Diverse Democracy: Reflections Covering Religion and the 2024 Elections

In the wake of elections, there are scores of analyses and proffered insights on how the results speak to the future of the country and its democracy.  

This year, what looked to be razor-thin margins and minuscule measures in swing states shifted the media’s focus to a range of demographics among the U.S. voting-eligible populace and how they could sway the election one way or another.  

This included a wide range of “swing faith” voters — religious actors from a range of traditions who could push the polls in favor of one party or another.  Covering several of these communities in recent months, and breaking down the data and demographics among different faith groups across the U.S. for ReligionLink, I found myself wondering (with many, many others) what it all means for the U.S.’s diverse, interfaith democracy in the decades to come.  

In my latest as Senior Columnist, I offer reflections on what happened with, and what might be in store for, America’s diverse democracy.

How to vote like a Christian

On Nov. 8 you will sin. I guarantee it. Especially if you’re planning on voting, or already have voted, there’s a 100% chance of sin being involved.

As human beings, created by God, we are called to participate in the political system of our community. This is part of the “cultural imperative” given to us in Genesis 1:28. We are called to live in, co-create, and engage our community — at the international, national, regional, state, local, and familial level. Sometimes, we are called to make tough decisions that affect the politics of our community.

Such as: does the toilet paper go up and over or down and under? Those of you who navigate the politics of a household know this is a political decision, one that has ramifications far into the future.

I say this not to make light of political decisions — like voting — but to call to our attention the necessity to hold these political deliberations in proper perspective and to diagnose them for what they are in light of God’s reign over all things.

Those with faith in God have been wrestling with the politics of living together in a fallen world since, well, the world fell into sin. Throughout human history God-fearing individuals and communities sought to know God’s will for their nation, their empire, their city, their family. At times, Jesus followers and God’s chosen leaders made wonderful decisions that led to breakthroughs in liberty, freedom, and justice. Other times, not so much. Still other times, they sinned gravely and were on the wrong side of justice, freedom, and liberation.

When we head to the voting booth on November 8 or send in our ballot by mail, we will enter into this long tradition of deciding.

Before you do, know this...