During a recent appearance on American Family Radio, author and apologist Dr. Alex McFarland warned that national moral indicators show the country is in a critical state, and he pushed back against the idea that Christians should stay out of political commentary.
"The dashboard lights are blinking," he said. "This is code red. I would argue that conservative Christian constitutionalists, every last one of us, should pray and go vote."
He added that fulfilling the Great Commission includes standing up for fundamental truth and moral government while protecting young people in local communities.
In a similar discussion about Christian engagement, Jenna Ellis and National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) President Troy Miller said Christians should look beyond party politics and election results to understand their ongoing responsibility to shape society according to biblical principles.
Ellis questioned whether Christians remain committed to "leaving our children a better future" as some voters want to "teach Republicans a lesson" by sitting out elections or who become too focused on political parties and personalities rather than the purpose of government.
Drawing on the nation's founding ideals of liberty and freedom of conscience, Miller argued that government is an institution ordained by God to promote good and restrain evil, and he said Christians should approach civic engagement from a foundation of principles rather than partisan loyalties.
Also emphasizing the Church's responsibility to teach biblical principles rather than expecting political parties to provide that guidance, Miller said declining Bible literacy has contributed to confusion over foundational issues involving life, sexuality, marriage, substance abuse and economics.
Ellis agreed that the Republican Party "is never going to be the Church" and that Christian leaders must lay the biblical foundation that political campaigns cannot provide.
She also argued that Christian civic engagement must extend beyond voting, saying Christians need to understand the distinct responsibilities of the Church, family and government and to consistently teach biblical principles rather than turning their attention to politics once every four years.
Miller agreed, citing the biblical call for Christians to be "salt and light" in society, which can cost a person personally and professionally.
Reflecting on the Pilgrims who left the comfort of Europe and sacrificed everything knowing they might never see the fruits of their labor, Miller said that example helps him "step back and think about the governance of this country not from a political standpoint, but from a standpoint of principles."
He reiterated that the Church's role is to equip believers to live out their faith, regardless of potential backlash.
"As Christians … our faith should be more public than any other belief system in the world," Miller stated.
Christian participation in public life, they agreed, is an ongoing responsibility that involves not only voting for candidates who reflect biblical values, but also cultivating those values within families, churches and the broader culture.
