What Do They Believe?

This U.S. presidential election cycle’s primary debates have often focused on candidates’ personal religious beliefs. Nearly every candidate claims to have some guiding personal religious principles. However, when specific issues of doctrines are mentioned, most of them take refuge in the concept that it’s unconstitutional to have a religious test or they say that what they believe pales in comparison with what their personal lives and records show. Some have gone so far as to say they believe in Christ as Savior and that the Bible is the Word of God, but some add that religious grilling is off limits.

A number of truths are evident. The United States Constitution does indeed forbid a religious test for the office of president. However, individual voters are responsible to carefully listen to the candidates’ principles and statements and to search their records. One candidate has said that his faith defines him, most others more generally say that their faith influences them. It is the voter’s responsibility to study the particular doctrines of the religious affiliations of each candidate.

Christian voters have a special concern based on Biblical principles, and they should view primary season as a time to become informed. With public debates and a near infinitude of Internet resources, pleas of ignorance are unacceptable.

The notion that a man’s beliefs and performance are separate is unscriptural and absurd. Proverbs 23:7 says, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." Christ put it just as directly in Matt 12:34-36 "…For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things."

God’s character search sees past political rhetoric. "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account" (Hebrews 4:12-13)

When considering those who have influence, we should take seriously 2 Sam 23:3. "…The Rock of Israel spoke to me: ‘He who rules over men must be just, Ruling in the fear of God.’"

If Christians fail to carefully examine candidates’ religious and moral views, we vote in ignorance and perhaps do not choose the best candidate. But just being a Christian doesn’t make a good president any more than being a good Christian makes one a good surgeon. If faith drives expert statesmanship, it’s a windfall bonus.

Dave Virkler