Spiritual Citizens: What is a Christian's Responsibility in the Realm of Politics?

The other night, I got into a good discussion with friends about the very important issue of what a Christian's involvement in politics should be.

If there is any issue that causes great debate these days within the confines of Christian community, the examination of a Christian's responsibility in the area of political activism is sure to elicit a passionate response. We are blessed to live in a nation where anyone can air their political views (no matter how radical) and with this truth, several questions arise as to how much a Christian should be involved in national political affairs and specifically what the church should do.

Should a Christian have a role in a nation's politics? If so, to what extent? What issues should a Christian give a passionate voice toward? Should a Christian align themselves with a particular political party?

As we know, the latter question can especially be a divisive one. In the late 1970s, after the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision in 1972, influential Christian personalities such as Jerry Falwell and Dr. James Dobson heavily persuaded millions of Christians to embrace the Republican party which had adopted a pro-life platform. President Ronald Reagan (the hero of the conservative wing of the Republican party) was elected in 1980, spoke often of being pro-life, and was heavily voted for by evangelical Christians. Many Christians to this day support the Republican party largely because of the pro-life issue. Karl Rove, President George W. Bush's architect of his two election campaigns, called evangelicals the key to victory in 2000.

Other Christians, of course, have remained skeptical of the Republican party's involvement with evangelical Christians. Many Christians, who way very well be pro-life as well, embrace the democratic party because of the focus on the government helping the poor, needy and oppressed voices in society. Jim Wallis and his sojourners have criticized the Republican party for cynically manipulating faith in order to get votes. Singer Derek Webb provocatively sings, "There are two great lies that I've heard. The day you eat of the fruit of that tree, you will not surely die. And that Jesus Christ was a white, middle class Republican..." (from "A King and a Kingdom" on Mockingbird). Of course, the statement is absurd to say that Jesus is a republican just like it is absurd to say that Jesus is a democrat or libertarian. Still more Christians around the world live under monarchys, communist governments (even regimes), or European-brand socialism.

I believe the fact is quite clear that a Christian can be anyone of these options. A Christian can even believe in non-involvement in government policies which many Mennonites (starting with Menno Simons) and other denominations have done. The body of Christ is certainly diverse in the realm of political perspectives.

What does the Bible say about involvement in politics and what did Christ teach? Not too much, in my opinion. The Old Testament deals with a theocracy with the nation of Israel and then a monarchy. The New Testament talks a lot about Christ's coming kingdom which is definitely spiritual and physical and tied to the 2nd Coming. There are a few nuggets to be gleaned from the Scripture on a Christian's involvement in government and politics:

In Matthew 22:20-22, Jesus tells His disciples to pay taxes:

20"and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?"

21"Caesar's," they replied.
Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."

22When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away." (NIV)

Obviously, this would have been a shocking sentiment. A lot of Jewish people living in this culture and time did not like Roman rule over them. In some their minds, they awaited a Messiah who would lead a revolt against Roman rule. Jesus said similar things in: Mark 12:16-18 and Luke 20:24-26.

A powerful and telling comment by Jesus in regard to the relationship with the state is found in John 18:35-37:

35"Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?"

36Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."

37"You are a king, then!" said Pilate.
Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." (NIV)

Jesus in saying "My kingdom is not of this world" establishs an important precedent for all Christians, regardless of their political persuasions to keep in mind. Our allegiance as believers is to a higher kingdom. This is a kingdom of our Lord where sin does not reign and a kingdom that is coming led by Him who we look forward to seeing. On these points, all believers can have unity as we discuss our political differences.

With these facts, the questions still arise. What should our level of involvement be? Faith in Christ affects every aspect of one's life and also should change our thinking to be in line with His teachings.

I myself, obviously, believe we have a tremendous opportunity to make our voices heard in the free society of America. However, we have to keep in mind that this country was founded on religious freedom. The right that we have to express our beliefs and views is the same right that other religions (of whom we disagree) have to express their beliefs as well as atheists and agnostics. America is not a theocracy and should not be one.