As Christians, we should care about political engagement. Scripture teaches that God has ordained government to serve the good of civilization (Rom. 13:1-7). As Christians living in America, we are privileged to play a role in government. Therefore, our political engagement is a part of obeying the command to love our neighbor (Matt. 22:39; see also Jer. 29:1-14). However, with political engagement comes the temptation to see politicians as messianic figures and ideologies as salvific systems. We need to be continually reminded that Jesus is the only messiah, salvation is available through Him alone, and only His Kingdom is forever. So, we should sincerely care about politics without elevating political endeavors to eschatological heights. Here are some helpful quotes from various books to help us think further.
One Nation Under God by Bruce Ashford and Chris Pappalardo
As we work for the good of our country and its public life, we should continually remind ourselves to be realistic in our expectations. We live in a fallen world, one that will not be conformed fully to Christ’s ideals until he returns. We should not expect more from politics and public life than can be had in this time between the times. Investing in politics with majestic hopes will only lead to crushing disappointment. (pg. 56)
Good Politics won’t save us from what ails us most; neither will bad politics take away what matters most. (pg. 57)
Our fellow citizens should sense that we care deeply about current politics. (pg. 57)
Politics…is not the headwater of culture. In many ways politics stands downstream form culture, reflecting our society at least as often as it directs our society.” (pg. 60, emphasis original. I share this to emphasize that politics shouldn’t be our only avenue of cultural engagement.)
Good and Bad Ways to Think About Religion and Politics by Robert Benne
(The) Christian doctrine of sin has enormous political implications. For one thing, humans cannot look to the state or government for salvation or liberation, as a number of totalitarian regimes have promised. Not only is the state itself infected with human sin and therefore incapable of redeeming lost human beings; it tends to claim way too much for itself. (pg. 49)
What can be expected then form government is not heaven on earth, but a gradual progression of small steps toward a better society. The realism of the Christian faith rejoices in those small steps even as it doubts political promises of wholesale transformation toward utopia. There can indeed be progress, but there can also be regress. (pg. 54, emphasis mine)
To Change the World by James Davison Hunter
Certainly Christians, at their best, will neither create a perfect world nor one that is altogether new; but by enacting shalom and seeking it on behalf of all others through the practice of faithful presence, it is possible, just possible, that they will help to make the world a little bit better. (pg. 286)
Written by Matt Baker