As the United States is now in the midst of an election season, the inevitable conversation regarding the proper role of religion vis-à-vis politics is renewed. For Christians, one would think that that conversation would center on the views of the founder of the religion (Jesus Christ) and the principal architect of the First Century Church (the Apostle Paul). Sadly, however, many Christians in the United States instead focus on current events and how the moral teachings of the Church apply to policy.
In his article The Politics of Jesus https://lifehopeandtruth.com/god/who-is-jesus/the-politics-of-jesus/ , Harold Rhodes reminds his readers that "Jesus Christ did not involve Himself with the politics of His day." He went on to say: "Jesus had good reason to remain apart from politics. The message He preached was about government, but a government He would bring to the earth, not one that would come about through human effort. Jesus’ message was about the government of God that will rule the world and that will bring about world peace!"
Indeed, according to the Gospel of John, when Christ was on trial before Pilate, he made plain to the Roman governor that his kingdom was not part of his world. We read: "Then Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus to be brought to him. 'Are you the king of the Jews?' he asked him. Jesus replied, 'Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?' 'Am I a Jew?' Pilate retorted. 'Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?' Jesus answered, 'My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.'" John 18:33-36, NLT
In similar fashion, the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy about the responsibilities and proper relationship of a Christian minister to the world they inhabit. He said: "Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen." II Timothy 2:1-10, NLT
And, finally, the anonymous author of the epistle to the Hebrews wrote about the great heroes of faith in the God of Israel. We read: "All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." Hebrews 11:13-16, NLT
Hence, in our role as Christians, we should probably think twice about choosing sides in political debates, endorsing candidates or advocating for particular policy positions. Christianity is about spiritual salvation and a kingdom that is not part of this present world. Now, obviously, a Christian can also be a citizen of the United States and take part in this government of, by and for the people. Nevertheless, Scripture makes plain that these are individual decisions that should not be engaged in on behalf of Jesus Christ or his Church.
King Baldwin of Belgium, in the eighties of the former century, oficially abdicate for one day because he could not as a devout catholic sign the abortion law as head of state as aproved by parliament.
ReplyDeleteIt was not a big deal as he was generally well loved and respected and his stance on abortion was well known.
It could have been the end of many things but hey, the mysterious bond between a king and his people superseded the love for the representatives acting legally.
Nck
A good story that is representative of the proper relationship of religion and politics. As you know, I've written many posts critical of ministers who practice politics from the pulpit. My beef is with those who use their religious credentials to push their political agenda.
DeleteAll of us who are blessed to live in democratic countries have the right and responsibility to participate in the political life of our homeland. As a lifelong student of history and political science, I enjoy political discussions and always take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the governance of this republic of, by and for the people.
Even so, I have a blog devoted to politics, and another devoted to spiritual matters. On occasion, it is necessary to comment on those who don't recognize the distinction between the two. Nevertheless, the Christian ideal is for the two to remain separate and independent of each other.
On the other hand, Pastor Bill Watson of the Church of God International delivered a sermon on August 15 entitled “Let Your Voice Be Heard.” https://www.cgi.org/weeklysermons?sapurl=LytxNWdtL2xiL21pLytoNXo3NTc1P2VtYmVkPXRydWU=
ReplyDeleteIn his sermon, Mr. Watson made clear who he thinks his congregation should be voting for in November. He said:
Brethren, I’m sounding an alarm. I don’t know whether you would agree with this or not…but I personally believe…we are one election away from losing this country very severely. And, consequently, all I’m saying is we have the power - because there is power in the people’s vote, if indeed you should be so inclined, to do that - because frankly ‘all hands on deck.’ I don’t know how you think about voting…but I will tell you this: you have a voice in our system…And I have just shared with you over the last two weeks what is really going on with this guy and his cultural Marxism - and tacticians like Saul Alinsky, who are implementing as field lieutenants, through his book, even while he’s dead - cause he died in 72…And I’ll say this: God will not bless a nation beyond its own vote. We have the record: “Israel you want a king? Take it. I’m not going to cast the tribes out of the country - that was your job to do - to hold the line, to teach your children, to save and to preserve your families, to get back to God”…Israel failed to do it, and what happened to them? They failed as a nation. They went into captivity…And guess what, if we don’t have ‘all hands on deck,’ there’s going to be a lot of good people that are going to have to unnecessarily suffer too. So, what’s my message brethren? My message is very simple: Remember Joshua and Caleb and their courage. Don’t be like the other eleven…learn to appreciate their resolve and their courage. Don’t underestimate the need for resolve and courage. I could spend hours up here showing you even more detail of the tactics that have been used to fool us, to change us, and to melt us down and compromise us…So remember…that God is in your life and by what he’s shown you…And you see God’s done a lot for you – done a lot for me…God’s been good, brethren, good to all of us here in this land of Manasseh. And it’s really important that all of us understand that we’ve got to preserve this country, and we’ve got to act! God is not going to do it for us…Don’t be afraid brethren to make a stand - when making a stand you know is right. You have a choice in the next three months coming up to make a choice for nationalism and populism, if you’re a voter…You have a choice to choose: Are you going to vote nationalistic - a country with borders – policy, policy, policy! OR Are you going to vote for a socialistic government, open borders, reengage into the Globalist agenda…and vote for the socialist party.
For those of you who are familiar with Pastor Watson’s sermons, these remarks will come as no surprise. Nevertheless, a couple of recent CGI blog posts (“Black Lives Matter” by Mike James and “Which Party Are You With?” by Jeremy Brown) underscore the fact that not everyone at CGI is on the Republican bandwagon. Hence, although Mr. Watson’s favorable opinion of Donald Trump is well known within church circles, it is possible that this sermon was provoked by the posts of his colleagues. At any rate, we all know who Mr. Watson will be voting for in November (and for whom he thinks his brethren should cast their votes)!