I, too, have pacifist friends who live in la-la land. Drives me nuts.
Good government is a gift of God and requires participation on the part of Christians in order to be virtuous. It is never an end in itself, but through government our neighbor is served, being permitted peaceably to go about his business, which is also serving one’s neighbor though various stations and vocations along the way.
Amen!
I would be stronger.
Our form of government REQUIRES the participation of its citizens (even though it is ultimately flawed, being of man).
Religion is not banned, as in some countries. It is the opposite - Amendment 1. The representative process requires participation. Freedom of speech recognizes that we speak up and against as necessary. We live under the rule of law, not of a king.
So I must be aware, become educated, educate others, and vote.
This is for the good of all the citizens.