Electing Not to Vote: Christian Reflections on Reasons for Not Voting

”People often forget that voting can be a coercive practice, just to the extent it justifies a majority’s silencing of minorities. We should therefore be grateful that these essays raise an issue that too often goes undiscussed."
--Stanley Hauerwas, Duke Divinity School, Duke University

“If the definition of a good book is that it challenges long-held and cherished opinions while inspiring readers to think new thoughts and imagine new possibilities, then this is a great book--and one that all American Christians (in particular) need to read! This diverse collection of excellent essays serves as a prophetic call for American Christians to wake up from our political slumber and realize how we’ve been seduced by the idols of nationalism and political power."
--Greg Boyd, author of The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Political Power Is Destroying the Church (2006)

"Half the electorate typically stays home on election day, and not an eyebrow is raised. But if one suggests that people shouldn’t vote for religious reasons, be prepared to run for cover--you’re guaranteed a firestorm of outrage and indignation. The ‘sacred right to vote’ still generates powerful emotions, even among those who don’t make it to the shrine on a regular basis. And that’s why the Christian community owes a debt to Ted Lewis and his contributors for raising the uncomfortable question of whether voting may be incompatible with the practice of Christian discipleship. Electing Not to Vote is a provocative but respectful collection that deserves serious attention from Christians of all sorts."
--Michael L. Budde, Department of Political Science, DePaul University