Author: Nathan Moon

Contrary to those who make it out to be some innocent, secular “civic duty,” participating in voting is akin to making a vow to a false deity, undermining a Christian’s faithfulness to God’s kingdom. A basic look at the etymology of “vote” shows that it’s a sacred commitment that contradicts Jesus’ teachings against oaths. Abstaining from voting reflects true allegiance to God’s authority.

Jesus’ statement regarding taxes illustrates a critical distinction between loyalty to God and earthly authority. His clever, almost ambiguous response the attempt to trap Him in His words emphasizes God as the true owner of all, challenging the legitimacy of Roman taxation. Ultimately, the choice is between allegiance to God or Caesar. In this view, avoiding taxes becomes a radical expression of discipleship and resistance to worldly tyranny.

Many people upon seeing the evils in the world are angered to the point of violent resistance. They want to fight back against the tyrants. But by doing so we inevitably adopt their means. It is arguably better, and more the Christian position, to be a martyr than a mini-tyrant.

For far too long we have looked toward the documents of men as our source of right and wrong. But the power to abolish human government is inherent in the individual. Real freedom comes from recognizing God as the ultimate authority. We need not bear the sword to be free. Personal revolutions, rooted in spiritual regeneration, should replace the reliance on institutional government. True governance begins within, not through reform.