Faith and Politics

A Divisive Dilemma

Few topics can generate more heat and less light, even among believers, than politics. In an increasingly polarized world, the intersection of faith and politics has become a minefield of passionate debate, angry rhetoric, and broken relationships. Christians find themselves pulled in different directions. Some argue for complete disengagement, viewing politics as a "dirty" worldly affair that distracts from the pure mission of the Gospel. Others fall into the opposite error of completely identifying their faith with a specific political party or ideology, treating political victory as a primary goal of the church.

How do we navigate this complex and contentious arena as followers of Jesus? What is our responsibility as citizens of an earthly nation when our ultimate citizenship is in a heavenly kingdom? The Bible doesn't endorse a political party, but it does provide timeless principles that should govern our engagement in the public square. It calls us to a posture that is neither disengaged apathy nor idolatrous activism. Instead, it models a "principled pluralism"—a way of being thoughtfully engaged in our society for its good, while maintaining our ultimate allegiance and hope in King Jesus and His unshakable Kingdom. This article will explore a biblical framework for political engagement, seeking to equip believers to be salt and light in a way that honors God, loves our neighbors, and faithfully represents our true King.

The Foundation: Two Kingdoms

A healthy Christian view of politics begins by understanding that we live as citizens of two kingdoms simultaneously.

1. Citizens of an Earthly Kingdom

The Bible affirms that government is an institution ordained by God. In Romans 13:1, Paul states, "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established." God established human government to maintain order, restrain evil, and promote justice in a fallen world. As citizens of an earthly nation, we have a responsibility to be good citizens. This includes obeying laws, paying taxes (Romans 13:7), and praying for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2). In democratic societies, our civic duty extends to being informed, voting our consciences, and participating in the political process in a way that seeks the common good. We are called to be "salt" and "light" in our culture, and this includes the political sphere.

2. Citizens of a Heavenly Kingdom

At the same time, the Bible is clear that our ultimate identity and allegiance are not tied to any earthly nation or political system. Our "citizenship is in heaven" (Philippians 3:20). We are "foreigners and exiles" in this world (1 Peter 2:11), ambassadors representing a different King and a different Kingdom. This is the Kingdom of God, the rule and reign of Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight..." - John 18:36

This dual citizenship is the key to a balanced political engagement. Because we are citizens of an earthly kingdom, we engage with politics for the good of our neighbor. But because our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, we never give our ultimate hope or allegiance to any earthly political party, leader, or nation. We know that the ultimate solution to the world's problems is not a political one, but a spiritual one—the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This keeps us from the two great dangers in faith and politics: the idolatry of making politics our ultimate hope, and the apathy of believing politics doesn't matter at all.

Principles for Political Engagement

With this "two kingdoms" framework in mind, what practical principles should guide our engagement?

1. Pursue Justice and Mercy

The Bible is filled with commands for God's people to care for the poor, defend the oppressed, and seek justice for the vulnerable. The prophet Micah famously summarized God's requirement: "And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). Our political engagement should be driven by a deep concern for these biblical priorities. This means advocating for policies that protect the unborn, care for the poor and the immigrant, fight against racial injustice, and uphold the dignity of every person as an image-bearer of God. Because Christians can come to different conclusions about which specific policies best achieve these ends, we should have humility and grace in our political disagreements with fellow believers, but we should all be united in our commitment to the biblical goals of justice and mercy.

2. Speak the Truth with Grace and Respect

Our political discourse is often characterized by anger, slander, and contempt for the other side. As Christians, we are called to a radically different way of communicating. We are to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15). We can hold to our biblical convictions firmly while treating those with whom we disagree with respect, dignity, and kindness. We should never resort to personal attacks, mischaracterizations, or dishonest rhetoric.

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." - Colossians 4:6

Our tone often speaks louder than our arguments. In a culture of outrage, a calm, respectful, and gracious demeanor can be a powerful witness to the peace of Christ. We must remember that people with different political views are not our enemies; they are neighbors whom we are commanded to love.

3. Place Your Ultimate Hope in the Kingdom of God

One of the greatest dangers for Christians in politics is political idolatry. This happens when we begin to believe that the well-being of the church or the advance of the Gospel depends on a particular political party winning an election. We start to place our hope for the future in a political platform rather than in the return of Christ. This leads to a spirit of fear, anxiety, and anger, where every election feels like an apocalyptic battle for survival.

But the church of Jesus Christ does not need the protection of any earthly government to survive or thrive. Jesus promised, "I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it" (Matthew 16:18). The church has flourished under all kinds of political systems, from brutal persecution to preferential treatment. Our hope is not in who occupies the presidential palace, but in who occupies the heavenly throne. This doesn't mean we are politically passive; it means we are politically peaceful. We can engage in the political process with conviction but without the desperate, world-is-ending anxiety that characterizes so much of modern politics, because we know our ultimate King is already on the throne and His kingdom cannot fail.

Conclusion: Ambassadors of a Better Kingdom

As Christians, our engagement in politics should look different. We should be the most responsible and engaged citizens, seeking the good of our communities out of love for our neighbor. But we should also be the most humble and respectful citizens, refusing to engage in the hateful rhetoric of partisan warfare. We should be the most hopeful citizens, working for justice and righteousness in this world, but never placing our ultimate hope in it.

We are ambassadors for the King of kings. Our mission is to represent His character and His values in every sphere of life, including the public square. Let us engage with wisdom, speak with grace, and act with courage, all while keeping our eyes fixed on our true home and our true King. For one day, every earthly kingdom will pass away, but the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ will reign forever and ever.