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In a recent article on MSNBC, Dwight McKissic Sr., pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas, chose to explain how, though he "hates abortion, opposes gay marriage... is voting for Harris". That is just the title.
I have read and heard over the past several years, going back to Trump's first run for president, conservatives, Republicans, and well-known Christian leaders denouncing not only their vote for the Republican candidate but voicing their support for the opposition. And though I wish the opposition means the independent or no one at all, these people are throwing away their beliefs for a pure hatred of one man.
Longtime Republican pastor Dwight McKissic Sr., announced his decision to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris over Donald Trump. He explained his reasoning by saying, “I’m voting for character and competence and for the candidate who ‘has the capacity and bandwidth to demonstrate respect and high regard’ for everybody made in the image of God.” That’s a worthy goal, but I think there’s a bigger picture. As Christians, when we step into the voting booth, it’s not just about who’s likable or has the “best” character; it’s about who is most likely to stand for the values God calls us to uphold. I still think you can vote Republican, even if you don’t love the candidate.
McKissic noted that he still believes in the sanctity of life and the biblical view of marriage, saying, “I still believe in the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman and feel just as passionately about protecting life in the womb as I ever have.” These aren’t just “social issues”—they’re central to the way we practice our faith and impact real lives.
Scripture calls Christians to protect life and honor God’s design for marriage. For decades, the Republican Party has supported policies that uphold these beliefs. The Democrats, on the other hand, openly support unrestricted abortion rights and redefine marriage to fit a secular view. If we were to vote for a party that goes against these core principles, we’d be putting aside values that are foundational to our faith.
McKissic also pointed out Trump’s many flaws, saying, “The party I knew and loved would have never chosen as its nominee the adulterous, childish, habitually lying and criminally convicted Donald Trump.” And maybe you agree with him, that Trump has many personal issues that are hard to ignore. But here’s the thing: no candidate is perfect. Harris certainly isn't either. God has used flawed individuals throughout history, from David to Paul, to carry out His will. While character matters, we can’t afford to make it the only thing we consider, especially when the policy stakes are so high.
If we’re holding out for a sinless candidate, we’ll be waiting a long time, because there hasn't been one yet. Instead, we need to think about whose policies will best allow us to live out our faith and protect biblical values in society. Supporting someone doesn’t mean we endorse every part of their personal life—it means we’re prioritizing the issues we feel most strongly about.
McKissic aslo confessed that he felt like “a political party outcast on the two major social issues I’ve always used to guide my voting decisions.” He decided to change his criteria, choosing to vote for character rather than principles. But abandoning our convictions on life and marriage for one election cycle could set a precedent with long-lasting consequences.
As Christians, we’re called to be a voice for the voiceless and to stand up for those who can’t defend themselves (Proverbs 31:8-9). This means protecting innocent lives, including unborn babies, and upholding the family structure God created. Compromising on these values for short-term peace may feel right in the moment, but it could lead to a society where Christian beliefs hold less influence over the laws and culture our kids will inherit.
The pastor concluded his article by quoting Matthew 7, saying, “A tree that doesn’t bear good fruit should be cut down and tossed into the fire. That’s how I think evangelicals should treat today’s Republican Party.” But as Christians, we’re called to love others without abandoning truth. Jesus taught us to balance love and conviction, to stand for what’s right while still praying for our leaders and showing respect where we can.
Loving our neighbor doesn’t mean we give up on our values, and it certainly doesn’t mean we ignore the harm certain policies may cause. My vote is not just about my personal feelings toward the candidate; it’s about which policies will better protect life, defend marriage, and allow Christians the freedom to live out their faith in society.
In the end, my vote isn’t about loyalty to a party—it’s about loyalty to God’s principles. Even though the decision may be difficult, I believe the right thing to do is support leaders who protect these values. Yes, character is important, and yes, I want leaders who are people of integrity. But the policies they uphold, especially around issues like life and marriage, have consequences that far outlast one election cycle. As Christians, we’re called to stand firm on biblical truths and trust that God can work even through imperfect leaders to fulfill His purpose.
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