Voting with Values

Voting with Values: Evaluating Candidates and Policies Through Jesus’ Lens

This page provides guidance on how to evaluate candidates and policies through the lens of Jesus’ teachings. We vote with values, not party—measuring candidates and policies against Jesus’ ethics.

“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden. Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” - Matthew 5:13-16

Scripture Foundation

Key Passages:

Why Voting with Values Matters

Voting is one way we engage politically. We are called to be salt and light—to engage with governance through the lens of Jesus’ teachings. Voting with values means measuring candidates and policies against Jesus’ ethics, not party labels.

Key Questions to Ask

Does This Serve the Poor and Marginalized?

What Jesus Teaches:

  • We are called to serve the least of these
  • The poor and marginalized are a priority
  • Policies should serve those most in need

Questions:

  • Does this policy serve the poor?
  • Does this candidate prioritize the marginalized?
  • How does this affect the least of these?

See Also: Matthew 25, Serve the Poor

Does This Show Mercy and Justice?

What Jesus Teaches:

  • We are called to show mercy
  • Justice and mercy are the weightier matters
  • Both matter together

Questions:

  • Does this policy show mercy?
  • Does this candidate work for justice?
  • How does this balance mercy and justice?

See Also: Practice Mercy, Red-Letter Teachings

Does This Promote Peace and Reconciliation?

What Jesus Teaches:

  • We are called to be peacemakers
  • We are to love our enemies
  • Reconciliation matters

Questions:

  • Does this policy promote peace?
  • Does this candidate work for reconciliation?
  • How does this address conflict?

See Also: Practice Mercy, The Beatitudes

Does This Address Root Causes?

What Jesus Teaches:

  • We are called to address injustice
  • Root causes matter
  • Systems should be transformed

Questions:

  • Does this policy address root causes?
  • Does this candidate work for systemic change?
  • How does this transform systems?

See Also: Economic Justice, Policy

Does This Align with Jesus’ Teachings?

What Jesus Teaches:

  • We are to follow his teachings
  • His words are our guide
  • We measure everything against his teachings

Questions:

  • Does this align with Jesus’ teachings?
  • Does this candidate’s values align with Jesus’?
  • How does this measure against the red letters?

See Also: Red-Letter Teachings, The Sermon on the Mount

Key Issues to Consider

Poverty and Economic Justice

  • Does the candidate/policy serve the poor?
  • Does it address economic injustice?
  • Does it reduce exploitation?

See Also: Poverty Alleviation Policies, Economic Justice

Healthcare

  • Does it provide access to healthcare for all?
  • Does it serve the sick?
  • Does it prioritize the marginalized?

See Also: Healthcare as Compassion

Criminal Justice

  • Does it show mercy?
  • Does it work for rehabilitation?
  • Does it address root causes?

See Also: Policy

Immigration

  • Does it welcome the stranger?
  • Does it show mercy?
  • Does it treat immigrants with dignity?

See Also: Policy

Environment

  • Does it care for creation?
  • Does it address environmental injustice?
  • Does it serve future generations?

See Also: Policy

How to Evaluate

Research Candidates

  • Learn about their positions
  • Evaluate through Jesus’ lens
  • Look at their record, not just words
  • Consider their values

Research Policies

  • Understand what policies do
  • Evaluate through Jesus’ lens
  • Consider who they serve
  • Look at root causes

Connect to Jesus’ Teachings

  • Study Jesus’ teachings
  • Measure candidates/policies against them
  • Focus on values, not party
  • Build bridges, not walls

See Also: Foundation, Red-Letter Teachings

Practical Steps

Before Voting

  • Research candidates and policies
  • Evaluate through Jesus’ lens
  • Connect to Jesus’ teachings
  • Make informed decisions

When Voting

  • Vote with values, not party
  • Measure against Jesus’ teachings
  • Consider the least of these
  • Vote for policies that align with Jesus

After Voting

  • Stay engaged
  • Hold elected officials accountable
  • Continue advocating
  • Build community

See Also: Political Engagement, Action

Common Challenges

What if no candidate aligns perfectly?

No candidate will align perfectly. Vote for the one who best aligns with Jesus’ teachings. Focus on values, not perfection.

What about party loyalty?

Focus on values, not party. Support candidates and policies that align with Jesus’ teachings, regardless of party.

How do I know what aligns with Jesus’ teachings?

Study Jesus’ teachings. Read the red letters. Measure candidates and policies against his words. Focus on serving the poor, showing mercy, working for justice.

Connection to Action

Voting connects to action:

See Also: Action, Political Engagement

See Also

Categories:
Policy