5 Christian Resources for an Election Year
2020 has been a year for the books. And now, here we are, closing out this strange and unusual year with an election that is like no other election that most of us have ever experienced.
As a country, we’re all in this together. As Christians, we’re all in this together. Or, we should be. But are we, actually? We, believers in and followers of Jesus Christ, the God-Man who came and turned the world upside down with His radical teachings, should look and behave differently than the world. But when it comes to politics, we often are just as divided and just as divisive.
We wanted to find some resources that would be helpful in this election season, and what we found has been helpful in re-orienting our perspectives, re-aligning our thinking and our actions with our worldview—that “the Most High is ruler over human kingdoms, and He gives them to anyone He wants” (Daniel 4:25). (Side note: I read that in our Bible Reading Plan the very day I sat down to write this article. God’s timing is astonishing.)
In no particular order:
1. The Pour Over
The Pour Over is a news source with a Christian perspective. Their Mission: to "keep Christians informed about what’s happening and focused on what matters.” The Pour Over wants to help change the way Christians think about, speak about, and act on current events. Each email contains relevant quotes and Scripture and the main headlines for the day, and encouragement to approach current events from a biblical worldview. “The goal of The Pour Over is to cover the same news you'd see on any of the major news networks. We are Christians who report the news, not reporters of ‘Christian news.’” (You’ll find these quotes and more info about how and why they do what they do when you sign up for their free welcome email.)
2. “How do Christians Fit Into the Two-Party System? They Don’t” by Timothy Keller
Timothy Keller is the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. He has written more than twenty books, practical examples of how the gospel transforms every aspect of life. His wise voice is worth listening to. This New York Times article addresses the topic of Christians and politics and the gospel—“The Gospel gives us the resources to love people who reject both our beliefs and us personally. Christians should think of how God rescued them. He did it not by taking power but by coming to earth, losing glory and power, serving and dying on a cross. How did Jesus save? Not with a sword but with nails in his hands.”
3. My Faith Votes
My Faith Votes is a non-profit, “non-partisan movement that motivates, equips and activates Christians in America to vote in every election, transforming our communities and influencing our nation with Biblical Truth. My Faith Votes calls Christians to ‘Pray, Think and Vote’ in order to protect four core pillars of faith which are religious freedom, the sanctity of life, strong families and marriages, and compassion and support for those in need. We reach Christians to stand boldly for these values in every election and in every community and city across our nation.”
They also provide biblical worldview resources to help you navigate today’s current issues, support voters in the registration process, interview Christian influencers on current issues to better understand solutions, provide pastors and church leaders with resources, and have an outreach program engaging students on college campuses.
On their website and social media accounts, you’ll find prayer guides, devotionals, articles, and other resources.
4. “6 Ways to Pray for Our Country During the Election” by World Vision
Do you want to get involved but feel like your schedule is already spread too thin or you don’t know where else to start? Prayer works. This article from World Vision provides practical guidance for believers as we take our country and its people and politics to the King of kings in prayer. The author addresses the question, “How can we be more Christlike—in word and deed—during the 2020 U.S. election? We know a few things for sure: We’re called to love others (John 15:12). We’re called to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2). And we’re called to live in unity (Ephesians 4:3).”
How do we choose love in any election year, but specifically in one that feels especially polarizing? “God sees our frustration and confusion. And He promises that when we pray, He’ll give us guidance and peace.”
5. The Happy Hour Podcast with Jamie Ivey - Faith And Politics Series
Jamie Ivey is a writer, speaker, and podcaster. “The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey is a place where friends gather to talk about the big things in life, the little things in life, and everything in between. Each week Jamie and a guest invite you into their conversation, and you will be inspired, encouraged, and pointed to Jesus through every show.” This month on #thehappyhourwithjamieivey, she’s invited four guests to chat with her about the topic of faith and politics—discussing how to engage in policy work that may not fully align with our Christian worldview, and how to fill a hostile world with gentleness (Episode 1). On Episode 2, Jamie talks with her guests about how to engage in the nuance of political policies, and being careful not to dehumanize those we disagree with. We found these discussions inspiring and encouraging, and hope you do, too!
As we head into the last few weeks before Election Day, we’re praying that the Lord will cause us to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone (1 Thessalonians 3:12), so that He will be made known.
If you have any other recommendations let us know in the comments!
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Hello again, Dive Collective! It has been so long since we’ve seen you, studied with you, sent you any news. So much has happened since we decided to take a break, and we will be telling you a lot about that in an upcoming podcast episode!