Our country is facing a crucial crossroads… or so we’ve been told, in myriad ways, from both sides of the political spectrum. We need new leadership or more of the same… we need more justices of one kind or another… we need to gain more seats for our side if our values and policies are to prevail. With so much on the line, we’re told that every vote counts. None can be wasted on third-party candidates. None can be cast for the side that doesn’t promise a certain return on our political investment. Voting is serious business, with dire consequences for our way of life.
In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson wrap up their For God and Country series. Each episode has tackled an aspect of how faith and politics collide. This final conversation looks at the value and power of a single vote, the one we’ve been entrusted with for each item on our ballot. Voting truly is a privilege, but in these politically charged days, the weight of casting our vote in the right way is heavy indeed. There is fear and guilt all mixed together, and it’s used by both sides to sway us to choose the way that benefits their party. In addition, Christians also struggle with the burden of making the right choice—the one that honors God and His ways. Messaging over the years among the Religious Right has implied that Christians must keep their voting hands clean. To help sort out this conundrum, Erin talks with Alan Nobel, editor-in-chief at Christ and Pop Culture. Alan’s recent article with Public Discourse titled “Christian Witness Demands That We Defend Truth—and Reject Donald Trump” argues that truth is what Christians must be most concerned with when casting their votes next month. Is it possible to keep your vote pure? Is it even possible to waste your vote if you cast it the best way you know how? How does God’s sovereignty overcome our voting anxiety? Listen in for dialogue on questions like these as we learn to think more clearly about the intersection of faith and politics. Then continue the conversation on Twitter @PersuasionCAPC or in the CAPC members-only community on Facebook.
This episode of Persuasion is sponsored in part by LifeWay’s Christian Standard Bible, a translation that presents the truth of God’s Word with accuracy and clarity. The CSB equips today’s readers for lifelong discipleship with hundreds of designs to choose from at CSBible.com.
Your Hosts
Erin Straza: Web / Twitter
Hannah Anderson: Web / Twitter
Persuasion 205 Resources & Links
Alan Noble
“Christian Witness Demands That We Defend Truth—and Reject Donald Trump” by Alan Noble, Public Discourse
Disruptive Witness: Speaking Truth in a Distracted Age by Alan Noble, InterVarsity Press
Twitter: @TheAlanNoble
Did you enjoy this episode of Persuasion? Give the entire series a listen!
Persuasion 200 | For God and Country? with Kaitlyn Schiess
Persuasion 201 | Taking America Back for God
Persuasion 202 | Toeing the Party Line
Persuasion 203 | Just Preach the Gospel
Persuasion 204 | Don’t Be So Political, with Kathryn Freeman
Theme music by Maiden Name. Produced by Jonathan Clauson.
Sponsorship Details
This episode of Persuasion is sponsored in part by LifeWay’s Christian Standard Bible.
If you are interested in sponsoring an episode of Persuasion, please email us for available packages and rates.
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