How Should Christians Vote? Mega Pastor Tony Evans Weighs In
Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 12:09PM 
By Isla Thomas/EEW MAGAZINE POLITICS
How Should Christians Vote? Right now, it's a question on lots of people’s minds and also the title of mega pastor Dr. Tony Evans’ recently released book. The 63 year old leader of the 9,500-member Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, TX is telling others, not who to vote for, but how to vote.
In an interview with World Magazine, Evans, the first African-American to earn a doctorate in theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, gave out this advice: “When it comes to how to vote, I tell [my congregation], make a sheet of paper with four columns on it. First column, whatever the issue is, second column, what the Democrats say about the issue, third column, what the Republicans say about the issue, fourth column, what God says about the issue.”
After the columns are all in place, “Then you prioritize the issues because everyone’s not going to prioritize the same. Then you have a good feel for how you should vote.”
Though many people have argued that America is not a theocracy, but a democracy that cannot be held to the ideological standards of the contents of the Holy Book, Evans believes the Bible should be the Believer’s guide to the political process.
“I don’t have a problem with people using the Bible,” he explains and says, “The Bible is pregnant with politics.”
Not surprisingly, when it comes to issues of abortion and same-sex marriage, he takes issue with President Obama’s positions, and vehemently disagrees.
For him, disagreeing with President Obama while yet respecting him in his position, and obeying God’s word, can be done without contradiction. “Now you're bringing God into the equation while still honoring the uniqueness of [Obama's] accomplishment. I think you can do both, and ought to do both, honorably."
What are your thoughts on how you should vote? Do you view candidates’ positions on issues through the lens of God’s word? Share your thoughts.
Reader Comments (5)
The political process is voluntary and a privilege many in the past had no say who was in leadership over them. So with that being said as in the book of daniel there was a timecwhere isreal was under pagan rulership. So the leaders did not know God. I think we should pray and ask God who to vote for. Do what He says, if He says i didnt choose him or her i say do what He says. I am not obligated to vote it says give unto Caeser however Jesus wouldnt call us to sin or violate our conscience to do so. He will lead you right and never wrong. Dont intimate others regarding there convictions either.
This is a good article. I appreciate Dr. Evans balanced position and encouraging voters to do what they feel is right based on God's word. There are no easy answers but if we acknowledge God he will direct us.
Disagree respectfully; amen. Good wisdom.
I loved this! To me, there are more important things than gay marriage-- How about unemployment, poverty, education, health care. Those are things that affect us all, no matter our gender, religion, political stance, race, etc... I agree with the reverend. Make a balanced decision!
Ummm...I have been employed only part time during the present administration, I have no health care, and I am not old enough for other services, and yet not poor enough for some. I will really have to hear from God on this election. People say look at the good he has done. The only good done for me has been from Jesus Christ, because without His assistance, my boat would have gone under long ago. I talk to people each day who are wavering because they don't want to vote this or that party and will once again vote for color. Dr. Evans said to balance what is important to you and how the Word reflects on that. So, even though I would like to know how one gets $20 million as one candidate has - I must trust the Word and my heart. So, I reiterate, God really has to come through on this for me.