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I know a not-insignificant number of Christians who believe it is not their duty (nor even their place) to vote in elections. Most of the ones I know don't have reasons for it other than cited "personal conviction".

What biblical reasons could be given as to why Christians should not participate in the governmental process from a general citizenry duty/right/freedom perspective?


related, but not a duplicates of: Does “no part of this world” mean no involvement in politics? &, Politics and Religion

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    Christians who are guided by the Holy Spirit, do not follow their own desires.
    – V. Rollins
    Apr 28, 2014 at 16:17
  • Many Anabaptist and Quaker groups believe that to vote is to be responsible for government's use of force. "Turn the other cheek" is a common quote.
    – Bit Chaser
    Aug 2, 2015 at 14:05

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Your referring to the "not-insignificant number" of 8 million Jehovah's Witnesses?

John 18:36

Jesus answered, My kingdom (kingship, royal power) belongs not to this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My followers would have been fighting to keep Me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, My kingdom is not from here (this world); [it has no such origin or source]

Jehovah's Witnesses support God's Kingdom and consider voting for wordly leaders a compromise of faith.

Another supporting scripture:

Psalm 146:3

Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no help.

There are other supporting arguments, but this is the main train of thought. Ultimately JW's understand God's Kingdom to be the solution for all of man's problems, and do not take a share in working out man's issues through wordly kingdoms.

Consider this lofty claim from the UN (JWs believe this to be the foremost manifestation of the "Wild Beast" of modern day).

"They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they learn war anymore."

Obviously this is not of their origin, but they are claiming to aspire to achieve what God himself has promised through the book of Isaiah, where this is taken from. Isaiah 2:4

One might argue that such a goal is a commendable one, in line with God's "plan". Notice, though, the habit of "anti-God" nations, and how they make such claims:

2 kings 18:31

Hearken not to Hezekiah, for thus says the king of Assyria: Make your peace with me and come out to me, and eat every man from his own vine and fig tree and drink every man the waters of his own cistern,

This is a very significant event, because this loud-mouth was representing the king who claimed that no God could stand against him, and he was claiming to be able to give what God himself had promised:

Original source:

Micah 4:4

But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree, and none shall make them afraid, for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken it.

Support of the nations in general by allying with their agendas and seeking out solutions through them (ie, voting) is what JW's consider to be a violation of faith in God and his Kingdom.

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  • Didn't know the JWs believed/acted that way
    – warren
    Apr 29, 2014 at 4:17
  • Does this seem odd somehow?
    – user9485
    Apr 29, 2014 at 5:12
  • it's odd I know no JWs?
    – warren
    Apr 29, 2014 at 15:10

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