of leftist ‘compassion,’ Democrats have declared themselves opponents of the death penalty. This, once again, has the appearance of humanity and compassion, but only results in a greater amount of suffering. By opposing the death penalty, only more death will result. 

The world may argue about this issue back and forth, but we have a precise word from God on why the death penalty is important: it prevents future crime. By not using the death penalty (or using it incorrectly) we will have more murders, more rapes, and more kidnappings. 

“you shall put away the evil from among you. And those who remain shall hear and fear, and hereafter they shall not again commit such evil among you. Your eye shall not pity: life shall be for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot..” – Deuteronomy 19:19-21

Why do you think God specifically commanded the government to show no pity when exercising judgment? Is it because God is just outrageously barbaric? No, it is because of the temptation to thwart justice by showing judicial compassion to those who should not receive it, to the detriment of society. If government allows emotional softness to rule rather than justice, evil will prevail. And you can be sure, that if Democrats rule (or anyone soft on crime), crime will get worse and worse. More people will be hurt, raped, and killed. However, if we do death penalties the right way (i.e. publicly and swiftly), criminals will see their buddies perish and rethink their life choices. 

(It must be remembered that the ‘sword’ is for government use only. This is clear in scripture. In no way is any Christian justified in using violence or vigilantism. “Eye for an eye” is for the government. “Turn the other cheek” is for everyone else.)

Conclusion

I don’t not think this to be an exhaustive list of reasons a Christian must not be a Democrat voter. But I do think it is more than enough for an honest Christian to see that it is unthinkable to support a party who has so lifted up its heel against their Creator. None of the reasons I have proposed has anything to do with ‘demanding our rights’ or ‘keeping the government out of our business.’ While those things might have their place for discussion, the points I am raising has everything to do with Biblical fidelity only. Can this party be reconciled with Biblical truth or can it not? We must ask this question about every political party that we choose to support. It may be that one day we are unable, in good conscience, to support any prominent party. Let’s pray that day doesn’t come. However, as of now, I am persuaded that being a member of the Republican party, despite its faults and flawed members, can be harmonious with being a God-fearing Christ-follower. I cannot say the same about the Democratic Party.

Do you vote Democrat? Why? I pray that you would consider the things I have shown from the Democratic Party. They are not hidden, but plainly written as their agenda. Don’t throw your lot in with them. They murder the innocent, praise the immoral, silence the truth, enslave the poor, and rescue the guilty. Is this the kind of people a Christian can walk with?

I know that politics are not the answer to the problems we face. The gospel is, and the church should be focused on that. But we also must understand that playing our part in government is essential. If the church was united, there would be no need for a blog like this. We could all go silently to the ballot box and cast our votes. Unfortunately, there are many mixed messages. I pray that this blog can bring some clarity, in a spirit of love, to those who are seeking the truth. Thanks for reading.