The Christian and Politics
What relationship is there between the Christian and politics? Is there any at all? Should Rome and Jerusalem interact?
The attitude of many evangelical Christians to political involvement has changed dramatically over the last twenty to thirty years. For 100 years or more Evangelical Christians largely boycotted politics but now the tide is turning; many Christians now take an active interest in politics and an increasing number are dipping their toes in its (turbulent) waters.
Is this biblical? Is it misguided? Exploring these questions is the remit of this article.
On the face of it, there seems no reason for political detachment (or withdrawal). If Christians are free to be teachers, psychologists, prison officers, civil servants, scientists, doctors, administrators and so on – then why not politicians? If a member of the Roman Senate had become a Christian or the Emperor himself ought he to have relinquished his position? Should Constantine have abdicated (or whatever Emperor’s do)? Ought Nicodemus to have left the Sanhedrin on following Christ? There seems no obvious reason why. Governments are God ordained. He who governs does so as God’s servant. He is God’s representative, his minister of justice and good for the State (Roms 13). The office, in this sense, is intrinsically good and should be open to Christians. However, I am getting ahead of myself.
Why then have Christians so overwhelmingly body-swerved the world of politics over the previous century?
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About John
Hi there - I am a member of Greenview and have been for over 20 years. For a number of these years I functioned as an elder, however, indifferent health forced me to take more of a back seat. I see this as an opportunity to do a little writing, often focussing on issues that are a matter of evangelical debate today. Naturally the views expressed are my own and may not reflect the views of the elders or church at large, though differences are likely to be in the detail and not the substance.
These articles and sermons were written partly to clarify my own thoughts and partly with the intention of provoking thought in others who may read them. If you read one I hope you find it stimulating. Please feel free to give me feedback or discuss my articles in the forums.
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