Pulpit or Podium: Should Christians be involved in Politics?
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A question that has been raised in one form or the other. Should Christians be involved in politics?! To some the answer is a resounding no! But I beg to differ, Christians should be involved in politics beyond casting their vote on election day. The question rather should be how can Christians be faithful to God and effective in politics? This is the key question that Christians have to answer and as I am Christian myself, this is the question that I have to answer as well. As Christians we cannot ignore the reality of the world around us, nor can we pretend that our faith has nothing to do with public service. We need to see clearly what God's Word says and what our role is as citizens. This is not a matter of choosing sides or winning arguments, it's a matter of following the moral compass that God has given us. Do we withdraw from politics and focus on worship? Or do we engage with politics and stand up for justice and righteousness?
Big disclaimer
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Now for my first disclaimer I must add, not all Christians are good Christians, many are a work in progress. And by no means am I saying Christians are a superior type of humans. This not a ‘holier than thou’ article. And yes, I know that there are politicians who are Christians already. What I am saying is that we need more God fearing Christians in office who are more concerned with serving and upholding morals than politicking and lining their pockets.
My second disclaimer is that just because a politician says that they are a Christian does not mean they actually are. Before a Christian says ‘I am a Christian’ you should see it…
Matthew 7:15-16
15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them.
For the purpose of this article, I am talking about real Christians who first love the Lord and then their neighbour as they love themselves.
Why should Christians be involved in politics?
Well….because being a Christian is not about praying, fasting and worshipping only. It is not a Sunday ‘thing’ (or which ever day you attend service) but an everyday ‘thing’. It is a very practical way of life rooted in the Word of God and politics matters because it affects many aspects of our lives and society. We have a duty to be aware, involved, and active citizens.
Jesus said to his followers in Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”
Salt has many functions, such as preserving, seasoning, and purifying. In the same way, Christians are called to influence the world for good, to bring justice, mercy, and righteousness. By participating in politics, Christians can help shape the laws and policies that affect society and uphold biblical values. Politics is not a dirty or worldly affair, but a God-given opportunity to serve Him and His kingdom.
Why do Christians shy away from politics
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Politics is a dynamic and exciting field for anyone who is passionate about making a difference in the world. Despite this, some Christians are reluctant to pursue a political career for various reasons. For Christians, as it should be for politicians, integrity and ethics are important values however, modern politics can pose many challenges and risks to these values. Some of these challenges include:
Corruption: Politicians may be tempted or pressured to accept bribes, favours, or donations from powerful interests that influence their decisions and actions.
Polarization: Politicians may be forced or encouraged to adopt extreme positions that divide the society and create conflicts. This can erode the respect and dialogue among different groups and perspectives.
Populism: Politicians may resort to appealing to emotions, fears, or prejudices of the masses rather than providing rational arguments and evidence. This can manipulate the public opinion and distort the truth.
Media: Politicians may face constant scrutiny and criticism from the media, which can be biased, sensationalist, or hostile. This can affect their reputation and credibility, as well as their mental health and well-being.
These are some of the challenges of modern politics however, getting involved in politics does not mean that we give up our faith or our values. We should not let others or the world change our minds or our hearts, but follow God's word and the Holy Spirit's direction. As Christians we have a great mission and a great hope. The mission is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone, including those in power. The hope is that one day Jesus will return and establish His kingdom of peace, justice, and joy. Until then, we have a responsibility to work for His kingdom values in every area of life, including politics.
The Power of Faith: How Christian Politicians Influenced History
Throughout history, countless Christians have made a difference by engaging in the political sphere. Here are just a few examples:
Esther: While Esther may have begun as a beautiful but hidden Jewish orphan in the Persian court, her courage blossomed under the pressure of genocide. Rising to become queen, she risked her life to expose a deadly plot against her people, using her wit and unwavering faith to turn the king's favour and secure the survival of her people, the Israelites. From orphan to queen, Esther's story stands as a powerful testament to bravery, faith, and the transformative impact of speaking out against injustice.
Daniel: As a young Hebrew captive in Babylon, Daniel became a trusted advisor by revealing dreams with remarkable insight and faith. He faced dangerous challenges like a den of hungry lions and a deadly conspiracy, but he impressed kings with his honesty and guided them with God's wisdom. More than a dreamer, Daniel showed his value in political matters, earning high ranks and promoting justice. He stood up to unfair laws and foresaw the rise and fall of empires. Daniel's life demonstrates bravery, intelligence, and a strong faith that bridged cultural gaps and influenced the course of history.
Nehemiah: Nehemiah was not just a cupbearer to a Persian king, but a man of vision and action. When he learned about the dismal condition of his homeland, Jerusalem, its walls broken and its people hopeless, his faith sparked a passion. With the king's blessing, he returned to Jerusalem. Through his relentless leadership and inspiring energy, the people united to restore the city's walls and their spiritual fire. Nehemiah's legacy was not only stone and mortar, but a witness to the power of faith, community, and never giving up on what matters most. He shows us that even the lowliest can rise to become builders of change.
William Wilberforce: a young politician transformed by faith, waged a tireless 26-year battle against the monstrous British slave trade. Fueled by his evangelical beliefs and unshakeable conviction, he defied ridicule and powerful lobbies, finally abolishing the trade in 1807. Though his crusade didn't end there, he continued fighting for complete slavery abolition, a victory he witnessed just days before his death in 1833, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and unwavering commitment to justice.
Martin Luther King Jr.: Martin Luther King Jr., a visionary Baptist minister, ignited the American Civil Rights Movement through his unwavering commitment to nonviolent resistance. King, inspired by Christian principles and Mahatma Gandhi's tactics, led landmark campaigns like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, dismantling segregationist laws and forever altering the fabric of American society. His eloquent speeches, like "I Have a Dream," galvanized millions with a message of love, justice, and equality, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize and cementing his legacy as a beacon of hope in the fight for racial equality.
These individuals, and many others, demonstrate that Christians can have a profound impact on the world through political engagement.
Making a Difference Through Political Engagement
So, how can we translate our faith into action within the political sphere? Here are some ways we, as Christians, can make a difference:
1. Educate yourself on the current political issues or trends
As Christians, we have a responsibility to be informed and engaged citizens. We should not blindly follow the opinions of others, but rather educate ourselves on the issues and political candidates that affect our lives and our faith. Here are some tips on how to do that:
Pray for wisdom and discernment - Ask God to guide you in your research and decision-making process. He knows the hearts and minds of all people, and He can help you see beyond the surface level of what is presented to you.
Do your homework - Don't rely on one source of information, but look for different perspectives and facts. Check the credibility and bias of the sources you use, and compare them with what the Bible says. Be aware of fake news and propaganda that may try to deceive or manipulate you.
Listen to others - Seek out conversations with people who have different views and experiences than you. Try to understand their perspectives and reasons, and share your own respectfully. Don't argue or judge, but listen and learn. You may find some common ground or new insights that can help you form your own opinion.
By educating ourselves on the issues and political trends, we can honor God with our political involvement and make a positive difference in our society.
2. Vote wisely and responsibly
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As followers of Christ, we have a duty to honor God with our choices and actions. That includes our political participation. Again, we are called to be the salt of the world, and to seek the common good of our society. Here are some principles that can guide us as we prepare to cast our ballots in future elections:
Consider the impact of your vote on others - Think about how your vote will affect the poor, the oppressed, the marginalized, and the unborn. Think about how your vote will promote peace, freedom, and human dignity. Think about how your vote will advance God's kingdom and His glory.
Vote with conviction and grace - Don't compromise your faith or your conscience, but stand firm on what you believe is right. Don't judge or condemn others who disagree with you, but respect their opinions and their freedom. Don't be afraid or ashamed of your vote, but be confident and humble.
Remember, voting is a privilege and a responsibility that we should not take lightly. It is also an opportunity to witness to our faith and to serve our neighbors. Let us vote wisely and responsibly, as faithful stewards of God's grace.
3. Advocate for causes that matter to you
As Christians, we are called to love God and love our neighbors (Mark 12:30-31). One of the ways we can do this is by advocating for causes that matter to us and to God, such as justice, peace and human dignity. Advocacy is not just about speaking up for ourselves, but also for those who are marginalized, oppressed, or voiceless in our society. But how do we advocate effectively and faithfully? Here are some tips:
Pray - Before you engage in any advocacy work, pray for wisdom, guidance, and humility. Pray for the people and issues you care about, and for the leaders and decision-makers who have the power to make a difference. Pray also for your own heart, that you would be motivated by love and not by anger, pride, or fear.
Communicate respectfully - When you speak or write to others about your causes, be respectful and courteous. Use clear and accurate language and avoid exaggeration or distortion. Acknowledge the complexity and nuance of the issues and avoid oversimplifying or demonizing. Listen to different opinions and perspectives and try to understand where they are coming from. Avoid personal attacks or insults and focus on the issues instead.
Collaborate with others - You don't have to advocate alone. Find out if there are any organizations, churches, or groups that share your passion and vision for your causes. Join them or partner with them in their advocacy efforts. Learn from their experiences and expertise and contribute your own skills and resources. Build relationships and networks with other advocates and allies who can support you and amplify your voice.
Take action - Advocacy is not just about talking, but also about doing. Find out what actions you can take to make a positive impact on your causes. This could include signing petitions, contacting your representatives, attending rallies or events, volunteering for a project, donating to a cause, or raising awareness among your friends, family, or community. Be creative and consistent in your actions and follow up on the outcomes.
Conclusion
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Should Christians be involved in politics? The Bible teaches us to be fair and kind, but the world is full of challenges – for people in need, for voices that are ignored, for our planet that is suffering. Can we just stay apart, each doing our own thing? No way! As Christians, we have a mission to join the public conversation, not with hate or arrogance, but with open hearts and willing hands. We can't say we love God and turn a blind eye to the issues that affect His creation. Our values of human dignity and justice aren't only for Sundays; they're guides to create a better society. And if we keep quiet, the noisiest voices will overpower mercy. So, let's be the salt of the earth, bringing truth and offering solutions. History shows that Christians like Esther and Martin Luther King Jr. transformed the world through action. So let's integrate our faith into the fabric of society, healing communities and spreading hope. The world needs our voices, our values, and our steadfast commitment to justice. Let's respond to the call, not with doubt, but with hearts on fire and hands ready to work!
May God bless you as you seek to make a difference in the world.
