Christianity & Politics

by John Nieder

How does God use his people to impact a culture? How does God use his people to change a fallen world? As followers of Jesus Christ, have we allowed our political power to jeopardize the effective proclamation of the gospel?

For several years I have grappled with these thoughts, posed them to various Christian leaders, and searched the scriptures for definitive answers. In the book, BLINDED BY MIGHT (Zondervan), the authors, Cal Thomas and Ed Dobson--no relation to James Dobson, extend bible believing Christians an invitation to conduct an analysis of biblical truth relative to politics. Thomas writes, "We hope that our challenge generates a lively and serious dialogue about how people of faith should behave in the public square." The dialogue has begun. Unfortunately, this window of opportunity has already been clouded by emotionally charged exchanges.

For profitable discussion to occur, several essential guidelines must be considered. First of all, any exchange between believers--particularly Christian leaders--must be based upon biblical principles rather than personal opinion. Although the Bible does not directly address this issue, there are numerous truths that shed light on our relationship to this world; and it is these truths that must direct our conversation. Quite frankly, our personal opinions are worthless next to the wisdom of the Word of God.

Secondly, we must approach one another in love, avoiding personal attack. We are to be known by our love for one another (John 13:3,4), not only in moments of agreement, but also disagreement. The secular world has already utilized this "debate" to further divide and defame us. Scriptural interaction averts emotionally charged retorts, which have potential to harm the cause of Christ. Let’s keep this exchange "in the family" and guard the name of our Savior.

Thirdly, we must each examine our own heart in response to biblical truth. Judging another’s motivation is unnecessary and runs contrary to biblical truth. Romans 14:13 tells us to "stop passing judgment on one another" because each of us will give account for our life before the Lord; and then, and only then, will our true motives be clearly seen and appraised. Accusing fellow Christians of pride is unwarranted, unnecessary, counterproductive, not to mention downright sinful. Let’s believe the best and allow God to be the judge.

How does God use his people to impact a fallen world? Does He call his followers to initiate laws against various forms of immoral behavior, or does He change individuals and through them change the culture? These questions bring to mind still another: might our well-intentioned efforts in the arena of public policy at times jeopardize or impede our outreach to an unbelieving world?

It is my hope that the ensuing thoughts incite an analysis of biblical truth, and thus protect us from being deceived or misdirected in our efforts to impact our world. At the outset I feel it necessary to affirm our individual responsibility as citizens to vote and to involve ourselves in the political process at varying levels. Our dual citizenship in heaven and earth is a sacred responsibility.

Are We Honoring Biblical Priorities?

The Savior’s mandate is clear: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:19,20).

Our personal and corporate resources should be devoted primarily to evangelism and discipleship--the great commission. While this directive from our Lord does not negate investing our God given time and treasure in a variety of endeavors, it does assert a prevailing emphasis.

Many millions of dollars and much publicity have been given to political organizations under the banner of Christianity; however, at times we have engaged ourselves in something that is good at the expense of that which is best. In light of our Lord’s mandate, each of us must seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance for utilization of our time, energy and financial resources.

Are We Unnecessarily Alienating Those We Are Called to Reach?

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit the Apostle Paul wrote, " To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings" (1 Corinthians 9:22-23). Rather than alienate people, we are called to reach out and identify with their struggles in order to present the gospel. Does our public condemnation of certain sins (especially when the gospel is not fully presented) merely estrange those whom we long to introduce to Christ?

Organizing along political lines has allowed the cause of Christ to be harshly and unfairly labeled by the secular media (who have portrayed Christians as narrow-minded, hate-filled bigots). It is true that we should not care what people think of us; but when it impacts our ability to communicate the gospel, making it even more difficult for the spiritually blind to see the light, there is cause for concern. Does our public persona in some ways contribute to Satan’s efforts to keep people in darkness?

Are We Asking the Blind to See?

Many Americans cannot comprehend and some steadfastly resist that which Christians hold dear. Should we be surprised? We read in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, "And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."

Unbelievers are spiritually blinded; and without the work of God, the Holy Spirit, they will never see the truth of the gospel. Common grace allows some to understand basic morality, the abortion issue, homosexuality, and the like; but our decadent culture has lead a growing number of people to reject the Judeo-Christian ethic upon which our country was founded. We cannot expect the eyes of unbelievers to be opened wide through the political process. Only the gospel, with the convicting work of the Holy Spirit, can heal spiritual blindness.

Are We Using Our Most Powerful Weapons in Our Warfare?

The Apostle Paul, recognizing that this world is not our home, wrote; "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds"(2 Corinthians 10:3-4). "Strongholds" is an apt description of what we face in the midst of our cultural battle. Drug abuse, violence, abortion, gambling and sexual immorality are spiritual strongholds demanding spiritual solutions.

Our active participation as citizens demands we utilize the tools at our disposal, but at the same time we must clearly recognize that these "weapons of the world," even while waging battle effectively, will not win the ultimate war with the god of the this world. Let us not forsake the invisible for that which is visible. Let us not discount the power of the Word of God and prayer for the power of political activity. To do so would be arming for battle with a plastic knife when we have access to the sword of the Spirit.

Are We Forgetting Our Real Enemy?

An observer of the contemporary political scene might conclude that Christians view homosexuals, liberals, pro-choice advocates and the Clintons as their enemies. Since we are called to build the Kingdom of God, we ought to recognize who the King considers to be the enemy. Scripture tells us we have but one real enemy, and that is Satan--the "god" of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4). 1 John 3:8 says, "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work." The Word of God also tells us, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12). Our battle is with Satan and his company of evil angels. Their activity and power are limited by God, who has allowed them a great deal of influence in the affairs of men. In the arena of politics it is easy to forget our unseen enemy--the real "power broker" in our world. Our political efforts will never defeat our angelic enemy, but prayer and the Word of God will.

Are We Known by Our Love for One Another?

Jesus said to his followers, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:3-4). The world should know who we are by how we love one another. Does the world know us in this way? Do we really honor this biblical command?

Although we cannot control the media’s depiction of us, we occasionally appear devoid of love…devoid of love for each other…devoid of love for unbelievers. We must not allow our words and actions to make it "simple" for the world to discredit us and thus cast a negative light on our Savior. Might we, at times, accomplish more through loving one another as our Lord commanded rather than allowing ourselves to be characterized by animosity?

Are We Communicating Condemnation without the Hope of the Gospel?

The political process calls us to "choose sides" on given issues. When we take a stand against abortion or homosexuality or pornography--and we should--those who hear our opposition may well feel personally condemned by our words. Their anger and resentment should not astound us. They perceive us as judging them and not merely their behavior. Our political discourse should be balanced with clear delineation of the gospel, extending grace over law, forgiveness over condemnation. Jesus said of himself, "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him" (John 3:17).

Those of us who wear the mantle of leadership assume a tremendous responsibility when our comments are offered as representative of the body of Christ. Our political activity must never be allowed to undercut the message of the gospel, creating offense rather than opportunity for the lost to embrace the Savior. Whenever we stand against the evil so prevalent in our day, we must also lift up the cross, extending our Savior’s love to a fallen world.

Has Political Power Made Us Prideful and Arrogant?

There is no question that modern day Christians have incredible economic and political power. In fact, politicians, eager for endorsement, regularly court Christian leaders. Simultaneously, our culture is in a moral free-fall, with the marriages and families of believers appearing little different from unbelieving counterparts. Let us not attack the evil in others while ignoring our own evil.

Is it possible that in our pride we attempt to live life in our own power rather than drawing upon his power? The Apostle Paul left the trappings of power and prowess behind when he became a Christian. He then discovered that real power could only be found in weakness. Suffering from a chronic ailment, Paul tells of God’s response to his prayer for relief: "But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Let us not, with our zeal in the political realm, ignore the power of God, even in the midst of a decadent culture. Let us freely admit personal weakness in order to display his power.

Today more than ever the political process calls for the involvement of true believers. As fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ we all must clearly voice our convictions at the ballot box. For some of us a high level of political service will be our unique mission, accomplishing a great deal of good as an ambassador for Christ in the public arena (Ephesians 2:10).

Above all else, the proclamation of the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ must assume precedence over political action. At the same time, the message of the gospel must not be distorted. If the Spirit of God reveals that we are using man’s methods to do God’s work, we must willingly redirect our efforts. And finally, we must acknowledge that ONLY God can change this culture, because only God can change our hearts.