On Politics as a Christian

My brief and informal thoughts.

Photo by Katie Moum

This may come as a surprise for some, but I would not describe myself as a political person. Naturally, I don't enjoy keeping up with current affairs and find much of current political discourse extremely exhausting. So, I do somewhat understand the motivation behind why some Christians attempt to check out of politics. I see people say that it is too “divisive” or something about how they “just want to focus on Jesus.” Sure, there is absolutely some truth to that. Still, something about Christians really advocating for apoliticism tends to leave a bad taste in my mouth. In principle, I don't think we can actually separate ourselves from politics because Christianity is political at least in some sense. Even if there was a way to completely disengage, I don't think we should.

Though I don't like or agree with much of her content, I do love Allie Beth Stuckey's simple tagline: "Politics matter, because policies matter, because people matter.” People matter. If I love my neighbor, how can I afford to "check out" of caring about the issues that affect them? I do not think that is not possible to care about humanity and forgo political engagement altogether. Yes, it may be uncomfortable, but I would argue that people are worth it. 

Even more pervasive than the draw to apathy is the temptation to idolize politics. People on either side of the political aisle can begin to look to political leaders (or the policies they promise us) to save us. Oftentimes, this idolatry comes with a sense of self-righteousness. When I hope in politics, and do so in the name of God, I can begin to justify myself as more “just” or caring than Christians who may not share the same opinion as me.

"How could they not be more concerned about [insert hot-button issue]? Jesus would be flipping tables. They aren't a real believer like me. "

Photo by Jon Tyson

In light of all of that, here are some questions I've been thinking about when it comes to engaging in civil life without driving myself crazy. 

1. What is the role and authority of the government? And the duty of citizens? I really like this article from TGC. They say, “To governments he gives the power of the sword. To churches he gives the power of the keys…Nor does he give governments the authority to criminalize all sin.” To be clear, it seems obvious to me that the government should uphold justice: restrain and punish evil and to approve of good. However, that does not mean the government has to mandate corporate worship or criminalize every sinful thought of man. The government has authority from God but we should not look to the government as our God- turning to policies to solve our every issue. When it comes to our role as citizens, the Bible makes clear that we should obey the government that God has placed over us, so long as that government is not mandating something contrary to God’s law or forbidding what His commands.

   
   

2. How are people being treated? Especially the vulnerable?  The orphan, the widow, and the foreigner are often mentioned in scripture as people whom the Lord particularly takes thought of. 

“He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt"(Deuteronomy 10:18-19).

(Side note: It is really interesting to think about the spiritual significance/parallel of the needs of these three groups and all of humanity’s need for God.)

 As a whole, these groups are vulnerable and in need. There is significance in the way that society treats the “least of these." At an interpersonal level this is pretty obvious. We should not oppress or marginalize others. Rather, we should love others, sacrificing our comforts at times and using our gifts to serve them- especially the vulnerable. When analyzing political conflicts and ideas, I want to ensure that the vulnerable are not being taken advantage of. If the government is devaluing human worth or using people (aka image bearers!) as a means to an end, then we need to call for repentance and justice. Humans should be treated with dignity, no matter their race, age, citizenship, social status, class, political affiliation, etc. 

3. Am I stewarding my own life well? Before complaining that the government is doing a horrible job at this or that, I want to do better at looking at my own life first. Instead of only lamenting the state of the world (there is still an appropriate place for this kind of lament and grief), I hope to put even more energy into personal responsibilities- being a good neighbor and friend and congregant, and daughter. Healthy and insightful criticism, political advocacy, or reflection of the world at large are good. Yet I never want those things to overshadow or come at the expense of being a good steward of the little life God has given me. 

   
   

Anyways, those are my thoughts lol. Nothing too crazy but I love writing about what I've been mulling over (and writing things in parenthesis hehe). Let me know what you think!