Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 6
He argues that voting is like trying to vote in India as a tourist: “A citizen of God's kingdom… shouldn't even expect to vote in the other kingdom”; what assumptions about citizenship, responsibility, and neighbor-love does that analogy challenge, and where do you feel resistance to it?
Another way to ask: What ideas about citizenship, responsibility, and loving your neighbor does the “tourist voting in India” example question? What part of that comparison do you struggle with most?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The analogy challenges the assumption that Christians are obligated to shape a foreign kingdom through its political processes, as if that were part of Christian responsibility or neighbor-love. The speaker’s point is that citizens of God’s kingdom are not legitimate participants in the world’s governmental decisions.
- He defines politics broadly as “public affairs,” and says “politics… is not wrong,” but distinguishes kingdoms.
- He acknowledges the common pull: since one side seems “better or worse,” “it’s easy to think that maybe we should vote.”
- He compares voting to being in India: “We wouldn’t be allowed to vote… Same with… the kingdom of God.”
- He states the conclusion plainly: “A citizen of God’s kingdom… shouldn’t even expect to vote in the other kingdom.”
- He adds that the world wouldn’t allow it “if they would understand what a citizen of God’s kingdom is,” citing China as an example of hostility and separation.