A Post on Politics
December 5th, 2007
Subtitled: Bringing in the Kingdom One Vote at a Time?
(By Nathan Busenitz)
Can you be a Christian and not vote Republican? Apparently not. At least that’s the impression I get from the local Christian radio talk show I listen to almost every evening during my commute home.
But what if the leading Republican candidates are pro-abortion? What do we do then? Well, according to this particular radio program, the answer seems to be that it is best to jettison principle for “the lesser of two evils” and to criticize anyone who thinks differently. The (not so subtle) underlying message is that our mission, as believers, is largely political — as we protect our beloved nation from the devilish hands of the liberal left (and especially from anyone with the last name Clinton).
But is it really the church’s mission, or even her responsibility, to gain political dominance? Should we preoccupy ourselves with congressional hearings, presidential campaigns, and economic plans? Do we need to form committees and coalitions who will raise millions of dollars to protect the Ten Commandments and vigilantly stand against any advance by the “immoral minority”?
No, I don’t think so. (Matthew 28:18-20 gives us the mission, or commission, with which we should be primarily concerned. It is hardly political in nature.)
Yet it would not be an understatement, I fear, to predict that in 2008 more will be said about politics from American pulpits than anything else — including clear Bible exposition.
Such a political preoccupation is somewhat ironic, considering the general eschatology of right-wing Protestantism (usually either Premillennial or Amillennial). Our end-times theology tells us that, until Christ returns, nothing can fix this crumbling world system. Yet our political practice suggests that we are desperately trying to fix it nonetheless.
In light of this paradox, a quick stroll down the halls of church history would be more than appropriate (if time and space permitted). We could speak of Constantine’s Rome, Calvin’s Geneva, Henry VIII’s Church of England, the Pilgrim’s Massachusetts Bay Colony, Kuyper’s Amsterdam or any other “Christian kingdom.” In every case, no matter how good the intentions, the attempt has seen only temporary success. Today, in fact, places like Rome, Geneva, England, New England, and Amsterdam are among the least friendly to true Christianity. They serve as witnesses to the fact that Christian political activism cannot achieve permanent spiritual change.
The truth is that Christianizing (or moralizing) government has never had the long-lasting, God-honoring effects its promoters so deeply desire. Time and time again, Christian political efforts have resulted in, at most, some immediate political gains. But these gains are only external, lacking any power to change the hearts of fallen people. They are equally temporary, eventually resulting in both spiritual confusion and moral decline.
While American Christians have been given a voice in our nation’s affairs, a voice that we can and should exercise, we must remember that our allegiance is first to God and only second to our government. Our primary concern then should be in saving souls rather than gaining votes. Rather than being consumed with political debates, we should be consumed with our responsibility as Christ’s ambassadors. These are the efforts and activities that have eternal value. And while we preoccupy ourselves with the spiritual rather than the political, we can rest in knowing that He is sovereign over the governments and affairs of this world.
In John 18:36, Jesus told Pilate: “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting . . . but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” Maybe it’s time the church started living like this. At least until He returns and tells us differently.
Thanks for the reminder of where our focus is to be. We are often easily side-tracked.
Finally someone has written what I’ve thought for years. Althought we should stand in the gap we need to realize that ulimately the world is spinning apart. It’s a great time to say Maranatha.
Bob
Amen Nathan. I am not American so I don’t feel I can intrude on the public grief of Christian Republicans in trying to select the most suitable candidate. Perhaps instead of being so concerned about the most suitable candidate; all Christians should concentrate on praying for those in authority, rather than trying to replace them.
My roots are in Northern Ireland, so I am well aware of Christians wrapping their faith in a flag. If we had spent more time proclaiming the gospel to all the lost, perhaps, we would not have ended up in the mess we had.
The greatest social impact we could have on our world is telling our “neighbour” that he is lost, while at the same time never ceasing to do good to him.
Excellent post. Thank you.
Far too much time is spent by ‘Evangelical’ leaders trying to cure societal ills. Its comparable to mending a broken leg while that same person is bleeding from the jugular vein (to borrow a line from Ray Comfort).
I do believe it is important to speak out against behavior and/or lifestyles that are contrary to God’s Word - especially the likes of abortion - but we should focus our efforts on addressing the root cause of the matter and that is sin.
Thanks again for the great post.
Bill
Amen for Bob’s comment. Having returned from Building Bridges conference I am struck by the willingness to just get along at the price of Biblical truth. The Christian world is spinning apart.
What happens at the end of Christ’s 1000 year reign (which is a Christian Kingdom)? Final judgment for Satan and the forces of evil which have amassed during the 1000 year reign. If with Christ on the throne of the world evil still grows, why are we to think that by electing someone to president of the United States would have any appreciable affect to slow society’s rapid downward spiral towards sin, death, and chaos?
I like politics, and I enjoy to debate political issues. I firmly believe, as you asset towards the end of this post can and should exercise a voice in our government. In fact, I agree with this entire post. While I enjoy political debate and news, and while I enjoy exercising my American rights and privileges, I could not agree more that far too many Christians equate political activism with Biblical orthodoxy. It is a shame when many unbelievers define a Christian as a social, fiscal conservative Republican.
“Occupy until I come”
“Speak up for those being led away to death.”
“Defend the fatherless and widow.”
“Stand firm in your liberty and do not use it as a cloke for licentiousness.”
“spiritual gifts…some prophets, some evangelists, some of government…”
“Love protects.”
“Except the LORD had left unto us a remnant, we would have been as Sodom, we would have been like unto Gomorrah.”
“Daniel was highly favored, because an excellent spirit was within him.”
“And Daniel said to King Nebuchednezzar, Wherefore, O King, let my counsel be acceptable to thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquility. [But] All this came upon king Nebuchadnezzar.”
“For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Phillip’s wife. For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him a prophet.”
Apparently, Mr. Busenitz along with too many modern American church leaders, prefer to condemn those with different gifts than they, and ignore the command of Scripture to be a light shining before men. In America, you are the government by the grace of God. But if Christians in the modern church keep an attitude of “who cares” when it comes to politics, then they sin against God and man, and get what they deserve.
We have no need to establish a kingdom - we are the kings and priests of God and must influence this one because there is one to come where all men’s sins will be judged. May the blood of the innocence not be counted to the church because of their refusal to speak up with one voice.
Let’s not forget that although one may point to Geneva and Amsterdam and New England and claim they were a failure, we may logically refute that since although licentiousness does abound, the Word has gone out to all the earth from those cities (standing in contrast to spiritually dead cities of the world). Geneva was the only city in the world which was called “The City for Women” because Calvin had banned wife beating with severe penalties for those who practiced it (public lashings). There are approx. 9 million descendants of Plymouth today from the original 50 who survived the first brutal winter, and many of those are Christ followers. Their city on a hill has not been hid, and though imperfect, millions flock to her freedoms. Because of England and America and their government-impacting missionaries, the law in India no longer permits “wife burning” which required that a widow be thrown alive onto her husband’s burial fire.
We must stay vigilant in our homes, communities and country in holding up the light of Christ, which by necessity includes the call to obey his Word! The Gospel is one which has proven the perfection of the Love of God - and no sin may claim any authority in its presence. To shrug the shoulders at any sin within the community and not speak out is not only a sin, it is a sham of a faith. Don’t forget, the Law of God is for the unbeliever! (See Apostle Paul, Romans 7-11, et seq.).
Although I would also agree not to vote for a “lesser of two evils” we must remember that there is no one righteous, no not one. Would you stand up and be voted for and claim to not be in some distant way a “lesser of an evil”? I would shrink from voting for one who believes he is God’s perfection on earth.
Just some thoughts to balance your personal theology with the actual Word of God and a biblical view on that Word. It is people like yourself, unfortunately, who give ease to the consciences of every Christian couch potato who goes to work, jokes with his co-workers at the coffee pot, does a good job, brings in the dough, lives his merry life, teaches his doctrines in Sunday School, and ends up teetering on the brink of an impoverished faith without power or potence in the World.
Make no mistake, I do not suppose the Church and State should ever be wed until Christ returns and sets up his kingdom. However, without the Church, the State has no conscience!
May we live our faith out loud and not shrink from the City Gates. Psalm 127:5
Daniel Cox, Esq., J.D., President of the Town Council of Secretary, Maryland
Preaching Elder, The Living Waters Church (Reformed Baptist)
“John 18:36 My Kingdom is not of this world…”
Has any government in history been successful is legislating morality? Is America going to get it right? I love America. I fly a flag at my home. I pray for our leaders. I support our troops with prayers, especially since my brother serves in Afghanastan (SP? sorry). I honor the laws of the land. We should be involved, but no political party will ever get it right. Right-eous will come Christ returns to set up His government for His Kingdom. AMEN
Thanks for the article. I’m not alone out here.
Nate, I think you’re the first person in all this political discussion to bring up the idea of living like we actually believe our eschatology. It’s a phenomenal point that many seem to be afraid of. Great post.
Nathan,
I agree with you that the so-called “Christian” political activism should be questioned. Much of conservative “Christianity” is actually the religion of salvation by law. Just like the Pharisees. This is why legislating morality NEVER works.
But where I believe Christians should focus in the political realm is in repealing existing laws and preventing new ones from being passed. It’s ironic how we cry foul when rules are added to God’s word in the family or church. We yell LEGALISM! But when rules are added by civil government, we yell the opposite, OBEY! - as if it were even possible to obey millions of continually growing, ever changing, contradictory laws of man. It should be noted that it is not civil government, but self-government that is the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5. When we freely govern ourselves according to God’s word, no civil government will ever be needed because there will be no (or at least fewer) law breakers. Against such things there is no law. This is how God’s kingdom will advance in this world.
If you are preaching asceticism because pastors are failing to exposit the Word of God, I see your point. But generally, such pursuits are not mutually exclusive.
If you had lived in 18th century England, would you have objected to William Wilberforce’s “preoccupation” with using the means of government to end the slave trade? Would you have bemoaned his “vigilant stand” in Parliament and considered his priorities out of wack?
Scripture is clear that God gave us rulers and authorities for our protection, for our own good. Should Christians leave rule to the “immoral minority” who refuse to protect the most vulnerable among us, the unborn? Should we leave government to the humanists to make laws that are harmful to the family?
No, I disagree with you. Since God has given us government and established its purposes, Christians should be at the fore. I would argue that we should not only be involved, we should be vigilant and stand for truth. Just like William Wilberforce.
Excellent post Nathan.
But we all want to know…….Who is your guy in 2008, because we KNOW it won’t be the gal!
Thank you for the article Nathan. It appears that some are reading this as a call to abandon the political process, which you clearly did not. I find the article to be a great reminder of where our priorities should lie. The church, as an institution, is not called to a political mission. The church is called to make disciples, teach sound doctrine, and care for widows and orphans (among other things).
It appears that Motte also missed the point. Wilberforce was preoccupied with a just cause (similar to abortion). He was not preoccupied with politicking, nor was he implying that the church’s primary mission was social change. This article is not bemoaning a stand; rather, it is drawing attention to the preoccupation with preoccupying ourselves with the political process. Preoccupying. Putting politics above our mission. There is a huge difference.
There is also no condemnation of other’s gifts in the article. Nor is there any exhortation to stop shining our lights (which begs the question, can we shine our lights and shape our culture without overindulgence in the political process?) Again, the article points us away from a preoccupation/obsession/idol, and reminds us that we are not of this world. Secondary things must be secondary. Not that they become unimportant, but they must remain in their proper place.
Thank you for bringing us back to where our hope lies.
To ADB: Well said.
Let us get back on track to what Nathan Busenitz did actually say. The article is, I agree, a good reminder of where our main focus and energies should be.
Thank you, Nathan.
As in all matters of faith and practice, Christians must be guided by the Word of God. Endorsing a Presidential canidate who takes stands directly opposed to Scriptures is unBiblical. We cannot reduce ourselves to the notion we have to vote for the lesser of two evils; for it is still evil. Jesus rendered unto Caeser what was Caeser’s, but it doesn’t mean He voted for Him.
Righteous, committed followers of Christ are good citizens by their very nature. You have correctly placed the main emphasis on the Great Commission. Some people choose to say that means you are saying “who cares” about politics. That couldn’t be further from the truth. We must follow God’s Biblical commands full-time; that means taking Godly action in every situation. Someone with this mindset will glorify God in the public square (and voting booth) as well.
Nathan,
Great post. I recall John Piper’s words in p. 280 of “A Godward Life”:
“What do you think disqualifies a person from holding public office? I believe that the endorsement of the right to kill unborn children disqualifies a person from any position of public office. It’s simply the same as saying that the endorsement of racism, fraud, or bribery would disqualify him-except that child killing is more serious than those.”
Well, as for me that statement absolutely gives me more time to evangelize and disciple rather than wasting time rubbing shoulders with the likes of Pat Robertson and Rudy Giuliani.
My vote is for Jesus Christ.
Thanks again.
Nathan, Having been in elected political office during the “Moral Majority” and “Christian Coalition” years, although not a part of either, I must say well stated. I also echo ADB and Pat K above. To some I advise a closer reading, to others get a better translation, and still to others I remind that “the hit dog hollers.”
Good post! The key is,as you spelled out, balance. As good citizens Christians should vote and be involved in the political system for the betterment of the nation, but when the line between political affiliation and standing with God become blurred, it’s sin.
The very fact that a common belief exists in which U.S. Christians are assumed to be Republicans unless they are Black or Hispanic in which case they are assumed to be Democrats shows that we’ve gotten way out of balance.
I am a liberal and I believe I am a Christian.
Chris,
lol
We’ll pray for you
Regarding Daniel Cox’s response, I think we read too much into Nathan original point. Nathan never said don’t get involved or care about politics. He never said be irresponsible, he never said ignore daily political life, and he never said don’t vote. What he actually said was that our home, our real home and first love is in Heaven, not this planet. What we choose to do with our second, third, and fourth loves (whether it be politics, art, or education) must be far less passionate.
Even Jesus said “Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s..” so I’m sure He means for us to care about our political world. But again, I love my real home, my future home - this world system is way far and away so inferior that political activism, or even “wishful political hoping” will accomplish absolutely nothing. What accomplishes God’s plan is salvation, not votes. Lets get brutally honest - Bush, Romney, ron Paul, Huckabee, et. al. are all sinners, and as sinners we must come to grips with the reality that government, while necessary, is not a panacea or a club for solution-making. Jesus is the great Solution.
Great post. Capitol Ministries (www.capmin.org) is one Christian organization that is doing excellent work in this area. It seeks to make disciples of Jesus Christ within the political arena, not by moralizing political leaders, but by teaching them God’s Word.
I would point you all to Capitol Ministries (www.capmin.org), which, for over a decade has been making disciples of Jesus Christ in the political arena. Among other things, this ministry has been working very hard to help individual believers and churches realize their biblical mandate to make disciples of the lost, especially in the political arena–through faithful evangelistic praying, evangelism and discipleship (1 Tim 2:1-5).
Political involvement is a liberty we all enjoy as Americans, but it is not a duty. Taking it further, politics becomes an idol for so many–even professing believers. Our duty as believers is to make disciples. It is hard, however, to make disciples, especially in the political arena, when we turn our mission field into an enemy we want to, in a sense, destroy. Politics cannot save. We ought to be very concerned about the state of peoples’ souls, over and above poltiical agendas. Politics follows one’s theology anyway. Change the theology, change the politics. Not that changing politics should be our end goal.
By the way, there are many conservatives who believe, for some strange reason, that God is impressed with their moral conservatism. The Pharisees come to mind…
At the Bema Seat Judgement Jesus will not have a concern for how many Republicans you registered or which candidates you supported. I don’t think that’s going to come up (forgive my extra-biblical speculation). He will, however, be very concerned about your faithfulness to Him, and His clear calling in the life of every believer (2 Cor. 5:9-11).
It should be noted that God never asks for the church’s help in setting the course of nations. The Apostle Paul’s interactions with political leaders is entirely evangelistic, not political. And consider the OT, including Jonah in Ninevah. He didn’t “lobby” the king for moral change. Also consider Daniel 2:21a, “And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings.” And, Proverbs 21:1, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.”
Vote and be involved in the political process but don’t let it become an idol in your life. And don’t treat your mission field as an enemy. Political involvement is a great liberty, but not a command from the Lord. The Lord has the destiny of nations under His clear control (Deut. 29:29). God’s eschatological plan probably doesn’t rely heavily on your vote next November (Romans 13:1)…but, feel free to exersize your political liberty nonetheless. Then let’s all get back to making disciples by the power of God through the gospel of Jesus Christ!
Nathan,
Another good post. But, as I assume that you would not promote abstinence from the political process, perhaps you could offer a few principles for the saints to apply on election day — when all the Republican candidates seem morally little different than their Democrat counterparts … without skirts? If it is not acceptable for Christians to abandon the political process, just how is the Joe in the pew to discern the candidate who is the lesser of eight evils? (Subtle allusion to the CNN/YouTube debate - which I stayed up until 4AM watching!) Just what IS the Christian to do when the Republicans support abortion, leave multiple spouses in their wake, AND support the eradication of islamofacism?
We recently had elections for parliament here in Croatia. And if you think the political landscape in America is diverse … brother, you live in Disneyland! With more than 25 different parties representing just under 5 million people and an evangelical population of less than .5% my faith was put to the test on election day. It was a nightmare trying to be faithful to the Lord in participating in the political process in which He has placed me while at the same time voting my conscience!
As a pastor, all I could do was encourage our flock to focus on issues of morality over economy and then vote for the lesser of more than 25 “evils.”
Brother, tell me next November 9th how I should have handled this differently.
Walter
I will not vote for Billary Clinton.
Once was enough. I didn’t vote for them the
first time around, and I won’t do it this time
either!
If the only choice I have is to vote for someone
that doesn’t equal my value system, then I won’t
vote. I will NOT compromise my morals.
Come now, Lord Jesus. Come now.