Thesis statement: Democratic and Republican party platforms reveal different viewpoints on numerous policies, some of which can be evaluated by Scripture.
A. Introduction
1. We have freedom to differ here: there is no official “evangelical viewpoint” or “ETS position”
We also have freedom to express our views and discuss our differences in a civil and respectful manner
2. If we are committed to teaching “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27), then we must sometimes teach what the Bible says about civil government
3. Several passages directly address the question of civil government
NT: Matt. 22:21; Rom.13:1-7; 1 Tim. 2:1-4; 1 Pet. 2:13-14
OT: Gen. 9:5-6; Judges; Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes (many verses about kings, rulers, etc.); OT historical examples of good and evil kings
4. Why quote platforms?
Answer: platforms are the one place where leaders of both parties have published the wording that they believe will best represent their positions
5. Objections :
a. preaching about political issues will drive away from the church people who have different political views
b. the Bible does not give clear guidance about several contemporary political issues
c. The moral character of candidates is more important than the policies advocated by their respective parties
B. Issues where there is little or no direct teaching from Scripture, and decisions about policies must be made on the basis of choosing the best means to an end. (I do not intend to discuss these issues in this paper.)
1. Tariffs
2. Taxes: how large? How allocated?
3. Economic policies that will lead a nation to economic growth and prosperity
4. International relations: with China, Russia, Iran, North Korea; also with NATO allies and other allies
5. Other issues?
C. Issues where biblical teachings can give us some guidance
1. Separation of powers in government
2. Prevention of crime
3. The proper role of judges
4. Social justice, racism, and DEI concerns
5. Freedom of religion and protection of conscience rights
6. Immigration and borders
7. Requiring voter ID and proof of citizenship
8. Self-defense and the right to bear arms
9. Defense spending: how much is needed?
10. Israel
11. Anti-Semitism on university campuses
12. Education, including school choice
13. Stewardship of the environment and concerns for climate change
14. Energy production and use
15. LGBTQ+ issues; biological males competing in women’s sports
16. Inflation: causes and solutions
17. Inequality of income and wealth
18. Patriotism and viewing America as mostly good or mostly evil
E. Issues not mentioned in either platform
F. Conclusions
G. Literature
1. Evangelical writers supporting Democratic policies or opposing Christian involvement in politics:
Jim Wallis, Russell Moore, Kristin Du Mez, David Gushee, Michael Gerson, Mark Galli, Gregory Boyd, Shane Claiborne, Ron Sider , Brian McLaren, Randall Ballmer, Jim Alberta, Rod Dreher
2. Evangelical writers supporting Republican policies:
Charles Colson, Eric Metaxas, R. Albert Mohler Jr, James Robison, Jay Richards, Wayne Grudem, Erwin Lutzer, David Barton, James Garlow