How to Respond When Christians Have Different Political Views

Returning yet again to the command to love God and neighbor, how might Christians respond to fellow believers who do not share their political views? How can we advocate our perspectives on policy in ways that honor those with whom we disagree?

A good place to start is searching for areas of agreement and acknowledging common ground. So many political debates are really about the best way to achieve a shared goal, yet much popular rhetoric ignores or distorts this reality. When beginning a political discussion, affirm one another’s shared goals first and then talk about the disagreements over which policy—or policies!—will work best.

Entering conversations with genuine humility can help you gain new insights into the many complexities of public policy.

When discussing policy alternatives with those who disagree, ask them questions to help you better understand their perspective and to learn more about their proposed solution. At the same time that you ask probing questions, be prepared to answer similar questions about your own positions and why you think they make sense. Consider some questions you might use to begin this conversation:

• Why do you believe that this particular solution is best?
• When did you first learn about this policy? What in particular captured your attention?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of doing this?
• Has this solution been tried before? If so, what happened?
• What biblical principles inform your support for this policy alternative? What biblical principles potentially conflict with it?

By asking each other questions with a willingness to listen to other perspectives, we demonstrate love and respect, expanding opportunities to learn from one another.

Entering conversations with genuine humility can help you gain new insights into the many complexities of public policy. Talking with those who hold different political views may seem risky, for such discussions require us to challenge our presuppositions and ask questions of ourselves. But the rewards clearly outweigh the risks, for in facing tough conversations we learn from one another and about ourselves, gaining a richer understanding of multiple political perspectives and the reasons behind them.

Finally, and most importantly, we should make sure that our political differences do not hinder our fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. As Peter wrote to the early church: “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:7–9). The unity of believers is of far greater scope and consequence than our disagreements over the best way to achieve political goals.