Do evangelicals use a different political calculus than non-evangelicals in determining which political candidates to support this election season? [Read more…] about Are evangelicals motivated by the same political issues as everybody else?
elections
The Myth of Evangelicals’ Political Apathy
Do evangelicals care about and participate in politics? While research firms, Christian leaders and presidential candidates portray American evangelicals as politically disengaged citizens who too often stay home instead of voting, claims of evangelicals’ political apathy are overstated.
Using data from the nationally representative survey 2016 National Election Study, I find self-identified evangelicals and weekly churchgoers vote more and are more politically active than non-evangelicals and infrequent churchgoers. (For details on the survey and the analyses below, please refer to the accompanying online appendix.) [Read more…] about The Myth of Evangelicals’ Political Apathy
Evangelical (Re)engagement of politics
Part of the ritual of the modern presidential election season is a vigorous debate about religion and politics, especially evangelicals and politics. This year is no exception. [Read more…] about Evangelical (Re)engagement of politics
The Myth of the Evangelical Voter
Editor’s note: We’re delighted to welcome Joshua Wu as he starts a new series using data snapshots of evangelicals to frame conversations about the intersection of faith with our public social and political lives. Stay tuned for more soon.
During this election season, hardly a day goes by without candidates citing Bible verses, touting their religious beliefs, and jostling to be America’s pastor-in-chief. Regardless if public religious fervor reflects a genuine personal faith, it is undeniable that candidates strategically and intentionally test the elasticity and compatibility of biblical doctrine with their political agendas to try and gain the support of evangelical voters.
But who is the “evangelical voter”? Do evangelicals have unique political attitudes and preferences? And are evangelicals homogenous enough to be grouped as a coherent voting bloc? [Read more…] about The Myth of the Evangelical Voter
Three Prayers – for Universities, Anxiety, and Elections
Last week, I mentioned the rich resources of Scripture for dealing with suffering, particularly in helping us pray when we don’t know how to pray. This is also one reason why I have come to appreciate prayer books in my spiritual journey. When my wife and I lived in Canada, we attended an Anglican church. Eventually, I purchased Book of Common Prayer (Canada) for my own use. It comes in handy if you ever need to marry someone (just kidding), but I am also struck by the variety of occasions anticipated by the editors of the prayers.
Three seemed especially appropriate this week. (Canadian spellings retained.)
For Universities, Colleges, and Schools
Almighty God, of whose only gift cometh wisdom and understanding: We beseech thee with thy gracious favour to behold our universities, colleges, and schools, that knowledge may be increased among us, and all good learning flourish and abound. Bless all who teach and all who learn; and grant that in humility of heart they may ever look unto thee, who art the fountain of all wisdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For those in Anxiety
Almighty God, who art afflicted in the afflictions of thy people: Regard with thy tender compassion those in anxiety and distress; bear their sorrows and their cares; supply all their manifold needs; and help both them and us to put our whole trust and confidence in thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Before an Election
Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom: Guide and direct, we humbly beseech thee, the minds of all those who are called at this time to elect fit persons to serve in the offices of the United States. Grant that in the exercise of their choice they may promote thy glory, and the welfare of this Country. And this we beg for the sake of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
In the spirit of Christian unity, I hope you’ll appreciate this Canadian prayer reworded slightly for US elections.