Christian church LEADERS should NOT engage in political activism

Not of the World · Dec 14, 2022

To me, political discussion involves topics pertaining to economic systems (socialism versus capitalism) or government systems. The closest Jesus ever came to political discussion was when he said “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s”.

We must remember that the Jews of the time of Jesus were ruled by not one totalitarian regime, but possibly THREE. The Romans, King Herod, and the Jewish religious leaders. All of them were, of course, corrupt. Still, Jesus never advocated for changing government. In fact, he didn’t discuss it at all.

It’s good that devoted followers of Christ serve in government. We need more of them. However, a Christian church LEADER, who wants to follow the example set by Christ, should (in my humble opinion) stick to the example set by Christ and teach what Christ taught and stay out of political advocacy. When a Christian church LEADER decides to engage in political activism they are no longer spreading Christ’s message but, their own.

Christian church leaders should, in my humble opinion, teach the word of Christ and, if they do that effectively, those with “ears to hear” (Matthew 11:15) will hear and, hopefully, obey and act and vote accordingly. As Jesus said, “If you love me you will keep my commandments” (Matthew 14:15).

When Christian Church LEADERS engage in politics, I ask myself, what do they know that Jesus didn’t? And why isn’t Jesus’ message sufficient for them to share?

I will conclude by saying that I believe it is GOOD that faithful Christians serve in government, but Christian church LEADERS should stick to sharing the word of God, which is so much more important than their own opinions.

Fantine · Dec 14, 2022

Although not political, Jesus was a revolutionary figure in many ways.

Since Democracy didn't exist, government only changed through war and violence.

Jesus certainly would have condemned the insurrectionists and the idea that violence is acceptable in democracy.

Not of the World · Dec 14, 2022

Fantine said:
Jesus certainly would have condemned the insurrectionists...

I don't believe that Jesus would have said anything one way or the other regarding the insurrection committed by America's founders.

Not of the World · Dec 14, 2022

Fantine said:
Although not political, Jesus was a revolutionary figure in many ways.

Since Democracy didn't exist, government only changed through war and violence.

Jesus certainly would have condemned the insurrectionists and the idea that violence is acceptable in democracy.

What do you think Jesus would have said about Joe Biden fondling little children?

Paidiske · Dec 14, 2022

My church understands that it is an inherent aspect of our mission that we "transform unjust structures of society, challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation." Those are political pursuits.

We should not serve or promote one party or another. But we can hold policy up for examination and critique in light of the reign of God.

Not of the World · Dec 14, 2022

Paidiske said:
...transform unjust structures of society...

They're certainly engaging in political advocacy and that is certainly their right but in doing so they're not preaching Jesus' message but, rather, their own.

Paidiske · Dec 14, 2022

Jesus had nothing to say about justice?

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. It is these you ought to have practised without neglecting the others."

"Woe also to you lawyers! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not lift a finger to ease them."

"Suppose one of you has only one sheep and it falls into a pit on the sabbath; will you not lay hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a human being than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the sabbath."

Not of the World · Dec 14, 2022

Paidiske said:
Jesus had nothing to say about justice?

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. It is these you ought to have practised without neglecting the others."

"Woe also to you lawyers! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not lift a finger to ease them."

"Suppose one of you has only one sheep and it falls into a pit on the sabbath; will you not lay hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a human being than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the sabbath."

None of that has anything to do with political activism. Jesus lambasted the religious leaders of Israel for their sin and hypocrisy.

Paidiske · Dec 14, 2022

Seems to me that justice, lifting heavy burdens, and doing good to and valuing the vulnerable, are profoundly political things.

It is a radical distortion of the gospel to strip out any political implication to Christ's words.

Not of the World · Dec 14, 2022

Let me put it another way.

I believe that Christian church LEADERS should preach the message of Jesus. The congregation of the church can and should engage in the political aspects of their communities in a way that serves Jesus, such as helping those in need.

Paidiske · Dec 14, 2022

That seems to me like a strange and artificial distinction which leads to all sorts of unhealthy distortion. We're called to live an integrated Christian life as a community.

Not of the World · Dec 14, 2022

Paidiske said:
Seems to me that justice, lifting heavy burdens, and doing good to and valuing the vulnerable, are profoundly political things.

It is a radical distortion of the gospel to strip out any political implication to Christ's words.

I take it then that it's your view that Christian church leaders should engage in political activism. I will reiterate that Jesus is our ultimate leader and never in his ministry did he engage in political activism. I believe it's a mistake to do so but good people can disagree.

Not of the World · Dec 14, 2022

Paidiske said:
We're called to live an integrated Christian life as a community.

Verse please?

Not of the World · Dec 14, 2022

Paidiske said:
It is a radical distortion of the gospel to strip out any political implication to Christ's words.

What political statements did Jesus make?

Not of the World · Dec 14, 2022

Paidiske said:
So it is lawful to do good on the sabbath."

Just for the record, Jesus was speaking about religious law, not Herod's law nor Roman law. There was nothing remotely political about Jesus' statements.

Paidiske · Dec 14, 2022

Not of the World said:
I take it then that it's your view that Christian church leaders should engage in political activism. I will reiterate that Jesus is our ultimate leader and never in his ministry did he engage in political activism. I believe it's a mistake to do so but good people can disagree.

They didn't crucify him because his ministry had no political impact.

Not of the World said:
Verse please?

About which aspect? The leader/congregation distinction, or the separation of theology from political application?

Not of the World · Dec 14, 2022

Paidiske said:
They didn't crucify him because his ministry had no political impact.

About which aspect? The leader/congregation distinction, or the separation of theology from political application?

Can we have a different view and still love one another as brothers and sisters in Christ?

It's not my intent to win an argument with you. It IS my intent to try and know the truth in order to grow as a follower of Christ. I appreciate the opportunity to learn the errors of my beliefs.

I believe in following the words of and example of Christ. He instructed us to walk a narrow path and to NOT be "of the world".

It is my belief that Christian church LEADERS, who want to follow the example of Christ and preach the word of Christ, should stick to the example set by Christ by behaving like him and teaching what Christ taught rather than "preaching" political activism.

As I said before, good people can and do disagree at times. However, I think we both believe that, as children of God, we are to love and follow him and to love one another as described in the "Great Commandment". That is what is most important, not our opinion on secondary matters such as this.

God bless you and thank you for your feedback.

Paidiske · Dec 15, 2022

Not of the World said:
Can we have a different view and still love one another as brothers and sisters in Christ?

Of course. I hope my post did not come across in a way which suggested otherwise.

Not of the World said:
I believe in following the words of and example of Christ. He instructed us to walk a narrow path and to NOT be "of the world".

Indeed. But political action oriented to the reign of God is not "of the world."

Not of the World said:
It is my belief that Christian church LEADERS, who want to follow the example of Christ and preach the word of Christ, should stick to the example set by Christ by behaving like him and teaching what Christ taught rather than "preaching" political activism.

I am just very puzzled by the idea that the gospel doesn't hold political implications for us all.

Not of the World said:
God bless you and thank you for your feedback.

And God bless you as well.

Not of the World · Dec 15, 2022

Paidiske said:
...political action oriented to the reign of God is not "of the world."

You and I might be in agreement but simply have a differing definition of what is political.

For example, Jesus instructed us to help the poor. There's nothing inherently political in that statement. He also told us to pay our taxes. Paul told us to obey the governing authorities. We are also told that, if one doesn't want to work, don't feed them. What they did NOT tell us is to use government as a vehicle to compel one person to care for another. They didn't tell us to overthrow a corrupt government. They didn't tell us to be capitalist or socialist. They didn't tell us to form unions and to pay dues to support those unions. That's the type of stuff I'm thinking of when I use the word "politics".

But maybe my view is mistaken. Can you share an example of Christian church leaders engaging in "political activism" that you believe in consistent with the example of Christ?

Thanks for your responses and I hope that we and any other readers can grow from this friendly discussion. After all, we are called to bear "good fruit".

Colossians 1:10 ESV

So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

Paidiske · Dec 15, 2022

Not of the World said:
You and I might be in agreement but simply have a differing definition of what is political.

For example, Jesus instructed us to help the poor. There's nothing inherently political in that statement. He also told us to pay our taxes. Paul told us to obey the governing authorities. We are also told that, if one doesn't want to work, don't feed them. What they did NOT tell us is to use government as a vehicle to compel one person to care for another. They didn't tell us to overthrow a corrupt government. They didn't tell us to be capitalist or socialist. They didn't tell us to form unions and to pay dues to support those unions. That's the type of stuff I'm thinking of when I use the word "politics".

But maybe my view is mistaken. Can you share an example of Christian church leaders engaging in "political activism" that you believe in consistent with the example of Christ?

Hmm. I'd argue that the pacifist movement would be a strong example.

It would have made no sense, in the first century, to try to use the government at all; because there were no mechanisms to do that. But in a democracy we are the government, or at least we participate in government, and we can work to shape government policies which reflect kingdom priorities. So: feed the hungry, house the homeless, protect the vulnerable, and so on.

As for things like overthrowing a corrupt government, there's probably a time and place. I was born under apartheid; I am glad it has been dismantled and grateful for the Christians who worked to that end. Discenring when and how to engage in that kind of action is probably not straightforward.

Christian church LEADERS should NOT engage in political activism

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