By Bernard E. Johnson

The question was direct. “How are you planning to vote in the upcoming election?” The question came from an airline seatmate at 30,000 feet. “Ben” was an outgoing, overtly Republican businessman from New York. When he learned that I was a clergyman the conversation turned to what he felt was wrong with America. His list included “anti-war protestors, liberal journalists, Hilary Clinton and that “closet Muslim” Obama, gay liberation activists and feminists.”

One truthful answer to the man’s question would have been, “I haven’t decided yet.” The answer I chose to give was, “I am still in the planning process.” To which my travel mate asked, “What on earth does that mean?” At that point the pilot announced that we were beginning our descent into Minneapolis. Our conversation ended in favor of stowing our laptops and final visits to the lavatory.

Had I been able to answer the man’s last question I would have said that exercising my right to vote is a solemn duty that deserves reflection, research and, yes, even prayer. I would also have said that such a process could lead a loyal American to vote for any presidential candidates to come before us this year. That fact alone makes me proud to be an American. At the same time, I believe there is something more important to consider.

It has to do with one’s answer to the question, “On what have I rested my ultimate trust and confidence?” Do not dismiss this question too quickly. It is a very important consideration. The conventional wisdom is that we can only trust ourselves. Self is the bottom line of trust, morals, identity and accountability. In the end you have to be “true to yourself.” This is the mantra of a culture that has elevated the individual to god-like status. There is no truth other than “your truth.” Truth has been reduced to opinion.

Some people might answer the question of whom do you trust in nationalistic, political or economic terms. Group thinking often rises to the level of something in which to put one’s faith. Communities of thought and opinion are a natural part of human social development. Communities of belief are powerful political forces that have shaped history down through the years. Most historians would agree that these movements have produced both admirable and less than admirable results.

I am thinking that bringing spiritual maturity to the voting booth requires having an ultimate trust in something greater than America, its military or a political party. Personally, I choose to believe that the major political parties in our country are equally committed to the future wellbeing of the nation. They simply differ on what that looks like and entails. My job as a citizen is to bring as much mature reflection as possible to the decision-making process.

As a Christian, my deepest loyalties are to Jesus Christ. His teachings are my primary reference point for evaluating candidates. I am particularly drawn to what Jesus taught on matters related to the poor, the powerless and the oppressed. His warnings about returning evil for evil, living and dying by the sword and counting the cost of major ventures also influence my thinking about national policies. In the end I will vote my conscience.

OK. If this is so how can Christians end up voting for different candidates? That’s because we are all limited and imperfect beings. The apostle, Paul, wrote about seeing in a glass darkly and understanding things only in part. (1 Corinthians 13) That is another way of saying my thoughts and perceptions are fragmented and clouded as if reflected in a dirty mirror. Put yet another way it means that the best of my reflections on life and politics are always partly wrong! That is both humbling and important to keep in mind.

In the final analysis this means that my vote in November will be informed by planning rooted in thoughtful reflection on the teachings I trust above all else. Even so, my thinking will be partial and flawed because of my human limitations. Christians every bit as sincere and devout as I am will cast votes different than mine. What is hopefully the same in all cases is that not one of us is expecting America, the Marines or our political party to save us in the end. Our trust is in something, yea “someone” greater than even the greatest nation on earth.

I do not believe this line of thought is limited to people of Christian faith. Most of the world’s religions call for faith in that which transcends self and the visible world. As someone has said, “If God is not greater than creation itself we are truly lost for something to trust.” Hopefully, as you consider how you will plan to vote this fall you will go deep into your spiritual tradition and convictions for guidance. In a nation founded on principles that include religious freedom, few things could be more patriotic than making one’s vote a matter of prayer.

 Dr. Bernard E. Johnson shares this space with the Revs. Timothy A. Johnson, Tim Power and Rod Anderson as well as spiritual writer Lauren Carlson-Vohs. “Spiritually Speaking” appears weekly.