Implied in this question, is the belief that politics is a completely anomalous category untethered to any other vocation or profession. It comes from an erroneous and sometimes a self-righteous position, that considers politics as defiling, and thus unfit for those who are serious about their Christian faith and the Gospel. However, this is not a stand that withstands intelligent scrutiny, nor is it compatible with Scripture. The Gospel has implications for all areas of life, including the political sphere.
It is important that Christians care about their worldview being presented in all walks of life. That does not mean that we impose our faith or morality on those who believe differently, or have no belief at all, but that participation in politics be viewed as an opportunity - an opportunity to influence, stand up for, and persuade people toward good, as we are motivated by Scriptures to do.
Speak out on behalf of the voiceless,
and for the rights of all who are vulnerable.
Speak out in order to judge with righteousness
and to defend the needy and the poor. Proverbs 31:8-10
Most concerns about Christian involvement in politics stem from the underlying assumption that it is impossible to be incorruptible in that sphere. That compromises, turning a blind eye, or bending convictions are inevitable. Certainly, as would apply to any other place of work, tact and wisdom in living out our Christian values are imperative. Daniel, was one of the highest-ranking administrators employed in the service of a pagan king. Perhaps, he could have declined a promotion, or opted out of that role altogether, since he was surrounded by ungodly influences. It might have been a pretty lonely position to be in, where almost no one else shared his values. Yet, the Bible testifies to Daniel’s use of discernment, and diplomacy in his responses to unbelievers, and ultimately God using Him for His purposes and to reveal His glory.
A very important distinction needs to be made at this point – between a Christian and the church. The church absolutely must not be involved in politics. Whenever religion has become politicized, it has become systemically rotten, and its effects felt for centuries. Think about religion becoming institutionalized after Constantine’s supposed conversion to Christianity. The Roman Empire began launching its territorial conquests in consultation with the Pope. Fidelity to Scripture, and the spread of the true Gospel of Christ, became casualties to the power struggles within the church.
Government derives its authority from God to promote good and restrain evil. In ‘How Christianity Changed the World’, Alvin Schmidt documents Christian influence in government. Examples include outlawing infanticide, child abandonment and gladiatorial games in ancient Rome, ending the practice of human sacrifice among European cultures, banning pedophilia and polygamy, and prohibiting the burning of widows in India. In the United States, two-thirds of abolitionists were Christian pastors. In the 1960s, Martin Luther King Jr., a Christian pastor, helped lead the civil rights movement against racial segregation and discrimination.
William Wilberforce was a British MP, who after coming to know Christ, saw that his position in Parliament could be used for God’s glory. He was uniquely gifted for a life in public service. He railed against the evils of the African slave trade, and played a key role in abolishing this wicked practice in England. He found great encouragement through his friend, John Newton, a former captain of a slave ship, who after his rebirth wrote the classic hymn, Amazing Grace. He would tell Wilberforce that God had raised him up ‘for such a time as this’ and that ‘God has brought you into public life and has a purpose for you’.
Christians should not have a defensive mindset and retreat from the public square. Christian withdrawal opens a moral vacuum, making our leaders susceptible to evil influences. Politics affects government, shapes society and influences culture. This is not to say, that the Gospel can spread only when there’s a conducive political environment; it can stagnate during times of political stability, and it can spread like wildfire even amongst hostile governments – the underground churches in China, Indonesia, North India, and the Middle East are testament to this fact.
Christian witness in the public square advances the cause of communicating timeless values about moral and ethical issues. As salt plays a preserving function, Christians using their influence for good, slows down the inevitable decay of society, until the time the restraint of the Holy Spirit is taken away from this world.
