Data shows that 87.3% of the electorate voted in the Scottish referendum compared with little more than 60% in recent general elections. Christians who disengage from politics and refuse to vote are actually voting for the status quo and magnifying the influence of non-believers who are politically engaged. As Disraeli said: ‘History is made by those who turn up.’
Dr Brandon calls on Christians to fulfil their democratic responsibility next May, but also suggests that, between now and then, we should be working out – amid biblical reflection, prayer and conversation with others – how to vote on the issues and challenges facing Britain, on the basis of God’s values.
Brandon pulls no punches in his observation of the visionless state of contemporary British politics. He explains how a relational framework can help us apply biblical principles to our political thinking and voting. He does not recommend specific policies or parties, but includes five contributions from active politicians who tell us why we should vote for their party.
Votewise 2015 offers a relational approach to ten domestic and global issues, showing why secular policies have not always delivered sustainable outcomes, as well as offering alternatives that he believes would. The virtue of Brandon’s approach is that relational thinking is thoroughly biblical but can be communicated in non-religious language that is intelligible to the unchurched.
Brandon relates how Gavin Shuker MP pulled together a Christian group in Luton that made a real difference. This book could help readers do something similar in their own communities.
