By Dr. Tim Orr

As the 2024 election nears, the political debate among Christians is intensifying. How should believers navigate this landscape? Is it justifiable to support flawed candidates if their policies align more with biblical values? With increasing polarization, many Christians are wrestling with these questions.

Some leaders have labeled either the Democratic or Republican parties as unChristian. The reality is that neither truly embodies Christianity. Tony Evans once remarked, “God doesn’t ride the backs of donkeys or elephants.” Still, several policies conflict with Christian beliefs about life, family, and society. While your priorities may differ, I’m particularly concerned about issues like abortion rights, transgender medical interventions, the sexualization of children, and diminishing religious liberty.

This piece delves into the major issues at stake, focusing on why many Christians find aspects of the Democratic platform troubling. While no candidate is perfect, it's vital to discern which policies clash with biblical values. Voting isn’t just a civic obligation—it’s a moral responsibility.

Key Issues I Believe Christians Should Consider

1. Abortion Rights

There is a strong commitment by progressives to preserving and expanding abortion rights, including support for late-term abortions and repealing the Hyde Amendment, which highlights a fundamental moral conflict for Christians who adhere to the biblical view that life begins at conception. This is done on moral grounds, believing the woman's complete autonomy in making decisions about her body is her moral right. Yet, one issue is not being considered, namely that a baby in the womb is a human life.

Thus, for many believers, this isn’t just a political disagreement but a deeply spiritual matter. They understand life to be not merely a biological process but a divine creation initiated by God, as affirmed in verses like Psalm 139:13: “For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” This verse, among others, underscores the belief that every unborn child bears the image of God (imago Dei) and possesses inherent dignity and worth, making the protection of the unborn not just a policy preference but a divine mandate.

The conflict over abortion rights also reflects a broader cultural clash between secular and Christian worldviews. While secular perspectives often emphasize autonomy and choice, a biblical perspective emphasizes stewardship of life as a gift from God that requires responsible care and protection. This clash is not merely ideological but deeply rooted in differing understandings of human purpose, morality, and justice. For Christians, the stakes are high because it’s not just about policy; it’s about faithfulness to God’s revealed truth, even when that truth collides with mainstream political and cultural currents.

2. Transgender Policies and Gender Reassignment

There is growing support for transgender rights, particularly regarding medical interventions like hormone therapies and gender reassignment surgeries for minors, which represents a profound ethical and theological concern for many Christians. Central to the biblical worldview is the conviction that God created humanity as male and female, as stated in Genesis 1:27: “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” This foundational belief asserts that gender is a divinely ordained reality, not a subjective construct to be modified according to individual desires or social trends.

From this perspective, efforts to allow minors to pursue gender reassignment procedures—including surgeries that result in irreversible changes—are seen as a violation of God’s design. Christians who hold to this belief view these medical interventions not as acts of compassion but as acts of physical harm that conflict with God’s intentional creation of human beings as male or female. The description of such procedures as “the mutilation of bodies” reflects the gravity with which these Christians regard the issue. They see it as more than just a disagreement over medical ethics or personal identity; it is perceived as an assault on the inherent dignity of the human body, which is meant to reflect God’s creative order.

The concerns are further amplified by policies that allow these procedures to occur without parental consent or involvement, which Christians view as undermining parental authority and the God-given responsibility to guide and protect children. The idea of facilitating irreversible medical changes in minors, who may lack the maturity and cognitive development to make such decisions, is seen as a form of child abuse. The potential long-term consequences, including physical complications, mental health struggles, and future regret, add another layer of moral urgency to the debate.

3. Sexualization of Children

Christians are becoming increasingly alarmed by policies they perceive as promoting the sexualization of children, mainly through educational initiatives that introduce topics like sexual orientation and gender identity at an early age. While proponents of these measures often frame them as efforts to promote inclusivity and prevent bullying, many Christians see them as ideological overreach and attempt to indoctrinate children with beliefs that are fundamentally opposed to biblical teachings about sexuality and identity.

From a biblical perspective, children are considered innocent beings who require guidance and protection as they grow and mature. Jesus Himself underscored the importance of preserving this innocence, stating in Matthew 18:6: “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Christians interpret this passage as a solemn reminder of their duty to shield children from influences that could cause moral confusion or harm their spiritual development.

Many Christians believe that introducing complex and mature topics like sexual orientation and gender identity at a young age disrupts the natural developmental process and places undue pressure on children to grapple with ideas they are not ready to understand. Rather than fostering inclusivity, these policies are viewed as prematurely sexualizing children, normalizing adult concepts, and shaping their worldview in ways that conflict with Christian teachings about gender, marriage, and morality. This is seen not only as morally problematic but spiritually dangerous, as it could potentially lead children to accept ideas that are contrary to what Christians believe is God’s design for human relationships.

For Christians, the stakes are high. They believe that the premature introduction of sexual content not only confuses children but also attempts to reshape their values at a formative age when they are most impressionable. This is why many Christians see these educational policies as part of a broader cultural agenda that contradicts biblical morality and seeks to redefine it. Far from fostering true tolerance or diversity of thought, these measures are seen as a direct challenge to Christian convictions about the sacredness of childhood, the nature of sexuality, and the role of parents in raising their children. As such, they are viewed not merely as misguided policies but as part of a spiritual battle over the hearts and minds of the next generation.

4. Religious Liberty Concerns

Religious liberty has emerged as a critical battleground in the cultural and political landscape, with many Christians viewing the counter policies as increasingly hostile to their beliefs. Central to this concern is anti-discrimination laws that often compel religious organizations, businesses, and even individuals to act against their convictions. For example, Christian bakers, florists, and photographers have faced legal battles for declining to provide services for same-sex weddings, arguing that doing so would violate their religious beliefs. Similarly, faith-based schools and workplaces are sometimes required to accommodate transgender policies, such as permitting biological males to use female restrooms or changing facilities, which conflicts with traditional Christian teachings on gender.

From a Christian perspective, the freedom to live according to biblical principles is fundamental and non-negotiable. The biblical call to honor God in all aspects of life—personal, public, and professional—is emphasized in Colossians 3:17, which states: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” For Christians, this means that their faith cannot be compartmentalized; it must shape their actions, decisions, and interactions in every sphere of life. Therefore, when laws force believers to act against their conscience, they perceive it as a direct attack on their ability to follow God’s commands faithfully.

The conflict over religious liberty is not just about individual cases but reflects a broader philosophical clash over the role of religion in public life. Proponents of the Democratic Party’s approach often argue that anti-discrimination measures are necessary to ensure equal treatment and protect the rights of marginalized groups. However, many Christians view these laws as a form of government overreach that infringes on their First Amendment rights. They argue that the government’s role should be to protect the free exercise of religion, not to force conformity to a secular moral standard that contradicts deeply held beliefs.

This issue has become particularly prominent in the education sector, where religious schools have faced legal and financial pressure to comply with policies that conflict with their doctrines on marriage, sexuality, and gender. For example, the Biden administration’s proposed changes to Title IX regulations aim to expand protections based on gender identity and sexual orientation, potentially compelling religious schools to accept policies that violate their biblical convictions. Many Christians see this as a direct threat to the ability of religious institutions to maintain their distinctive identity, hire like-minded staff, and teach according to their faith.

5. Sexual Ethics and the Family

The support for same-sex marriage and broader LGBTQ+ rights continues to be a major point of contention for many Christians despite the legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States. While the legal framework now affirms same-sex unions, the push for the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ rights across various sectors, such as education, healthcare, and public policy, has heightened concerns among Christians who see these policies as directly challenging traditional family values. This ongoing advocacy is perceived not merely as a legal issue but as a cultural shift undermining the biblical understanding of family and marriage as foundational to societal well-being.

From a biblical standpoint, the family is viewed as God's primary institution for human flourishing, established in the creation narrative as the union between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24). Christians believe that this design is not just a religious ideal but a moral blueprint that provides stability, nurtures children, and ensures the healthy functioning of society. The family unit is considered the bedrock of civilization, playing a critical role in socializing the next generation, teaching moral values, and fostering responsible citizenship. As such, any policy that redefines or alters this traditional concept of family is viewed as an attack on a divine order meant to sustain society.

6. Social and Economic Policies

Progressive economic policies, particularly their expansion of welfare programs and emphasis on state intervention, often draw criticism from Christians who emphasize personal responsibility as a biblical principle. While Christians generally support social support systems that help the needy—reflecting the biblical command to care for the poor, widows, and orphans (James 1:27)—many believe that the current approach to welfare not only misses the mark but also creates a culture of dependency that undermines personal stewardship and initiative.

Progressive economic policies, which often expand government welfare programs, are perceived by many Christians as inadvertently creating a system that discourages work, personal initiative, and responsibility. The Apostle Paul’s admonition in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat,” underscores the belief that meaningful work is an integral part of human dignity and divine design. Many Christians argue that a welfare state that prioritizes handouts over job creation or incentives for self-reliance goes against this biblical principle, fostering a sense of entitlement rather than encouraging personal accountability and stewardship. This, in turn, is seen as detrimental to individuals, families, and society as a whole.

Progressive economic policies are also criticized for their tendency to increase government control over individuals’ lives. For Christians who value personal freedom as a God-given right, expanded state intervention raises concerns about liberty and the role of government in shaping moral behavior. They believe that when the government assumes too large a role in providing for citizens' needs, it risks becoming paternalistic, replacing God and the family as the primary sources of provision and moral guidance. This threatens personal freedom and creates a sense of helplessness and learned dependency that hinders personal growth and the exercise of God-given gifts and talents.

Another area of concern is the potential for government programs to undermine the incentive to work and contribute meaningfully to society. Christians emphasize the dignity of work as part of God’s creation mandate (Genesis 2:15), viewing it as a means by which individuals fulfill their calling, support their families, and contribute to the common good. Economic policies reward passivity or penalize those who work harder, fostering a culture of complacency rather than stewardship and productivity.

7. Educational Curriculum and Parental Rights

Gender ideology and other progressive curricula in schools have become a major source of concern for many Christians, who see these measures as part of a broader effort to reshape children’s moral and spiritual beliefs. For Christians, these policies are not just about curriculum choices but represent a deeper ideological conflict over the fundamental values that should guide education. They believe these policies undermine biblical teachings, replacing them with secular ideologies that are often in direct opposition to Christian principles.

From a Christian perspective, education is not merely about imparting knowledge but about shaping character and worldview. The Bible emphasizes the importance of teaching children in a way that honors God’s commands, as seen in Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This verse highlights the belief that children’s education should be grounded in biblical values, emphasizing morality, truth, and recognizing God’s authority. However, progressive educational policies often introduce concepts that conflict with these teachings, such as promoting fluid gender identities, redefining family structures, or interpreting history primarily through the lens of systemic oppression.

Gender ideology in schools is a significant concern for Christians, who believe it conflicts with biblical teachings on human identity and sexuality. The Bible presents a clear, binary understanding of gender, rooted in Genesis 1:27: “So God created man in His own image… male and female He created them.” Policies that promote gender fluidity or encourage children to question their biological sex are seen as efforts to not only reshape personal identity but to subvert the biblical understanding of God’s created order. For many Christians, this is viewed as not just confusing but spiritually harmful, as it encourages children to embrace concepts that directly contradict biblical anthropology.

The broader impact of these policies goes beyond the classroom, affecting parental rights and the ability of Christian parents to pass on their faith to their children. Many parents feel their rights are being diminished as schools introduce these ideologies without parental consent or involvement. This sense of being sidelined in the moral and spiritual education of their children is particularly distressing for Christians, who view the family as the primary institution for imparting faith and values. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 emphasizes the parental role in spiritual education: “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children.” When schools take on the role of moral educators, especially in ways that conflict with biblical values, Christians see it as a fundamental overreach and a violation of parental authority.

8. Immigration Policies

While the Bible commands believers to show compassion toward the stranger and care for the vulnerable, as seen in Leviticus 19:34: “The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as one of your citizens; you shall love him as yourself,” many Christians are concerned that current immigration policies, particularly those favoring open borders and lenient enforcement of immigration laws, ultimately promote disorder rather than true compassion. The issue is not about rejecting immigrants but about how to ensure that immigration policies reflect both compassion and a commitment to lawful order.

Christians who favor more controlled immigration argue that while the Bible emphasizes kindness to the foreigner, it also supports the need for lawful governance and societal stability. Scripture encourages hospitality, but it also upholds the importance of order and justice, as seen in Romans 13:1-2: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except God, and God has instituted those that exist.” This passage is often cited to support the idea that laws should be respected and enforced, including immigration laws, which are meant to ensure the nation's safety, stability, and sovereignty.

Supporters of more controlled immigration argue that compassion and law are not mutually exclusive but must work together. They believe that while welcoming the stranger is a biblical mandate, it should be done legally, safely, and sustainably. They emphasize that a stable society is better equipped to offer meaningful help to immigrants, including opportunities for work, education, and community integration. This approach, they argue, aligns with a biblical view of responsible stewardship—one that ensures resources are used wisely and that the nation’s capacity to support newcomers is not overwhelmed.

9. Foreign Policy

Foreign policy is a central concern for Christians, who evaluate it through moral principles, global stability, and the protection of allies like Israel. Emphasizing peace through strength is vital for preserving religious freedom and defending biblical values in a turbulent world.

Iran and Middle East Instability: Iran is viewed as the driving force behind instability in the Middle East, with a declared mission to annihilate Israel. As the leading state sponsor of terrorism, Iran’s support for groups like Hezbollah and Hamas poses a direct threat to Israel, regional peace, and global security. Its nuclear ambitions and aggressive military expansion heighten these risks. For Christians, a strong, clear-headed response to Iran’s threats is essential to protect Israel and uphold biblical mandates (Genesis 12:3), as well as to ensure the safety of Christians and Jews worldwide.

Position on Israel: Supporters of Israel perceive progressive foreign policy as increasingly antagonistic. Policies that pressure Israel over settlements, border security, or peace negotiations with Palestinians are seen as undermining Israel's right to self-defense. Christians advocate for a foreign policy that affirms Israel’s security, believing it fulfills biblical promises and contributes to global stability.

Weak Stance on Religious Persecution: Progressive foreign policy is often criticized for failing to prioritize the protection of persecuted Christians and other religious minorities worldwide. From Christians in the Middle East to Uyghur Muslims in China, many feel that strong advocacy for religious liberty is lacking. A more assertive approach to protecting global religious freedoms is considered a moral imperative and critical for sustaining peace.

Human Rights vs. National Sovereignty: Many Christians express concern that emphasizing global governance under human rights can lead to moral relativism and undermine national sovereignty. Efforts to export progressive social values—such as abortion rights or LGBTQ+ rights—are viewed as a form of cultural imperialism that conflicts with local cultures and religious beliefs, further compromising global stability.

Approach to Military Intervention: While Christians generally prefer diplomatic engagement, they also argue that strong defense policies serve as deterrents to adversaries like Iran, Russia, and China. This approach is essential for global peace, protecting persecuted Christians, and securing American interests abroad. Military strength is considered a necessary measure to prevent aggression, not a means for conquest, but a tool to preserve stability and safeguard religious freedoms.

The Call to Vote: A Moral Obligation

For many Christians, voting is more than just a civic responsibility—it’s a moral duty. While no candidate is perfect, the Bible calls believers to seek justice, protect the innocent, and promote righteousness. Voting is seen as an opportunity to influence society for good, even if it means choosing the “lesser of two evils.”

The argument is not that any candidate is without flaws. Rather, do their policies align more closely with Christian values on critical issues like life, family, and religious liberty? The emphasis here is not on endorsing a person but on advancing policies that best reflect biblical principles.

Spiritual Revival Before Political Reform

It’s important to emphasize that political solutions cannot bring about spiritual renewal. As many Christians have noted, true change comes from a return to God, not just a shift in political leadership. The Bible teaches that “righteousness exalts a nation” (Proverbs 14:34), and that revival starts with the repentance of God’s people, not with the right political party in power.

Christians must remember that Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). While political engagement is necessary, it must be secondary to spreading the gospel and living out Christ's teachings.

Conclusion: Where Is Your Hope?

As we head into the 2024 election, Christians face a clear choice. The policies at stake are not just political but moral. Supporting policies that align more closely with biblical values is a way of fulfilling the command to “seek the welfare of the city” (Jeremiah 29:7). But even as we engage politically, we must remember that our ultimate hope lies not in a candidate or a party, but in Christ, who reigns eternally.

The church’s mission transcends politics, but it must also include a moral witness in the public square. Vote wisely, but place your trust not in political outcomes but in God’s sovereign plan.

Tim Orr is a scholar, Evangelical minister, conference speaker, and interfaith consultant with over 30 years of experience in cross-cultural ministry. He holds six degrees, including a master’s in Islamic studies from the Islamic College in London. Tim taught Religious Studies for 15 years at Indiana University Columbus and is now a Congregations and Polarization Project research associate at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture at Indiana University Indianapolis. He has spoken at universities, including Oxford University, the University of Tehran, and mosques throughout the U.K. His research focuses on American Evangelicalism, Islamic antisemitism, and Islamic feminism, and he has published widely, including articles in Islamic peer-reviewed journals and three books.

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