Ever since the dawn of democracy in the early nineties one thing has always baffled me: how Christians make up about 80% of the South African population but a Christian party has never won at the polls. In fact only about 2% of this 80% have supported a Christian party like the ACDP. So what’s the story with the other 78% of Christians? Here are some possible explanations:
1. Millions of Christians in South Africa have been easily persuaded by a party’s brand and size and less concerned about the party’s manifesto. This is a great tragedy especially when we consider that the big-name parties like the ANC and DA have manifestos that oppose Christian values & biblical principles.
2. Christians vote for non-Christian parties because they fear for their future. We must admit then that the true motivation behind the Christian vote is fear - not faith. People’s insecurities will always manifest as the election draws near. They always choose the familiar and the safe at the expense of their faith. So generally Black Christians will vote ANC or IFP, White Christians will stick with the DA and so on. This is immaturity personified and it reflects the undone-ness of God’s church!
3. Many well-meaning born-again Christians subscribe to the idea that elections & voting is secular and not for mature Christians. They propose that the church should be separate from the state. The church should only pray. These Christians will not vote for a Christian party and may sometimes be hostile towards Christian parties.
4. A large portion of the 80% are made up of Zion Christians, the Shembe movement and other Afro-Christian ancestral movements. Generally these so-called Christians may have their allegiance with the ruling party. A Christian party is taboo for them.
5. A number of Christians have become disillusioned by the empty promises of political campaigns & the lack of service delivery. They are indifferent towards the elections because they feel it makes no difference. As God-fearing Christian, their disillusionment may also arise from the minority representation of the population with Christian parties
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