Christians Should be Involved in Politics

“Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.’” Mark 12:17

There are groups of people who believe that Christians have no business being involved in civil governance or ‘politics’.  This is seen in at least two forms. There are Christians who believe along the lines of “The only government we need is God, the King”. Non-Christian or irreligious people may complain that “If Christians participate in politics, they’ll just push their morality on the rest of us.” I believe these views are mistaken.

While the Christian’s first allegiance must certainly be to God (Acts 4:29) there is nothing in the Bible which suggests that Christians should shun the leaders over them.  In fact, we are admonished to honor them (1 Peter 2:13-17), subject ourselves to them (Titus 3:1-2) and pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-2.) Perhaps this is especially true since in our Republic, it is ideally the will of the people that has placed the leaders where they are. As for those who suggest that Christians will push their morality on them, is it not these people who are by silencing Christian voices, trying to push their morality (or moral relativity) on the rest? What makes them think that their view is superior? Shouldn’t the people make that choice?

As mentioned in ‘Separation of Church and State’, it is important to remember that the US Constitution is written such that the people are safeguarded from any religious institution having the power of government but are able to worship as they see fit without government intervention. This, plus the idea that this world is not a Christian’s ultimate home (Hebrews 13:14,) might make us wonder why Christians should care about civil government. The reason is that the nature of good government requires all citizens to participate.

“The purpose of government is to enable the people of a nation to live in safety and happiness. Government exists for the interests of the governed, not for the governors.” Thomas Jefferson

Government is intended to provide a framework in which individuals give some of their freedom in order to be able to pursue their needs and wants without the fears and problems that are inherent in a state of anarchy. At its basic level, the purpose of government is to protect the governed from threats, both within and without. There is nothing about this purpose which conflicts with the Bible. The founders saw no conflict between being Christian and participating in the government either. George Washington said that doing what good citizens do is actually secondary to the duties of religion.

“While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.”

I believe that at a minimum, a Christian should be an informed voter, participating at the polls for local, state and federal elections. There is no reason a Christian person should not participate by electioneering or running for office if they feel called. More Christian people participating in government would still be constrained by the Constitution to honor the will of the people, but might be able speak some grace, consistency and rationality into policy discussions.

Still, Christians must be careful about letting earthly/civil issues become idols, capturing too much of our time and energy. Also, while our stand for Christ should be very visible, our political choices do not need to be presented with evangelistic fervor. If you don’t want to participate in the cultural discussion about political candidates and issues, don’t. There is a reason that ballots are private. If you do participate, don’t let ‘…the rules of power displace the command to love’. (Phillip Yancy.) Let grace and faith season all our conversations.

Let us embrace our role as Christian citizens.