Should The Church Get Involved In Politics?

With a presidential election looming in the not too distant future, we are going to be subjected to a great deal of political rhetoric through the many media outlets. No doubt, we will also have occasion to speak with friends and neighbors about some of these current events.  But just what role should the church take in politics.

I’m sure some are reading this article because the title caught their attention and they want to see what I have to say about this matter.  However, before I address the relationship between the church and politics, I would like to share an observation.  I wish more disciples of Christ would practice their religion like they do their politics.  What do I mean?

  • I wish more Christians would be as vocal about their Christianity as they are their politics.
  • I wish more Christians would be as willing to promote Jesus to the lost as they are their presidential candidate to their neighbors.
  • I wish more Christians would be as willing to defend the doctrine of Christ as they are the platform of their political party.

Do you not find it strange that God’s children can be moved to be so vocal and involved when it comes to politics, but so timid and uninvolved when it comes to Christianity?  Brethren, our actions betray us!  Passion is driven by love, and a lack of passion for the cause of Christ betrays our waning love for him.

Now to the topic at hand.  Should religion and politics mix?  Should the church be involved in politics?  The answer to that question is a qualified “no.”  If you’re strictly talking about political issues, “no.”  Such issues as education reform, welfare reform, income tax, the economy, foreign policy, etc. are issues that can have differing perspectives.  For the church to take a position on such issues misses the mission of the church and drives a wedge between itself and honest people who hold a differing viewpoints.  Concerning such political issues, Paul sums up our responsibility in Romans 13 by saying that we should pray, pay, and obey.

However, if you’re talking about moral issues that have been politicized, “yes,” not only should the church be involved, but it must.  Abortion, euthanasia, homosexual marriage, alcohol, etc., are issues that are moral issues and the voice of the church must be heard!  Friends remember, the church is the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15).  Not only does the church have the right to speak out on such moral issues, it has a God given responsibility to speak out on such issues.

If we’re talking about taxes, economy, education, and foreign policy, all I have to offer is my opinion which may very well be inferior to yours – pay no mind.  However, on moral issues, God has already spoken, and we know exactly where we should stand on those issues.  On political issues…vote your opinion and freely oppose those who differ with you.  However, on moral issues, one dare not find himself in opposition to God.

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Comments 4

  • Very well said, Steve, and expresses very succinctly what I have believed and expressed to others for many years. Thank you for a timely article. With your permission I would like to share it with others.

  • Hi Steve,

    Thanks for the good thoughts.

    I would like to add one more thought, though, on matters related to the economy. The Bible teaches that if any man would not work, then neither let him eat (2 Thess.3:10). When the government institutionalizes laziness, that is an issue that challenges the message of the gospel. In the past, both political party’s have had similar stances on such moral issues. Today that is not the case, and the gospel of Jesus Christ affects all aspects of one’s life, economic, education, and etc. I am not suggesting that the church begin to tout candidates, but I am suggesting that being silent on political/moral issues is a failure to teach the gospel. I believe that discussing political issues such as work/labor and the economy can educate individuals away from entitlement mentalities and toward an ethic of Ephesians 4:28 “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” We must stand up against the socialism and communism that is being pushed on us in this country in order to defend the truth of the gospel regarding work and personal responsibility. If that means that I must get “political” then so be it.

    I hope you have a great day.

    Kevin C.

  • At issue is what type of involvement the church should have when moral issues are politicized. That doesn’t mean that the church should see political solutions to moral issues. Just because we have input into the (former) republican system of government doesn’t mean there can be an addition or footnote to “pray, pay, and obey.”

  • Mark 12:17 “And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him.”
    1Peter 2:17 “…… Fear God. Honour the king.”
    Romans13:1 “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”
    We must learn, and teach each other, the principles of living, as well as the clear commands of God which are taught in His Word. By doing so we do affect the political process, somewhat, by causing one another to take action, in all walks of life, that would promote righteous and good and discourage sin and bad.
    ….and, as both Philemon and Onesimus lived, served, and worshiped while living under a dictatorship so must we be true servants of God, under whatever political system we live, by obeying the powers that be when we can do so while not violating the commandments of God.
    Collective endorsement of parties and/or candidates —-“No”.

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