Article
Christian Faith in Politics?
Brianna Reeves, 16th May 2022
Is there space for Christian faith in politics?
Brick and mortar. Bride and groom. Vegemite and toast. All of these things go together. ‘Christian’ and ‘politics’? For many of us, that’s a less comfortable fit. There are many ways to understand the relationship between Christian faith and politics.
On one end of the spectrum, we have ‘Christian Politics’. By this, I mean political campaigns, parties and policies which are explicitly ‘Christian’. Sometimes, these political movements are healthy and can successfully represent a Christian voice to the government and media. They may have the resources to take action on issues of justice that the broader Church is concerned about. However, when it comes to ‘Christian Politics’, there are two questions to consider:
The separation of church and state
In Australia, there is an informal separation of church and state. Another way of describing this is a ‘principle of state neutrality’. Australia, as a State, is obliged to act neutrally toward all religions. There are no requirements of religious identity for our political leaders and there is no ‘national church’. This means that explicitly Christian parties must think carefully about their ‘end game’. According to our constitution, we cannot have a ‘Christian’ government. Our laws cannot be justified on the basis of faith. This does not mean that explicitly Christian parties and politicians cannot play a representative and influential role. However, it does mean there is a good reason to understand the aims and strategies of a Christian party or politician.
Do they make claims about Australia being or needing to be a ‘Christian nation?’
2. Theology and Christian freedom
Explicitly Christian political movements may try to justify all their policies biblically. This might be a red flag. There are certainly political issues about which the Bible is black and white. However, there are many issues that require discernment (eg policies about the environment, the economy or education). On these issues, there is room for disagreement among Christians. We might feel very strongly about these issues and perhaps we can connect our convictions to biblical principles, but it is very important to protect Christian freedom here. When this doesn’t happen well, it’s easy to manipulate Scripture and misrepresent the Christian view (eg. ’the Bible commands that drugs be criminalised’).
Does this politician or their party misuse the Bible to justify their policies?
On the other end of the spectrum, there are Christians who publicise their politics but keep their faith private. This attitude may be conscious or unconscious. Perhaps, you just want to avoid the uncomfortable connotations of ‘Christian Politics’. Many of us haven’t had good role models when it comes to integrating our Christian worldview and our political beliefs.
The problem is, Christian faith is not ‘private’. It isn’t an isolated part of you. The Christian worldview is just that — a world view. Being a disciple of Jesus changes how you think about this world and how you act as a citizen of it. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul calls us ‘new creations’. Our whole being has changed. In the Gospels, we see Jesus change lives again and again. He invites people to live a different kind of life (eg John 8:11). This includes your political life. When you vote, you vote as a Christian. Your beliefs about the world should be shaped by God’s revelation about the world — the Bible. In turn, this informs your political attitudes.
Perhaps you, like me, don’t want to be at either end of the spectrum. The good news is, we can learn to vote from our Christian worldview, whether or not you support explicitly ‘Christian Politics’. There are many smart Christian people who have written about political responsibility and faith. It is an area worth reading, talking and praying about. As you start this journey, here are three broad principles.
God cares about politics God is in control of every nation and political scheme (Romans 13:1-7). The Bible tells us to pray for those in political leadership (1 Timothy 2:1-2). The Bible is also very real about the impact that bad leadership has on a nation (Read the books of Judges and Kings!). God cares deeply about this world and ask us, as image bearers, to care for it (Genesis 1:26-28). God cares about the affairs of humans and their impact — and that includes the outcome of this election.
3. There are guiding biblical principles
When it comes to ‘grey’ areas, the Bible still has life-giving wisdom. As Christians, we can rely on biblical principles; generosity, humility, the preservation of life, care for the vulnerable etc. When considering a policy or stance, turn to Scripture and ask your Christian community to help you interpret it.
What underlying values does this policy or party represent? Does the Christian worldview share those values? Are there biblical principles which can inform my view on this?
4. Christianity does not rely on any particular election result History has shown that the Church can flourish
under any political regime — even terrible regimes of persecution. Even today, the rapid growth of Christianity in places like China testifies to this. While we should passionately advocate for policies and parties which align with our convictions, God’s plans do not rely on the success of our advocacy. If Australia elects leaders and introduces policies which seem contrary to the Christian faith, we can grieve— but we should not panic. God’s will is executed through his Church, regardless of the election results. God is not waiting for a win on polling day. He has already won, when Christ was declared victorious in his resurrection (Acts 2:23-24).