Church & Politics

I am not a very big fan of mixing church and politics.

Here are a couple reasons why...

The first is that followers of Jesus can, and often do, take different stances on political issues. Most political issues are extremely convoluted and tremendously complex. And while most of us would prefer to see things as black and white, few things in life actually are--especially when it comes to politics. Truth is, followers of Jesus often disagree about political matters. Two Christians that are equally concerned about issues of morality and the authority of the Bible can see politics from two very different perspectives on any number of issues. And this means that fusing church and politics will inevitably lead to polarization within the church--not unity.

The second is that the focus of the church should be on the kingdom of God. When church and politics are fused together, it is the kingdom of God that always loses out. I believe to the core of my being, along with Bill Hybels, that the church is the hope of the world. In other words, the change that God wants to bring about on earth as it is in heaven, the change most people long for, will take place as God's people join hands to build the kingdom of God through the empowerment of the Spirit. In other words, the transformation of the world is not going to take place through the political process. And most of us intuitively know this. The change that politicians keep promising year after year simply never happens. So long as our hope for change is in the political process or a certain candidate, our hope will be misplaced. Change and transformation will take place as the church is focused on building the kingdom of God and reaching people for Christ. Where politics can help, great. But make no mistake about it, followers of Jesus are to be about the kingdom.

Now look, before you get upset, here are a few disclaimers...

First, this is not to imply that we can't discuss politics within the church. Let's have charitable dialogue where we seek to understand one another and learn from one another. We may not agree on certain political issues, and that's okay. In fact, as I already mentioned, is very unlikely that we will agree on particular political issues. But that doesn't mean we can't discuss them. It just means that we need to learn how to discuss things without being divisive--without forgetting the fact that we have Jesus in common and should primarily be about building the kingdom of God.

Second, this is not to say that politics aren't important. I personally consider it a great privilege to be able to vote and have a say in governmental policies. I wish more people saw it this way. Estimates suggest that fewer than 40% of voting age Americans will actually vote tomorrow. So go ahead and vote. I think it is absolutely appropriate for people within the church to vote on basis of their values and beliefs regarding the various hot-button issues--be that abortion, homosexuality, poverty, global climate change, immigration, tax increases, and all the rest. Vote on the basis of your values. Absolutely. Place your vote toward the policies you would like to see enacted--remembering that other people in other countries, both today and throughout world history, have not had the same privilege that we do.

I encourage you to vote on your values tomorrow.

But when you are filling out your ballot, just don't forget that the church--the body of Christ, the hands and feet of Jesus--is to be the ultimate catalyst for change in the world.