Vote from a Biblical Perspective...Please.

Narrative: A Conversation Between a Conservative Christian and a Liberal Christian

Setting: The conversation takes place over coffee, with both friends discussing their views on politics and faith. They respect each other’s opinions but have differing perspectives on key issues, especially regarding Kamala Harris and the Democratic platform.

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Conservative Christian (John): I’m glad we can sit down and talk about this. I know we’ve always had different views on politics, but as Christians, I think it’s important we challenge each other to think deeply about how our faith aligns with the policies we support.

Liberal Christian (Sarah): Absolutely, John. I appreciate that we can have these conversations with respect and love. I genuinely believe that Kamala Harris and the Democratic platform reflect a lot of the values that align with our faith, especially when it comes to social justice, caring for the poor, and protecting the vulnerable.

John: I understand where you’re coming from, Sarah. Social justice and caring for the poor are central to our faith. But I’m concerned about how these issues are being addressed through policies that, in my view, could actually lead us away from Christian principles rather than toward them.

Sarah: What do you mean? I see the Democratic policies as a way to actively care for those in need, which is something Jesus clearly taught us to do.

John: That’s true, but let’s look at how these policies play out. Take economic recovery and jobs, for example. The idea of raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour sounds good because it promises to help those struggling to make ends meet. But what if that policy results in job losses? Small businesses might not be able to afford the higher wages and could end up cutting jobs or closing altogether. Wouldn’t that hurt the very people we’re trying to help?

Sarah: I see your point, but don’t we have a responsibility to ensure that workers are paid fairly for their labor? Isn’t that part of economic justice?

John: It is, but economic justice, from a biblical perspective, also involves personal responsibility and stewardship. When we push for policies that could disrupt the economy or place heavy burdens on businesses, we risk creating a system that’s more dependent on government intervention than on the empowerment of individuals. The Bible encourages us to work diligently and wisely manage our resources, not to rely on the government to solve every problem.

Sarah: But isn’t it the role of government to ensure that the needs of the poor and marginalized are met? That’s why I support policies like the public health insurance option and expanding the ACA. Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege.

John: I agree that healthcare is crucial, and no one should be without it. But expanding government control over healthcare could have unintended consequences. For instance, it could lead to higher taxes and increased government spending, which could weaken our economy. Moreover, a public option might undermine private healthcare, limiting choice and innovation. As Christians, we’re called to care for the sick, but I’m concerned that these policies might lead to a system that’s inefficient and ultimately unsustainable.

Sarah: You’ve raised some valid points. But what about climate change? The Democratic platform takes it seriously, and as stewards of God’s creation, shouldn’t we be doing everything we can to protect the environment?

John: Absolutely, we should care for creation. But the aggressive climate policies proposed, like the rapid transition to clean energy, could have serious economic repercussions. Energy prices could rise, which would disproportionately affect low-income families. Also, policies like these often come with heavy regulations that can stifle innovation and economic growth. I believe we need to find a balance—encouraging renewable energy development while ensuring that we don’t harm the most vulnerable in the process.

Sarah: I hadn’t considered the impact on energy prices. But I still think the overall goal of reducing our carbon footprint is essential. What about social issues, though? The Democratic platform supports reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and criminal justice reform—aren’t these areas where we should be advocating for justice and equality?

John: Justice and equality are definitely biblical values, but we have to be careful about how we pursue them. Take reproductive rights, for example. As Christians, we believe in the sanctity of life, from conception to natural death. Supporting policies that expand access to abortion contradicts that belief. It’s a tough issue, but we’re called to protect the most vulnerable, and that includes the unborn.

Sarah: I struggle with that too. It’s not an easy issue by any means. But I also believe in protecting the rights of women to make their own choices.

John: I understand the tension, but I would encourage you to think about how our society’s approach to this issue reflects our understanding of life and dignity. As for LGBTQ+ rights, we need to show love and compassion to everyone, but I’m concerned that some policies might infringe on religious freedoms or create conflicts in areas like education and healthcare. And with criminal justice reform, while it’s necessary, we need to ensure that it doesn’t lead to increased crime or a breakdown in law and order.

Sarah: You’ve given me a lot to think about, John. I never want my political views to be at odds with my faith, but it’s hard to navigate these complex issues.

John: It is complex, and I’m not saying there’s a perfect solution. But I do believe we need to be cautious about supporting policies that might have harmful consequences, even if they seem to align with certain aspects of our faith. Our ultimate responsibility is to uphold the truth of Scripture and seek policies that promote genuine justice, freedom, and dignity for all people.

Sarah: I appreciate this conversation. I’m going to take some time to pray and reflect on what we’ve discussed. I want to make sure that my support for any candidate truly reflects my Christian values.

John: I’m glad we could talk, Sarah. We may not always agree, but as long as we keep Christ at the center of our lives and decisions, I believe we can find common ground and work toward the common good.

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This conversation illustrates how two Christians, coming from different political perspectives, can engage in a respectful and thoughtful dialogue about the implications of their political choices. The goal is not necessarily to change the other person’s mind immediately but to encourage deeper reflection on how faith intersects with politics and to challenge each other to consider the broader consequences of their support for certain policies and candidates.