Patricia Foster

What interests me about some Christians celebrating Democratic political victories as evidence that God is moving across America is the extraordinary juxtaposition between political allegiance and biblical obedience. Since when did winning an election become evidence of God’s approval? I believe God is moving. I believe The Almighty remains sovereign over every nation, every government, and every earthly institution. But I also believe we have reached a point where some Christians have become so politically devoted that they no longer examine the policies they celebrate against the Scriptures they profess to believe. And that should concern every follower of Jesus Christ. The Democratic Party supports abortion access. Yet Psalm 139:13–16 describes God’s intimate involvement in the formation of human life. The Democratic Party supports same-sex marriage. Yet Jesus Himself affirmed the male-female foundation of marriage in Matthew 19:4–6. The Democratic Party supports gender-identity policies that challenge traditional Christian understandings of biological sex. Yet Genesis 1:27 declares that God created mankind male and female. The Democratic Party supports sexual-autonomy policies that many traditional Christians believe conflict with biblical sexual morality. Yet 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 calls believers to transformation rather than conformity to worldly standards. The Democratic Party supports certain educational and healthcare policies that raise serious questions about parental authority. Yet Deuteronomy 6:6–7 places responsibility for teaching children about God squarely upon parents. And when government requirements conflict with sincerely held religious convictions, Acts 5:29 reminds believers that obedience to God takes precedence over obedience to men. These are not insignificant theological disagreements. They concern the very nature of biblical authority. Now understand something. I am not suggesting that every Democrat embraces every position in the party platform. Nor am I suggesting that Republicans are paragons of Christian virtue. Republican policies, politicians, and conduct must withstand the same biblical examination. I’m an independent. My allegiance is not for sale to either political organization. But I find it profoundly troubling when Christians celebrate political victories as manifestations of God’s favor without first examining what the victorious political movement actually advocates. And yes, Scripture also commands us to care for the poor, welcome strangers, defend the vulnerable, and demonstrate compassion. Those obligations are equally binding. But supporting government programs intended to accomplish those things does not automatically establish that those programs produce the outcomes Christ commands us to pursue. Intentions are not outcomes. Political promises are not righteousness. And partisan loyalty is not discipleship. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Notice what He did not say. He did not tell us to subordinate His commandments to political convenience. He did not instruct us to redefine righteousness whenever our preferred political party changes its platform. And He certainly did not establish electoral success as the measure of spiritual fidelity. Matthew 7:16 tells us that we shall know them by their fruits. That requires discernment, examination, and intellectual honesty. I cannot determine another person’s relationship with Christ from a Facebook post, and I would never pretend to possess that authority. But I can examine political positions against Scripture. So can you. And I can ask whether Christians have become so comfortable with political affiliation that biblical contradictions no longer trouble their consciences. God is not a Democrat. God is not a Republican. The Almighty does not require permission from Washington to accomplish His will.