I’m voting for Donald Trump. I’m confident that the platform he’s running on (which has won him no points with either RINO’s or Progressives) is substantially inclined in the direction of America’s welfare. Hillary and the Democrat party constitute a legacy of extortion and entitlement. I’ve made an attempt to elaborate and defend those beliefs in another post, but what I’ve below is inspired by the quandary of a friend of mine.

He’s not certain about the way he should vote and he’s documented 25 questions which are well thought out.

My concern is this: The Republican base is divided in part due to a brilliant and comprehensive media campaign that has very successfully praised and defended their champion while simultaneously demonized, lampooned and criticized Donald Trump. As a result, one has to dig in order to hear his policies and separate the substantive from the sensational.

As a believer, my vote is clear. Not because I am blind to the man’s faults, but because I’m very aware of his plans.

25 questions. Here we go…

1. On what should I base my vote?

Truth. Not just facts and information, but Truth (see “The God Delusion | Part I“).

2. How does the Bible instruct me to relate to civil authority?

Submission (Mk 12:17; Rom 13:1-2) and prayer (1 Tm 2:2)

3. How did Jesus interact with civil authorities?

Respectfully and Wisely (Mk 12:17; Lk 13:31-32)

4. How did Paul interact with civil authorities?

Respectfully and Wisely (Acts 23:1-5)

5. As a Christian who is a “citizen of heaven” and also a citizen of the United States, how do I bring those two worlds together in an election (especially with this cycle’s candidates)?

Same way you do with every other sphere of life. You pursue the Truth in the midst of sin (Heb 12:1).

6. Which comes first in this election: my obedience to God (my faith) or my civic duty?

Obedience to God includes your civic duty (1 Pet 2:13-15). This is an excerpt from an article by J.R. Thompson entitled, “The Christian Citizen”

He obeys in order to remove hindrances from the way of the progress of Christianity among men. Scandals are avoided, prejudices are overcome, good will is conciliated; and the path is made clear for the progress of the gospel. Loyalty to the state and to the sovereign is loyalty to Christ, to God. 

7. Is performing my civic duty an expression of my obedience to God?

Absolutely. Especially in this election given the number of Supreme Court Justices that stand to be nominated. Billy Graham elaborates on this:

This election is about the Supreme Court and the justices that the next president will nominate. Evangelicals are going to have to decide which candidate they trust to nominate men and women to the court who will defend the constitution and support religious freedoms.

“My prayer is that Christians will not be deceived by the liberal media about what is at stake for future generations…”

8. U.S. citizens have the privilege of voting. Is it irresponsible not to vote?

It’s more than irresponsible. It’s a dereliction of duty. One could build a biblical case for it being disobedient in that by failing to vote you potentially advance the agenda of those who seek to undermine the church.

9. Biblically, it seems unfaithful for Christians to be motivated by fear. However, can we be motivated by “concern”?

You’re motivated by obedience, not fear (Ps 2:1; Is 41:10). Your obedience is informed by your concern. Your concern is focused on party platforms and which one will best promote a godly agenda for the nation.

10. Is it wrong for Christians to vote for anyone who is NOT a Christian? If not, is there a point at which it becomes wrong?

You vote for the platform that’s most consistent with Biblical Absolutes. The only time it becomes wrong is when you vote in a direction that promotes something that’s antagonistic to the Christian faith.

11. Since neither candidate represents Christian virtue, do I vote for neither?

You vote in a way that opposes the agenda that is most contrary to Biblical Absolutes. By voting for neither, you risk contributing to what amounts to a divided vote. The Democrats are united, it’s the Republican base that’s been very effectively split in part by a brilliant media campaign that seeks to distract from a very current act of treachery on the part of Hillary Clinton by asserting an eleven year old video tape.

12. In what ways could Clinton or Trump be part of God’s plan?

That’s up to God.

13. I have voted previously for candidates who clearly weren’t Christians. What makes this election any different?

The way in which the media has saturated public opinion with the best of Hillary and the worst of Trump and in so doing distracted from the policies that Trump seeks to implement. And this applies to both Democrats and RINO’s who are fearful of being held accountable by Trump’s no nonsense approach to current events.

14. Why is character such a big deal this time around?

Character is only an issue for Republicans and Conservatives. It’s a tactic for Democrats and Progressives.

15. Is it wrong to be utilitarian in my vote?

Whichever candidate represents a platform that best promotes Biblical Absolutes.

16. Do situational ethics apply here? Are they an admissible factor in making my decision?

Whichever candidate represents a platform that best promotes Biblical Absolutes.

17. How do we vote with wisdom?

Read. Seek full disclosure and not just sound bytes and, again, whichever candidate represents a platform that best promotes Biblical Absolutes.

18. Was vowing #nevertrump a mistake? Was it motivated by pride or principle?

Many evangelicals are insisting on a Moses when they’ve been given an Artaxerxes (Ezra 7:21). The tragedy is that they dismiss Artaxerxes because of his pagan appearance despite the fact that his policies promote the welfare of the church.

19. WWDD? What Would Donald Do if elected?

Lead in a way that’s consistent with America’s best interests. Supreme Court Justices, the repeal of Obamacare, a strong immigration policy and better trade agreements that ultimately promote America’s economy.

20. WWHD? What Would Hillary Do if elected?

Use her Executive power to continue prosecuting the agenda she and Bill have championed throughout their political career.

21. Should SCOTUS be my greatest concern?

According to Billy Graham, if it’s not your greatest concern, it’s certainly among the top 5.

22. What consideration do I give others in this country when I pull the lever?

Peaceful and quiet lives (1 Tim 2:2)

23. What consideration do I give future generations in this country (including my children and grandchildren) when I pull the lever?

Supreme Court Justices that defend the Constitution rather than edit it.

24. What consideration do I give other countries affected by the U.S. when I pull the lever?

Foreign policies that translate to integrity and strength for the sake of allies – including Israel.

25. If the GOP (the only political home I’ve known) no longer represents my theological or political positions, where does that leave me, practically speaking: homeless—or free?

Reclaim your party by forcing those who are RINOs to be held accountable.