Yes I do all the time.

Oh and sorry to say this, but It seems you are going to hell with all the other democrats.

That was a joke you know

That's why I never tell anyone who I'm voting for, even if it's for the "church approved" candidate. I also refuse to sign petitions in church and I leave the sanctuary if the announcements or sermon turn to political matters. I have an abhorrence of church and politics mixing because it does make those who have differing opinions feel disenfranchised and unwelcome when they wish to worship. Since we left our old church and began attending a different one, those moments of discomfort on Sunday morning are gone and I haven't once had to refuse to sign a petition in the church foyer.

I talk about it with friends and family. Despite the fact that about 80% of my family is Republican, I still vote Democrat because I believe in Obama's policies. In fact, my cousin in Boston (who is a hardcore Republican) is actually not voting this year because she always voted Republican and she's isn't comfortable with McCain. But, it is wrong of your pastor and his wife to tell you you're not a Christian simply because you voted Democrat. We, as people, need to leave religion out of politics. Regardless of the fact that Christianity is the largest religion in the world, the United States of America is a free country: freedom of speech, press and freedom to worship whomever you wish. To full press Christianity on a diverse and free nation makes it . . . well, not free at all. 

my advice: find a new church.  a pastor has absolutely no business telling you how to vote.  no one does, really. 

but i feel your pain... my dad is a Republican, and he makes sure i know i'm going to Hell for being an Obama fangirl ;) 

Gods will, will be done no matter what.  Pray and vote.  That's all that is important.  Ask the Lord who you should vote for and if you feel in your heart that is the right decision then go with it.  To be quite honest, associating yourself with a party doesn't mean that you are a follower of Christ. To vote based off of one issue, seems a little silly that's like buying a car only because it has nice wheels, what about whats under the hood...People are going to have to work out there own salvation with fear and trembling...so leave it at that. I don't agree with abortion, wont do it.  If someone dose do it, i will pray for them. That's all i can do. That's all anyone can do. 

What did your youth pastor say about all of this???

I voted for W, not simply b/c he's a born-again Christian, but b/c there was no way in hades I was going to vote for someone who was pro-murder like Kerry (pro-choice = pro-murder in my book).

That's really ignorant of your pastor and church community to question your beliefs. I'm atheist, but I agree with the notion that we should love our neighbors and that we are all different. People of the same religion are obviously very diverse, especially Christians. Ethiopian Christians in the United States may have felt Kerry was a better representation of their values (random example, I know nothing about how their church contrasts with other christian groups (Roman Catholics, etc)). You're totally right though: what many people are too ignorant to understand is that everyone is their own person that should be able to do what they want. If I want to, I can do heroin but I would face obvious repercussions. If I feel like the benefits from doing heroin are greater than the negative consequences, then it shouldn't matter to anyone else what I do (I don't do drugs :), just sayin as an example). Likewise, abortion is a choice given to a woman that should not be taken away. One woman may feel it is equal to murder, the other may not. You can't force your moral codes on other people

Gosh, I understand. I consider myself both a Christian and a Democrat, and it can sometimes be a huge issue. I personally think it's very possible, and that my political and religious views are complementary, but a lot of people don't. I get a lot of flack about it. I wore a "Christians for Kerry" button a lot during the last election year. 

@lastingoptions@xanga - Abortion was a relevant part of the topic. Did you read the post?

I do, but for one, I won't talk to someone I know will take MY opinion personally or a personal attack on them, and two, I won't talk to someone I know who will try to beat their choice into me.  In general when it comes to anyone work-related, general strangers or clergy, voting should be a personal choice.  You should vote for whom you believe to be the better candidate and who you feel convicted to vote for.  Don't become part of someone else's campaign to do what THEY think is right.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, I can relate to people raising their eye at you.  I am Conservative, but I am not part of the religious right.  I am pro-life for myself, but in general, I am pro-choice.  I don't feel it's my place to make those choices for someone else nor judge them for it.  That is like breaking a cardinal rule as a Conservative, so I feel like my identity is questioned all the time, too.

I have learned as I have voted democrat in the past on many occasions that my politics is personal and I never endorse someone or talk about it in church or with other people unless I am really really close to them and know that it will be kept in confidence.

Sojourners put out a message last election to remind people that God is not a Republician nor a Democrat. There are people on both sides with very strong Christian beliefs - Jimmy Carter for example is a very devout Baptist and Democrat.