Scott Kamps
There was a time when Republican and Democratic parties were similar enough that one’s religion didn’t play a role in which to vote for; just Google platforms of both parties from the 1950s-1970s to see for yourself.
However, the Democratic party of today is not the Democratic party of my Grandpa’s day – or even of my childhood.
Social media is currently full of posts about how true Christians can’t praise God on Sunday and vote for wickedness on Tuesday. I understand the sentiment; all one has to do is read the Democratic platform for 2024. On social/moral issues, the party is thoroughly opposed to scripture and historic Christianity in many areas, including explicitly pro-abortion/LGBTQ agendas.
But, I hesitate to wholeheartedly affirm those social media posts; after all, Christians are saved by grace, not works. Genuine Christians can get a lot wrong – really wrong – and still be washed in the blood (e.g., the Apostle Peter). It’s overly simplistic to reduce true Christianity down to who one votes for in 2024.
Still, Christians – especially those from Democrat-supporting families – should consider whether Kamala Harris represents only herself or the Democratic party as a whole in how she treats Christians.
At a recent rally, two hecklers – students of the college where she was at – yelled, “Christ is King,” and “Jesus is Lord!” Her disparaging response was, “Oh, you guys are at the wrong rally. No, I think you meant to go to the smaller one down the street.”
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported, “The crowd erupted into cheers and applause as the protesters were shown toward the door.”
It seems that Harris and her supporters enthusiastically reject religious citizens; if you’re an outspoken Christian, then get out.
It’s noteworthy to contrast Kamala’s response to a pro-Palestinian heckler on Saturday: after he was removed for interrupting her with his opinion that Israel is committing genocide, she responded, “Listen, what he’s talking about, it’s real. That’s not the subject that I came to discuss today, but it’s real and I respect his voice.”
It would be nice for Christians to get a little respect from the presidential candidate, rather than Harris’ consistent inhospitality toward people of faith.
While Kamala is ostracizing Christians, J.D. Vance was interrupted Sunday by a person who yelled, “Jesus is King!” Vance stopped his speech, saying, “That’s right, Jesus is King,”
and then proceeded with his speech. This doesn’t make the Republican party the “Christian party,” but it is a line in the sand and shows a respect for the history and principles of our great nation.
Further, the Republican party is more open to people who think differently than the party line; just ask Elon Musk, Tulsi Gabbord or RFK, Jr.
Rather than asking if a Christian can vote for a Democrat this year, it might be more pertinent to ask if Kamala even wants your vote.
Scott Kamps writes a bi-weekly column for The Graham Star. He can be reached via email, thestableguy@frontier.com.