Peace in Babylon (0): Introduction
The Blog of Nathan D. Smith

In my opinion, the only way to vote righteously is to vote self-righteously.

I wrote the above nearly four years ago in the culmination of my reflections on Electing Not to Vote - a collection of essays on Christian non-voting. I still believe what I wrote then.

In this new US presidential election cycle we are again confronted with the question of how voting should reflect values, ethics, and faith. In the coming weeks I will reiterate the problems with Christian participation in our formal political system. I will also work to provide moreconstructiveideas for what Christians can do to live out our faith in the realm of politics.

I decided to call this series "Peace in Babylon" after God's instructions to the exiles in Babylon, as found in Jeremiah 29:7:

Work to see that the city where I sent you as exiles enjoys peace and prosperity. Pray to the Lord for it. For as it prospers you will prosper.

I think the Babylonian exile provides a helpful metaphor for our current political situation. In exploring this parallel I hope to find some helpful insights for our current political situation.