When Religion, Conscience, and Choice Collide

14 Mar

There is something about the nervous system when it finally softens and feels safe. When the body relaxes, things that were once buried often begin to surface.

Reflection becomes possible. Curiosity replaces reaction.

This week has been one of those times of reflection.

With the current election cycle, many people are thinking about their responsibility to vote. In Australia, voting is required by law, so it may seem unusual to hear someone say they don’t vote. Yet since coming of age, I have been a conscientious objector. In Australia there is a process where you can complete a declaration explaining that your faith prevents you from participating in voting.

As a young Christian, this was the path I chose.

At the time, the reasoning was simple: God is the ultimate judge and ruler. I could not see examples in Scripture where people chose their rulers through voting. The belief was that placing trust in human authority, rather than God’s sovereignty, was not aligned with my faith.

So I chose not to vote.

But if I’m honest, at that age I accepted this teaching largely because it was the belief of the church I belonged to. I hadn’t yet examined it deeply for myself.

Years later, when we left that church, something shifted. I finally had the space and capacity to reflect for myself rather than simply inherit a position. I revisited the question: Do I still believe this?

After reflection, I realised that I still don’t vote.

But the reason is no longer simply because a religion told me not to.

It is because I personally wrestle with the question:

What human leader is truly righteous, wise, and sound enough for me to place my support behind?

When we vote, in many ways we are agreeing to the system, the rules, and the authority that comes with that leadership. For me, that has always been a difficult place to stand in faith.

Scripture reminds us that ultimately authority belongs to God:

“The Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.” Daniel 4:17

This belief has guided my conscience for many years.

Yet reflection has also brought another layer of awareness. When I look back at the religion I once belonged to, I notice something that now feels like a contradiction. On one hand, the teaching was that we should not judge others or involve ourselves in political authority. Yet within that same system, individuals who stepped outside certain rules could be cut off or disfellowshipped.

Is this not also a form of judgement?

Jesus himself said:

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” Matthew 7:1

The tension between these ideas made me reflect deeply.

Then came the pandemic years.

During that time, many of us were faced with decisions around government mandates, medical choices, and personal conscience. For our family, we came back to a simple principle: if something conflicted with our faith or sense of what God was asking of us, then God must come first.

We truly believed in letting go and letting God.

But what was difficult to witness was not simply the difference of opinion among Christians, it was the judgement that sometimes followed. Social media became a place where people voiced strong views. Friendships fractured. Some people were cut off because their choices or convictions differed.

Yet each person was simply acting according to their own conscience.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

“Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.” Romans 14:5

And also:

“Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall.” Romans 14:4

These words have stayed with me.

They remind me that ultimately we are accountable to God, not to one another’s approval.

As I reflect on my own journey, I also ask myself an important question:

Am I doing the very thing I am questioning in others?

It’s easy to see the contradictions in others. Much harder to see them in ourselves.

For me, the difference lies in this: I have always been prepared to accept the consequences of my decision not to vote. If laws or rules are made that challenge my faith, I don’t feel I placed that person in power. My responsibility remains to follow God first.

That may not be the right decision for everyone. And that’s okay.

Faith journeys are personal.

In life we often make choices based on culture, religion, family traditions, or expectations. Sometimes we follow paths simply because we always have. But we are also given something powerful…. Free Will.

The freedom to examine.

The freedom to question.

The freedom to sit in discomfort and ask ourselves honestly:

Am I doing this because I truly believe it is right before God?
Or because I have always done it?
Or because I am afraid to decide for myself?

Scripture reminds us that even repentance and change can come late in life. The story of Manasseh is a powerful example. Known as one of the most wicked kings in the Bible, he eventually humbled himself before God.