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| Q: | What is the view of the Bible and of WELS in regard to women voting in the upcoming presidential election? From what I have read it seems that more women then men tend to get out and vote. If that is true, then women very likely could determine who will be the president of the United States for the next four years Therefore would it be better for WELS females not to vote at all, thus narrowing the gap between male and female voters, or is it a sin for any female to vote in any election no matter what the intent is behind her vote. | ||||||
| A: | Concerning actions in society the WELS statement on "Scriptural Principles of Man and Woman Roles" says, "Christians also accept the biblical role relationship principle for their life and work in the world. ... We therefore strive to apply this role relationship principle to our life and work in the world. Scripture leaves a great deal to our conscientious Christian judgment as we live the role relationship principle in the world. In Christian love we will refrain from unduly binding the consciences of the brothers and sisters in our fellowship. Rather, we will encourage each other as we seek to apply this principle in the world." (Theses 20 and 21) Since the principles of male and female roles are a good thing established by God at creation, they cannot be limited only to religious matters. But since the Bible does not give us a set of rules specifying the application of these principles to work in the world, the church does not make such a set of rules, but teaches the principles and gives members help and advice if desired in applying the principles in their lives. There may be many motives that would lead Christian women to vote in national elections other than a desire to exercise authority over men--for example, to oppose the voice of women who are advocating abortion. In the church we are working with Christians whom we can expect to work together in trust and love according to the principles God has established. The church cannot control the form and methods of the state. A Christian woman will have to conscientiously examine her aims and motives for political activity and voting and evaluate her decisions in the light of the biblical principles (as will a man). There is no biblical basis for saying that such actions and participation are a "right" but we carry them out as a duty to help or neighbors. We should vote in a way which will best support biblical principles and show love for our neighbors. If this is a matter of special concern to you, you may want to study Chapter 10 of the Bible class "Man and Woman in God's World" that is available from Northwestern | ||||||
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