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why christians need to engage in society...
a response to those who believe that christians should have nothing to do with politics...

April, 2005

"It's a waste of time for Christians get involved in politics! Jesus wants us to preach the Gospel and feed the hungry and not get obsessed with political power!"

This is the belief of many Christians but I strongly suspect that its roots are actually secular not Biblical. That is, I would suspect that for most Christians who believe this type of thinking it has more to say about their own apathy than their Biblical convictions.

Some of the proponents of this idea that Christians should distance themselves from the political process and simply stick "to what churches do best" often appeal to the New Testament being silent about Christianity and Secular Politics. But who can honestly say that when Christ stood before Pilate, Herod, then Caiaphas there were no political implications. Who could fail to recognise that when Christ told these political leaders that they would have no power if it had not been given them from above (John 19:11) that He was making a very bold statement about all power- not just political power- and its direct correlation to Divine order?

And when Christ said that His followers would stand before governors, rulers, and kings (Luke 21:12) are we to twist these words and assume that Christians should actually do all they can to avoid this? How would Paul have responded to some modern Christians who claim that Christian ministry has nothing to do with the political rulers of this world when Christ had specifically told that he would be dealing with them (Acts 9:15)?

The Bible actually encourages us to engage (get involved) rather than to disengage (stay out of) this world. This is surely what Christ intimated when He spoke of His people being "salt" and "light". It is what Paul spoke of when he called the church the "pillar of truth" for a society (1Tim 3:15).

Some might appeal to the early church for the modern church not to be involved in government since they experienced great growth without being politically involved. But this may be a false assumption.

Phil. 4:22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

From a few employees in Caesar's Palace, Christian influence increased to the point that the Government could no longer ignore it. Its first response was persecution, its next response was acceptance. And this is the goal of any engagement for Christians- to improve society by having God and His Word honoured by all, so that all people are compelled to accept Christ's love for them. Ultimately it was not the political power of Christians exerted upon governements which brought about the acceptance of Christian influence, it was the way in which Christians lived. One early Roman writer wrote to the Emperor- "See how they love each other!"  

Any thought of political power in the hands of Christians to merely increase personal or institutional power is repulsive. Our goal is not to establish a theocracy (otherwise we would be campaigning for compulsory church attendance, mandatory attendance at Holy Communion, and citizenship of a nation based on baptism) but it is to baptise our culture (principalities) and government (powers) in the heart and mind of God by upholding the universally accepted moral laws He has prescribed for all people. When people understand these laws, and political leaders recognise that they govern "under God" the Gospel of salvation becomes recognisable and acceptable to a people who have a clear grasp of the concepts of sin, law, and justice because they are already governed with such principles by their governments.

Therefore, when an outspoken Christian leader decries a government or court for legislating conduct which is contrary to the moral law, such as abortion (murder), gay rights (sodomy), euthenasia, and no-fault divorce, they are showing prophetic courage and should be honoured for doing so. Their courageous campaigning may just lead a soul away from eternal damnation and death into eternal life. We do not condone discourteousness, rudeness, or violence. Our political engagement is fundamentally prophetic in nature with the goal of defending the heart and Word of God. To fail to do so is to show no compassion for our society.

I would urge any young person who senses a call of God on their lives to enter into politics to contact us so that we can send you further information on how you can develop this call to ministry. I also urge every Christian to pray for their political leaders, cast their vote prayerfully, and even become members of a political party to be salt and light to a world often deprived of a godly viewpoint.

© 2005, Finding Truth Matters & Dr. Andrew Corbett