1. Have you ever used a Voters Guide prepared by some organization? Which one? How helpful did you find it?
What are the strengths of such Voters Guides? What are the weaknesses?
2. How do you tend to choose which candidate to vote for? How certain are you that your approach represents Christian faithfulness? If you do not vote, why don’t you?
3. What is your response to Catholic Answers’ distinction between “non-negotiable moral principles” and all other issues? Why?
4. To what extent do you agree with their list of “non-negotiable moral principles?”
5. If as Scripture says, “the earth is the Lord’s” (Psalm 24:1), and if part of the reason for Israel’s exile in the Old Testament was their failure to care for the land (2 Chronicles 36:21), is it not essential to include caring for the creation in our list of “non-negotiable moral principles” as Christians?
6. Is it ever possible that during certain periods or for certain offices a candidate’s view of such foundational moral principles is relatively unimportant because they will not face decisions based on them? In that case, might it be more faithful to vote for someone who is correct in other areas, even though they hold moral positions which are contrary to Christian righteousness?
7. To what extent does Christian faithfulness imply that believers will vote for the same candidates? Can equally discerning and godly Christians cast opposite votes? Why or why not?
8. Since we live in a post-Christian and increasingly pluralistic culture, is it possible that the day will arrive when the most Christian choice, the most radically faithful approach will be to refrain from voting? If not, why do you imagine that there will always be candidates which reflect biblical morality? If yes, how will we know that day has arrived?
9. Martin Luther is reported to have said, “Better be ruled by a smart Turk than a dumb Christian.” (Note: Luther was using “Turk” as meaning “Moslem.”) Do you agree? Why or why not? Under what circumstances would you vote for a non-Christian instead of for their Christian opponent?
10. To what extent is the personal faith of a candidate crucial in choosing who you will vote for? Personal character and morality? In some Western European countries, sexual infidelity is not considered a factor in determining whether someone is fit for political office. If you think personal character or morality is important in choosing a candidate, how would you vote if both candidates engaged in sexual practices you believe immoral? Where would these considerations fit in your list of “non-negotiable moral principles?”
11. How do you educate yourself politically? Is it sufficient for faithfulness? What books have you read which explore political citizenship from the perspective of Christian faith? What news and political commentary do you expose yourself to: that with which you already agree, or thoughtful presentations of opposing positions? Why?
