The upcoming presidential elections mean Christians are faced not only with voting, but with also with the broader issue of civic responsibility.

Christians who hold to Christ's teachings concerning nonviolence see involvement in partisan politics as an act of critical engagement. To elect a president is to elect the commander-in-chief of the military forces of an empire. That is why some Christians opt out of voting or engagement in any public political responsibility.

Christian engagement in the public arena is always fraught with the potential for compromise. Yet opting out of the public arena does not necessarily free Christians from the ambiguities and compromises of living out their faith in a "fallen" world. Voting can be a way for Christians to express their preferences in the political arena and not their endorsement of violent force.

I will not try to present an argument for Christian civic engagement, nor will I suggest that one political party better represents Christian concerns than the other, which seems to be the approach of some Christians today. Rather I will propose some biblical/theological principles Christians can use to guide them not just in voting for a presidential candidate, but for any engagement in civic responsibility.

These guiding principles may not make political engagement easier. Often public and political issues may bring several of these principles into conflict. But they can serve as a tool for Christians to use to reflect on the principles that do guide their participation in the public arena. One disclaimer: Any such list of guiding principles, even when based on biblical/theological foundations, is biased by the political, ideological and theological perspectives of the person or persons who constructs it.

Ten principles for guiding Christian civic engagement

1. The earth is God's good creation (Genesis 1). We are stewards of creation. Protecting our air, water and land, and responsibly using natural resources as gifts of God, are Christian responsibilities.
2. God has created humanity in the divine image (Genesis 1:27). We are to foster the dignity and rights of all peoples and the sanctity of life. Human rights, racial and economic justice and respect for human life are grounded in God, who is reflected in all humanity.
3. The state was created to serve human welfare (Romans 13:4). We are to call upon the state to serve its more noble purposes. The church has a role in calling the state to promote the welfare of all of its citizens.
4. In Jesus Christ, God has revealed a way of peace, nonviolence, justice and reconciliation (Matthew 5). We are to live in the way of peace and justice. Seeking peace with justice is an essential Christian stance in the public arena.
5. All human reality has "fallen" from God's purpose (Romans 8:22-23). We are to live in that creative tension of being "in" the world, but not "of" the world. Because no human institution lives up to God's purpose, Christians should practice humility and critical discernment in their engagement in the political arena.
6. The church, as a signpost of God's reign, is the primary arena for Christian "politics" (1 Peter 2:9). We are to be the church, an alternative community or polis. The church is to be the primary community where Christians seek to form an alternative way of life distinct from the nation and culture in which it finds itself.
7. God's mission is for and within the world (John 3:16). We are to engage the world reflecting God's compassion. Christians will approach civic engagement with compassion towards all persons and communities impacted by social and political policies.
8. God has compassion for the most vulnerable in the world (Proverbs 31:8-9). We are to welcome the stranger and seek economic justice for the poor and the marginalized in society. How politicians and policies address the well being of the poor, homeless, people of color, persons with disabilities, refugees and immigrants are significant issues for Christians.
9. Security is in God (Psalm 146:1-6). We are to place our ultimate trust in God. Christians should avoid making "national security" into such an idol that it leads us to uncritically sacrifice our children, our money, our energies and our national agenda upon its altar.
10. God's reign transcends peoples and nations (Revelation 7:9). We are first and foremost citizens of God's rule. As Christians, we pledge our primary allegiance to the God beyond our particular gender, race, culture and nation, which makes all of these things secondary.

For similar Christian guides for civic engagement: