Voting is often discussed in terms of whether the ability to vote is a right or a privilege. I would suggest that the ability to cast a vote is both a right and a privilege. But it is also an expression of our civic responsibility to be involved in the governing of our country. I am very thankful that Australia is one of the few countries where voting in elections is both compulsory and enforced. According to the AEC website, the administrative penalty for not voting in a federal election is $20.
The church and individual Christians have had a long history of involvement in the political and government processes. The Quaker, Anthony Benezet, one of the founders of the Methodist Church, John Wesley, poet and hymn writer, William Cowper and many others were also active in politics, seeking to end the practice of slavery. The most well-known political figure involved in the abolition movement was William Wilberforce, a member of the House of Commons from Yorkshire. Sadly, although many Christians worked in the political sphere to end slavery there were other Christians in the political sphere who sought to profit from the trade.
At all levels of government, there are many people actively engaged in the political process who have a firm Christian faith. Many of these work on opposite sides of the political spectrum and have many different denominational backgrounds. Their Christian convictions motivate them to be part of the political process and seek to make Australia a better place for all.
The Biblical mandate for being involved in society and politics can be found in many places. Jesus’ command to love our neighbours as ourselves means that we are obligated to others. To care for their needs; spiritual, psycho-social and physical. When the nation of Israel was in exile in Babylon, the prophet Jeremiah exhorted them to ‘seek the welfare of the city’ (Jeremiah 29:7).
The apostle Peter exhorts the people to whom he is writing not to withdraw from society but to be engaged in doing good to all. In the same passage he reminds them of the imperative to submit to human authority. It is worth noting that whilst we have elected leaders with whom we may not agree, the Christians of the first century had appointed leaders who could be antagonist, even violent, to Christians. Yet Peter reminds them that submission to the authorities of the day is not dependent on their feelings towards those leaders.
Hopefully, by the end of the weekend of the federal election we will know who our new government is made up of. Whether we return the current political party, elect a new one or have a hung parliament, all of us should be involved in the political process. For most this means nothing more than casting our vote in an informed manner. Some of us may be involved in the running of the election in working for the AEC. A few of us may even decide to become active in politics in a more direct way. Whatever our role, let us all seek to make our community and our country a better place.
Yours in Christ
Andrew
