Key Highlights:
– In the 2020 presidential election, 80 million eligible voters chose not to participate, 25 million of which were Christians.
– The Arizona Christian University’s Cultural Research Center suggests millions of faith voters may abstain this year too.
– Main reasons for political disengagement among Christians include disinterest, distrust of candidates, feeling unrepresented, and doubts about election integrity.
– Research recommends re-educating faith communities about their civic and social responsibilities, akin to the founding America principles.
Potential Drift in Christian Electoral Participation
The 2020 presidential race saw an unprecedented voter turnout, albeit it appears that not everyone came to the party. 80 million eligible US voters decided to abstain, of which a sizable 25 million were Christians. It may alarm some to learn that recent research suggests that figure may swell this election cycle.
The Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, led by Dr. George Barna, warns that Christians’ disillusionment with politics and elections could lead to greater voter abstention. Barna’s research reveals that only 51% of faith voters, defined as followers of any faith, plan on casting their ballot. This may result in 104 million faith voters, including 41 million born-again Christians, sitting out this voting cycle. This indicates an increase of 16 million non-voters since 2020.
Reasons Behind Christian Political Disengagement
Various factors contribute to the decrease in Christian political participation. A survey by the same university found that:
– 68% lacked interest in politics and elections,
– 57% had no favorable opinion of the major candidates,
– 55% felt unrepresented by the candidates,
– 52% believed their singular vote wouldn’t make a difference,
– 48% were skeptical about the integrity of the election results.
The research suggests that this apathy reflects a deeper problem. A mixture of distrust in the electoral process, displeasure with available choices, and a general disengagement with the political sphere have seen many believers opt-out of the voting process.
What Church Goers Want to Hear Versus What They Do Hear
The university also attempted to decode the disconnect between the congregants’ concerns and the issues discussed from the pulpit. Most regular churchgoers reported hearing religious freedom and poverty issues deliberated upon. However, fewer recalled discussions on topics such as abortion, crime and law enforcement, same-sex marriage, transgender issues, the Israel-Palestine conflict, artificial intelligence, and immigration and border security.
Misunderstanding the Role of Faith in Governance
Along with these reasons, many attribute Christian election apathy to the corrosive notion that faith and worldly governance should not cross paths. A mistaken belief that spiritual people should keep a distance from government and politics is gaining ground. Addressing this misconception could prove instrumental in driving civic engagement among faith communities.
Reclaiming Faith’s Role in Civic Engagement
Religion played a crucial role in the American Revolution, providing a moral justification for opposition to the British and thereby serving as an essential component of the American resistance. The same faith-based influence and engagement should be applied today to check the moral compass of our nation. Many believe that revisiting the intended role of religion in governance could be the key to rekindling the election passions of the faith community.
Challenges Encountered by the Faith Community
However, the path is riddled with hurdles. For instance, the Johnson Amendment has become a tool that breeds fear and curtails the voice, vote, and First Amendment liberties of the American Christian community. This has led to a persistent reticence among pastors and Christians when it comes to engaging or commenting on political issues or the election process.
On the Roll to Encourage Voting
It’s crucial to remind faith communities that they are the light of the world and the salt of the earth, as per biblical teachings. Faith communities need to be awakened to their constitutional rights, and more importantly, to their righteous role in our republic – their right to voice their beliefs publicly, in schools, churches, or any public arenas.
There’s a pressing need for Christians across the nation to be enlightened about their right to express their faith-based opinions freely in choosing who they want to represent them. Breaking free from political indifference and stepping into the voting booths can indeed be a game-changer, to make America spiritual again. Encouraged to pause and register to vote if they have not already done so, let’s get more Christians to vote this election!