Democracy is a system of government by the whole population or all eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives. There are no pure democracies in the world. Truthfully, human nature would make it very difficult to have a true democracy—one in which every person has an equal voice—without elected representatives.
In Western countries, the most popular form of government is actually a constitutional republic. In this system, the people of the country, in adherence to a constitution, elect members of the populace to represent them in making laws and policies. This form of government, though far from perfect, does help all people to have a say in how they live and how they are governed.
Constitutional republics include people with different views, often represented by varying political parties. Republican, Democrat, Liberal, Conservative, Labor, Green, Workers, and others are some of the parties that currently exist in such countries. Unfortunately, it has become common for members of each of these parties to accuse the others of being a “threat to democracy.”
From a Christian standpoint, democracy aligns with the God-given gift of Free Will—the ability to make choices. We have the freedom to follow God’s commandments (or not), to obey the law or break it, to treat others with kindness or cruelty. With Free Will comes responsibility, as every choice carries consequences, both good and bad. As Christians, we must discern how to use our Free Will in accordance with God’s Will—a task that is neither simple nor agreed upon by all Christians.
While policies and laws can themselves pose a threat to the democratic system of government, as individuals we always have the power to respect the rights of others. No political party has a lock on the truth. A thriving democracy depends on listening, learning, and being open to thoughtful dialogue.
When we exercise our Free Will in a way that upholds Christian values—respect, justice, and love for our neighbors—we help secure democracy for generations to come.
