Christians and Politics

How should Christians approach Politics?

There are many views as to what a Christian's level of involvement with politics should be, as well as to what a Christian should believe but this article will focus instead on what the Bible says about how a Christian should approach politics as a whole, as well as recommendations on how to approach politics wisely. This will allow us as believers to shine as an example of fairness and wisdom.

Biblically speaking

First and most important, we should should consider what God tells us regarding politics and government through His Word:

1. Pray for our leaders (elected, and otherwise) and seek their good (examples include Samuel, Daniel, Joseph, and Paul).

2. Encourage laws as a stake in the ground (i.e. A line delineating right from wrong. Rom 13:1-4) .

3. Realize that the law does not make a moral society (Rom 3:20).

4. Even politicians must obey the law (Ester 8:8)!

5. Politics can be a forum for evangelism. If we do good and treat people respectfully while disagreeing with them, they will glorify God (1Pe2:12)!

6. It is possible to have non-Christians who are good leaders.(Rom 2:26-27, 13:1-4, Acts 19:35-41)

7. Avoid ad hominem attacks, and bless rather than curs e (Rom 12:14-21)

8. Not speak evil of our leaders (Acts 23:5)

9. Remember that much that is controversial has a moral / ethical component, and even if something is clearly wrong, people love darkness rather than light. (John 3:19)

10. Obey God and not man (if having to choose between an edict of man and an edict of God). (Numbers 23:11-12, The Book of Daniel, Acts 5:29)

11. Oppose evil (Est 4:14)

Additional rules of thumb when considering political issues:

Some issues can have legitimate ethical cases on either side of the argument (Pr 18:17). Examples include Alexander Hamilton's approach to unity through nationalized debt versus avoiding getting the government into debt; or should we enhance / keep Social Security.

Some issues deal more strong with ethics than others and should be prioritized thusly. Consider abortion versus immigration versus tax reform. Which are more important to focus on, and what would considered as viable trade offs?

Seek Scriptures that speak about an issue, even if in disagreement with your views. Can you find Scriptures that support an opposing view? It is good to seek to understand any valid reasons there might be an opposing view. Make sure to practice good hermeneutics when doing this: a) Remember a text out of context becomes a pretext for a proof text, b) Interpret unclear Scriptures in terms of clear Scriptures, not the other way around.

Often party stances on an issue are oversimplifications and address surface problems. Some decision making skills can be applied, like the 5 Whys, or Cause Effect diagrams, or mind maps. Consider this possible example with Abortion:

1. Why do women have abortions?

   1. Because of premarital sex.

      1. Why do people engage in premarital sex?

         1. Because they are trying to fill an emotional void, like absentee father.

         2. Because they were abused or assaulted.

         3. Etc...

   2. Because they are unable to afford raising a child

      1. Why are they unable to afford raising a child?

         1. Because they are in high school or college.

         2. Because they did not learn how to handle finances (e.g. Large credit card debts)

         3. Because they are single?

         4. Etc...

   3. Because they are not mature.

   4. Because they have no desire for kids.
      
      

Should abortion be stopped? Yes, but there also needs to be work done on addressing the influencing factors. Aid to Women can be cited as an example of an organization that tries to dig deeper into resolving the core problems.

Avoid and detect the politics of fear.

Often political discussions are in terms of one party's approach being the sole correct one, while the opposing party causing great harm to the country. Such a negative approach may be correct, but it should serve as a warning sign. Consider whether all the claims are substantiated. A candidate that focuses on solutions is more likely to be a better candidate than one that focuses on their opponents problems.

Understand the politics of fear. A party or cause benefits by encouraging fear because:

1. the rational deliberation process is short-circuited. Things that rational people normally wouldn't pass or support suddenly can get passed.

2. there is also a sense of urgency, which in turn creates higher voting turnouts.

3. the party or cause can evade scrutiny and accountability with its base.

Also, certain political issues are often used. If a politician or political movement discusses one of the following topics then be wary: Global Warming, Abortion, Terrorism, Social Security, Creation / Evolution / Science, and Taxation / Debt.

In Conclusion

Applying the principles and recommendations mentioned above will help us to be faithful and wise in the area of politics and assist our witness to the world.