Why do people think Christians must be republicans?

Question

I am a Christian, but I don't understand how Christians can say that to be a Christian you must be a republican. Here are a few reasons:
-Peace centered teachings like Jesus' would obviously be against war, but we have Iraq
-If God created the world we should love it and take care of it, but the republicans are obviously not a pro-environment party
-Repbulicans often get elected because they say they will push "morality." But abortion is still legal (for example), and the whole Foley incident happened. So it might be logical to conclude that republicans merely USE morality.
So really this question is possed to Christians who think that you can not be a Christian if you are not a republican. Why do you think that?

Answer 1

I posted similar questions a few weeks ago. I don't like politics, but I often tend to gravitate more toward Liberal, Left, and Democratic ideals. I don't think Jesus was a middle aged white Republican from the Suburbs. I don't think He'd choose a political party either.

Republicans do use morality against Christians. Last week they were claiming that Michael J. Fox stopped taking his medication to look more pathetic on TV. How insensitive or moral is a statement like that?

Answer 2

Of course you can be a Christian and be in whatever political party you choose. You can even join a Communist party if you live in Italy. The question is, why wouldn't you want to support the party which most supports your beliefs?

1.The war in Iraq. Jesus was NOT a pacifist. Yes, he said "turn the other cheek" but common sense applies. He was merely using extremes to make a point, as he often did. He also told the disciples to "buy a sword". He also said "And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet." (Mk 13:7)

2. God did not say to love the earth, which is where some people go way too far. God's plan is soul-centered, not earth-centered. Yes, we should take care of it but not at all costs. He's going to burn it and make a new one soon anyway.

3. The fact that atrocious breaches of morality still take place in our nation is a testament to the sad spiritual state of everyone in our nation, including Christians. Americans should take some personal responsibility for their actions instead of blaming whoever happens to be in office at the time.

I don't think too many Christians believe like you say, but I do believe that if a Christian keeps up with current affairs in the least, he will vote Republican in a heartbeat these days.

Answer 3

I do not believe that to be a Christian that you have to be a Republican, but I do however think that it was very rude for you to say that republicans are not a pro-environment party or that republicans only USE morality.

How are you any better than the people assuming christians must be republicans if you are assuming are republicans are like that?

How do you know that some republicans have the best of intentions to push morality? One person cannot do it alone. People have to vote to pass such things.

Those people you are talking about are generalizing as are you.

Answer 4

It is mainly the more vocal fundamentalists that want to paint the Republican party at the moral one.

Barack Obama (one of the best things in the Democratic Party) is a Christian and says he has been told he is not a true Christian because he is a Democrat and supports some of the Democrat platform.

Answer 5

First of all/ your assertion that people think Christians must be republicans is flawed to say the least. The so called "Christian right" are the ones that are attributed to being GOP. However their are Christians that are Democrats as wells other political parties. You are most likely a Democrat because you do not know the facts. You see Democrats do not think one can do anything with out help. This is why most Union members are democrats!

Answer 6

Because this administration has craftfully made it an issue. It is sickening and shameful. I agree with you...the horrible things these people do is nothing like "What Jesus Would do". On the other hand, it is extremely brilliant idea...get the common folk in America to vote against their own economic self interest by waving a bible and claiming moral superiority over others, while disregarding what really matters. Thank God this country is finally coming to its senses.....Vote democratic or dont vote! If true republican values ever came back, I would support them...limited government, self suffiencey, fiscal responsibility. But until then, under this moronic puppet show of a presidency and congress, I will vote for common sense and the democrats!!

Answer 7

...FYI - I am a born-again Christian and a registered Republican.
...You should read your Bible more closely, read newspapers, and look at history. Look at individuals' voting records, also, since many will tell you anything, and not always the truth.
1. Where are Jesus's "peace-centered" teachings? He was no "flower child." Nowhere does God say to disband the military. In the Old Testament, many battles went on as God judged nations.
2. Our country is incredibly clean, compared to Europe. Maybe we could do better, but the GOP is also against intrusive and harmful environmental radicals, who have prevented us from drilling for oil and building refineries, and these things our country needs. The environment and technology can co-exist - a good example is NASA in Florida, which is next to a wildlife refuge.
3. Abortion is legal yes, but this is the fault mainly of pro-death Democrats and liberal Republicans, who don't consider the unborn (and many weak and sick people) as worthy of their love and time, and have no problem putting them to death, so they can live as they choose. Pro-life individuals, including many Republicans have been trying for years to stop abortion, but it is pro-death Democrats and liberal Republicans who have been stopping them.
4. To find honest politicians in either party is sometimes hard – too many want higher taxes and just want to get re-elected.
5. I wouldn't be in a third party – it is almost always a waste of time.
******************************...
Why I am a Republican: I believe in what they support – lower taxes, less intrusive government, strong national defense, they are usually pro-life, they are more likely to protect US interests, they are not filled with wackos, who support all kinds of perverted lifestyles. The GOP generally supports what churches are doing. They generally support and respect our military. They are generally backed up by talk radio, some newspapers, and one major cable network (Fox News). I believe the Republican party, although flawed, is our best hope.
******************************...
Why I am not a Democrat: This is the party of elitists, radical gays, radical environmentalists, and others, who want higher taxes, support abortion on demand (up to 9 months gestation and even partial-birth abortion, where the baby is almost born), and they love more government regulations and interference in our lives. Many believe we should "blame American first." They are weak on defense. They would redistribute your money, putting it in someone else's pocket. This party contains many people who are hostile to our military and many who hate America (but they continue to stay). They wish to silence any oppostion to them. They have controlled the news media for decades, to include CBS, ABC, NBC, MSNBC, CNN, and the majority of US newspapers.
******************************...
...It's great that you care about politics. You can join any party you want here in America – again I caution you to do your homework. Your vote does make a difference, and whoever you vote in will affect you and probably your children (remember, some of those we vote in will appoint judges).
...Pray and ask God for wisdom (James 1:5) – and be an informed voter – study the issues before you vote – vote on the basis of morals (does Scripture support this or that), and don't vote based on some favor a politician did for you.
...I do wish you a blessed eternity - and urge you to trust in Jesus if you never have.
...Whosoever will, may come.

Answer 8

Republicans are pro-life
Christians are pro-life, therefore
Republicans insist that to be a good Christian, you have to vote for them.
This, of course, is overly simplistic garbage, but it works on a lot of people. A lot of people who want to be considered "good Christians" are followers of their faith, keyword here is "follower". I suppose because I think for myself and consider all of the possible legislation that could be enacted due to the actions of my representatives, rather than consider only one polarizing issue like abortion when voting, I am not a good Christian. Oh well, my conscience is clear.

Answer 9

I've never heard that only Christians are Republicans. I've been a Democrat all my life, and I'm a Christian.
The only reason why you might feel that way, is because Republicans are more conservative than Democrats.

Answer 10

The reason why a lot of Christians assume you have to be a Republican is because it's what their preachers have either told them or implied to them. Also, a lot of these people listen to what the likes of Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell have to say, and for that reason, these men have a lot of political power.