Should A Christian Be Involved In Politics?
by Alan Summers (Scotland)
This is a subject that divides Christians. Some believe that a Christian should be involved in politics so that the Christian's view of the world and Christianity's moral values can be brought to bear on the legislative process. Others believe that Christians should not be involved in politics because the aims of Christianity are not political. They feel that since Christians will never command the support of the majority, there is little point in trying to influence a process that can never conform to Christian values. Who is right?
In New Testament times authority was largely in the hands of kings whose authority was based on hereditary right or military power. Rome may have had its Senate and Israel its Sanhedrin, but parliaments elected by the citizens of a country were completely unknown. Hence when we read passages that discuss the Christian's relationship with "the powers that be" (Rom. 13:1), we will not find guidance that speaks directly to the political structures of the 21st century.
However, it is noticeable that the Lord Jesus did not attempt to confront the military or civil powers of His day. He confined Himself to a message of spiritual renewal. Likewise Paul did not seek to build institutions designed to confront secular authority. Instead he preached the gospel and sought to support the Christians in a spiritual and pastoral manner. It is true that their spiritual message brought them into conflict with authority and that they did not hesitate to defend themselves before kings and magistrates, but neither the Lord nor the apostles sought to form movements which were designed to oppose or engage with civil power.
The examples of the Lord Jesus and Paul powerfully argue that the Christian is not meant to be engaged in politics. He has other priorities.
There is also an argument based on pragmatism. The Christians that have formed Christian political parties in the 21st century have made no impact at the polls. In a world that hates Christ and despises Christian values, the chance of Christianity becoming electorally attractive is very remote. Why should we waste time and money on a futile cause? Many Christians who seek election to political office and engage in political activity believe what is called "Kingdom theology". They do not distinguish between the spiritual and the secular. They see the Church as the continuance of Israel and apply Old Testament texts that deal with civil issues to the present day. They believe that the gospel will triumph and that once the gospel has prevailed Christ will return. However, the Bible teaches that this world is doomed and that the antichrist will rise before Christ comes back to establish His kingdom. We cannot change the world. Its destiny is sealed. Our only message for the world is the gospel.
That is not to say that we should not stand up for what we believe. We have a responsibility to be "salt" Matt. 5.13 and "light" Phil. 2.15. Nevertheless, there is a line to be drawn between this and engaging in political activity. I do not think the Christian should become politically active or vote for parties whose policies are opposed to the Word of God.
from the November/December 2016 issue of "Assembly Testimony," pages 126-127
www.assemblytestimony.org
