How Should Christians Respond to the 2024 Election Results?

 The 2024 U.S. presidential election has concluded with some potentially significant and consequential implications for both Christians and the broader culture. Today on the podcast, Dr. Josh Philpot and Dr. Richard Caldwell delve into this monumental event that’s now on the lips of most Americans. The election resulted in a win for the Republican candidate, Donald Trump, marking a non-consecutive return to office. For Christians, the results bring many questions and concerns about faith, governance, culture, and our nation’s future. Dr. Philpot and Dr. Caldwell aim to discuss and consider what the election outcome might mean for believers in America. Join us for this timely episode of the Straight Truth Podcast as we explore how believers can navigate the complexities of politics and government while staying anchored in the eternal truths of God’s Word.

Dr. Caldwell begins by acknowledging the diversity of opinions regarding politics and government within the Christian community, understanding that believers may hold different convictions about political candidates. However, he emphasizes that voting is not merely about choosing a person but about supporting a worldview that aligns with biblical principles. This perspective focuses on the role of government and the protection of freedoms, including the right to religious liberty, free speech, and the sanctity of life. According to Dr. Caldwell, the election represents a stance against ideologies that lean towards secularism or even Marxism, which stand in stark contrast to Judeo-Christian values and the freedom to practice one’s faith openly.

The podcast episode explores the scriptural mandate for believers to pray for their leaders, as instructed in 1 Timothy 2:1-2. Here, the Apostle Paul urges Christians that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings, and all who are in authority. Dr. Caldwell explains that the ultimate goal for our prayer here is evangelistic; it’s for the salvation of our leaders and for God to be glorified. But Paul also goes on to say, “so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.” So, there’s an additional purpose for these evangelistic prayers and a benefit that results from them. That benefit is the affording of a tranquil and quiet life, where believers can pursue godliness and dignity without overt persecution. This principle, he asserts, should guide Christians in their political decisions and voting. When and where we’re afforded the opportunity, we should seek to elect those leaders who will uphold these freedoms.

Dr. Caldwell also addresses some challenges that arise when politics and faith converge. He warns against the dangers of conflating Christian identity with political ideology. We’ve got to be clear about what Christianity is and what it isn’t. While Christians may support a political party or candidate, Dr. Caldwell emphasizes that true Christian identity is found in Christ alone, not in any political movement. He cautions against the blending of Christian language and symbolism with political rhetoric, particularly when such language is used without a genuine commitment to biblical truth. This conflation, he argues, blurs the lines between the church and political interests, potentially leading to confusion about the gospel’s true message. The church and God’s people have got to be clear with the gospel message and biblical truths.

As the discussion continues, Dr. Philpot raises the issue of whether voting in this presidential election for the democratic platform and their representative Kamala Harris could be considered sinful. Dr. Caldwell does not mince words here. He believes that the worldview of the democratic party and its platform are anti-Christian and anti-God. When they talk about love of neighbor and other such things, they distort the biblical principles and do not faithfully represent biblical love. For him, any platform that advocates for principles contrary to biblical teachings, such as the sanctity of life, marriage, homosexuality, transgenderism, etc., is incompatible with a Christian worldview. Therefore, he believes it is sinful to vote for such a platform. He explains this is not simply a matter of policy preference but of aligning one’s vote with core biblical values, and what’s missing is the lack of discernment. Conscience certainly plays a role in all this, but our consciences can be severely misinformed. Dr. Caldwell emphasizes the need for biblical saturation so that our worldview is being informed accurately and faithfully by Scripture. They stress the importance of discernment, noting that believers should not be easily swayed by political figures or movements. Instead, they should be grounded in Scripture, allowing God’s Word to shape their understanding of justice, governance, and morality. Dr. Caldwell also emphasizes the need for the church to remain distinct from political allegiances, faithfully proclaiming the gospel rather than promoting partisan agendas.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Philpot and Dr. Caldwell provide insights into maintaining a “God’s-eye view” of current events, reminding listeners of the sovereignty of God over all things, including political outcomes. Drawing from the book of Daniel, they point out that God establishes and removes rulers according to His will, underscoring that every believer’s confidence rests not in earthly leaders but in God’s sovereignty, providence, and His eternal kingdom. Dr. Caldwell encourages Christians to adopt a posture of trust and submission to God, even when political landscapes shift or when leaders fail to uphold Christian values.

Additionally, Dr. Caldwell and Dr. Philpot consider the role of the local church in navigating political and cultural issues. They discuss how and when political matters should be addressed from the pulpit. They note that the Bible addresses many of the issues we face regarding government, politics, and all the rest. As the church teaches through the Scriptures, it will arrive at those passages. As those passages are faithfully taught, those subjects will be addressed and not avoided. But this doesn’t give us license to endorse specific candidates. Instead, the church’s focus should be on faithfully teaching the Whole Counsel of God, teaching biblical principles and how to apply them, as it aims to help believers think biblically about every aspect of life, including politics. They urge Christians to remember that their primary allegiance is to God’s kingdom and that they are pilgrims on this earth, called to represent Christ their King in all things.

This episode is a reminder that, as Christians, our hope is not rooted in any political figure but in the sovereignty of God. We are called to be faithful, discerning, and steadfast, regardless of the cultural or political winds. Dr. Caldwell’s reflections encourage believers to remain focused on the gospel, to pray for their leaders, and to trust in God’s perfect wisdom as He governs the nations. Whether in times of political victory or defeat, Christians have an unshakeable foundation in Christ, who reigns above all earthly powers.