Pondering

Politics and the Gospel

Every four years biblical Christians face the increasingly choppy waters of presidential elections, not to mention the seemingly nonstop presidential campaigning that begins two minutes after the swearing in of the new president. While we welcome the privilege to participate, we often dread our choices and the ranker that accompanies them.

For some time now our choices seem to have been relegated to “poop” vs. “puke”—the lesser of two evils, and while we want to engage in our “civic duties” we also want to make choices that honor our faith in Christ. To do this we must look at the contexts of both the gospel and American politics, rooted in Scripture.

To say Jesus and His early followers were not political is true if one defines “political” as either intentionally seeking to turn the Roman government into a theocracy, or, that Jesus and His followers placed their hope in secular government oversight. Neither of these is true. However, if one defines “political” as influencing the surrounding culture in a way that affects political action that might in turn support the principles of God’s kingdom, then one could argue they were in fact political. We see this with the radical changes that occurred over time in the Roman Empire.

The political environment of Rome at the time of Christ was nothing like American politics. Although the Roman Republic began as a representative democracy around 500 B.C., this changed dramatically in the 1st century B.C. While the power of the Roman Senate had been waning for some time, the emperor, in response to conflicts throughout the empire, gained imperial control. Christianity was deemed unlawful, and Christians were subsequently persecuted. This began in earnest with Emperor Nero in the mid-1st century A.D. and typified the Roman Empire during the time of Christ and His Church for several centuries.

Then, in A.D. 313 with the Edict of Milan, Christianity was permitted throughout the Roman Empire due largely to Emperor Constantine’s vision of a cross in the sky bearing the inscription, “By this symbol you will conquer” [the concept of “conquer” may require another article!]. Then, having once been considered a contemptuous cult, in A.D. 380 emperor Theodosius established the Edict of Thessalonica in which Christianity (specifically, Nicene Christianity) became the official religion of Rome.

But here’s the most important point.

While Jesus and the early Church were not above calling out injustice or immorality in the culture, including among religious political leaders even to the point of death (cf. Matthew 5:27-31, 12:1-8; Luke 10:22-25; John 2:13-19), there was NEVER an attempt on the part of the Church to become political for the sake of politics. Christ and His followers beautifully blended political nonpartisanship with standing up for righteousness. The transition of Rome from pagan imperial power to Christianity came about not through political power but through the life of the Church:

“And they [disciples of Christ] devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:42-47).

The gospel and ensuing ways of authentic, biblical, Christian community continues to transform countless lives, change cultural trajectories, and destroy spiritual works of darkness. Thankfully God’s kingdom is never defined or confined by earthly kingdoms, regardless of the political system in force.

So, what’s a Christian to do regarding politics?

I’m convinced that Christians prioritizing and following Acts 2:42-47 will increase the magnitude of their light in the midst of darkness, and in this develop a spiritual insight into how such light can be employed in every facet of the secular world, including politics. The question is not primarily this candidate or that candidate (more on that in a moment), but rather, “In what way can my political engagement bring about the best environment for the Church to be the Church?” Since no politician or political party in America will ever align perfectly with God’s kingdom, this path requires a proper measure of pragmatism.

As to specific candidates and parties, as evidenced throughout the early Church the kingdom of God should remain “not of this world” (John 18:36)—unyoked from political parties. Yes, some party platforms lean toward a Christian worldview more than others, but the attempt to bring an alliance between politics and Christ has resulted in things of which Christ Himself would have been ashamed; namely, “Christian” Nationalism, where the eternal Son of God is prostituted in the name of political ideologies.

Our political voting should boil down to a simple question within the context of proper pragmatism: Which imperfect candidate will more likely support an environment that allows people to potentially discover Christ as Lord and Savior? This way we place our trust in God and the power of His Word and Spirit to change lives. This includes, as we see in Jesus and His early disciples, the courage to stand up for righteousness when lives are at stake (e.g., abortion).

And even if we “lose” our freedom to elect politicians we are no worse off than millions of other believers around the world who, in the face of opposition and persecution, courageously live out Acts 2:42-47. Consider this: While biblical Christianity is on the decline in America and Western Europe, the fastest growing Christian churches in the world reside in countries antagonistic toward the gospel—places like Iran, Afghanistan, and China.  

Sounds a bit like early Rome, right?

In other words, like those in the early Church we need simply to be biblical Christians everywhere and at all times. In every opportunity, by every means possible, we influence people for Christ—whether voting in an election or sharing a cup of coffee with a friend. Remember the words of Jesus:

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14 – emphasis added).

Simply be an informed, courageous, and compassionate part of this and watch God do His work!