Why Am I Not Involved in Politics?

Because, in my chosen way, I am involved.

I thought I’d answer this question in a post so I’d have something to reference when people ask. Most of those who have asked me this have not done so in an online environment.

The reason I want to answer it is that some people have gotten the wrong impression. Thus, first, what is not my reason?

Not My Reason

It is not that I believe Christians should not be involved in politics. While I believe that the church, as CHURCH, should not be tied to politics, I believe that individual Christians can and should be involved. The extent of their involvement is individual, but I would include voting, advocating for candidates, endorsing candidates, being a candidate, and of course advocating on issues.

I was registered to vote in the first election after I turned 18. In that election, I was also the precinct captain for a candidate (it was a primary), and also a poll watcher. I advocated for my candidate on my college campus. I have been involved in other campaigns since, though only at the precinct level. I do not regret this activity in any way.

I fervently hope that all who are eligible, Christian or not, will study the issues and candidates and go to the polls. Right now, beside this computer, I have my sample ballot. There are a number of races on which I have already decided my position. There are a few marked for some further study.

My particular reason for writing this post is to make this statement. If you fail to see political posts by me on social media, it is not because I consider politics unimportant, too dirty to get involved in, or uninteresting.

My Uninvolvement [sic]

So why would I appear so uninvolved at this point that people ask me why? Obviously, nobody asked that while I was stuffing envelopes, making phone calls, and standing outside the polling station in various elections.

The reason is simple: I believe that each of us have to set priorities. When I was working politically I had the time to be well-educated on the topics and the reasons I advocated for my candidate or issue.

In particular, I do not believe the volume of political posts one puts out is a good measure of their involvement or their effectiveness.

What I Do

At this point I find I have time to advocate effectively (I hope!) on only a few things. I choose to advocate on issues of my faith. I vigorously advocate for dialog. I advocate against demonizing your opponents. I firmly believe in the worth of every person, definitely including those I am tempted to hate.

What I do not do is publicly advocate on specific proposals or issues, on parties, or on specific candidates.

I could wish more people would make some choices along these lines. The vast majority of political posts and memes are not actually worthy of viewing or reading. For some reason we often feel we have to have opinions–strong opinions–on a broad range of political issues, often without enough effort to be informed. Those who repeatedly say, “Do your own research,” are often the worst offenders.

Conclusion

My level of involvement is decided by these ideas, and yes, as a Christian, I decide this prayerfully. But please, be involved as you can effectively be. Then show up at the polls and vote. It’s a privilege, but I also see it as a duty as a citizen of a republic.