Getting Ready to Vote | FRONTLINE

Volume 36 • Number 5

For the moment, Christians inhabit two kingdoms. We are citizens of a heavenly kingdom, accountable to its king, and subject to its laws and ethos. We are also citizens of various earthly regimes, subject to their laws and living under their cultures. In some of those regimes—the republics and representative democracies—we are at least partly and indirectly responsible for the governance of our countries.

At minimum, we are given the opportunity to vote on our nations’ leaders. We are responsible before God to use that vote wisely. We may cast it or abstain from casting it. We may choose this candidate or that. We may vote for this policy or another. But whatever we do, we shall render account to God. Duty demands that we choose well.

Sometimes our choices are complicated. We must decide which issues matter most and which candidates best represent them. Sometimes we gain a bit on one issue but lose a bit on another. We must choose between imperfect candidates, and we may find all of them repugnant. How, then, should we choose?

This issue of FrontLine will try to help you think through some of the questions. David de Bruyn (who is a South African pastor) opens by addressing the question of whether pastors should address political issues. Michael Riley asks whether it is ever permissible to opt for the lesser of two evils when making political choices. These articles are meant to address the larger question of how Christians should participate in the political order.

A second series of articles addresses specific issues that Christians should be concerned about. Preston Mayes develops a biblical perspective on immigration, including the responsibilities of both immigrants and their host nations. Ryan Martin critiques the welfare state and related socialist and collectivist political philosophies. Brett Williams responds to those who wish to expand the pro-life position to include a variety of “progressive” programs. Last, Kevin Bauder responds to a recent abortion of a Down Syndrome baby by remembering what it was like to grow up with developmentally disabled children.

The authors and editors of FrontLine do not intend to tell you whom to vote for. What we want to do is to help you vote intelligently. We want to provide biblical and theological categories that will help you choose wisely when you go to the polls. May God grant you wisdom as you vote—or abstain from voting—in the governance of the earthly regime that you inhabit.

Kevin T. Bauder, Associate Editor

Features:

SHOULD PASTORS BE POLITICAL?
David de Bruyn

The question is not whether pastors will address political issues, but how.

CAN WE VOTE FOR THE LESSER EVIL?
Michael P. Riley

How are we to vote when no one meets the criteria of our ideal candidate?

IMMIGRATION: A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
Preston L. Mayes

How do we reconcile the command to love your neighbor as yourself with the command to submit to government?

WELFARE, COLLECTIVISM, AND THE CHRISTIAN VOTE
Ryan J. Martin

Christians should desire governmental fiscal policies that reflect the revealed moral order.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN PRO-LIFE?
Brett Williams

If Christians value life, must they also value every political policy that enhances life, no matter the cost?

DESPISE NOT ONE OF THESE LITTLE ONES
Kevin T. Bauder

I learned much from growing up with developmentally disabled children. Their influence still marks my life, my mind, and my heart.

Sound Words: Inspiration for the Pastor’s Study

First Partaker: Not the Nadir of Our Life’s Work, But Its Crown
Mark Minnick

Bring … the Books: Three Books on Prayer
Bud Talbert

Straight Cuts: The Making and Keeping of Vows
Mark Minnick

Windows: The Individual and Corporate Call of Missions (Acts 13)
Bud Steadman

DEPARTMENTS

NEWS FROM ALL OVER

ON THE HOME FRONT

BEST OF PROCLAIM AND DEFEND

REGIONAL REPORTS

HEART TO HEART: Twelve Stones: A Life Led by the Hand of the Lord
Carolyn Coursen

AT A GLANCE: Human Forgiveness (Part 2)
Layton Talbert

WITH THE WORD TO THE WORLD: Essential Elements in Building a Church (Part 2)
Jim Tillotson

STEWARDSHIP MATTERS: Carrying the Load: Understanding Your Church’s Financial Reports
Corey Pfaffe

CHAPLAIN’S REPORT

FrontLine • September/October 2026. Click here to subscribe to the magazine.)