Should Christians Be Involved in Politics?
The Christian is a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20) and a citizen of a specific nation in the world (Acts 16:37). This dual role means that we have a responsibility to be the best citizens of the nation where we reside to testify to the life-transforming and nation-building power of Christ. This implies that the challenge of politics is a true calling that demonstrates the servanthood of Christians.
We have a number of examples in Scripture that should encourage us to use our God-given gifts in political service. These examples go outside the normal civic and legal duties that were part of Israel’s theocratic government, when the political decisions of Jewish kings, civil servants and even prophets could not be separated from religious duty.
Before the establishment of the nation of Israel, Abraham led a small troop of tribal allies in a battle against ancient kings who had taken his nephew Lot captive (Genesis 14). Political and military action is justified when a great evil has been perpetrated against another.
Moses’ demands from Pharaoh involved much more that permission to worship a certain way. Those “religious” demands had deep economic and political implications for Egyptian society. Moses was involved in politics.
During the Babylonian exile, Jewish exiles were placed in the courts of pagan Babylonian and Persian kings whom they served as administrators (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego), trusted servants and governors (Ezra and Nehemiah), as queen (Esther) and even as a prime minister (Daniel).
After the Jesus’ crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish Council known as the Sanhedrin, used his political connections to ask Pilate for permission to prepare the body of Jesus for a proper burial (John 19:38-42). His request was granted and Jesus was buried (at least for 3 days) in a new tomb that Joseph probably owned.
Paul wrote of Erastus, a member of the church at Corinth, who served as city treasurer (Romans 16:23) and may have served as superintendent of public works in Corinth. He traveled with Paul and may have assisted with funds and influence (Acts 19:22).
These are just a few examples of believers who used their political involvement to accomplish great things for God. It is impossible to divorce our faith from the civic implications of social life and the political winds that affect it. Jesus calls us to be salt and light in the culture where we live (Matthew 5:13-14). We can render what is Caesar’s to Caesar as a testimony of rendering all things to God.
In a democratic system that is based on the participation of its citizens, Christians are even more responsible to be involved in their governments. Competence and integrity can be the hallmark of political service to promote the righteousness and peace required for a free society to function.
