SOP on Political Issues

Here is something I came across that as brethren we must all read and think about... 'Our Attitude in Regard to Politics

Those who have charge of our institutions and our schools should guard themselves diligently, lest by their words and sentiments they lead the students into false paths. Those who teach the Bible in our churches and our schools are not at liberty to unite in making apparent their prejudices for or against political men or measures, because by so doing they stir up the minds of others, leading each to advocate his favorite theory. There are among those professing to believe present truth, some who will thus be stirred up to express their sentiments and political preferences, so that division will be brought into the church. {GW 391.1}

The Lord would have His people bury political questions. On these themes silence is eloquence. Christ calls upon His followers to come into unity on the pure gospel principles which are plainly revealed in the word of God. We cannot with safety vote for political parties; for we do not know whom we are voting for. We cannot with safety take part in any political scheme. We cannot labor to please men who will use their influence to repress religious liberty, and to set in operation oppressive measures to lead or compel their fellow-men to keep Sunday as the Sabbath. The first day of the week is not a day to be reverenced. It is a spurious sabbath, and the members of the Lord's family cannot participate with the men who exalt this day, and violate the law of God by trampling upon His Sabbath. The people of God are not to vote to place such men in office; for when they do this, they are partakers with them of the sins which they commit while in office. {GW 391.2}

Imagine Israel trying to decide to vote for the king of the north or the king of the south.

That about sizes it up!!!

There will never be a sinless human being in politics. This leaves no one to vote for, no democracy.
Was Ellen White in favour of a King?

Perhaps the best policy is not to join any political party. |

But that doesn't mean we shouldn't talk about the principles and how they will affect the country.
A.T.Jones, an Adventist leader, went right to government legislature and presented his case against certain policies the government was seeking to legislate. (Sunday closure laws)
He addressed a specific issue. That's different from running down, or exalting a person running for power.

I don't think this is a blanket command not to vote in a national election. It says "not safe to vote for a political party". That's sounds more like not joining a particular party.
"It is a mistake for you to link your interests with any political party, to cast your vote with them or for them."

EGW does tell people to vote for principles however -- RH, Nov. 8, 1881.{DG 123.2} She tells people to "exert their influence by voice and pen and vote--in favor of prohibition and total abstinence.-"

As to political leaders, she wrote: "The people of God are not to vote to place such men in office" What type of men are they not to vote into office? Men who "use their influence to repress religious liberty, and to set in operation oppressive measures to lead or compel their fellow men to keep Sunday as the Sabbath. "

That basically means one shouldn't vote for either Trump or Biden.
Biden;s enthusiastic endorsement of the climate change measures, and profession of being catholic, make it almost certain there will soon be a law for "Green Sabbath" (Sunday). He and the pope are already talking about partnership in favor of the vatican and climate change program.

Trump who has been heralded as the "savior" of Christianity, and the hope of seeing America restored, could also be inclined to do what his Christian support base urge, and give the blue laws authority once again.
So should a USA Adventist vote for either one? I suppose one could check out some of the "Lessor" parties -- and check out what they stand for, if one feels they should vote.

We are also told "We should now be doing our very best to defeat this Sunday law.--CW 97, 98 (1906). {LDE 128.1}

We can vote our conscious, but to promote any man is not part of the gospel we are to give.

We are fine with doing Gods work in going against evil and Satan's work, but to join political parties or similar alliances is not for Gods people.

Why then do some in the church run for political office?

Does this tell us anything about their spiritual condition?

Many are brought into the political field by the response to their ideas and stands on issues, but it still is the praise of men and needs to be seen as such.

Well, we can see that it matters not whether right or left, they can be radicals and extremist on either side. We cannot be in league with the political parties or groups, only the issues of morality that God ordains.