If there is anything that will spark a spontaneous debate, if not an outright argument, it is a discussion involving politics—even among believers. As followers of Christ, what should be our attitude and our involvement with politics? It has been said that “religion and politics don’t mix.” But is that really true? Can we have political views outside the considerations of our Christian faith? The answer is no, we cannot. The Bible gives us two truths regarding our stance towards politics and government.
The first truth is that the will of God permeates and supersedes every aspect of life. It is God’s will that takes precedence over everything and everyone (Matthew 6:33). God’s plans and purposes are fixed, and His will is inviolable. What He has purposed, He will bring to pass, and no government can thwart His will (Daniel 4:34-35). In fact, it is God who “sets up kings and deposes them” (Daniel 2:21) because “the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes” (Daniel 4:17). A clear understanding of this truth will help us to see that politics is merely a method God uses to accomplish His will. Even though evil men abuse their political power, meaning it for evil, God means it for good, working “all things together for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Second, we must grasp the fact that our government cannot save us! Only God can. We never read in the New Testament of Jesus or any of the apostles expending any time or energy schooling believers on how to reform the pagan world of its idolatrous, immoral, and corrupt practices via the government. The apostles never called for believers to demonstrate civil disobedience to protest the Roman Empire’s unjust laws or brutal schemes. Instead, the apostles commanded the first-century Christians, as well as us today, to proclaim the gospel and live lives that give clear evidence to the gospel’s transforming power.
There is no doubt that our responsibility to government is to obey the laws and be good citizens (Romans 13:1-2). God has established all authority, and He does so for our benefit, “to commend those who do right” (1 Peter 2:13-15). Paul tells us in Romans 13:1-8 that it is the government’s responsibility to rule in authority over us—hopefully for our good—to collect taxes, and to keep the peace. Where we have a voice and can elect our leaders, we should exercise that right by voting for those whose views most closely parallel our own.
One of Satan’s grandest deceptions is that we can rest our hope for cultural morality and godly living in politicians and governmental officials. A nation’s hope for change is not to be found in any country’s ruling class. The church has made a mistake if it thinks that it is the job of politicians to defend, to advance, and to guard biblical truths and Christian values.
The church’s unique, God-given purpose does not lie in political activism. Nowhere in Scripture do we have the directive to spend our energy, our time, or our money in governmental affairs. Our mission lies not in changing the nation through political reform, but in changing hearts through the Word of God. When believers think the growth and influence of Christ can somehow be allied with government policy, they corrupt the mission of the church. Our Christian mandate is to spread the gospel of Christ and to preach against the sins of our time. Only as the hearts of individuals in a culture are changed by Christ will the culture begin to reflect that change.
Believers throughout the ages have lived, and even flourished, under antagonistic, repressive, pagan governments. This was especially true of the first-century believers who, under merciless political regimes, sustained their faith under immense cultural stress. They understood that it was they, not their governments, who were the light of the world and the salt of the earth. They adhered to Paul’s teaching to obey their governing authorities, even to honor, respect, and pray for them (Romans 13:1-8). More importantly, they understood that, as believers, their hope resided in the protection that only God supplies. The same holds true for us today. When we follow the teachings of the Scriptures, we become the light of the world as God has intended for us to be (Matthew 5:16).
Political entities are not the savior of the world. The salvation for all mankind has been manifested in Jesus Christ. God knew that our world needed saving long before any national government was ever founded. He demonstrated to the world that redemption could not be accomplished through the power of man, his economic strength, his military might, or his politics. Peace of mind, contentment, hope and joy—and the salvation of mankind—is accomplished only through His work of faith, love, and grace.
I’m sad that I can only “like” this blog one time. Needless to say, “hear, hear”!
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Amen, steffie.
God bless you!
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Reblogged this on Memoirs of A Blogger Saved By Grace and commented:
Too good not to re-blog.
Coming from a Super Fanatical Charismatic, Fundamentalist, Ultra-Conservative, Die-hard Republican background, I found this blog refreshingly balanced, Scriptural and non-political in it’s “political” views.
Many thanks to its author, “altruistico” for sharing it.
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I can not agree totally with your post Michael, Jesus always spoke to power when he felt that they were in the wrong and not following God. We have the same responsibility to do so. We can not be silent when are children are being shaped into something that is far from God’s will. We can not allow the lies that are being promoted to stand without challenge. We can not close ourselves up and preach our message all the while ignoring what our own children are being taught. While you say that we should not participate in civil disobedience, I do not think that they would have tried to kill Paul in boiling oil if he was not stirring the people in some way. If the apostles were simply preaching wait for the future when Christ returns, the church of Thyatira would not have been warned as they were in Revelations 2: 20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
If we stand and allow our children to be taught that these things are okay, we are falling short of what God wants don’t you think? There is always a balance, but to choose to remove ourselves and not stand for God, does not seem to me to be what He desires from us. We have a responsibility to stand for God in all things, even if sometimes that is “civil disobedience.” What we allow our government to do, stands on our own heads as well.
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Loopy, please forgive the lateness of my response. I have not neglected you, but have been extremely busy of late.
my comment upon an article you posted (concerning the “Secretary of Education”) was quite specific in how I feel about both politics and the “Church” setting back on it’s laurels and doing nothing but complaining (in fact; I believe I used the term bitching). Do you recall this? In fact, the crux of my comment was reflective of “as Christians we vote these people into office, and re-elect them and then we bitch because those they appoint do not uphold our Christian values.”
No, I do not support the education of our children on topics as “gays and same sex marriage”; “abortion”; and the notion “God is dead”. Nor do I support Christians whose only avenues for approaching these (and other religion value issues) is to set back and merely complain with “whoa is me! attitudes.
It is true “God places us under the authority of others”. Such as “Judges, the Clergy, our employers, law enforcement and; yes, our political leaders (as well as others).” But in no way does the Bible tell us that we are to remain under those of authority IF they ask of us something which is against God’s word and commands, against our Christian principles and values. You, and all Christians, are NOT TO BE YOKED to the non-believer. You are, however, to make your position clear on your Christian principles and values…… in a gentle manner and Christ like manner – so that those in error might see their error and repent.
Additionally, as to Christianity and Politics? In my post, “Discipleship”, I point out that part of Discipleship is networking with other Christian. With 78 million professing Christians here in America there is no reason we can not influence, through Discipleship, the outcome of any election. If, of course, we get up off our laurels and vote the Bible. In fact, there is no rational reason Christians couldn’t hold their own Political Party here in these United States.
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Amen and amen!
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Let’s remember that God told the Kings of Israel to be knowledgeable of His Word and to rule accordingly. Israel was chastised when they did not govern accordingly and allowed idolatry to enter in. If we do not have godly men and women running for office then we may as well give up seeing our nation turning back to godly principles, if, perchance, God tarries and allows our nation to do so.
Great post, altristico. God bless you~
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When Satan offered Jesus all of the Kingdoms of the world ….on his terms…..Jesus turned him down.
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My name is Scarlet, I found this blog via a repost from my friend ‘Steffiedotorg’ above. I wanted to personally thank you for your post its wonderful.
As I explained to my friend, people like myself, who are not believers see the bad side of the faithful in the media, the extremists and the hateful, it frightens us that they strive to influence government. To us we see a direct parallel to fundamentalist Muslims crying out for death, the limitation of rights and also the past when the corrupt popes held back humanity in the dark ages.
I do realise that to the faithful they see the rabid atheists in a similar light, but as a non-beleiver myself I’d like to distance myself as much to them as I am to zealots. We are all human beings, goodness, love and the want for a better world is not the sole providence of either of us but rather a basic part of our species.
To read something like this gives me faith if I might be so bold as to borrow that word, there is hope for both to co-exist. As an example I would point to the friendship between Steffie and I, we come from vastly differing standpoints yet we have found a lovely friendship and understanding and a deep respect for each other.
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Welcome, Scarlet;
First allow me to apologize to you in regard to my lateness in responding to your comments. I hope you are able to forgive me.
Thank you for your kind words concerning my post, “How should a Christian view politics?” Your kindest of words are deeply appreciated.
Too, I wish to thank you for your clarity of how a non-believer experiences articles from media. Before your enlightenment, upon this issue, I had no idea of the fear these articles hold upon each of you. I now hold a new understanding as to non-believers and their worldview. How because of many, those holding extremist and hateful views, it becomes hard for you to believe in man or his religion. For this I am deeply sorrowed that, like others, Christendom suffers this same fate.
I can not, and will not, speak upon other religions and how they might view atheists. I can, however, assure you that any “true Christian” does not, and will not, refer to any non-believer as “rabid atheists”. If they do? I want to know about it. For that is not the manner of a true believer. As Christians we are not called to judge nor condemn; but through discipleship we are called to witness to all nations, and people, the Good News of Christ, salvations and the forgiveness of sin.
Scarlet, I want you to feel at home at altruistico. For you to come visit my blog and study the posts which are available to all. I trust you will discover some truth when visiting. There you will find many topics on many subjects. Subjects including Christianity and other world religions (including atheism), love, faith, God and Christ: to name but a few.
As for your friend, Steffie? I don’t think you could have chosen a better friend (don’t tell her I said so – might go to her head. Joking of course). As well, I do hope you and I can become friends. if I can be of any help, please, do not fear or hesitate to ask. It’s what I am here fore.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless you and keep you always. May His face shine upon you and yours.
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Hello ‘Altruistico’. sorry I don’t know your name, No Need for you to apologise, there is no harm done.
As antagonising and annoying as it is, to get a broad view of the fears of non-believer it might be worth reading ‘that’ Dawkins book. As an atheist myself I found it boring and I skim read most of it, but it does cover a lot of our concerns. To me it seems like the sort of book that a closet atheist would like. I apologise beforehand for his zealous nature too, he’s not typical of most of us. In fact most of us non-believers are now avoiding the term atheist because its become a label for haters and bigots. I honestly believe that most of us don’t begrudge you your faith we just don’t have any.
The thing that gets between people is fear, if by the design of God(s) or the process of evolution we are all one species, all one family regardless of place, colour or belief, to shun a group and dismiss their worth is a terrible ignorance I think.
I met Stephanie in an argument with a friend of mine and I admit I was being a bully, but as with everything she does her humanity and grace shone through and that day I met one of the nicest people I know, there’s a lesson in that for all of us I think.
I have to be honest with you, I’ve looked at region, I was raised an Anglican but I just don’t feel it, or get it. I will though, take your kind offer and read on.
I am quite well read on science, I have lived a fairly dark like, likewise should you want to ask please do.
Nice to meet you, thank you for your kindness and than you for your reason.
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Hello, Scarlet and welcome.
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Michael; and it is a pleasure to meet you, Scarlet.
I am, somewhat, familiar with Dawkins and his views. Though I admit not thoroughly. His 2012 rally held in Washington, D. C. may summarize his view on Christianity. When told some Christians were wanting to come to the rally and have a quiet, yet studious debate, he exploded…. even calling his security hired for the event and telling them “no Christian is allowed on the property”. smiling.. No need for you to apologize for the zealous view of Dawkins as you are not responsible for his belief system. I will pick up his book and review it and it’s content. Thank you for that suggestion, Scarlet.
I believe he (Dawkins), much like yourself in “infections unseen”, holds (held) a great deal of anger. Yes, I did read your post, “infections unseen”, and enjoyed it tremendously. It was well written and gave me greater insight into you and your feelings. And, I was glad seeing you are striving to let go of such emotion.
Yes, it is true. We are all from the same origin, or; as you have so stated, “the same species”. We all stem from the human race (as it were) yet; we are diverse in our culture, belief systems and understanding….. I choose to believe we all are “created in the image of God”. I believe that way as a result of my studies. As a result of “it being the only thing that, to me, makes sense”. Others, as you point out, may believe the findings of Darwin and his “origins of the Species”. (of whom I have written on). Darwin is often misquoted by evolutionist. As his final view was that “species appeared to adapt (to environments and such). He tended to go along with these evolutionist and allowed himself to be misquoted because of both his appreciation of the recognition he received, and his writings received; and, of course, his fear of loosing such recognition from the scientific community.
Calling on recollection I believe, like yourself, Darwin was born into a family of devout “Christians” who were “evangelical” by faith. In fact, Charles Darwin, by his 20’s, had been inducted by the greatest religious scholars of his time and reached great heights in the religious evangelical community. Charles Darwin never completely abandoned is religious roots. As a married man and father he always saw to it his wife and children attended church. While he, himself pace in front of the church in deep contemplation (perhaps over his life, or; whether to enter the church and be with his family for worship we may never know). One day while standing in front of the church he was asked; “Mr. Darwin, are you now an Atheist?” To which Darwin quietly announced; “I find I can neither prove nor disprove the existence of God or evolution. Therefore I believe myself agnostic.” What a tragic end for a man born into the Church, a man of high standards and beliefs – now reduced to being confounded by science and it’s inconclusiveness and ever changing standards.
Fear, in a human sense, leads to misunderstanding as assuredly as misunderstanding leads to fear. Sometimes our fears and misunderstandings are drawn from our own inhibitions and insecurities. As you know there is a thing call “manifest destiny” from which being told you’re stupid, ugly or worthless you begin to believe it – it becomes that persons insecurity and causes him/her to shy away from others in fear others will adduce the same understanding of who and what you are. Because they do not understand – they too begin to spread their fear of you….. and so on and on it goes – without a dialog the cycle will not cease.
Thank you for sharing how you and Steffie met. Though I find it hard to believe you could ever be a bully…..smiling.
I too have had a darkened, if not sinister, past. To this day I struggle with some aspects of the flesh and my sin nature. Yes, periodically, I fall short…. much like you. But that is the beauty of God. Until you are broken He can’t use you. For an example read about the like of Saul… He killed countless Christian in his pursuit to wipe out Christianity….. only to be broken, his named changed to Paul – he became one of the greatest spiritual leaders for Christ and His Church. When he was Saul did he have a dark past? One of the worst. Like I said “it’s the beauty of God”. He can turn it all around.
I do wish you well, my dear friend; God bless you.
Michael
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Hi Michael, it’s a pleasure meet you as well.
Unfortunately he seems to be quite hostile about his beliefs, I wasn’t aware of that rally or his request to keep Christians away, that would seem counter productive to me. You might want to look for a second hand copy, that way he won’t benefit from the sale. I gave mine away unfortunately.
I don’t think its necessary to read the whole thing either, his views on the mechanics of life and the universe more than likely won’t appeal to you. They are fairly standard in terms of evolution and so on.
I wasn’t aware of Darwin’s spiritual views, I did read “the Origin of the Species’ to me it was a beautiful work, inspired. I believe evolution, firmly, but it does not at all have anything to lessen my feelings towards human beings, or their own beliefs, which I think is up to the individual. I think its not the place of science to disprove God just as its not within the scope of religion to disprove science. I’ve seen efforts on both sides and it just makes me shake my head.
Destiny is also something I have trouble with, but manifest destiny I do understand as a concept, having been through what I have I struggled greatly with what people thought of me and that no good would come of me. I chose to survive this, to do what I had to and it may not have been a good path to take but it delivered me from oppression and destitution. Much of what I am I owe to the path that was the only one I saw available to me.
Stephanie and I where arguing our differing views on the separation of church and state, interestingly enough you can find our first discussion here – Nostalgic and Scarletts_letters (me). http://shadows.thoughts.com/posts/a-christian-nation
Later we became the best of friends and did discus our differing points of view as well as our feelings about many things. She is a lovely, intelligent and beautiful human being, I’d never used the word grace to describe a person until I met her. In that time we each posted a blog on our beliefs, I have since deleted all my blogs at that site but I posted the work at another blog I have if you’d like to read it:
http://sapientasapphica.wordpress.com/2013/08/16/lets-talk-about-our-gods
We where both appalled by the attacks by both the devout and the extremist atheists on that website, and we did try to bring some reason into the place but for my part I was unsuccessful, I left there because I found it soaked in hatred and misery.
It’s still my hope that all people of this would might be free to make their own lives free of persecution and the scorn of others both in mind and body.
I also wish you well, thank you for the depth of your reply.
Scarlet.
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